5 More Secrets to make your Birth more comfortable.
Last month I shared a list of 5 things to think about to make your birth more comfortable. You can read that post here. But I couldn’t leave it at just 5. So here I am sharing 5 more things to help you prepare and feel comfortable during your birth.
Birthing positions – you have many options
There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying on your side. You can use props like birth balls or peanut balls or your partner.
It is important to listen to your body and go into a position that feels good at that moment. Movement is also very important, so get your partner to remind you to change positions every 30 minutes or so.
Tip: It is not recommended to give birth on your back, but if you are feeling most comfortable on your back, put some pillows under your back to put yourself in a more seated position. When opening your legs remember “knees in, ankles out” as this creates more space.
MOST women poop when they give birth
There, I said it. It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process. But it is not something to feel embarred about, in fact, most midwives get super excited when they see you poop, because it means you are pushing correctly, and that baby is getting closer to being born. And the chances of you remembering (or even knowing) if you pooped or not is very small. So now you know this is nothing to be worried about. And less worrying during labour means more oxytocin, that hormone I mentioned in the previous post that we want loads of during labour.
You can eat and drink during labour
In fact, it is important to make sure you have healthy snacks at hand to keep your energy levels up. Make sure to add some healthy, high-energy snacks to your birth bag if you are going to hospital, or to have some snacks ready in your house leading up to birth. In some countries women are still advised not to eat during labour and birth, but in the Netherlands, this is not an issue. Woman are encouraged to keep their energy up.
Drink ideas: Water, herbal tea, isotonic drinks, bone broth (in the Rotterdam hospitals they usually have straws available, if you are not sure if they will be provided, make sure to pack a few as it is really handy to have)
Food ideas: Fresh fruit, sandwich, breakfast bar, energy bar, nuts. As long as it is something that is easy to eat, but that is not high in fat or processed sugar.
Prepare your mind and body for birth
Preparing for birth is like preparing for a marathon. You can (and in my opinion) should train your mind and body for this special occasion. You can’t just show up and hope for the best. Breathing techniques, visualization and relaxation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. Staying focused and calm also allows your body to release more oxytocin and endorphins, which are essential for birth. I highly recommend these beautiful affirmation cards by Modern Goddess.
Capture your story
You are growing a person inside you. Your pregnancy is the story of how you kept that baby safe. Your birth is the first day of the rest of your life, and the start of a new story. Your first months together is the story of the start of your new family. It is a big deal! It is something worth remembering and worth documenting. Remember to take photos, write journals and cherish the moments. You can also hire a professional photographer to capture these special moments for you. In Rotterdam you have a lot of choice when it comes to Birth Photography.
Tip: For your baby shower, ask your friends for a gift voucher for a professional shoot. You can have a look at my portfolio here.
There you go. As I’ve mentioned before , your idea of comfortable will look different to other people’s idea of comfortable, so it is important that you take this information and make it your own.
Click here for more information on how I can support you to prepare for birth.