| By following some simple yet effective tips, you | | | | water birth, and this allows for baby to be placed |
| and your husband can exponentially increase the | | | | directly onto the skin when he is born. |
| positive experience that is the birthing experience. | | | | 5) Pace yourself |
| These tips will help you get your mind right for an | | | | Labor can go on for hours, so if you do feel the |
| easier labor as well as the actual birth experience. | | | | initial contractions and it is 2am in the morning, do |
| 1) Be well informed | | | | not leap out of bed and rush to the hospital, as |
| It goes without saying that the birth experience | | | | you will be exhausted and frantic by the time the |
| can be an extremely trying time for both mother | | | | proper birthing process is actually underway. It is |
| and father. This may be a first experience for | | | | important that you rest whilst you can, and |
| both individuals, so it is important to gather as | | | | recognize that labor can go on for some time. |
| much information about pregnancy and birth as | | | | 6) Do not rush to the hospital |
| you can. It can also be beneficial if you go to | | | | It may be tempting to rush immediately to the |
| antenatal classes as these classes, coupled with | | | | hospital as you may be so excited that the labor |
| your research, may help you with the choices in | | | | has actually started.. contractions should be |
| terms of the kind of birth that you may want. | | | | strong, regular and about five minutes apart. A |
| 2) Recognize and be aware of the latent phase | | | | good guide to use is that when you struggle to |
| The latent phase is an important part of labor and | | | | speak through a contraction, that is a good time |
| often can be the longest phase. Women may | | | | to go. |
| report that their contractions often start and | | | | 7) Stay off the bed |
| suddenly stop. It is important to stay relaxed | | | | Women who walk around in labor are less likely to |
| during this latent phase, and to recognize that you | | | | need pain relief and more likely to have an |
| are not actually in established labor, as this will | | | | uncomplicated birth. A good suggestion is to ask |
| have a positive effect on you when the labor | | | | your partner to remind you to get off the bed |
| really starts. | | | | and to move around. |
| 3) Relax | | | | 8) Get some good support |
| In cannot be stressed enough, relaxation is the | | | | A supportive birth companion is one of the most |
| key to an easier birth, and there are a few tips | | | | effective forms of care a woman receives during |
| to ensure that you will be able to stay relaxed | | | | childbirth. It has far more influence than the pain |
| during labor and the birthing process. Yoga is a | | | | relief that you may choose. Whomever you |
| great way to learn relaxation techniques, and | | | | decide to have as a birthing partner with you in |
| many instructors run classes especially for | | | | the room, ensure that you have good support |
| pregnant women. | | | | during the process. |
| 4) Write a birth plan | | | | By following these simple tips you can ensure a |
| Consider the environment that you would like to | | | | more pleasant and stress free birthing process. |
| give birth in. Ask that the lights be dimmed if its | | | | Remember that a relaxed mother makes for a |
| possible, and that noise be kept to a minimum. | | | | more relaxed birth and will definitely benefit all |
| Some hospitals allow for a specific CD to be | | | | parties concerned. |
| played. Some individuals are now also considering a | | | | |