Empowered Labor Preparation: How to Reduce Anxiety and Feel Ready

Labor Preparation: Reduce Anxiety and Feel Empowered

Ahhh the big day is rapidly approaching. But now — now that labor is around the corner — you’re starting to feel a little twinge of anxiety. It’s normal! In fact, it’s perfectly normal to feel both excitement and jitters as you wait to deliver. But guess what? You’ve got this! Armed with the proper tools and an attitude the very least, you can show up in that delivery space feeling strong and prepared for anything. Learn effective labor preparation tips to reduce anxiety and feel confident. Get ready for childbirth with strategies that empower and calm you during labor. So, let’s look at some tips that will not only make your anxiety less, but will also make you feel good before labor.

Know What to Expect (Knowledge Is Power!)

To begin feeling empowered while in labor,know what’s going to happen. Many women are anxious because they don’t know what to expect. Will it hurt? How long will it take? Will I know when it’s time? Spend some time doing some research on labor, birth, and what you can expect throughout each stage. Getting a picture of the process — whether through watching videos, reading books or taking childbirth classes — may help. Knowledge is empowering. The less you fear, the more you know. Just trust me, once you get what’s happening you will feel more in control.

Birth is an experience that demonstrates that life is not merely function and utility, but form and beauty.

Christopher Largen

Make a birth plan (but be flexible!)

A birth plan can be a great way to communicate what you want when it comes to labor and delivery. It’s your roadmap! Need you a natural birth, or are you ready to pain management options like an epidural? Do you have preferences for who’s in the room? Make a list of what you want, but be flexible. It might not go exactly the way you imagine, and that’s okay! Labor is unpredictable, but having a plan for each scenario will keep you in control.

Do Relaxation Techniques (Deep Breaths, Mama!)

Labor can be intense, but it’s also a time when relaxation techniques prove useful. You can calm your nerves by trying to do deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises. If you’ve never practiced these techniques before, start now! There are even wonderful guided relaxation videos on the internet; they teach you how to breathe deeply and keep your mind centered. These practices will help you stay calm and centered when labor begins.

Pack Your Hospital Bag (But Don’t Worry About It)

It could be a good idea to pack your hospital bag in advance so you aren’t scrambling last minute. But guess what? So, do not be too worried about everything being perfect! Stick to the essentials: easy clothes, toiletries, a warm blanket, your phone charger, things that help you feel comfortable. You’ll also need to pack a few things for your baby — a going-home outfit, diapers, for example. If you forget something it’s okay — your partner can get it later. The idea is to prepare everything you need without overdoing it.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

Labor is a team effort. Surround yourself with people who want to uplift and help you feel safe. No matter if you have a partner, a close friend, family, or a doula, it’s always important to have someone there who knows what you want and can help you advocate for yourself.” A team that supports you can ease your nerves and provide strength when you need it the most. Don’t hesitate to request the type of support that is most helpful to you — whether that is listening and supporting, being quiet, hand-holding or something else.

Stay Active (but Know Your Limits)

Exercise in pregnancy is important — but as your due date approaches, it’s vital to keep moving to help your body prepare for labor. Gentle walking, prenatal yoga and pelvic tilts can all help keep your muscles strong and improve circulation. But here’s the thing: do not overdo it! Know your own body, and if you’re tired, sore, or uncomfortable, rest.” Having something on the agenda will also give you that much-needed sense of purpose at a time when you’ll have very little control – and staying active will make you feel physically good too and knowing that you are doing your best to make your body feel good and get it ready for the big day will be empowering.

Practice Your Birth Affirmations (No Negative Vibes Here!)

Affirmation statements are such a great way to change your mind. Repeating affirmations, such as “I am strong,” “I am capable” or “My body knows how to do this,” can help calm anxiety and empower you. Make index cards or even just a list on your phone with your favorite affirmations. They can also be reminders you tell yourself while in labor to keep you working through contractions and feeling confident. Words have astonishing powers, don’t they?

Stay Informed about Your Pain Management OPTIONS!

Labor pain can be severe, but there are many options to manage the pain. Whether you’re anticipating a natural delivery or contemplating medication such as an epidural, it’s important to be aware of your options in advance. Discuss with your doctor the advantages and disadvantages of each method and determine what’s best for you. It’s your body, your choice. Being empowered is knowing what you need in order to have the birth that you want.

Make It Yours: Create a Comfortable Environment For Labor

Where you work can make a world of difference. If you’re planning to give birth at the hospital, discuss with your team what you prefer for the room. Do you want dim lighting? Soft music? Aromatherapy? Pack a few comforting things from home, such as your favorite pillow, or a snuggly blanket. The less stress and anxiety you have, the easier your labor will be. It’s about making a space in which you feel safe and empowered.

Trust Your Body (You Are Built for This!)

This is the best tip of all: trust your body. Your body knows what to do for you. Millions of women have been in labor, and a whole lot of them were just as terrified as you are right now. But guess what? They got through, and so will you. Have confidence in your power, your capabilities and the tremendous adventure you are about to live. Labor is hard, yes, but it’s also one of the most powerful and beautiful things you’ll ever do.

But as your due date gets closer, it’s perfectly natural to be feeling a little anxious about the unknown. But with these few tips, you can enter labor feeling safe, supported, and able. Trust yourself, your body, and your support team — you’re about to do something so so so cool. You’ve got this, mama. It’s a journey you won’t ever forget and you will emerge stronger than you ever thought possible, ready to greet your little one with love, joy and all the empowerment in the world. Let’s do this!