Prepare for birth
Some may say there is no reason to prepare for birth, it never turns out as you want anyway. But I don’t agree, I made a YouTube video on this topic. I think preparing for birth is essential to having a good birth experience. Yes, birth doesn’t always turn out the way we plan but having prepared may help you figure out what is important for you and even though things may not go according to your highest wishes there may be part of your wishes that can be accommodated regardless of what happens. Regardless if it’s your first birth or you have given birth before preparing can be helpful. If you have had a traumatic birth experience previously it’s important that you have gotten the support you need to process the events.
The first step to preparing can be to learn more about pregnancy, birth and the first weeks with a newborn. There are an array of sources out there: blogs, podcasts, Instagram accounts, books, YouTube accounts, etc. Find what works best for you. It’s good to have a bit of an idea of what is happening in the pregnant and birthing body.
I suggest everyone sits down and thinks about what is important for them during their birth. What is important that the people attending birth know? Do you have a fear you want to communicate? Do you have a dream scenario you want to achieve? Start by figuring this out and write them down in your birth plan or birth preferences.
If you have a partner I suggest this person does the same and that you sit down together and talk about these fears and dreams.
What kind of support do you need? Do you feel fully supported being just the two of you or do you want to bring in a friend or family member or maybe a Doula to your support team?
Another good way to prepare for birth is to watch birth videos. This can also be very helpful for a partner that hasn’t seen birth before and is going to be in the room supporting you. To see what birth looks like can help process what is happening when it’s time for you to welcome your baby into the world.
Taking a birth preparation course can also be a great way to prepare. There are a variety of courses out there. I of course recommend Hypnobirthing as I am a Hypnobirthing educator. But there are some great courses like Föda Utan Rädsla (Birth without fear), profylax, etc. Choose a course that speaks to you and your needs. The most important thing is that you get the tools you need to get the birth you desire.
How did you prepare for birth?
