Preparing For Labor...
An easier childbirth starts with preparing for labor the right way. You must be ready to take on the challenge ahead of you. Have you ever thought about running a marathon? Not me! But I know that if ever did, I would be considering some major training to get ready for it.
Why Do I Need To Prepare For Labor?
Though I haven't trained for a marathon, I have given birth- three times now- and I can tell you that it definitely requires some training and preparation, depending on the kind of an outcome you want I guess. You can attempt a marathon without training but to what end? Labor is compared to running a marathon because... you would be foolish to try it without any training! Labor can be hard work! It may require some stamina and endurance on your part. When you need it, where are you going to pull that from?
Preparing for Labor in Three Ways
It's a three part deal. You need to prepare Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually. (Emotional and Spiritual preparation are so closely related that for our purposes we will be lumping them into the same category.) You need each of these areas well stocked with energy and endurance to help pull you through labor and delivery. How well you train and discipline yourself in each area will determine what kind of a childbirth experience you will have.
Preparing For Labor: Mentally
This is the fuel. This is the "essential stuff" that if lacking,
you will go nowhere, or at least you will not go where you want to go. Mentally preparing for labor is by far the most important kind of preparation you can do. I cannot even begin to stress this enough! Your mind and body must work together during labor. In order for this to happen you will need to put in some time into preparing for labor by understanding your own mind and how it works with your body.Your Body Responds To Your Mind
Your mind is your control center. It tells your body what to do. So it goes to say that you cannot have control over your body while your thoughts are running wild. To relax your body during labor, you must first have your mind under control. Need an example?
Try this little experiment
and get a taste of what your mind can do. Being able to relax during childbirth depends on your ability to use your mind correctly.
Preparing For Labor: Physically
This is the engine. Labor can be hard physical work. You need to have a solid, functioning, well-conditioned vehicle for childbirth to take place smoothly. The problem is...many muscles you will use during labor are muscles you may have never used before in your life! The good news is, the big main muscle, the uterus, can basically take care of itself. It begins flexing and practicing all by itself using what are called Braxton hicks contractions. But what about the rest of your body? What other ways can you begin preparing for labor...Pregnancy and Exercise
Pregnancy can take a toll on your level of physical fitness. You may feel great and exercise everyday throughout your pregnancy or it may be all you can do to lift yourself out of bed each morning, especially as the third trimester rolls on. The fact is, you will need all the physical strength you can muster on your labor day, so whatever you can do, make it count! In preparing for labor, try some simple exercises for childbirth. You can do them right from home in as little as a few minutes a day! You will be surprised what a few minutes a day can do. Exercising doesn't have to be hard, but the more you can do, the better off you will be.
Preparing for Labor Spiritually and Emotionally
This is the reserve tank. This is what pulls you through. It is actually the results of good mental preparation, but it needs to be monitored.
How do you feel about giving birth? What do you feel? Are you Afraid? Tense? Hopeful? Fearful? Excited? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Centered? Confident? Determined? Purposeful? Disinterested? Comfortable? Loved? Supported? Alone? Ready? Definitely NOT ready? Or maybe your starting to get there?
Take note of these initial feelings so that you will be able to see and monitor your progress. As you prepare for a good childbirth experience you will see your feelings begin to change. It may be subtle at first (this is why you need to pay attention) but it is amazing. When you prepare this part of yourself correctly it has the power to inspire you to achieve what you may have only ever dreamed was possible.
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