Introduction

You can prepare for labor by keeping yourself relaxed and making a systematic plan to keep all the materials that you will be requiring at hand, without having to look for them after the birth of the baby. There are millions of women who have had successful deliveries sometimes more than once so there is nothing much to worry about. However an advance preparation helps in making your task easier and making you comfortable for the delivery.

Steps while preparing for labor

You can start by packing a maternity bag at least a week before your due date unless you have decided in advance to go in for a cesarean operation in which case you can pack your bag the previous night. You need to have comfortable clothes, toiletries, a phone book and a camera if required. Secondly you must keep the phone numbers of the hospital and the health care assistance with you at least two weeks before the due date in case of an emergency. For a home birth you need to double check the supplies and get a confirmation from your midwife about her availability. Thirdly drink a lot of water to prevent excessive loss of fluids and have the birth plan ready. Have the numbers of all the people close to you who would help in case of any emergencies. Have your partner make a list of names of people he would have to call after the delivery. Make sure that the house is well stocked with supplies for the newborn such as diapers, swabs, bottles, baby clothes and blankets.        Â

Additional Tips

By this time you must be very comfortable with your gynaecologist and you must spend some time discussing the kind of birth experience you would like. A positive support from your gynecologist can go a long way in reducing your fears and anxieties if any. At the last moment do not listen to the things that can go wrong during deliveries as this can increase your anxieties. Make it a priority to listen to the joyful experiences of others as this can keep you in a positive frame of mind. Find out methods and techniques which can help you to relax. Revise all the information you received during your prenatal classes. This can include light yoga, strolling, breathing techniques or listening to soothing music as this can help to calm your nerves as well as have a soothing effect on the baby. Use correct posture while sleeping, sitting and standing to avoid pressure on the abdomen such as put your knees lower than your hips and stomach lower than the spine. Once you are at the hospital move about freely and avoid sleeping unless it is an emergency and take help of your partner if required.      Â