You’ve probably heard some labor horror stories, and maybe even a handful of good ones. But you’re worried about YOURS because you have NO CLUE what it’s going to be like. Don’t worry, I’m going to share some tips that will help you see how to mentally prepare for labor below!
I wanted to take a moment to let you know that this site uses affiliate links, and this post may include some of those.
Yes, it is normal for you to feel scared or anxious about giving birth. Many moms feel some level of fear about having their baby, whether it is being scared of the birthing process, complications, or what life will be like after baby.
Preparing yourself mentally and having an idea of what to expect is one of the best ways to combat fear of going into labor.
I wholly believe that arming yourself with knowledge and helpful tools can help to assuage fears and also help you recognize that you are strong enough to experience labor. You will come out on the other side feeling empowered and ready to enjoy your beautiful new bundle of joy!
The tools shared in this post are so valuable to help you take care of the mental aspect of preparing for labor (which can seem SO overwhelming!). I personally loved the Hypnobabies course, and will share more about it first!
For those who have the greatest fears about giving birth, it is often due to thinking something will go very wrong and you or your baby will die. While I can’t tell you for sure what will happen, know that the chances of you dying while giving birth are very small.
In fact, the chances of you dying during childbirth in the US is 0.02%. That’s 50x less than 1%. That is very small. If you are Caucasian or Hispanic, that number is even lower. The last official statistics were published in 2018, and at that time the average number of maternal deaths related to childbirth was 17.4 women out of every 100,000 live births.
Globally, the statistic is 0.2% (211 women out of every 100,000 live births), which is still very low.
Chances are, you’re going to be JUST FINE and holding a sweet baby at the end of your labor!
The feeling will vary from person to person and will also depend on if you’ve taken any medications during labor. Many women feel a burning/stinging sensation, which is why crowning is also called “the ring of fire.” Baby actually slipping out can feel like an actual part of you coming out of your body (and delivering the placenta can feel very similar, although some women don’t even notice it!).
Now, let’s take a look at these 6 tips that will help you prepare for labor mentally!
1. Take The Hypnobabies Home Study Course
The Hypnobabies Home Study Course is the #1 way to help you mentally prepare for labor. It uses hypnosis as a powerful suggestion tool to calm your nerves and reinforce that everything is going smoothly, and you are physically capable of handling labor like the awesome mom you are.
I took the Hypnobabies course and it is the one thing that really helped me have a calm and stress-free pregnancy. It not only helps you to prepare for labor, but it helps you to enjoy every moment of your pregnancy knowing that you are carrying a happy and healthy child.
Furthermore, there are tracks specifically for labor and delivery, as well as tips to help you have an awesome birthing experience.
If you are really feeling anxious about birthing your baby, get the Hypnobabies course and use coupon code hypno1528 to save 15%. Your peace of mind is SO worth it, and you won’t have a single regret!
2. Stop Listening To Horror Stories
If you’re serious about learning how to mentally prepare for labor, then pay close attention to this tip!
The key to being mentally prepared for labor is to STOP ALLOWING NEGATIVE BIRTH STORIES TO TAKE UP YOUR MENTAL SPACE.
Do not waste your time or energy entertaining all the things that could go wrong. In some ways, negative thought patterns can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. You can cause yourself to have so much anxiety surrounding your birth that you create problems where there would otherwise be none.
If someone is sharing a negative experience with you, tell them you’d be happy to compare births after you’ve had your own, but for now you want to focus on the positives during your pregnancy.
If you have been seeking out negative experiences, STOP. There are SO many positive birthing experiences that there is NO REASON for you to assume you’re going to be in the negative experience camp. In fact, statistically you are more likely to have an uneventful birth experience.
Instead, fill your cup with positive birth experiences. You can read birth stories that will melt your heart here. You an also find more places to read or watch positive birthing experiences here–#6 will take you to YouTube where you can watch raw, unfiltered childbirth, if that is what you feel will help you most.
3. Remember That A Healthy Baby Is The Goal
You might have your heart set on things going exactly the way you want them to, but births are one of those things that often don’t. Your child might decide to come sooner than you expect, later than you expect, in the wee hours of the night, during your baby shower, or during your maternity shoot.
Whatever happens, just know that everything is happening as it should. You are meant for that moment, and so is your precious baby!
You might have the perfect birthing plan, plans for the most awesome doula, the best birth photographer, and an awesome birth center chosen. But sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that is OK.
Be OK with the unexpected. It’s good practice for motherhood!
4. Practice Self-Care, Starting Now
Take care of yourself.
That is honestly the most important thing you can do to prepare yourself for labor and postpartum!
You are important. Your health is important. Your overall wellness is important.
You need to have a healthy body. You need to have a healthy mind. You need to feel emotionally fulfilled and capable of taking on the world. Because that’s what you’re about to do, mama! And you’re going to ROCK this childbirth thing!
Here are several ways to practice self-care as a busy mom. This list will also be incredibly useful after you’ve had your baby!
5. Educate Yourself About Birthing Positions
There are so many different birthing positions, and it’s good for you to see that. You’ll realize that not all moms want to birth their babies the same way.
Overall, if you have the flexibility to choose during your birth, then you’ll want to go by what feels right for your body at the time.
That means that knowing the potential birthing positions doesn’t mean that you are choosing a birthing position. You are only educating yourself that there are many, and that you can labor one way and deliver baby another, all depending on what feels right to you.
6. Hire A Supportive Doula
Doulas can really be God-sends.
The right doula can help with communications between you and the rest of your birthing team. This can be SO helpful because some moms don’t want to communicate with others during their labor. Some moms are also too afraid to speak up for their wishes, or don’t want to ruffle feathers when they are being disrespected by others in the birthing team. Doulas can help to bridge that gap.
Doulas can also offer birthing support in the form of back massages, holding your hand, or helping with different labor positions. This can be helpful even if your husband or partner is attending the birth.
Sometimes having a woman who has been through what you’re going through on your team can help you to feel empowered. Doulas are generally moms themselves, and passionate about helping women have positive birthing experiences.
Final Thoughts
Your birth is a personal experience that you’re likely to remember for the rest of your life. So, it is understandable that you want to have the best experience possible.
These tips will help you with HOW to prepare for labor mentally. And I’m confident that you’ll do an awesome job birthing your baby.
Think how happy you’re going to be to hold that precious baby in your arms. Whatever happens, your birth story is yours and bringing that beautiful bundle of joy into the world will SOOOOO be worth it!
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