We’ve got something really cliche to say, but it’s so true: Everyone can have a great birth experience.
It doesn’t matter if your perfect birth means that you have zero interventions, a completely un-medicated and natural experience with your partner catching the baby or if it means that you get an epidural as soon as possible and listen to hip hop while you and your partner wait for the doctor to tell you it’s time to start pushing.
We think all births are pretty awesome and we want you to have an experience that makes you feel great.
There is so much that can go into planning and preparing for a great birth, but if you want to do only a few things to get ready for your labour and birth then follow our handy list!
3 Easy Ways to Prepare for a Great Birth
1)Take a Hospital Tour
Seems simple enough, doesn’t it? So, why haven’t you booked your tour yet?! There is nothing else that will prepare you for the run-through of what to expect the day of your birth. Almost every hospital in Montreal offers tours of some kind. Simply call them to find out. What can you expect at your hospital tour? It varies, but they should explain where to park at the hospital, how to pre-register, and where to go when you’re in labour. You should also get to see the birthing centre, have a tour of the delivery room, and this is when you can ask questions about what they have available for pain management, how the cafeteria operates, and what to expect during your stay. It takes about an hour or two, and can remove so much stress from the situation that day. Instead of visualizing the birth scenes from movies, you’ll actually get to imagine what it will be like to give birth to YOUR baby.
2)Pack Your Hospital Bag
Again, another obvious item on our list. But, have you started packing your bag? Do you even know what you should be bringing with you to the hospital? There are the basics obviously, like diapers and clothes for you and the baby, but have you thought about how your desired birth experience can impact what you put in your birth bag? If you have creature comforts that you want taken care of, then you’d better make sure you have what you need! We know people who have brought fans, ipod docks, flickering fake candles, massage tools, laptops, etc. What can you not live without for your birth?
3)Turn Up the Heat
This one is a little NSFW, but we’re 100% serious. Grab your partner and have sex! (Or go solo- there’s benefits there as well!) Sex is probably one of the only natural methods of getting the body ready for birth. There are many reasons for this, which we explain in detail in our class. (Yes, there are lots of giggles, but you know you want this info!) Oxytocin, sperm, orgasms, and simple stress relief are the main reasons why this helps. So, just do it. You can thank us later.
Want to find out more? Our class is full of great suggestions for ways to prepare for an easier, less stressful birth experience. We’d love to have you join us- register for an upcoming session now!
