Some very important tips for you when you are about to have a baby (Preparing for Childbirth)

Expecting a baby is one of the most beautiful and also a bit scary times in a mother's life. While for some it is a very joyful experience, for others it is a great fear of childbirth. In fact, this fear of childbirth can make it difficult to bear the pain of labor, and it can also be difficult to adjust to the time after having a baby . But if you are properly informed and well prepared, this journey can be much easier than you think. Let's see how we can prepare for this.

First, let's understand exactly what the stages of labor are.

There are three main stages of labor. If you know what happens during each stage, it will be easier for you to understand when to go to the hospital and when it is time to deliver the baby.

Let's train the body for childbirth

Pregnancy is a very stressful time for the body. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the muscles needed for childbirth. This can help prevent pain and injuries during and after childbirth.

• Exercise: Do exercises that strengthen the muscles used during childbirth. But be sure to ask your doctor and only do exercises that he or she approves. It's best if you can get the help of a professional trainer.
• Yoga: Yoga is a great way to reduce pain during pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. Some yoga poses stretch and relax muscles. However, it is safest to find a prenatal yoga instructor who specializes in this.

Learn to control stress.

It's normal to feel stressed and anxious at the thought of having a baby. However, excessive stress during pregnancy can cause headaches , insomnia, and affect the baby's development.

Therefore, controlling stress is very good for both you and your baby.

Simple ways to reduce stress

• Self-care: Set aside some time each day to do something you enjoy, read a book, listen to a song, or do something that makes you happy.
• Sleep well: Make sure to get the sleep you need during the day.
• Exercise: As mentioned earlier, talk to your doctor and engage in appropriate exercise.
• Mindfulness: This is very simple. It involves focusing your attention on the present moment. Imagine sitting in a chair, closing your eyes, and just thinking about your breath in and out. Practicing these simple things can help you cope with labor pains and prevent conditions like postpartum depression that can occur after giving birth.

Learn about positions that help with childbirth.

If you are having a vaginal birth, there are several positions that can help reduce labor pain and make the delivery easier. In a cesarean birth, you will only have to stay in one position. If you know about these positions in advance, you can choose the one that is easiest for you.

• Kneeling: Kneeling using a birthing ball can help reduce back pain and help open the pelvis.
• Standing and walking: Standing and walking during the first stage can reduce the time spent in that stage.
• Sleeping on your side: This is a good position to rest in the first stage. Place a pillow between your legs.
• Forward Bending: This also provides relief from back pain.
• Kneeling and palms down: This position reduces pressure on the back and improves oxygen supply to the baby.
• Squatting: This opens the pelvis well and gives the baby the space needed to descend.

You can practice these poses in advance and see which one is most comfortable for you.

Let's prepare the bag we're taking to the hospital.

If you are going to the hospital to have your baby, it is very important to have a bag packed with the necessary things in advance. Prepare this bag about a month before the due date. Because sometimes the baby can be delivered early.

The best thing to do is to call the hospital you are going to be admitted to and ask what they will provide for you in your room. That way you can avoid taking unnecessary things with you.

Let's plan to bring the baby home.

Bringing a baby home is a big event. It's a great relief if you have support from your husband, family, and friends. With their help, you can ask for help with household chores and taking care of the baby.

Also, it's important to keep your home clean and tidy before the baby arrives. It's also a good idea to prepare a few easy-to-prepare meals and keep them in the freezer. That way, you won't have to worry about food in the early days.