My 5 Tips for a Positive Birth Experience

There is a tremendous amount of information surrounding childbirth along with a multitude of preferences for each birthing person. As a birth doula, my goal is to provide mothers with the confidence, education, and tools to experience a positive and beautiful birthing experience. Here are my top 5 tips to help you achieve the birth experience you desire.

1. Expect & Welcome Pain

This one sounds a little scary and intimidating. However, I assure you expecting more pain and dealing with less is better than expecting less and dealing with more. We want to go into this experience expecting it to be painful because it is, but this pain has a beautiful purpose. Every pain you endure will bring you closer and closer to meeting your precious baby face-to-face. Some may choose to imagine the pain as waves, surges, or twinges, whereas others prefer to face it head on. No matter your birthing preferences, you will face pain at some point. You want to welcome this pain with open arms and an open mind. Embrace the pain and work with your body, not against it.

2. Mind Over Matter

Your mind is such a powerful part of childbirth. The minute you feel stressed, your brain sends signals for adrenaline to be made. Adrenaline can cause contractions to stop, slow, or have an erratic pattern along with its normal effects such as raising blood pressure and heart rate causing possible distress to baby or mom. This is just one of the many hormones involved with labor, some good and some bad but all of them signaled from the brain. On the flip side, you have oxytocin which is known as the love hormone. Oxytocin is directly related to contractions and their frequency and strength. You can produce this hormone by maintaining a positive mindset, feeling safe and supported, or staying close and personal with your partner, just to name a few. You should prepare your mind for the marathon that is labor. You can meditate, participate in prenatal yoga, use prayer, positive daily affirmations, relaxing and calming music, etc. You want to stray away from negative or overwhelming feelings when awaiting and experiencing labor. Producing a great deal of oxytocin as your pregnancy comes to an end and labor starts to blossom, will help your contractions be frequent and consistent. It will also help the pain to be more tolerable if you keep a positive mindset and outlook.

3. Childbirth Classes

I know, you hear just about everyone mentioning childbirth classes at some point and if you haven’t, this is your sign. Some hospitals offer their own version of childbirth classes for free, tons of online class options, doulas and childbirth educators offer group or personal classes, and so many more options are available. My advice, take at least one class if not multiple and have your partner present if possible. It is so important to be educated in childbirth and labor. Learn about your body, hormones, contractions, labor progression, hospital or birthing center policies, etc. Many of us think we know how it works and what to expect (I’m guilty of this myself) but in fact, have no clue what all goes on and everything that truly goes into a successful birth. There are quite a few options offered free or at a discounted price for lower income families if that’s an issue you may be worried about. I highly recommend looking into any classes that may include more specific information for the type of birth you desire. For example, unmedicated births, hospital births, home births, epidural births, hypnobirthing, evidence-based birthing, pain-free birthing, the possibilities are endless.

4. Physical Preparedness

Pregnancy may have you feeling more exhausted than you’ve ever been, but it definitely is not the time to stop being active. Think of labor being a marathon you need to train for because in all reality it is very similar. Labor and delivery is hours, days, or sometimes weeks of contractions and physical laboring. You need to prepare your body for such a strenuous stretch of activity. Of course, nutrition during pregnancy is commonly talked about to ensure mother and baby are getting adequate nutrients from food and water. You want to take special measures to ensure you’re eating healthy and nutrient rich foods along with staying hydrated. You also want to prepare by strengthening your pelvic and core muscles. I’m no expert on this subject but a quick search on YouTube or Google can give you numerous variations of prenatal workouts to help with these specific goals. Another great option is to purchase a birthing ball, also known as an exercise or balance ball. This is great to ease back pain, improve blood flow to the pelvis, and correct baby’s position before labor but also during labor. Taking walks, swimming, stretching and prenatal yoga are also some great options to stay active and strengthen your stamina. Staying active can shorten your labor, help baby position correctly, provide better blood flow to placenta and baby, and improve pelvic floor strength and elasticity. Rest is also extremely important. You want to get adequate sleep and rest during pregnancy and during the early labor stages. It is hard to rest when you’re excited and impatiently awaiting the call to the midwife or trip to the hospital, but resting ensures that you’ll have energy during the later and more difficult stages of labor.

*Disclaimer: Please consult with a medical professional before attempting diet or exercise changes. *

5. Hire a Doula

Lastly, this tip may seem obvious considering this is a list compiled by a birth doula. Hiring a doula to be present at your birth is the single best decision you can make to achieve a positive birth experience. Birth Doulas provide a personal yet professional and educated support that is like no other position on your birth team. You have your medical professionals such as midwives, obstetricians, nurses, and anesthesiologist and your personal support people such as your partner, mother, sisters, friends, and family. We doulas are somewhere in the middle of the two. We want to work aside your medical and personal support. Birth doulas provide 24/7 labor support with no other demands other than the laboring person. Our priority is providing you with undivided attention and support whether it be physical or emotional. Birth can be chaotic and unpredictable, think of doulas as the calm in the storm. We can provide a calming and steady voice in a sea of decision making, emotional changes, labor positioning, and changes to your birth plan. I suggest scheduling a few consultations with doulas in your area and finding a doula who you feel comfortable and at ease with.

*Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical professionals and cannot perform any clinical or medical procedures. *

I hope these tips can help you achieve your ideal birth. I wish you all a positive, empowered, and beautiful birthing experience.