Suggestions for prep during the last few weeks?

KelliLynee

I am 35w1d with my second baby (first was with pitocin & an epidural). We've done a series of birth classes aimed at natural bith, I've read Ina May's guide to childbirth, and have read the Bradley Book, discussing important exerpts with DH. I try to "tailor sit" at home and squat when I remember too, though admittidly not as much as I could. I've been eating really healthy this pregnancy (can't stop eating fresh fruits & veggies!) and trying to take the stairs at work when I have the energy. I also continue to talk about everything with DH so that everything seems like second nature (as compared to our first birth).

Is there anything else that I could be doing these last few weeks to gear myself up for baby's impending arrival?

tokenhoser

I really liked prenatal yoga for both mental and physical preparation. There are free 20 min podcasts here: https://www.yogadownload.com/Utilities/GenericProductDisplay/tabid/110/prodid/263/default.aspx

But mostly, surround yourself with positive stories and really believe in yourself.

zaramarie81

I am 35wks and a few days.... so I'd love to see responses to this thread! I too have been eating really well (FTM), apparently "tailor sitting" (didn't realize I was doing that, but thanks for mentioning it because when I googled it, I realized my instincts were right on that. Yay!), read Ina May's book, almost finished Childbirth w/out Fear, met with out Doula, and meeting regularly with my chiro to keep my back and pelvis in a good position for birth. I've also been doing regular exercises on a birth ball and wobble chair.

Here are some other things I am supposed to be doing but need to make more time for:

1. Walking

2. Perineal massage. Our doula gave us a handout on that, and I really just need to do it even though I have yet to try.

3. Breathing/yoga/relaxation excercises

queenaag

Just keep reminding yourself that you can do it! I agree with the yoga and I would also suggest walking. GL mama!

ReichleyMama

Walk, walk, walk, walk.  And some yoga.  Walking will keep pressure on your cervix so that when you start it will go faster.  Both of these and anything else that makes you feel STRONG.  You CAN do this!  Your body was designed to.  Women have been giving birth for thousands of years without modern medicine just fine.  Tell yourself you WILL do this and you will.  It's all your state of mind.  The baby decides the day it will be born but YOU decide the hour.  Keep your mind focused!  Good luck!  And remember to listen to your inner monkey (from a book I read, to listen to your natural instincts--I made it my mantra and just kept thinking it during my second labor and it was a breeze.)

KelliLynee

Thanks ladies! Love the positivity on here : )

Ms Molly

Keep exercising as much as you can.  I stayed in great shape and worked out up until the day my water broke, and I felt like it really helped me endure the long day of labor.  I used EPO vaginally every night during the last week of my pregnancy.  My MW's swear by it - not sure if it really made a difference, but my labor progressed fairly quickly and it's supposed to help soften your cervix.  Good luck!

ReichleyMama

What is EPO?

CTri17

Evening primrose oil and after 36 weeks I'd start using it vaginally overnight.

Walk/workout/yoga

Squats/tailor sitting

A pelvic floor release (from spinning babies.com) 1x a week or so in the last few weeks

Get adjusted by a chiro

Take Alfalfa pills (if you aren't already) to help with bleeding