Preparing for L&D?

ShabbyGeek

I am curious to see how others are preparing for L&D.  We start our birthing classes next week, so I am excited for those... but I was wondering what extra steps (if any) you ladies are taking to prepare your mind and body for labor and delivery.  I have read about various exercises, perineal massages, etc. but I wasn't sure where else to look... any ideas?  I am also reading up on breathing techniques and such and hope our classes will elaborate on this more too! 

AimnJus917

I just started reading The Birth Partner yesterday and can't put it down.  DH is going to read it when I'm done.  My childbirth refresher class isn't until Jan 5 when I'll be 36 weeks (!) but I waited too long to register for the Nov 3 one.  Looking forward to it because I didn't take any the first time.

eatdrinkstretch

I have been taking prenatal yoga (my class has a big focus on labor coping techniques) since 12 weeks and my husband and I are taking a childbirth class this weekend at my yoga studio called "Using Yoga in Childbirth."  I have been reading a lot of books and keeping a list of methods that I think will work for me. Some of my favorites have been "The Birth Partner" (recommend this for EVERYONE!!!), Ina May Gaskin's Childbirth Book, the Bradley book, and the Hypnobirthing book.

I have also been talking a lot to my husband and my mom (who is acting as our doula) about what I want and expect from them, what I think will be the most helpful, etc.  I had a bikini wax yesterday and it was surprisingly insightful in terms of concentrating on how I deal with pain - I liked having my eyes closed, keeping my breathing slow and steady, and focusing on relaxing images.  The music playing (something spa-like without words) was also really helping me relax.  I need to download some Enya or something for the hospital.  )

This sounds kind of cheesy, but I have also been setting aside a bit of time each day to talk to my baby and imagine the type of birth I am hoping for.  I use this time to practice my breathing and just connect to the baby. 

ShabbyGeek

Thanks ladies, I will definitely check out The Birth Partner!  And eatdrinkstretch, it does not sound cheesy that you set aside time to talk to your baby and think about your delivery!  I think it is cute, we talk to our LO every day and DH always gives my belly a kiss before he leaves for work :-)

eriannc22

I had been sort of "playing ostrich" (keeping my head in the sand) about the whole issue of actually giving birth to this baby up until this weekend. I started reading Husband Coached Childbirth (Bradley) and I am really really hoping for a natural childbirth now. I am going to start reading as much as possible and have been practicing the techniques. I am a little stressed I didn't start all this sooner and we don't have time to actually take the Bradley classes, but hopefully reading and practicing will be enough. I will probably still take the childbirth classes through my hospital.

I think its great to set aside time to talk to your baby. I have a desk job so baby doesn't hear my voice much. I have started reading my pregnancy/childbirth books out loud.

wifeofadam

I've never done perineal massage and I've never torn either.  I don't think it's necessary and I think it's a good way to spread bacteria to your vagina, to be honest. 

To prepare for birth I do squats and drink RRL tea.  I watch natural birth videos on youtube.  I also do a lot of relaxation exercises where I try to visualize the birth and stay calm.