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Prepping for Natural Childbirth

mab18mab18 member
in Natural Birth

Hi all.

I'm usually on the February moms board, but I figured you ladies would be more helpful with this question. Are there any exercises/stretches/workouts that you ladies would recommend for preparing the body for natural childbirth? I have read so many pregnancy books, but hardly any of them discuss what to do to help your body be prepared (besides the fairly general "eat these" and "workout throughout pregnancy" sections).  Thanks!

February 2014 siggy challenge (Feb 2014 BMB): Ugly Cry


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Re: Prepping for Natural Childbirth

  • Tigerlilym15Tigerlilym15 member
    Natural childbirth the Bradley way has some suggestions. I personally like yoga and squats. Yoga is good for relaxation and stretching. Squatting is a good position for birthing so I think its good to practice the position to strengthen those muscles.
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  • MannaPantsMannaPants member
    I've been swimming a lot. It feels fantastic! I get a good workout and stretch without actually feeling like I'm exerting myself. I've been having pretty significant round ligament pain, and the swimming has helped.
    Disclaimer: I'm a FTM, so I have no personal experience in how this will actually affect labor. But it feels nice!

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  • April!April! member
    I took a prenatal yoga class that focused on preparing your body for childbirth and teaching you tools for labor. It was really helpful. I also did a lot of squatting and yoga Goddess pose because it helps your pelvic floor and just felt good. I think walking is good preparation too, but I couldn't walk very much because of my SI joint pain.
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  • abell77abell77 member
    I highly recommend the Bradley exercises outlined in Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon.  I do not normally work out, but I followed the Bradley exercises before each of my births and I think they made all the difference, not just with childbirth, but especially with recovery.  You know how many women report feeling like they were hit by a truck, with lots of muscle soreness?  I can honestly say I did not feel that whatsoever, and my first birth was by no means easy.  Good Luck!
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  • catsinawindowcatsinawindow member
    I don't have anything to add about your question, but I just wanted to say "hi" to a fellow natural birth-interested February 2014 mama!


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  • aylafsu88aylafsu88 member

    imageTigerlilym15:
    Natural childbirth the Bradley way has some suggestions. I personally like yoga and squats. Yoga is good for relaxation and stretching. Squatting is a good position for birthing so I think its good to practice the position to strengthen those muscles.

    These are the ones I did.  They recommend squats, butterfly's, Kegels, pelvic tilts etc.  I did them during pregnancy and felt like they were a huge help during L&D. I would highly recommend them.  

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  • mab18mab18 member
    Thanks everyone! I will definitely be looking into the "Bradley Method" book you ladies suggested. 
    February 2014 siggy challenge (Feb 2014 BMB): Ugly Cry


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