17 Failsafe Labour Tips for First Time Mums and Dads
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantWhat to expect when you’re
expecting: it’s the age-old question. For new mums and dads in particular, it
can be hard to gauge any sense of what’s around the corner. While your main
focus will be starting your new life as a family and looking after your new
arrival, it’s also important to consider exactly what you’re all going to go
through before you get to that stage: labour.
Labour can be beautiful and when
you have your new-born baby in your arms, your world will feel complete.
However, the difficulties of labour for both mums and dads should never go
unappreciated. As you step into the unknown, be prepared to adapt your plans to
every eventuality and support each other
throughout.. Every birthing experience is unique, so it’s impossible to know
exactly what to expect. But, for first time mums and dads, there are many
pieces of advice to bear in mind that will better prepare you for labour and
help everything to run smoothly.
Preparing for Labour
Needless to say, your birthing plan
is not likely to go exactly as expected. In fact, one mother we spoke to said
that her top tip was to “rip up your carefully prepared birthing plan as it’s
probably not going to go that way!”. However, it’s still good to be as prepared
as possible and know what to expect — even if you have to be flexible when the
time comes. With this in mind, here are your top tips for mums and birthing
partners before labour.
Tips for Mums
1. Encourage
the baby into the right position
From around 34 weeks it is possible
to encourage your baby into a good birthing position. You can do this by regularly
kneeling on the floor over a birthing ball or a chair. This may seem like a
strange activity at the time, but it’s likely to make labour go much more
smoothly. It’s also advisable to always keep your knees lower than your bum and
avoid lying on your back.
2. Try
to stay fit and healthy
Labour is a serious test of
stamina, and those who’ve managed to stay relatively fit and healthy throughout
pregnancy are more likely to have a smooth and straightforward labour. Even a
short walk each day will make a positive impact, or perhaps you could give yoga
or an aquanatal class a go!
3. Gently
massage your perineum
Taking good care of your perineum
(the area between your vagina and your anus) during pregnancy could prevent
tearing during labour. Many mums-to-be gently massage this area with a gentle
oil (such as almond oil or wheatgerm oil) to build up its strength.
4. Consider
your birthing options
Before you go into labour, make
sure you’re clear about what you want. Of course, the details may change, but
you should make sure you’re clear about whether you want a hospital birth or a
midwife-led home birth. You could also consider water births or other options
your hospital might offer.
5. Communicate
your needs with your partner
Communication is key. Afterall,
once you go into labour, you’ll have enough to concentrate on without making
big decisions — make sure your partner is ready to take the reins and they know
exactly what you want.
Tips for Partners
1. Know
what your partner wants
Make sure you’re crystal clear on
your partner’s wants and needs before they go into labour. It may come down to
you to make some big decisions, so know your stuff and make sure your partner’s
needs are in good hands.
2. Prepare
the hospital bag
Preparing a hospital bag checklist
is an important step that you’ll thank yourself for later. If you have a bag
ready to go, you’ll be able to put your partner’s needs first and get them to
the hospital on the drop of a hat (if needed). Make sure your checklist contains
all of the essentials, such as maternity
towels, in the event of any postpartum bleeding. Having a car seat ready to
take your baby home in is also a must.
3. Do
your research
You’re going to go through a lot
alongside your partner, and if you don’t know what to expect, this is likely to
be overwhelming. One new dad told us that his top tips were to “try not to
freak out!” and “to be as supportive as possible — you’re there to support your
partner and give them exactly what they need to cope”. If you’ve read up on
what to expect, you’ll be able to take everything in your stride and not lose
your cool.
4. Look
after yourself
Remember that you’re about to
become a parent too! So, look after yourself and remember not to neglect your
own mental and physical health.
5. Prepare
to wait
It can feel instinctual to rush
straight off to the hospital when your partner starts going in to labour, but
as it’s likely to be a long process, it might be more comfortable for them to
remain at home for slightly longer. Many maternity units advise waiting until
contractions are close together and regular before checking in to the hospital.
During Labour
Of course, there is only so much
preparation you can do, but that prep can certainly ensure that labour runs a
lot more smoothly. When it comes to the birth itself, here are some top tips to
help the process along:
Tips for Mums
1. Try
to keep moving
Studies have found that walking
around during labour is likely to make it pass more quickly, and if you keep
moving and stand up regularly, you’re likely to require less pain medication.
2. Drink
plenty of water and snack regularly
Never underestimate the energy that
goes into labour! It will take a lot of effort, so staying fed and hydrated
throughout will help maintain your energy levels.
3. Listen
to your body and follow your breath
Listen to your body and try to
breathe as deeply as possible — remember, you’re the only one who knows how you
feel, so don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you.
4. Prepare
to be flexible about your plan
Try not to panic if what you need
isn’t exactly what you thought you’d need, or if some elements of your birthing
plan don’t turn out to be possible. Flexibility is important and knowing this
before hand will help to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Tips for Partners
1. Stay
in one place
You may feel the need to spring
into action and try to keep busy, but this will most likely cause your partner
more stress. A stable, calming presence is much more valuable to your partner
than someone darting around the room — stay in one place, hold your partner’s
hand, and be on hand to listen to their every need.
2. Get
ready to take control
Your partner will be going through
a lot and might not be able to express her needs — this is your moment to step
up. If you’ve made yourself familiar with the birthing plan and your partner’s
desires, you’ll be well equipped to express her needs even when she can’t.
3. Know
your limits
Remember, you’re there for support,
not to be a doctor. Many couples want the partners to be as involved as
possible and this can be a unifying experience for everyone. Cutting the umbilical
cord, for example, is a job many
partners undertake, making a wonderful first memory with their babies. But,
other than this, know your limits and know when to take a step back, if you
become too involved this could cause your partner unnecessary stress
The prospect of labour can
certainly be overwhelming, for both mums and partners, but with the right
balance of preparation and flexibility, it’s far more likely to go smoothly!
Soon enough you’ll be united with the brand-new addition to your family, and it
will all be worth it.
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Created on Jul 2nd 2020 06:39. Viewed 351 times.