Pregnancy Tips
Read and continue to read more to assist you in making the best choices for your pregnancy. Research shows that the more knowledge you have the better your whole experience will be. You will cope better and enjoy the pregnancy. Women who are more knowledgeable are more confident. Your doula can assist you in writing up your birth plan. Having your birth plan in place means you can relax and focus on having your baby.
- Positive thinking is essential for having the best birth.
- Birth partner.
- It is very important to have a good birth partner/doula.
Significant other/husband/family members may not be the best in seeing you in pain. The birth partner is a person who can physically change your position, who can advocate for you when you don't feel like talking, who will provide fluids to drink and cool compresses, as you need them
Experiences
Women who are confident will push their babies in to the world with a little or no pain relief. Talking positively to yourself helps you relax and will often speed up labor. Know about the different types of natural pain relief available. Gravity Use, gravity at the appropriate time to assist your babys descend the birth canal more effectively. Staying mobile for as long as possible during your labor will help to lessen both pain and the length of the labor. Some other movements you may use are using the birth ball, standing, walking, sitting, in a chair, kneeling, squatting, rocking, all will assist your birth canal to open for the baby to descend. You may even sleep in a chair. It is essential that you have rest periods for as long as you need.
Woman's Instincts It is important to trust your own gut instinct during your pregnancy. Your concerns and questions write them down as they come up and discuss with your obstetrician. You will feel more in control the more informed you are.
Breathing
Breathing is the secret to handling contractions during labor. The more relaxed your body is the more your labor will progress to allow your cervix to open up getting your uterus ready for the pushing urge to begin. You already know that slow deep breaths allows oxygen to get to your muscles, this reduces tension in your muscles. Focusing on your slow deep breathing will also allow you to use another therapy which is called visualization which can help you breathe through your contractions.
Using Gravity
This may seem simple but use gravity to assist your baby descend the birth canal more effectively. Staying mobile for as long as possible during your labor will help to lessen both pain and the length of the labor. Some examples of movements/positioning you may use during labor are using the birth ball, standing, laying down, walking, sitting in a chair, kneeling, squatting, rocking, all will assist your birth canal to open up for the birth and for baby to descend. You may even sleep in a chair. It is essential that you have rest periods for as long as you need. Pregnant Woman Instincts It is important to trust your own gut instinct during your pregnancy.
Be Realistic
It is best to be real about your expectations for the actual birth. Birth is messy and your partner may not want to stay during the birth. The baby may not look beautiful when streaked with blood and covered with vernix [creamy substance covering some babies skin when they are born]. Don't be disappointed if your plan does not work out perfectly.
Listen to your body
As a woman goes through labor she can become very intuitive. For example in the positioning of her body she may put one leg up above the other as if stepping up, this can have the effect of helping her baby get into a good birth descend position.
Keep Your Body in Tip Top Shape Healthily
Keep moving walking for half an hour five times a week will give you the endurance and strength you will need to carry the extra weight you will gain during you pregnancy
During the 9 months
Take plenty of fluids
Water, juices and hot or cold teas preferably between meals.
The tannin in teas can reduce iron absorption if taken with food but tannin does help prevent anemia.
Some soothing natural old-fashioned remedies
To help fight a sore throat gargling with sea salt and warm water
Eat Fish {for those not allergic to fish}
There is research that suggests that Omega 3fats in oily fish are good for baby's brain and eye development and can also make Mom feel in a happier mood. Eat at least two portions of fish a week e.g. salmon, sardines, trout, herrings
Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a convenient snack and are packed with essential fats. They are an important source of vitamin E ,iron and magnesium. It also helps keep your skin supple to avoid stretch marks.
Citrus
Oranges, Tangerines, Satsumas, Clementines all help to keep your immune system in peak condition.
Massage is comforting at any time, it will help you unwind and give you energy, helps to reduce swollen ankles and improves general well being.
Do-it-yourself or have your partner help out. Using massage oil on a daily basis promotes, skin softness, helps to avoid stretch marks, muscle and joint flexibility.
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