Prepare for Labor and Delivery

If you are expecting you need to prepare for labor and delivery. You could spend your entire pregnancy worrying about the process, but where will that get you? Stressed out and tense, that's where. What you need to do is get organized, both mentally and physically.

Mentally Prepare for Labor and Delivery

When I was expecting, like most soon-to-be parents, my husband and I attended a childbirth class through our local hospital.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the back massages and foot rubs, the most important lesson I took away from that class was how important it is to mentally prepare for labor and delivery.

Think of it as a means to a very beautiful end. You know you have to endure it. You know that it will be uncomfortable, probably even painful. You have two choices:

1. you can go into it thinking that it is going to be the absolute worst experience of your life, get stressed out and very tense and make an already painful experience worse, or

2. you can go into it thinking that, even though it will be difficult, you are tough, you can do it and you will reap the ultimate reward when it is over.

Do you see what a difference a positive spin on your thinking can make? Mind over matter is a very powerful tool. Put it to good use.

Physically Prepare for Labor and Delivery

There are a number of things that need to be done in order for you to be physically prepared for the birth of your child. Here is a checklist to get you started:

• Discuss the birth process with your partner and make sure you agree on important decisions, such as:

  • Will you attempt a natural birth

  • Will you accept pain medication before trying an epidural?

  • Who do you want in the delivery room with you?

Write these answers down in the form of a birth plan and bring it with you to the hospital. No birth will ever go according to a plan, but it is important to know where you stand on certain issues ahead of time and make sure your partner is aware of your wishes.

• Make a list of all the people to call when you go into labor. Bring this list to hospital so your partner can make the calls.

• Have all necessary baby equipment purchased and assembled in your home.

• Have the infant safety seat securely installed into your vehicle.

• Have the baby's bedroom set up and fully functional.

• Have a diaper bag packed to bring to the hospital. The bag should include:

  • onesies
  • socks
  • infant caps
  • receiving blankets
  • a special going home outfit
  • bottles and formula if you will not be nursing
  • diapers
  • diaper wipes

You shouldn't have to go overboard packing a bag for the baby. Chances are good that the hospital will have everything you need. Nevertheless, it is a good practice to get the bag packed and keep it stocked at all times so that even after you bring the baby home you can just grab it and run.

• Have an overnight bag packed for yourself. Your bag should include:

  • your written birth plan
  • pajamas, a robe and slippers
  • a nursing bra and pads if you will be nursing
  • toiletries
  • any items you will use to try to comfort yourself during labor such as massagers, heating pads or special oils
  • an outfit to wear home (you might want this to be a maternity outfit since you will probably not fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes for at least a few weeks)

• Don't forget about your partner:

  • the call list
  • books or magazines to read during down time
  • a change of clothes
  • toiletries
  • snacks

• And don't forget some to pack some things to keep you busy if you are not in too much pain, while you are waiting to be discharged or while the baby is sleeping:

  • thank you notes to write
  • birth announcements to complete and address
  • a journal to record your birth experience, visitors and gifts received

With a little organization and a healthy mental attitude you can prepare for labor and delivery with ease.