Antenatal classes will help you prepare for birth. (Preparing for Birth)

Member Name: gsparkle

Product:	Preparing for Birth
Date:	16/10/08 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You will know what to expect when giving birth.

Disadvantages: Everyones labour is different.

I think that there is lots of ways that you can prepare for birth. Firstly speak to your doctor or midwife they will give you information on birthing methods that can be used i.e. birthing pool, home births, hospital births and pain relief. Then if you have any queries or need advice they will help you. I also highly recommend that you go to antenatal classes these can be very scary at first but in most cases you are all in the same boat and haven't got a clue what to expect. When I went to mine I learnt so much like what pain relief was out there, how to control your labour by breathing exercises. Most of the time you make friends there so you can offer each other advice, and it is nice to have someone who is at the same stages of pregnancy as you.

One thing that you should definitely do is take it easy the last few days before giving birth, as when you're in labour it is so tiring and rest beforehand will definitely help .When I was pregnant I read a lot of books about giving birth so I had an idea what it would be like and I tried to not worry myself to much. I think this helps otherwise you will work yourself up to much and it will be worse for you. Also make sure a few weeks before birth you have your hospital bag packed as if you go into labour you don't want to be worrying about telling your partner what to pack.

Summary: Overall I think when you're preparing for birth try to relax and not worry to much.