Top tips for birth! Before, during, and after - part 2

Hi! So in part 1 I gave you my top tips for before birth, here I'm going to give you my top tips for during birth.

Environment

This is something you will have thought about and planned beforehand, but it is really important that you actually do it! Get your birth partner to set up your environment exactly how you want it to be. Make sure all 5 of your senses are happy and your space is exactly what you need to keep your oxytocin flowing. Dim lights, music, candles, positive birth affirmations and photos all around you, drinks and snacks close by and available on demand. Don't wait until you're about to push before getting your environment right!!! Do it ASAP.

Breathe

So I know this might be realllllly annoying. If someone said this to me before I learnt about hypnobirthing I probably would've rolled my eyes. But it's true - this simple thing that we do all the time can really help you during birth. It's science!! There are two types of breathing you can use during labour - up breathing and down breathing. Up breathing is for the first stage of labour, the longer stage where your uterus is contracting and moving upwards. Down breathing is for the second stage of labour, where you're pushing. Up breathing is all about breathing in through your nose, and out through your mouth for longer. You don't need to count, unless you want to and you find that helpful. This type of breathing engages your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm down your body. And breathing out for longer than in is an extra oxytocin hit!

Movement

Nothing too strenuous! But move in what ever ways feel good for you. Sway your hips, have a little dance, a gentle stroll around, bounce on your ball. Follow your body and what it's telling you to do, or if you need to change positions. And keep upright, forward, and open!!

Toilet

For a number of reasons! 1 - you need to keep hydrated in labour, but you also need an empty bladder to give your baby as much space as possible. But also, some people call it the 'dilation station' - sitting on it keeps you in an upright, forward, and open position which is great for labour. It also encourages you to empty your bladder and bowels if you need to. It can be a comfy place to stay for a while while you labour!

Comb

This can help with the pain! You hold it the palm of your hand which puts pressure on an acupressure point which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also trick your brain into focusing on the sensations from the comb, which diverts it away from the pain of your contractions. Definitely worth a try!

Let me know if you try any of these out and how it goes!

Is there anything that you would add?

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