How I am Preparing for Labor as a First Time Mom

As a first time mom with a quickly approaching due date in July, I have been hyper focused on ensuring that I have everything in order for labor. Preparing has helped to put me slightly at ease. After completing my own research both online and from other moms, here are all the things that I have done so far to prepare for labor as a first time mom.

Educating Myself About Labor

The first step in my preparation journey has been educating myself on labor and what the process may look like. Labor is so different for everyone and can look very different. Different ways I have learned about labor include community resources, my OB, books, and watching/reading online materials. I have also learned about the different signs and symptoms of labor so that I can recognize if anything starts to happen to my body.

I have also registered for prenatal classes with my partner so that we are able to learn more about the labor and delivery process together. This will also help my partner to understand my needs during labor and how he can best prepare to support me.

Researching Birth Plans

Another part of my preparation has been researching birth plans. Understanding what occurs during birth and knowing what I am comfortable with for myself has helped me to create a rough birth plan. Birthing plans often contain information such as medications that you are or are not comfortable with, interventions that you do or do not want, specific wants or needs once the baby has arrived. It is important to have this ready sooner rather than later as your plan should be prepared to take with you to the hospital once you go into labor.

In your birthing plan you can also add information such as who should be in the room, methods for pain relief, skin-to-skin, when to cut the umbilical cord, and so on. This allows healthcare workers to understand your wants and to respect your wishes during your labor and delivery process.

Packing My Hospital Bag

As my due date nears, I have been focused on ensuring that my hospital bag is packed and ready to go. As crazy as it sounds, I was hoping to have this completed by 30 weeks just in case anything were to happen. This has allowed me a sense of security in knowing that I have everything that I need for myself, my baby, and even my partner.

I have tried to make sure that my hospital bag contains comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, a phone charger and items for my baby such as newborn onesies and diapers (just incase). Once I am closer to my due date I will also be adding a blanket and a pillow as well as more essential items as needed.

Knowing Who My Support Will Be

Something I have ensured is clear with family members is who will be there to support me during my birthing process. This includes who I want in the room during the actual birth itself, and who is able to come afterwards to see the baby. It is important to set boundaries so that people know they are not welcome to just show up. With a newborn it is important to limit germs due to their lack of immunity. It is also important to not have an overwhelming amount of people within your space after going through such a lifechanging event. Don't be afraid to tell people no, and be clear about who you want in your room and when.

Learning About Pain Management

Pain management during labor is something that is highly individual. It is important to understand your pain management options along with their contraindications. Knowing what you would like for pain management will create a clear plan for your birthing process. Different examples of pain management that you may read about during your research may include an epidural, nitrous oxide, fentanyl, morphine, and natural methods such as hydrotherapy, counter pressure, and massage.

Setting Up the Nursery

While this isn’t directly related to labor, having the nursery prepared is an important step of the process. Having the nursery ready allows you to feel comfortable that if an early labor were to occur, that you have a prepared safe space to welcome your baby into once you get home. It is important to at least have the essentials ready such as having your crib set up, changing station prepared, and having a comfortable area to comfort and feed your baby. It is also a good idea to wash all of your baby clothes and have them organized. Having your nursery ready will help to alleviate stress after birth and will take one task off of your to do list.

The Diaper Bag

Along with having the nursery ready, another item I have ensured to prepare is my diaper bag. I have picked a diaper bag that I think will work best for myself and my baby, and have added a few essential items to it so that I do not have to stress as much once baby is born. In my diaper bag I have prepacked newborn diapers, wipes, a spare outfit (just incase), and I will be adding more items once I know what baby and I will need on our outings.

Overall

Labor and delivery looks different for everyone. These items that I have mentioned are simply things that I have been doing to help maintain my peace of mind while my due date approaches. There are plenty of other things that I haven't mentioned that can also help to prepare you to go into labor. It is important to do your own research, work to your own timeline, and to know what is best for you and your baby.