So after having 3 beautiful children, and having photographed hundreds of women, and thousands of babies I've heard many many different stories about labour and child birth.
If it's your first baby, or your second or third - every birth is different. Some go to plan, and some simply don't. These little ones can throw a curve ball at every opportunity, however there are some things we as mums to be can do to help us achieve a better labour, and experience all round. Keeping fit: During your pregnancy, keeping fit is really beneficial toward an easier labour. This doesn't mean hitting the gym every day, a simple walk every day or just keeping active will help as Fitness improves endurance, and if you're better able to tolerate labour, you're less likely to end up needing medical intervention. Stages of labour: Familiarise yourself with the stages of labour. Practicing comfort measures before the big event as this will help you feel less anxious. Take warm baths, and use breathing techniques. Support: Having a supportive partner/mum/friend by your side is also a great idea - they can help take your mind off things and make light of your labour. They can bring you great support and encouragement when you need it. The start of labour: In first time pregnancies, active labour lasts an average of 12 to 18 hours. So when contractions begin you'll feel them first in your lower back or as lower abdominal cramps—try to stay calm and breathe through these, using a warm bath, paracetamol or a tens machine to help. Using a birthing ball will also help with your back pain. Stay at home: Staying at home as long as possible will also keep your anxiety and stress to a minimum as you're in your own environment. Eating: Snacking on light foods to keep your energy up in early labour will help keep your energy levels up but avoid fatty or hard-to-digest foods because a too-full stomach could make you feel nauseated and cause vomiting during the later active stages of labour. Don't lie down: Staying upright throughout much of labour lets gravity work to your advantage: The baby's head pressing on your cervix will help it dilate. Standing, kneeling, or squatting can lessen discomfort and move labour along. Movement helps widen your pelvis, allowing the baby's head to pass through. Mind over matter: Listen to your body - Our bodies are designed to do this, so being in tune with your mind and body and listening to what it wants to do is an amazing tool if you can manage it. Music can help you focus as well. Pain: Pain relief is there if you need it! Don't be afraid to ask for it if you need it. The End is in sight: You will know when you are ready to push - there is no feeling like it and your body will be overcome with the feeling. Take it slow and steady, you're nearly ready to meet your new baby! Holding your baby: Once your baby is born, the pain will stop. Just like that. All those hours will just fade away and you'll be holding your new baby in your arms. There really is no feeling to describe it and you'll forget all about it just looking at your new baby. You'll do it all again in a heartbeat just to have that feeling of looking at your new baby again. Enjoy this moment, because it goes by so fast. Capturing those first few weeks: Newborns change so incredibly fast. From the time they are born to the time they are 7 days old, you'll look back at that very first photo and shed a little tear at how big they've got already. If you didn't already pre book your newborn session, these can be done up until baby is around 4 weeks old. Don't miss out on capturing those precious first moments of your beautiful new baby x Book your newborn session today!
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