The first days of a child’s life are truly magical and clearly unforgettable; both for the infant’s mother and for the numerous friends and family members who stand by with proud smiles as a new sibling, grandchild, niece or nephew is welcomed into their family fold. This is a time of joy, happiness and great anticipation for the years to come.
Image Source : zanotti
“Yeah, that’s all well and good,” New Mom is thinking at this point. “Yet what about that very first day of the child’s life—and, more to the point, that time honored process of labor and delivery that immediately precedes this ‘magical time?’”
Indeed, as ‘time honored’ as the birthing process may be, it is never an easy one; and while most women eagerly anticipate the birth of a child, they dread the pain, uncertainty and acute discomfort that tends to accompany this birth.
Ah, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The well prepared mother can not only withstand the toughest labor session; she can thrive and perhaps even enjoy the birth of her child. Now before you click off this computer screen in a sheer fit of incredulous disbelief, read for on for a perfect recipe that just may ensure labor made easy. Prepare your mind and body for the best birth experience.
- Don’t go it alone: Consult close friends and family members for some valuable experience regarding the birthing experience. A woman’s mother is often her best companion throughout the course of her pregnancy—and aside from offering maternal doses of warmth and nurturance through these difficult months, she certainly could provide valuable advice regarding labor and delivery. And remember the best friend that you talk to about everything? Well talk to her about this, most definitely; along with the aunts, sisters, cousins, and all other females who may be able to ease your transition into motherhood.
- Do What’s Best for You: Realize, first and foremost, that no two mothers are the same. What worked for your best friend, your great aunt Millie, or the clerk at the local stop and shop may not suit your needs; so while you should indeed solicit their advice and call upon their boundless wisdom and extensive knowledge, keep in mind that their way is not the only way. Be sure to take all of their comments and suggestions in stride, keeping what you can use and quietly discarding the rest—or, better yet, filing them away for future reference. If, that is, you think you might actually repeat the pregnancy process at any point or time in the future?
- Ask Your Doctor: Of course, the first and most important person to consult about your pregnancy is the doctor you have chosen to see you through it; the licensed obstetrician who will guide and direct you through every phase of your pregnancy, up to and including the delivery. Ask them whatever questions you have about this process, and listen closely to all their directives. After all, during the course of your pregnancy, your life is bound to change in so many ways. You are going to be eating, drinking, sleeping and exercising in a markedly different manner; and, of course, you will need his/her advisement about how to complete a successful delivery.
- Explore the Options: There is not just one way to give birth; and in the modern age numerous methods and techniques are available to ease and facilitate the birthing process. Read up on the ins and out of Lamaze, natural childbirth, prescription-assisted birth, imaging techniques, etc. Take your time to decide which of these birth assistance programs is best for you.
Image Source : chris_simons
- Exercise : The more strong and healthful a woman is, the more likely she is to carry through with a successful delivery. This does not mean that a woman who is 9 months pregnant should be jumping up and down with unrivalled vigor on the surface of a defenseless exercise floor.Once again, consult your doctor about the exercise program that is best for you.
