Getting Ready for Childbirth

The last weeks of pregnancy

should have a special title

all it's own...

a name that evokes images

of Nobility

Fortitude

Bravery

Patience...

the Queen of Everything

is about right.



As many women I know in

blogland are preparing for

Childbirth

I thought I might

offer some words of wisdom

and encouragement.



First, you are Beautiful.

Whatever the scales say is irrelevant.

If you've gained weight then that means

you are a Good Mother already to that

little one inside;

the glow of pregnancy is not just stuff

of novels and myths.

It's real...the glow of creation shows thru your eyes.



As you get closer to birth

make sure you stay hydrated.

Many women start to limit

their fluid intake because they feel

the pressure on their bladder.

BUT a hydrated uterus is an efficient one

and your labor will be easier.

SO drink up and stay close to a bathroom

in the last weeks.



Make sure you're eating 6 small meals a day.

Your diet affects the baby.

You'll need energy for birth

and so will the baby.

So eat well and eat often.



Rest. Rest. Rest.

Take catnaps if you have little ones

at home.

Plop them down for naps with you

or plop them in front of the TV and you

rest on the sofa.

If someone offers to take the kids for an hour

or an afternoon,

Accept that offer!

If someone offers to bring dinner in,

don't say, "No, that's okay."

Say,"Yes, Thank you!"



When you have Braxton-Hicks ctx

practice your relaxation breathing techniques!

Welcome each wave

and ride it completely thru...

the more ctx you have before actual labor

the better primed your cervix will become.



Sleep on your left side.

Don't lean back into the lazy boy,

but sit in a supportive chair where

you can lean forward with your

beautiful belly hanging in front of you--

why?

Because gravity is your friend

and it'll pull the baby to the centerline

helping hm/her to get in the optimal

birth position.



Make sure your hospital bag is ready to go

and includes some honeystix

you'll like those for a burst of energy

in labor!

Make sure Dad's bag has some treats in it too--

power bars yes

power drinks with caffeine no...

many a dad has come crashing down

in labor...

so be wise.



Finally, review your Birth Plan

to make sure you've written everything

down that you would like in optimal conditions.

And remember to be flexible

if you don't get it all in case of a medical reason.

Trust Birth.

Be confidant in your Strength

in your Courage

in your Womanhood.



Afterall

You're the Queen of Everything.