5 Things You Can Do Today to Prepare for a Positive Birth

Preparing for a positive birth experience doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially if you’re in the early stages of pregnancy or feeling unsure about where to start. Even the smallest actions now can set you up for a more confident, calm birth experience later on

Here are 5 actionable things you can do today to begin preparing for your birth, no matter where you are in your pregnancy:

1. Start Educating Yourself

Understanding the basics of birth, your options, and what’s coming can make a huge difference in how prepared you feel when it’s go-time. But how do you start?

Actionable Steps:

• Pick one book or podcast to start with: Choose a resource that focuses on the birth process or hypnobirthing. Some great beginner books include "Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage” by Rachel Reed and “Your baby, your birth” by Hollie de Cruz.

• Take a free course: If you're unsure about diving into a full course yet, start with a free introduction to hypnobirthing (I offer one here!) or a short YouTube video to get a sense of what the techniques are all about.

• Create a birth prep journal: Keep a small journal where you jot down thoughts, questions, and what you’ve learned each week. This will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there.

2. Take Care of Your Mental Wellbeing

Your mental state will have a big impact on your birth experience, and there are simple ways you can start managing any fears, anxiety, or stress you might be feeling.

Actionable Steps:

• Practice deep breathing daily: Start with 3-5 minutes of deep, slow breathing every day. Try a simple technique where you breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 4, and breathe out for a count of 6. This can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress.

• Try visualisation exercises: Take 5 minutes each day to sit quietly and visualise your ideal birth scenario. Imagine yourself feeling calm and in control, using your hypnobirthing techniques to stay relaxed. The more you visualise, the more confident you’ll feel when the time comes.

• Journal your fears and anxieties: Write down any worries or fears you have about birth. Then, look at them objectively and research ways to manage them (whether it’s through support, techniques, or changing your mindset).

Plot twist: I teach all of these things (AND MORE) on my courses if you’re unsure.

3. Start Thinking About Your Birth Preferences

It’s never too early to start thinking about what kind of birth you’d like to have. Even if you’re open to how things unfold, having a clear idea of your preferences can help guide your decisions when the time comes.

Actionable Steps:

• Create a “birth preferences” list: This isn’t a rigid birth plan, but more of a flexible guide outlining your wishes for the birth. Think about things like who you’d like in the room, the music you want to play, or your preferred pain relief methods. It’s important to keep it adaptable, so consider including options for different scenarios, like a hospital vaginal birth, an induction, or a caesarean - so you feel prepared no matter what happens.

• Research your options: Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a birth centre, or a home birth, it’s helpful to know what each setting offers. Check out local birth centres or hospitals, and talk to your midwife or healthcare provider about your options.

• Have a conversation with your birth partner: Discuss what kind of birth you both envision. What role would you like your partner to play in supporting you during labour? Get clear on what support you’ll need from them so they can be fully prepared.

4. Build Your Birth Support Team

You don’t have to go through this alone. Surrounding yourself with the right people, whether it’s your partner, a doula, or a trusted friend, can help make your birth experience more positive.

Actionable Steps:

• Consider hiring a doula: A doula can provide emotional and physical support throughout labour and birth. If you’re thinking about hiring one, research local doulas to see if their approach aligns with your needs and budget.

• Talk to close family and friends: Who do you feel most comfortable with when it comes to emotional support? If you'd like a friend or family member involved, have a conversation about how they can help. Whether it’s offering encouragement during labour or assisting with meals, household tasks, or emotional support in the postpartum period. This way, they’ll know exactly how to support you when you need it most.

• Prepare your support team: Beyond your partner or doula, think about who can help with tasks leading up to and after birth, like managing household tasks or offering relaxation techniques in the final weeks. This could include a hypnobirthing teacher (like me!) who can offer courses and support right up to the birth, as well as pregnancy relaxation classes to keep you calm and centred in the weeks before. Building a solid team will help create a peaceful environment for you and your baby.

5. Take It Easy (Seriously!)

As you’re preparing for your birth, it’s easy to get caught up in the to-do lists. But don’t forget the most important preparation: taking care of yourself. Relax, unwind, and listen to your body.

Actionable Steps:

• Prioritise rest: Even if you're early in your pregnancy, it’s important to prioritise rest. If you’re feeling tired, allow yourself to nap, relax, and take things slow. Your body is doing a lot of work, and it’s important to recharge.

• Practice gentle movement: Pregnancy is a great time to start incorporating gentle movements like prenatal yoga, swimming, or walking. These activities will keep you physically healthy and release tension, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease.

• Connect with your body: Spend time each day connecting with your body. This could be through mindful breathing, light stretching, or simply sitting quietly and paying attention to how you’re feeling. The more you tune into your body now, the more in control you’ll feel during labour.

You’ve Got This!

Starting your birth prep early, even in small ways, will set you up for a smoother, more positive experience when the big day arrives. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once - just take it one step at a time, and trust that you’re already on the right path.

If you’d like more support with your birth prep, I’m here for you. Whether it’s through hypnobirthing courses, pregnancy relaxation classes, or just having a chat about your options, let’s make sure you feel calm, confident, and ready for what’s ahead.

Check out my courses here to learn more about how I can support you.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help getting started. You can also book a free 15-minute call with me to discuss how I can support you on your journey. Just pop me a message here.

You’ve got this, and I’m here to help you every step of the way!