How to prepare for birth

When you prepare for birth, it can seem a bit daunting and overwhelming – some expectant parents do every class and read every book, while others don’t think about it.

In the 20 years as a practitioner, I have helped to prepare hundreds of expectant parents for labour and birth and I have also attended many births. I have a personalised approach to birth – how do you feel about it and what do you need to know? I’m all about a good conversation, so I can ask you questions and answer yours.

know how to use your breathing – so many benefits but, ultimately, it’s what is going to keep you calm

consider all births, not just your ideal birth – it’s not fixed so you have more control if you know more

know where they challenges might be and how you could manage them

be honest with yourself about any fears or worries – otherwise you might carry these concerns into labour with you, which can affect how it unfolds

don’t just go with the flow – this doesn’t give you any power

know how birth works – this underpins everything because it helps to understand what your body is doing

know what can help labour to work and what can get in the way – this means you can develop strategies

a flexible approach makes a difference – try not to be fixed on birth being one way

mindset is everything – are you scared? are you expecting it to be a breeze? do you feel unprepared or confused?

My experience and knowledge means that I have developed a practice that goes beyond information – anyone can give you that – it’s about being at the centre of your care so you have knowledge and skills for strategies, options, assertiveness and empowerment.

I work with all parents – first, second & third time parents; women who are being induced; women who are booked for a caesarean; parents who have experienced loss; women who are classed as high-risk; women who want no drugs and women who want them all!

If you have the tools, the confidence and the support to do birth, you can have more of a say and go into it with more realistic expectations so you can adapt if you need to.