Last minute labour advice for first time mum!

[lydiangel83]

Hi all

It’s 12 days to my due date and whilst there may be loads of these posts already I just thought I’d try and see any last minute advice for first time Mum! I’m 34.5 years old, low risk pregnancy aiming for Midwife led care. I know every labour is different but any tips welcome! :)

[weasledee]

Gas and air tip:
When I first put the mouthpiece in and started breathing it made me sick. It’s the force of the gas on the back of the throat. So on my second attempt I put the mouthpiece under my tongue a bit to get use to it! Its amazing stuff and helped me loads!
Good luck and let us know how it went

[lydiangel83]

Great tip thank you @weasledee will do :)

[sourpatchkid]

Move around as much as you, use that bouncy ball if they have it (you might want one at home for early labour)

[silkpyjamasallday]

I second the Pilates ball! Got me from 4am-7pm without pain relief bouncing around on it. Get one for at home.

The more relaxed you are the quicker it will be over, cortisol released when you are stressed slows everything down. Just try to stay calm (I know it's hard) and keep moving, I went on a long walk which was good as it made the waiting less dull.

Pack way more snacks and drinks than you think you need, DP ate most of mine unbenknownst to me, I was so out of it after giving birth I rejected the offers of toast from the midwives and no one told me there was a little kitchen on the ward. I was bloody starving with only two packs of jelly tots to get me through the night.

Listen to the midwives when they tell you to stop pushing and pant, I avoided any tearing by doing this (and using tons of almond oil on my perineum for weeks beforehand)

[OuchBollocks]

Do your best to relax, but remember that things can and often do go other than according to plan. It isn't your fault or a failure if you end up with an episiotomy/forceps/drip/emcs.

Also make sure your birthing partner has a huge bag of pound coins for parking and the vending machines. If you have a long-ish labour both of you may want cold drinks (I loved the apple ribena)