Positive birth preparation

[Uhohmummy]

Hi I'm finally on maternity leave and looking for some tips on how to prepare positively for birth. I had a bad birth experience with DD1 but would love it to be better this time.
The kind of things I'm thinking of doing over the next 6 weeks are: yoga dvd, acupuncture, reflexology, hypnotherapy cds, birth books such as Ina May Gaskill's.
It would to hear of any specific recommendations of what is helping others.

I'm birth partner for my friend who's due her first baby in a few weeks, and joined her for part of a birth workshop; it was great, she felt empowered, informed and ready for anything by the end of the day. We explored all sorts, from when to go to hospital, to birth plans, choices, hypnobirthing etc.
It was run by a very experienced pregnancy yoga teacher, maybe check your local yoga studios and see if there's something similar in your area?

I've had three babies, and while I took a few pregnancy yoga classes, and went to the antenatal classes in my local maternity hospital, I wish I'd done a workshop like this.

I had reflexology during late pregnancy, and it was wonderful, I felt incredibly comfortable and relaxed after.

A doula may be a great support for you. In general it's about listening to your body, going with labour rather than fighting against it and feeling safe and secure where you are, so you can feel supported and focus in birthing. Good luck 💟