How to prepare for labour?

[Sastra]

I have thus far being preparing for labour by completely ignoring the fact that it's going to happen.

How does one prepare? I've got some NHS "parenting classes" coming up, but I don't want to fork out for a private course. I was going to buy a Hypnobirthing book, but the reviews on amazon are really mixed, and there are so many similar ones (sometimes by the same author) that I don't even know how to chose.

How can I prepare myself? I'm an anxious person anyway, so I don't want to alarm myself, but I know I need information so I'm not completely petrified when the time comes.

Hi,
I was the same, not thinking about the birth part of having a baby... then I found some classes on groupon which I joined for 6 weeks, about active birthing. I am glad I went because I found out quite a lot about what actually happens when it happens, and what you can do whilst it happens. I am also going to a couple workshop this weekend so my boyfriend doesn't not feel like a spare part and is a bit prepared.
All very personal choice... I find I learned a lot watching 'midwife' as well!

Hi,
I was the same, not thinking about the birth part of having a baby... then I found some classes on groupon which I joined for 6 weeks, about active birthing. I am glad I went because I found out quite a lot about what actually happens when it happens, and what you can do whilst it happens. I am also going to a couple workshop this weekend so my boyfriend doesn't not feel like a spare part and is a bit prepared.
All very personal choice... I find I learned a lot watching 'midwife' as well!

I did the Marie Mongan Hypnobirthing course (with a midwife) and was calm and fine during labour. I didn't get the nice zen water birth I wanted as I needed an emcs for severe foetal distress, which happened when I was 10cm dilated (frustrating doesn't begin to cover it!!! ) I will use the Hypnobirthing techniques again this time, I found contractions very manageable and was never in agony or frightened. I'm not worried about the birth this time and will be aiming for a normal delivery if possible.

The only thing I'm doing really is reading 'Effective Birth Preparation' by Maggie Howell. I really like it because it really focuses on trusting your body etc. I'm going to read a little bit about the 'what ifs' too just so I don't forget that things don't always smoothly. Plus am reading up on pain relief etc just so I can make informed choices in advance and make sure my husband knows my preferences so he can speak on my behalf. Plus I'm trying to keep physically fit as much as I can (nothing major, just a few stretches every day, and walking) because apparently this labour business can be hard work. But that's it really. Not paying for any courses- balls to that. Cave women didn't have NCT..

Oh, and avoiding negative stories and not watching anything in One Born which involves anyone lying on their back screaming! I'm rather keep safe in my belief that it will be fine.