Birth preparation

[ALew15]

Hi, FTM here and 29 weeks.
I was wondering what everyone is doing to prepare for birth? I have downloaded The Positive Birth Company's online hypnobirthing course which has been fab at explaining the breathing and choices to make during labour.
Is it worth doing perinium massage?
Any tips and tricks welcome

@ALew15
Hello!!
I'm 33 weeks and I've just ordered perinium oil as they say to do it from 34 weeks.... I've heard really good things about it and it will reduce the chances of tearing.
I've watched a few great YouTube videos on the first two stages of labour (I don't want graphic videos, just facts.)
I've got my hospital bag ready - just for peace of mind.
And I've started doing exercises on an exercise ball - just to make the pelvis more flexible! Xx

Hypnobirthing is great, it was brilliant for me. If you haven't read Ina May Gaskin's books I highly recommend them for positive birth stories and useful information.

I downloaded the positive birth company pack when I had my second (I lost the plot a bit first time round and didn't want a repeat performance) All the breathing techniques really helped me feel calm through the contractions. I labour quickly so from 6-10 the pain hyped up really quickly and I couldn't have an epidural as I was so quick. With the PBC method I breathed out my son in the birth pool. My key point to remember for the birth was to listen to the midwife with regards to what type of push to do and when. My first I tore because my midwife said "she's nearly out just pant and do little pushes" and I decided that to get her out I would just do one huge push which caused me to tear and need stitches. With my second I did the right type of pushes when I was told and had no tearing. Wishing you all the best for the birth 😊

I did the perineum massage - FTM so not sure if it worked, but i only tore a slight bit with some grazes. I needed 1 stitch, they wasnt even sure whether to stitch or leave it but they did it just to be safe. I thought i was going to tear from front to back as im quite petite and always struggled with 'tightness' during sex etc.

I drank Raspberry Leaf Tea the second time, gallons of it. The MW asked if I'd been drinking it, she said she could tell. Baby was delivered in less than 5 hours from first contraction so it's definitely worth a try