Heading to the hospital, or setting up a birthing station at home? Scheduled a C-section, or preparing for vaginal delivery? Whatever your preferences and plans, there are a few basic things that can go a long way in ensuring the most positive experience for all involved…
Assemble the Right Team
You need to have people around you who you feel supported by. It’s important to remember that, while a midwife and your doctor both have important roles to play in your delivery, each will approach the birthing process quite differently.
It can also be helpful to see a pelvic physiotherapist during your pregnancy, and when preparing for delivery. Going into birth understanding your pelvic floor is fundamental to the process, as well as to your recovery.
A little insight into the pelvic floor: it creates a synergy between the back, abdominal muscles, and hips for daily movement. It supports the bladder, bowel, and uterus, and helps to keep these organs in place. It also plays a role in pain-free and pleasurable sex, and in the maintenance of continence (i.e. to keep you from ‘leaking’!).
A specialised physiotherapist can also assist with all the pregnancy aches and pains leading up to the birth, helping you to modify your exercise and daily activities to reduce discomfort, as well as to adjust and support your bladder and bowel habits during this time.
Other invaluable pregnancy and birthing preparation team members can include a psychologist, dietician, lactation specialist, yoga and Pilates instructor, and a doula, to name just a few.
Preparing for a C-Section
When readying your body and mind for a C-section, you won’t be preparing for labour, but for major abdominal surgery. Being physically active during your pregnancy can put you at a significant advantage, and aid recovery. 150 minutes of low-to-moderate exercise a week is ideal. Many women opt for pre-natal yoga and Pilates, which they know to be safe during pregnancy.
Although you won’t be going into labour, practising mindful breathing in the lead-up to the procedure can help you to calm your mind, connect to the present, and let go of excess anxiety and fear. Asking your healthcare provider about the possibility of bringing your own music to the delivery room can further help to put you at ease.
Your pelvic physiotherapist can educate you on supportive movement, as well as on how to deal with things like coughing, using the bathroom, bed mobility, and general daily activities post-delivery.
Planning a C-section gives you ample time to prepare and make all the necessary appointments. You can also set boundaries around your time, as well as prepare meals in advance, set up a hydration station, delegate household chores, etc. Have open discussions with your partner and/or support structure beforehand, and remember to be realistic about your limitations post-surgery.
A few post-partum essentials after C-section delivery include:
- High-waisted, soft cotton underwear or adult diapers
- A towel/pillow as a buddy support
- A peri bottle
- Compression stockings
- A squatty potty
- A belly band
- A hydration and snack station
- A happy hugger