Breeze through Labor with my Top 5 Tips!

I have received hundreds of emails asking for advice to help you get through labor and delivery. So here it is, more tips to help you increase your confidence and hopefully get through an easy labor (just like I did!).

And the very first place to start is with your mind! You absolutely MUST MUST MUST get your mind on board. Most people don't realize just how POWERFUL the mind is and how much can be accomplished when you have your MIND on your side.

Think positive thoughts, visualize your end result, listen to relaxing music - even talk yourself into an easy labor. Remember, just as you've talked yourself "into" your labor fears, you CAN also talk yourself "OUT" of them (I did it, and it works!).

Actually, learning to talk your mind "into" or "out of" things is a great skill - and not only for labor. Try talking a 17 month old into brushing her teeth - being persuasive is a real art that will carry you through labor, delivery, motherhood and beyond!

Some other useful labor techniques that I also highly recommend:

1. Use a body ball to sit, lean on, hug, even squat against - it's comfortable and encourages positive movement.

2. Take a shower if you can (I found the warm water REALLY helped ease the pain!).

3. Create a relaxing environment (music, candles, massage - whatever works!).

4. Move around as much as possible (this should decrease the length of your labor!). If you're stuck in a small hospital room – be creative and take advantage of every little corner!

5. Really concentrate on LISTENING to your body and DON'T be frightened - fear WILL only keep you rigid - the exact opposite of how you want to be during your labor - that is of course, if you want a quick and easy one :)

And most importantly...

Leave your expectations outside the delivery room!

Try not to have any expectations about how you're going to perform (i.e. wanting to deliver naturally), this will put PRESSURE on you - and you DON'T need it! Rather, just take it one minute at a time and do your best, you'll get MUCH better results.

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