Although it is not easy, there are some things you can do to make your birthing experience more pleasant and less stressful. These are the best methods to prepare your body physically for giving birth.
Accept Pain and Understand Its Meaning
You won't find any information about pain-free births if you tried to find them. Birth is always painful. There's no way to avoid it. This is why it's important to embrace it and learn from it, rather than trying to control it. Your body is trying to focus your attention on what is happening so that pain can be felt. It will be easier to bear the pain if you accept it and learn to accept it as a part of birth. You should also know what your options are when it comes pain relief in order to alleviate any anxiety.
Consult a Chiropractor
Your pelvis can become out of alignment during pregnancy. This can cause a lot pain and discomfort and make it harder for your baby to get into labor. A chiropractor can help you align your pelvis during pregnancy to avoid any potential problems. This improves the chance of a safe, easy birth. It also provides benefits for the mother and baby. It may reduce nausea, and it might also decrease back pain.
Keep your body fit
Although I don't recommend you start jogging, the more fit you are the better you can cope with giving birth. It is best to be flexible and healthy. You can try yoga, Pilates, swimming or low-impact aerobics. If you are already active, there is no reason to stop exercising after pregnancy. Talk to your instructor before you start any class. They can adapt the classes for you or offer pregnancy-specific classes. Regular walking is a better option.
You can get plenty of rest
Everyone knows how important it is to get enough rest after giving birth. Your body is about go through a very difficult experience that can last for a long time. Long labor can put a lot of stress on your body. If you don't get enough sleep before the event, it will make things even more difficult.
Try these breathing techniques
It is important to breathe when you are giving birth. This helps you manage stress and pain. It is common for people to take quick, sharp breaths when they are stressed. This is not the right thing. To naturally reduce pain and release endorphins, take deep, long breaths. You will find it easier to manage pain during labor if you practice this before giving birth. Regular practice of breathing will improve your ability to master the technique.
Perineal Massage
Many practitioners recommend perineal massage to prepare your perineum during vaginal birth. This can be done in the last trimester. Be gentle with yourself, and don't stop if you feel it hurt. You can use oils, but it is best to avoid using any fragranced creams or oils that could upset your vaginal pH. Simple olive oil is sufficient. It was easier to do it in the tub. Here is a guide for how to do a perineal massage from the NCT. The use of raspberry leaf tea can help to prevent tears from forming and tone the uterus.
Although you cannot be 100% prepared to give birth, especially for the first time, these tips will help you prepare your body as best you can.
Since every baby grows at his/her own pace, measure the baby's height for the best fit. It is much more accurate than going off of the baby's age. Call us with any questions and we will be happy to help you determine the best fit for your baby.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
Newborn (NB) | 5-8 Ibs. / 2.3-3.6 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
0-3M | 6-12 Ibs. / 3.6-5.4 kg | 21-24 in. / 53.3-61 cm |
0-6M | Up to 16 Ibs. / Up to 7.3 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
3-6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-26 in. / 61-66 cm |
3-9M | 12-20 Ibs. / 5.4-9.1 kg | 24-28 in. / 61-71.1 cm |
6-9M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 26-28 in. / 66-71.1 cm |
12M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 28-30 in. / 71.1-76.2 cm |
18M | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 30-32 in. / 76.2-81.3 cm |
24M / 2T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 32-34 in. / 81.3-86.4 cm |
3T | 32-35 Ibs. / 14.5-15.9 kg | 34-38 in. / 86.4-96.5 cm |
4T | 35-39 lbs. / 15.9-17.7 kg | 38-40 in. / 96.5-101.6 cm |
5T | 39-43 lbs. / 17.7-19.5 kg | 40-44 in. / 101.6-111.8 cm |
Garments are designed to fit snug for child's safety.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-27 in. / 61-68.6 cm |
12M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 27-30 in. / 68.6-76.2 cm |
18M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 30-33 in. / 76.2-83.8 cm |
24M / 2T | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 33-35 in. / 83.8-88.9 cm |
3T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 35-39 in. / 88.9-99.1 cm |
4T | 32-36 Ibs. / 14.5-16.3 kg | 39-42 in. / 99.1-106.7 cm |
5T | 36-42 Ibs. / 16.3-19.1 kg | 42-44 in. / 106.7-111.8 cm |
Size
|
Waist
|
Height
|
---|---|---|
4
|
17-19 inches
|
39-41 inches
|
5
|
19-20 inches
|
41-45 inches
|
6
|
20-22 inches
|
45-46 inches
|
7
|
22-23 inches
|
47-50 inches
|
8
|
23-24 inches
|
50-54 inches
|
10/12
|
24-25 inches
|
54-58 inches
|
14/16
|
25-27 inches
|
58-62 inches
|
18/20
|
27-28 inches
|
62-67 inches
|
Size | Waist | Height |
---|---|---|
4 | 17-19 inches | 39-41 inches |
5 | 19-20 inches | 41-45 inches |
6 | 20-21 inches | 45-46 inches |
6x | 21-22 inches | 46-48 inches |
7/8 | 22-23 inches | 48-52 inches |
10/12 | 23-25 inches | 52-58 inches |
14 | 25-27 inches | 58-61 inches |
16 | 27-29 inches | 61-63 inches |