I’m a midwife – the things all expectant mums should do before giving birth but hardly anyone does it
PREPARING for a newborn can be pretty daunting – particularly if it’s your first time giving birth. It’s never too early to start preparing for labour and there are a few things all pregnant women should be doing – even though many don’t. Midwife Marley Hall, author of Midwife Marley’s Guide, helps to educate families […]
PREPARING for a newborn can be pretty daunting – particularly if it’s your first time giving birth.
It’s never too early to start preparing for labour and there are a few things all pregnant women should be doing – even though many don’t.
Midwife Marley Hall, author of Midwife Marley’s Guide, helps to educate families about everything from pregnancy and birth all the way through to parenting.
She has built up a following of 129,000 followers on Instagram thanks to her useful tips and has now shared her expertise with Fabulous.
According to Marley, most of your knowledge should be learned before you give birth and you should use your pregnancy as a time to brush up on your skills.
She tells Fabulous: “Get a head start on preparing for and learning about baby development. In pregnancy, most people just focus on the birth rather than looking after their baby.”
“Once the baby is born, many find they have less time to research things like the fourth trimester, weaning onto solids, baby-proofing the home etc.
“It’s good to know what to expect beforehand so that it doesn’t come as a shock.”
Odette Abououf, a consulting independent midwife and co-founder of wellbeing range Mummy’s Organics adds: “Preparation for birth is a little like preparing for a marathon, so lots of rest, sleep and conserving energy is best.”
Most read in Parenting
DURING PREGNANCY
Perineal Massage
For the last six weeks of pregnancy, expectant mums should try attempting a perineal massage.
This helps to prepare the birth passage for your baby’s head and body by stretching the perineal tissues.
Marley explains: “Studies have shown massaging the perineum for the last 6 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of perineal tears and the need for an episiotomy – a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth.”
Odette, who specialises in natural birth, agrees saying it doesn’t hurt to start as early as 32 weeks along.
“Doing it about three times a week will help to reduce your chances of a perineal tear into muscle, which is a second-degree tear,” she explains.
Don’t forget to eat
Eating dates in the lead up to your due date – about four to six a day – can actually help prepare your cervix for birth, according to Marley.
“Sweet potatoes may have a similar effect on ripening the cervix,” she says.
But Odette says most women forget to eat once they begin labour and this will make the birth much harder.
She says: “Many women worry about opening their bowels during labour. If you don’t eat, your uterus (which has a large muscle) will not work as efficiently and may slow down or stop altogether.”
Gather your village
You’ve heard the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and that usually starts from birth.
Marley stresses the importance of gathering your people before you bring your baby home.
This can mean ensuring your friends or family are available to help or experts when you need advice.
Marley, who has five kids of her own, says: “If you’re planning on breastfeeding, find out where your local breastfeeding support services are and how to contact the infant feeding team at the hospital.
“Many women who encounter problems in the early days, don’t know where to turn to for help. Having a number on speed dial could be invaluable.”
What’s more, you should learn about “the biomechanics of birth” the mum-of-five adds, and speak to a midwife or another expert if you’re unsure of what that means.
Contrary to popular belief, Marley says: “Having your knees in, ankles out when pushing your baby out may open the pelvic outlet better than having your legs wide open with ankles inwards.”
DURING LABOUR
Odette offered some additional tips for mums during labour.
She says: “When active labour starts, being active and leaning forwards over cushions, a beanbag or a gym ball will help labour progress faster, easier and less painful.”
And finally, the midwife with over 20 years of experience says it’s important for women to remain “calm and relaxed” the entire time.
“The labour hormone, (also known as a shy hormone) Oxytocin, works more efficiently if you are calm, relaxed, warm, drinking and eating regularly and not mentally overstimulated,“ she explains.
“To encourage this, wear a sleep mask, headphones, listen to calming music, keep warm, take a big bottle of water and snacks with you.’
For more childbirth tips, a midwife reveals what you should avoid while in the labour room.
Plus, a midwife shares how to actually help babies with trapped wind, rubbing their belly won’t help.
One mum-to-be reveals her face swelled so much during pregnancy she looked like a different person.
FABULOUS BINGO: GET A £5 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED