5 Ways To Naturally Prepare For Labour And Birth

Whilst it's impossible to guarantee a natural birth and labour, there are several things that you can do to prepare yourself and have the best possible chance of this.  Here are our top 5 picks of how to naturally prepare to meet your baby.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf has been used for millennia to support women at the end of their pregnancy.  It contains an active compound called fragerine, which has been shown in studies to make pregnant uterus muscles contract. This is why it is believed to prepare uterine muscles to contract and make each contraction more effective once you're in the second stage of labour.  Studies have shown that women who take it from 32 weeks pregnancy statistically have a shorter second stage of labour (where you are pushing).   Whilst it's no guarantee, it's worth a shot, and our award-winning Final Push tea is the most delicious way to drink it!

If you don't like tea, it works great as a cold brew or mocktail with added ingredients!  Check out our recipes for inspiration.

Dates

Dates can not only satisfy a sweet craving that you have, but they are also shown in research to slightly shorten the first stage of labour.  So they're the perfect pairing with a cup of raspberry leaf tea.  Research looked at having 6 dates a day - so do be wary if you have gestational diabetes, but otherwise, you can make them into a delicious snack with nut butter and dark chocolate.

Hypnobirthing

It's important to prepare your mind and not just your body before you have your baby.  Hypnobirthing may sound 'hippie' but it's actually a brilliant approach to birth, encompassing mindfulness techniques, positive affirmation, breathing and also thought processes to help you deal with any issues that may crop up along the road.  One of our favourite hypnobirthing courses, is Birth Box by Pop That Mumma, and you can buy both raspberry leaf tea and this hypnobirthing package as a great way to prepare.

Perineal Massage

Perineal massage can reduce the risk of tearing or need for an episiotomy during birth.  It simply means massaging your perineam - the area between your vulva and anus, using oil.  My Expert Midwife have great step by step instructions to help you navigate the process, and you can start from 35 weeks of pregnancy.

Pelvic Positioning

You can help your baby get into the optimal position for birth in the movements that you do in the build up to labour. Gently bouncing on a yoga ball or kerb walking can help open your pelvis and encourage your baby's head to engage.