10 TIPS FOR NORMAL DELIVERY

A “normal” delivery is one in which no surgical procedure is involved. It is a vaginal birth, whether it’s assisted or induced. A “normal” delivery stimulates lactation and is better for both the mother and the child. However, there is no shame in needing a caesarian section to deliver a baby if the circumstances call for it. The most important thing is for both mother and baby to be safe and healthy through labor and delivery.

How can I increase my chances of normal delivery?

You can boost your chances of having a normal delivery by 

• Staying active throughout pregnancy and building your stamina and physical endurance to undergo labour with ease 
• Learning about the process of labour and signs of when to leave for the hospital
• Learning how to breastfeed and taking care of your newborn through an online class

Normal Delivery Tips – How to prepare for a normal delivery? 

These 10 tips for pregnant women will help you prepare for a normal delivery.

1. Be motivated for a normal delivery

• You need to be confident about the desire for a normal birth, as that will shape your journey.
• Read up about normal birth and understand how it is safer for the mother and baby.
• Babies born vaginally have lower risks of respiratory problems at birth. They also have lower risk of developing diabetes, asthma and obesity in later life.
• A cesarean section puts the mother at increased risk of serious complications in future pregnancies or surgery.

2. Reduce Stress

• Maternal stress is associated with preterm birth and low birthweight.
• Managing your stress throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and have a better outcome during labor and childbirth.
•  Try to avoid negative situations that make you uncomfortable, and keep company with people who are friendly and kind.
• It is advisable to avoid stress, anxiety, and random thoughts because negative emotions can turn the process of childbirth into a nightmare.
• You may also consider meditation or yoga to remain calm and positive.
• You may not be able to avoid stress entirely, but you can make sure that you deal with it in a positive manner instead of suppressing it.

3. Eat Healthy

Giving birth requires that you be at your best. Eating healthy during pregnancy should be a priority.

• Choose to eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meats and dairy.
• You want foods that are high in antioxidants and vitamins. Eat a rainbow of colors, especially dark green leafy vegetables, kale, spinach and broccoli, blueberries, ripe papaya and citrus add lovely color to your plate.
• Include foods that are high in iron, tofu, broccoli, spinach.
• Reduce your overall sugar intake.
• Avoid foods recommended by your doctor. Organ meats, some seafood and street food are often recommended to avoid during pregnancy.
• In addition to eating well, take prenatal vitamins to make sure your body is getting extra nutrients required by your body and for the developing baby.

4. Exercise Regularly

• Exercise is important to your overall health, but throughout pregnancy, exercise offers even more benefits.
• First, it increases your stamina, letting you stay strong during labor and childbirth.
• Moving during pregnancy also helps get the baby into the right position.
• You don’t have to run a marathon. Do things you enjoy. Dance, take a walk around the lake, just check with your healthcare provider about any limitations to make sure you stay safe.
• If you’ve led a sedentary lifestyle, start with a 10–15-minute walk and gradually increase it to 40 minutes daily.
• Exercise helps you build the strength that is required to go through labour.

5. Educate Yourself About Childbirth

• Knowledge is power, so you should continue to research.
• Read books that tell you what to expect throughout labor and birthing,
• Take a childbirth class, talk to other women who you trust to get input on their experience.
•  However, try to avoid horror stories about childbirth.
• You will also want to talk to your doctor about your concerns instead of letting them fester.
• If you start to get overwhelmed, it could mean you have too much information.
• Slow down and process what you learn before consuming more.

6. Get Enough Sleep

• When you’re pregnant, it can be even more difficult to get enough sleep to keep your body from feeling fatigued. Women often have sleep disorders that are made worse by their pregnancy.
•  Pregnant woman must get 8-10 hours of undisturbed sleep.
• Getting good sleep is essential for the healthy and proper growth of the baby and also to keep your mind calm.
• Sound sleep helps in relieving all the tiredness and fatigue that has been caused the whole day to the mother. Find ways to cope with sleep issues to make sure your body gets enough rest.

• Lying on your left side with a pillow between your knees and another under your abdomen can take pressure off your lower back.
• If you do have to get up at night to use the bathroom, try to do as little as possible to arouse your mind and body. Use a nightlight instead of turning on the light. Don’t check your phone.
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day and avoid spicy foods in the evening to prevent heartburn.
• If you can’t sleep, get up and do something relaxing instead of trying to force it. Reading a book, crocheting or taking a warm bath may help you unwind.
• Avoid caffeine-containing products like tea or coffee two hours before going to sleep which helps to have an undisturbed sleep.
• Unplug from your phone about an hour before bed. Electronics can be stimulating, which make it harder to go to sleep.

7. Build a Support System

• Your partner and you should be on the same page about having a “normal” birthing.
• Choose people to be with you in labor who support your decision about a “normal” childbirth.

8. Stay Hydrated

• Water is important to your baby’s development, so it’s important to be drinking enough water throughout your pregnancy and labor.
• Have plenty of water during pregnancy and make sure to drink at least 8 -10 glasses of water daily. This helps to prevent urinary tract infections which pregnant women are prone to.
•  You may also want to limit your caffeine intake, because caffeine acts like a diuretic, causing you to urinate more often.
• Try to avoid strenuous exercise and overheating, because those things can cause you to lose more water through sweat.
• If you are sweating a lot, drink more water.

9. Trust yourself

• Women’s bodies are designed to give birth.
• Trust your instincts to guide you through labour.
• Do your labour exercises, practice deep breathing, and focus on the baby.
• For generations, births took place in homes with support from family members.
•  Most well-prepared women should expect to go through labour without any complications.
• Normal birth is normal and all healthy women with an uncomplicated pregnancy deserve to have one.

10. Choose a doctor with a high normal delivery rate

It is a sad fact that many doctors look for convenience and convince mothers to have a C-section. So, it is important to choose a doctor who will manage your pregnancy appropriately.

• Make sure your doctor and the clinic have a good rate of normal delivery.
• Talk to your doctor about their views on normal delivery.