Labor and childbirth can be daunting, and having a baby is a big change in your life; also, the first few weeks of your baby’s life can make you feel overwhelmed at times. Preparing for birth beforehand can help you be more relaxed during labor and birth, and can give you a breather after the baby comes so you can enjoy it.

The following are some helpful tips that can help prepare for birth:

Gain Knowledge

Learning everything you can about labor and birth can be very helpful in reducing the fear and anxiety you may be having. Talk to your doctor about delivery options, available pain management methods, and what devices might be used during delivery, and make a list of your preferences. This will help you feel in control when the time comes.

Discuss Care

Talk with your partner about how you will divide responsibilities after the baby is born. Your partner definitely knows that you need help after giving birth, so make sure to discuss what kind of help you want and what is to be expected when the baby comes.

Ask Others for Help

You can also ask other people around for help if you feel that you and your partner cannot go at it alone in the first few weeks. It is best for parents to take care of their child on their own so they can learn, and any outside help from other people should focus on house chores and responsibilities, such as cooking and shopping. Arrange for outside help if you need it before birth, so you do not have to worry about it when your hands are full after birth.

Stay Positive

Negative comments and ideas about how painful labor and childbirth is can actually make you feel more pain when the time comes. Try to change the subject when people around you start talking about how painful it all is. Stay positive and do not allow negative thoughts to seep in.

Learn Your Fears

If you feel frightened about anything regarding labor or birth, act early to eliminate or find a way to deal with what scares you. Discuss your fears with your doctor and work together to find ways to deal with them.

Prepare for the Moment

Discuss the signs of labor with your doctor and learn how to recognize them. Have a bag ready containing everything you need when you are at the hospital and do not postpone this until you are in labor.