The belly is getting bigger and bigger, the physical discomfort perhaps more and more. The birth of your child is imminent and you are both wondering how you should go about preparing for the birth? Do you have lots of questions and can't find an answer? Our midwife Katharina explains what is important when preparing for labour, what you absolutely need to know and what you can do without.
Birth preparation: important for both parents
Many parents are unsure, especially with their first child, and don't know how to best prepare for the birth. In addition to the physical stress for the expectant mother, there is also some psychological stress. And for both parents. A birth can drag on for many hours; whole days are not uncommon. The right birth preparation will therefore help both of you to get through the stresses and strains well and even enjoy the birth.
You can imagine a birth like a marathon: you need a lot of stamina, but in the end the long journey is worth it. Every birth begins with contractions, which indicate that the baby is about to be born. The shorter the interval between contractions, the closer the birth is. Once you arrive at the hospital, the midwife in charge will continue to look after you and guide you through the birth. In most cases, a doctor will be called in before the baby arrives and will be present until the end of the labour.
How can I prepare properly for the birth?
A birth can never be completely planned. There are cases where everything goes quickly and without any problems, while other parents have to put in a lot more physical and mental effort before they can hold their miracle in their arms.
But basically four things are important:
- KnowledgeIf both know what happens to the mother-to-be's body and the baby's body during the birth, it is much easier to assess what needs to be done at that moment.
- TrainingThere are various techniques that help the expectant mother to cope better with the stresses and strains of labour. The midwife will show you how to do this in a targeted training programme as part of your birth preparation.
- Breathing techniqueBreathing properly is essential, especially during labour, and helps to make the pain more bearable.
- Mental strengthYou wouldn't believe what the right attitude can achieve. If both parents feel well prepared and up to the situation, this will carry them through the stressful hours of the birth.
Birth preparation is teamwork
Even if you are in a Birth preparation course In the end, it always comes down to the mother and child becoming a team. The father-to-be is of course also an important factor in the birth, but in the end it is the mother who gives birth to the child. She has to endure the physical strain and pain alone. However, the father can play a large part in keeping the use of painkillers to a minimum:
Studies show that the use of painkillers is drastically reduced if the partner competently accompanies the birth. He is therefore also part of the team that you are reluctant to do without. This is why the dad-to-be should also take an active part in preparing for the birth.
Katharina Jeschke, midwife
Another important point during the birth and also in preparation is the Correct communication. Women often shy away from expressing their wishes and needs. They want to be strong and not be a burden to anyone. But this is exactly the wrong approach. Hardly any other event is as physically and emotionally challenging as giving birth. Pregnancy can also be a physical strain for some women. The saying "Pregnancy is not an illness" is true, but pregnancy is still mentally and physically exhausting. After all, a marathon is not an illness either, but training for it is also a real mental and physical challenge. It's the same with giving birth.
Every woman experiences pain differently and every pregnancy is different. While one woman is free of pain and discomfort until the due date, another woman struggles with nausea, pain and other complaints right from the start.
Every expectant mother can express her wishes. However, it is important - especially in the stressful situation of a birth - that she expresses the nature and extent of the need for help as specifically as possible. The father-to-be is often overwhelmed by the situation during the birth - especially if the woman is in pain. Specific instructions on what he can do will help him.
Birth preparation planning
For many parents, it helps to familiarise themselves with the Take notes and to note down any questions about the birth.
"The birth is often planned like a wedding, but the planning is done without the guests - in this case, the child. Things can always turn out differently, and couples should be prepared for this".
Katharina Jeschke, midwife
The better both of you are prepared for the birth, the more autonomously the parents-to-be can act. This ultimately means that you can experience the birth in a very personalised way. Conversely, this also means
The better prepared you both are as a couple for the birth, the less it matters to you that there is a shortage of midwives in the delivery room. As long as the birth proceeds without complications, a midwife's only job is to observe. Only when medical assistance is required do the midwife and hospital staff come into action.
A roadmap for birth preparation
When do I need to book a birth preparation course?
Timingfrom positive pregnancy test
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test in your hands, it's time to look for a midwife. Depending on where you live, this can be a real problem. You can also book a birth preparation course now so that you have enough time to get all your questions answered, practise together with the midwife and clarify any unresolved issues.
Quick answers for pregnant women and new parents: the emergency midwife service
Is an online course worthwhile for birth preparation?
Yes, very much so! You can repeat the individual modules at any time and are not tied down. Often your partner doesn't have time to attend the antenatal course as well. With an online course, the problem is quickly solved: you go at your own pace, whenever you have time. This way, you are both always at the same level of knowledge.
Writing a birth plan
Timingfrom positive pregnancy test
As already mentioned, it helps many parents-to-be to keep a written record of everything related to the birth. The birth plan should include everything that might be forgotten during the stresses and strains of the birth:
- Do I want a PDA?
- What kind of pain medication do I want?
- Should my partner always stay with me during the birth?
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These and other points can be recorded in a birth plan. It is best to keep the birth plan in your maternity pass so that you always have it to hand when you visit the doctor. All open points should be clarified by the 36th week of pregnancy.
Perineal massage before the birth
Timingfrom 36 weeks gestation
The tissue between the vagina and anus is known as the perineum. During labour, pressure and stretching occur here, which can lead to natural tears. This is known as a perineal tear. If the tissue does not tear on its own and the midwife or doctor sees a medical necessity, they can perform an episiotomy. Many guidebooks on preparing for labour therefore recommend a perineal massage.
"Any stimulation of the tissue that stretches more than the body needs during pregnancy does more harm than good."
Our midwife Katharina advises you to be careful with your own body.
In addition, many women find a perineal massage very unpleasant and this is certainly not good preparation for the birth.
Hay flower steam bath to loosen the pelvic floor
Timingfrom 36 weeks gestation
A hay flower steam bath is recommended in many antenatal courses to relax the pelvic floor. The hay flowers are said to relax the muscles and improve blood circulation in the tissue.
"A steam bath to prepare for labour is not necessarily a good idea. Steam is too hot and is not good for the expectant mother. A sitz bath is completely sufficient; there is also nothing to be said against using hay flowers in the bath water."
Our midwife Katharina recommends a sitz bath instead of a steam bath.
Acupuncture from the midwife
Timingfrom 36 weeks gestation
Many midwives now also offer acupuncture to prepare for labour. The Chinese healing method is intended to prepare the expectant mother physically and psychologically for the birth.
"Whether acupuncture can help prepare for labour has not been proven. But it makes the woman dependent on the specialist and her personal financial circumstances."
Katharina Jeschke, midwife
This type of preparation for the birth is not covered by statutory health insurance and must therefore be paid for out of your own pocket.
Raspberry leaf tea for smoother contractions
Timingfrom 36 weeks gestation
From the 36th week of pregnancy Raspberry leaf tea help to make labour a little easier. It promotes blood circulation, loosens the pelvic floor and the uterus, softens the cervix and is said to help prevent an episiotomy. The effect has not yet been scientifically confirmed, but the tea is considered an effective means of preparing for labour.
Schüssler salts against complaints
TimingFrom the 36th week of pregnancy or when complaints arise
The use of Schüssler salts to prepare for labour must be discussed with the midwife. Depending on the symptoms, an individualised combination is necessary.
Homeopathic remedies are not birth preparation
In contrast to Schüssler salts, homeopathic remedies are not suitable for preparing for labour.
"Homeopathic remedies are a medicine, they are intended to treat illnesses. However, preparation for birth is not a disease. These remedies are only necessary if the preparation needs therapeutic support."
Our midwife Katharina
Aromatherapy for relaxation
TimingFrom the 36th week of pregnancy or earlier
The last few weeks before the birth can be particularly stressful. There is still a lot to do, mobility is restricted and everyday life can become increasingly stressful. Our midwife Katharina therefore swears by aromatherapy for relaxation. Your partner can also help here or relax too. However, massages should be discussed with the midwife beforehand, as there are areas of the body that trigger contractions in some women. These should not be stimulated by massage during pregnancy.
Yoga for more strength and stability
Timing: possible at any time
Many midwife practices offer yoga classes for pregnant women and then also focus on birth preparation. In principle, the expectant mother can do almost all the exercises until the baby is head down in the pelvis. Once the baby is lying head down, some exercises are no longer recommended as the baby could turn again. It is best to discuss which exercises are suitable with your midwife.
Haptonomic birth preparation for early bonding
Timing: possible at any time
As part of this very special birth preparation programme, the parents-to-be attend several sessions with a trained therapist or midwife. There they learn how to feel and establish very intensive contact with the baby through cradling movements or belly touches.
Bureaucracy before the birth
TimingFrom the 20th week of pregnancy
Once the baby arrives, the world turns upside down and the hormones in the woman's body go crazy. That's why midwives recommend completing all the bureaucratic paperwork before the birth and filling out forms so that you only have to enter the date of birth and the baby's name later. Expectant parents should prepare these and other forms and have stamped envelopes ready:
- Recognition of paternity (if the couple is not married)
- Register parental leave with your employer
- Maternity benefit
- Pre-fill parental leave application
- Application for family health insurance
- Apply for child allowance & child benefit
Birth preparation for siblings
TimingFrom the 12th week of pregnancy
Depending on the age of the first child, it makes sense to start preparing for a sibling as early as possible. Various books and films can help here. The midwife can also help to gently prepare the older sibling for the new family member.
Pack your hospital bag
Timingfrom 36 weeks gestation
When labour starts, the hospital bag should already be packed for both parents. Especially with the first child, your thoughts are not necessarily where you want them to be. That's why both mum and dad should have their hospital bag packed by the 36th week of pregnancy.
Preparing for the postpartum period
Timingfrom 36 weeks gestation
The postpartum period helps the mother to recover and should help both parents to get used to the new situation. Nothing is the same as before, spontaneous errands or preparing dinner in the evening now require completely new structures. In addition, the mother needs to recover from the birth and the body now also needs a lot of rest. Parents therefore set the rules during the postpartum period. Nobody has to receive visitors, nobody has to do anything. There is only a "must" for examinations by the paediatrician, gynaecologist and home visits by the midwife. This is why the postpartum period should also be well prepared.
