As an OBGYN who's been through three births myself, I've experienced labor from both sides of the delivery bed. Whether this is your first birth experience or you're a seasoned mom heading into your fourth delivery, these evidence-based tips combine medical expertise with real-mom experience.
Tip #1: Birth Is Your Beginning, Not Your Finish Line
I remember sitting in my office, 38 weeks pregnant with my first, realizing something crucial: we spend so much time preparing for birth, but it's just the gateway to motherhood. It's like meticulously planning for a flight but not considering what you'll need at your destination.
This mindset shift is powerful: if you see birth as the destination, you'll be ill-equipped for all that comes swooshing in the moment after your baby is born. Think of birth as your trans-Atlantic flight to Motherhood. Yes, it might be long, and there could be turbulence, but it's not your final destination – it's your beginning.
Tip #2: Upright Positioning Can Transform Your Labor
Research consistently shows that staying upright during early labor can both shorten your labor and increase your chances of a vaginal delivery. You don't need to be standing the entire time. After 12 hours of labor, I developed a rhythm that worked for me: sitting to rest between contractions, then standing and swaying through each surge. The key is finding your own movement pattern that feels right.
Tip #3: The Home Advantage
With my daughter's birth, we actually baked what we called a "Birth Day Cake" during early labor. It sounds silly, but that comfortable, familiar environment helped me stay relaxed during those initial hours. It was both a great distraction and an even better post-delivery treat. Unless medically indicated otherwise, early labor at home can be more comfortable and help you progress naturally.
Tip #4: Getting Hands-On With Birth
Here's something they don't always tell you: placing your hand on baby's head during pushing can be incredibly empowering. During my births, this physical connection helped me push more effectively. Some people prefer using a mirror for visual feedback. And yes, I know some people feel there's an "ick factor" here, but remember – you'll be kissing that baby's head moments after birth! You can always ask for a glove if it makes you more comfortable.
Tip #5: The Art of Crowning
Talk to your provider about this in advance if possible. Unless baby’s heart rate is down, or there is another emergency, there is no reason to rush crowning. Though the data is mixed, I’m a firm believer that slowly easing out your baby’s head can reduce tearing.
Tip #6: Warm Compresses: A Simple But Powerful Tool
Evidence-based research supports using warm compresses and perineal massage during labor. I've seen these simple techniques make a remarkable difference in reducing tearing, both personally and professionally. It's a straightforward intervention with potentially significant benefits.
Tip #7: Your Position, Your Power
The most empowering moment in my last birth came when I listened to my body and pushed in the position that felt right for me. There's no "correct" position to give birth in - there's only the position that makes YOU feel most powerful. Trust your instincts here.
Remember-
Every birth story is unique. These tips aren't rules – they're tools in your birth toolkit. Use what resonates with you and leave what doesn't. I'm wishing you an empowering and healthy birth, followed by a rested, supported, and loving postpartum period.
Sources:
- Lawrence et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013
- Aasheim et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011
- American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Clinical Experience as an OBGYN
