Six Tips to Thrive In Early Labour
For a lot of women, especially for first timers, the latent phase (early labour) can last a while, so here are my top tips to ensure you thrive like the queens you are
1. Stay Hydrated
Making sure you’re hydrated is so important to ensure your body and mind is well nourished throughout labour. Adding electrolytes to your water or drinking coconut water helps maintain energy levels and support your uterine muscles. Little and often is the key! Having a steel straw or a water bottle with a built in straw can make it easier to sip water with as little effort as possible and avoid glugging back too much in one go!
2. Boost Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the composer of labour, so we want plenty of it! Commonly known as the love hormone, Oxytocin truly is bespoke to you. Whatever brings you that warm and fuzzy feeling, invite it in! Some people find binge watching Friends brings them that familiar lightness or perhaps listening to their favourite music whilst having a bath. There is no right or wrong here, just what works for you.
3. Carb up!
Many describe labour like a marathon, mentally and physically, and what is a must before a marathon? Fuel! Ensuring you’ve had a good, hearty, carby meal can be so beneficial in giving your body the energy it needs to be in it for the long run. Carbs such as pasta and potato are grounding foods, perfect to bring comfort and warmth.
4. Bake a cake
Traditionally it is said that women would bake a cake in the early stages of labour, fondly nicknamed a ‘groaning cake’. It would include certain spices that once cooked would omit a smell that were said to ease the mothers discomfort.
Baking can be therapeutic, it isn’t too taxing and doesn’t require a huge amount of attention if you’re experiencing surges.
It’s also the perfect way to ensure you’ll have a delicious treat after giving birth! Those around you may be thankful too, particularly if you’re having a Homebirth. A fine way to keep your mind occupied!
5. Invest in your rest
The most common thing people tend to do when going into labour is feel like they should go on a hike to try and speed things up but in reality, your body is needing as much rest as possible. Even though some have short fast labours, you want to be prepared to be in it for the long haul – being tired before you even get going is not ideal. So, get comfy and hunker on down!
A warm bath can do wonders to relax the body and mind too.
6. Don’t overthink it
This is the hardest one! You’ve been waiting 9 months for this beautiful soul to come earth side, of course you’re going to be excited!
But giving those first surges all the attention in the world isn’t going to bring them in quicker, most likely you’ll start to hyper focus and use energy unnecessarily.
Best advice – pretend it’s not even happening! Distract yourself and crack on with day to day life, with the secret knowledge that baby will be coming very soon.
There are so many other tips to get through this, but these are my go tos! And remember, you’re not alone in this, many women have walked this path before simply by trusting that inner knowing and intuition.
Contact me below for a free connection call to chat about how I can walk alongside you on this journey ❤️✨
