The Ultimate Labor & Postpartum Guide: Best Advice for New Mums
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I soaked up every piece of advice I could find about labor. Some of it was helpful, and some of it… well, let’s just say it made me more nervous than necessary. After going through labor three times now, I’ve collected some nuggets of wisdom that I wish I’d known the first time around. I’m here to share the best labor advice ever—the kind that’s practical, comforting, and totally doable. And because the postpartum period is just as important as labor itself, I’ll also share my must-have essentials for recovery.
1. Labor Starts in the Mind: Prepare Yourself Mentally
Before my first labor, I thought being physically ready was the most important thing. But I quickly realized that the mental game is just as crucial. Labor can be unpredictable, and going in with a flexible mindset helps so much.
Here’s what worked for me:
Educate Yourself: Take a birthing class or watch online videos about the stages of labor. Understanding what’s happening to your body can make the process less scary.
Practice Visualization: Picture yourself going through labor calmly and confidently. I used to imagine myself holding my baby at the end, which kept me motivated during the toughest contractions.
Learn Breathing Techniques: Deep, slow breaths were my go-to for staying grounded. My mantra became, “Breathe in strength, breathe out fear.”
Personal story: During my second labor, I panicked when contractions intensified. My husband reminded me to breathe, and suddenly, the pain felt more manageable. It wasn’t gone, but I was back in control.
2. Surround Yourself with the Right Support
The people you choose to have by your side during labor make a huge difference. For me, it was my husband and a doula. Doulas are amazing because they offer continuous support and know how to advocate for you when you’re focused on labor.
Some tips for building your support team:
Communicate Your Preferences: Share your birth plan (even if it’s simple) with your partner and anyone else in the room.
Ask for Encouragement: Let your support people know how they can help. For me, it was hearing things like, “You’re doing so great,” and “You’re one step closer to meeting your baby.”
Personal story: With my third baby, my best friend came into the room to hold my hand when I hit transition. Her calming presence was exactly what I needed.
3. Move, Move, Move!
Labor is not the time to lie still (unless you’re too exhausted, which is totally okay). Moving helps your baby get into the right position and can make contractions more effective. Some positions that worked wonders for me:
Swaying on a Birth Ball: The gentle motion eased my back pain.
Leaning Forward: I draped myself over the bed or counter to take pressure off my lower back.
Squatting or Kneeling: These positions opened up my pelvis and helped the baby descend.
Personal story: With my first labor, I stayed in bed because I didn’t know better. By my second, I spent hours swaying and rocking, and it made the process feel so much smoother.
4. Listen to Your Body
Every labor is unique, and your body will guide you if you listen closely. Some things to tune into:
Your Instincts: If a position feels wrong, change it. If you feel like pushing, tell your care team.
Your Energy Levels: Rest when you can, even if it’s just between contractions.
Hunger and Thirst: If your care provider allows it, light snacks and sips of water can keep your energy up.
Personal story: I’ll never forget the nurse who brought me popsicles during labor. It was such a small thing, but it gave me the boost I needed to keep going.
5. Pain Relief Options: You Have Choices
Labor pain is real, but you don’t have to suffer through it without support. Whether you go the natural route or use medical pain relief, the key is to do what feels right for you.
Natural Options: Breathing, counter-pressure, water therapy (a warm shower or tub), and visualization can all help.
Medical Options: Epidurals, nitrous oxide, or IV medications are available in most hospitals. Don’t feel guilty if you choose them.
Personal story: I went unmedicated for my second labor but opted for an epidural with my third. Both were the right choices for me at the time, and both births were beautiful.
6. Postpartum Prep: It’s Just as Important
Once the baby arrives, the focus often shifts entirely to them. But your recovery matters too. Here’s what I always include in my postpartum essentials:
Peri Bottle: The hospital provides one, but a fancy angled one is a game-changer.
Maxi Pads or Adult Diapers: Bleeding can be heavy, so stock up.
Nipple Cream and Nursing Pads: If you’re breastfeeding, these are lifesavers.
Snacks and Water Bottles: Breastfeeding makes you ravenous and thirsty.
Comfortable Clothing: Loose pajamas and high-waisted underwear were my staples.
Personal story: After my first birth, I underestimated how much I’d need postpartum supplies. By my third, I had a basket in every bathroom with everything I might need.
7. Embrace the Unexpected
Labor rarely goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay. The best thing you can do is stay flexible and trust that you’re in good hands.
Have a Birth Plan, But Be Open: It’s great to know your preferences, but remember that safety comes first.
Let Go of Perfection: The goal is a healthy mum and baby, not a picture-perfect birth.
Celebrate Every Step: Whether it’s getting through a contraction or pushing your baby out, every moment is worth celebrating.
Personal story: I planned for a natural water birth with my first, but when complications arose, I ended up needing interventions. At first, I felt disappointed, but holding my healthy baby in my arms made it all worth it.
Final Thoughts
Labor is an incredible, life-changing experience. It’s intense, messy, and magical all at once. By preparing mentally, surrounding yourself with support, and listening to your body, you can navigate it with confidence and grace. And don’t forget—the postpartum period is a time to heal and bond with your baby, so give yourself plenty of grace and care.
Looking back, I’m so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned through each of my labors. Every birth taught me something new, and I’m honored to share this advice with you. You’ve got this, mama!
