How To Prepare For Labour Naturally

If you’ve done our antenatal classes you’ll already know that preparing for labour isn't just about packing a hospital bag (and if you haven’t, bookings are open!). There are so many ways you can support your body and mind before you give birth. Preparing for labour naturally means supporting your mind and body and your baby’s position, to encourage the physiology of birth to progress naturally. We’ve summarised 5 key things for you to focus on:

1. Keep Your Body Moving

Gentle, regular movement can help you feel stronger and more comfortable during pregnancy. Continuing any gentle exercise you already did prior to pregnancy is a great place to start. Walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga (only if this is something your body is used to, it’s not the time to start learning a new activity), and pelvic floor exercises can all support your physical wellbeing and prepare your body for labour. 

2. Prepare Your Mind for Birth

Understanding how labour works and your rights as a birthing person can help reduce fear, build confidence and learn how to advocate for yourself. It’s important you are able to make informed choices, and feel confident in your decisions, with the support of your birthing partner. Attending antenatal classes will be a great way to learn more about this. Learning breathing techniques, and practising relaxation or hypnobirthing can also be very effective in supporting the natural physiology of birth. If you are able to do so right now, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, hold for a few seconds then gently exhale and let out all the air. And repeat….

3. Support Your Body with Good Nutrition and Rest

The key with nutrition is balance. Those pregnancy cravings can be a real stinger so don’t beat yourself up about eating a sharing size packet of giant Wotsits in one sitting! But if you do, be mindful with your next meal and try to incorporate fruit and vegetables where you can. Hydration is key - your uterus is a muscle that like any other muscle in your body needs to be hydrated in order to do its best. Rest when you can. It can be hard to get a full night’s sleep in those last few weeks of pregnancy in particular, so we encourage you to focus on resting when you can instead. A healthy pregnancy diet, hydration and rest can help you maintain energy levels and support your overall health during the final weeks of pregnancy.

4. Make a Plan (But Stay Flexible)

Think about your birth preferences, pack your hospital bag, and discuss your wishes with your birth partner and maternity team. What would your ideal birth look like? What do you absolutely not want? Having a plan can help you feel more in control, while staying flexible allows you to adapt if things change. If you haven’t already, sign up to our mailing list and receive our FREE downloadable Birth Preferences and Packing List templates.

5. Build Your Support Network

Labour isn't something you have to prepare for alone. Whether it's your birth partner, family, friends, or local antenatal group, having people around you who understand your preferences can make a huge difference. Attending antenatal classes is also a great way to learn about labour, ask questions, and connect with other expectant parents.

Remember, women’s bodies know how to give birth - they’ve been doing it for a VERY long time!