After a long 40 weeks or so, the time has finally come to meet your new baby. If you’re feeling a bit wobbly about it, don’t worry – we’ve all been there, and we’re here to share all the useful stuff we’ve learned through experience. It’s completely normal to feel a little scared, but just remember there’s lots of help around you.
What the professionals say
"Our bodies know what they’re doing, even if we think they don’t! When you’re relaxed during labour, there are birth hormones that make your womb contract and make your body produce natural pain relief. If you get scared, another hormone - adrenaline - stops your natural pain relief hormones and slows contractions down. Before the birth, try and think about what will keep you calm and relaxed. It might help you have a quicker and less painful birth, with less chance of needing intervention."
Gem Nealon, Midwife, Positive Birth Scotland
"Some mums like to take music in, so you can take your iPod or phone and have special tracks that you want to listen to."
Pamela Murray, Family Nurse Partnership Supervisor
"When you’ve just had a baby there are things you want to be able to say you want, but find it difficult to because you are maybe feeling a little emotional or stressed so your partner can speak up for you and I think that is really important to have someone who knows your views about things."
Val Alexander, Family Nurse Partnership Supervisor
"The best advice I can give is that expectant mums should be prepared to be slightly more flexible with their birth plan if complications arise, or if your chosen hospital doesn't have all the facilities you want. At the end of the day the most important thing is getting baby out safely so it's important to remember that and listen to midwife and doctor’s advice."
Caroline Holde, Family Nurse
More information
For more information on going into labour and giving birth, speak to your midwife. There’s also a lot of useful information at Ready Steady Baby.
