I was really scared when I realized I was going to give birth to our child. I had heard so many people say that it hurts unimaginably – but that you won’t die from it, even though it may feel that way. It scared me, but I didn’t want my fear to control how I approached the birth. So I decided to prepare myself thoroughly and practice giving birth so that I could face the big day with peace of mind and confidence in my body.

My preparation quickly turned out to be a great advantage. From about the fifth month until my due date, I slowly turned my fear into faith in myself, my body's ability, and my cooperation with my baby during labor. I began to look forward to the birth! I was excited to experience how my body was designed to bring our little girl into the world, and I looked forward to working through the labor in the safe surroundings of home with my boyfriend and my mother.


Breathing and relaxation
I read books, listened to podcasts, and practiced breathing techniques and birthing positions throughout the house.
I did relaxation exercises in different parts of my body so that I could relax everywhere other than the specific areas where the tension occurred – just like when the uterus contracts and causes labor.
I practiced the Laboro breathing exercise in bed, in the shower, on the couch – anywhere I could imagine having contractions. I counted to 60 while breathing to be able to feel when the contractions started, peaked and subsided. It takes practice and focus, but it quickly became a natural part of my preparation.

Benefits of laboratory ventilation
The advantage of laboratory breathing is that the lungs are not completely filled with air, and the abdomen does not expand as with deep breathing, which can put more pressure on the uterus. This helps both with the pain and with shifting focus. I often thought about how animals breathe quickly and shallowly during birth – in calm, safe surroundings with dim lighting and no disturbances.

Preparation for contractions and visualization
I practiced pushing in different positions to mentally prepare myself for pushing our baby out, while also learning to use my lower abdominal muscles correctly.
I used the visualization exercises especially in the bath, where I imagined the entire process with the start, climax, and cessation of each contraction.

Raspberry leaf tea and dates
I drank raspberry leaf tea to soften ligaments and the birth canal and to increase skin elasticity during labor. It is also said to promote milk production.
Just before week 36+0, I ate six dates daily, as research shows that dates can help ripen the cervix, initiate labor, and even reduce the need for pain medication.

Presence and mental preparations
I provided closeness with my boyfriend to promote oxytocin and reduce stress hormones.
Together we also practiced mental phrases, such as that a contraction was welcome and good for me and my baby, so I was mentally prepared that the pain was natural and not dangerous.

Perineal massage and practical exercises
I had perineal massage in my third trimester as it can reduce the risk of tearing during labor. It wasn't very comfortable at first.
Henrik and I watched birth preparation and birth videos together and practiced different forms of pain-relieving pressure, e.g. over the lower back.
I also used a yoga ball to help the baby descend into the birth canal head first.

Practical preparations for childbirth
Everything practical was also prepared: We had packed a diaper bag for the hospital in case of a transfer, bought snacks and drinks for the birth, and I had lip balm and a straw ready.

Feeding trough and wish list
We had purchased and tested our La Bassine standard feeding bowl with accessories, so I could feel the warm soothing water.
Last but not least, I had made a list of my wishes for the birth as well as a list of what Henrik and my mother could help with along the way in the different situations.