Why preparation matters for labor and delivery
Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences a person can undergo. Preparing for labor and delivery goes beyond packing your hospital bag; it encompasses physical, emotional, and mental readiness for the childbirth process. While it is natural to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about labor and delivery, focusing on the right preparation can make a world of difference in your birthing journey.
Pelvic floor physical therapists are specialists of the pelvis — the very thing that is going to help bring your new little one into the world. There are several ways that working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you feel more empowered, prepared and confident about your upcoming birthing day.
Prepping for your birthing experience
Knowledge is power. Understanding the stages of labor, common medical interventions, and pain management options empowers expectant parents to make informed decisions confidently during childbirth. Antenatal classes, birth workshops, and discussions with healthcare providers offer valuable insights that build confidence in navigating the birthing process.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) can be part of this.
Incorporating PFPT into your preparation helps you become familiar with birthing positions and breathing techniques, reducing stress and enhancing your sense of control.
Our PFPT sessions include extensive patient education and practice in different labor positions that may relieve discomfort or promote labor progression. By understanding how to position your body, you can feel better prepared to manage transitions of labor and delivery.
Physical readiness: the foundation of labor and delivery
Preparing for childbirth involves more than just mental and emotional readiness, it also encompasses physical preparation. PFPT plays a crucial role in getting your body ready for the demands of labor and delivery. Physical therapists specializing in women’s health and prenatal care provide personalized care to address musculoskeletal issues, pelvic floor health, and overall physical conditioning during pregnancy. Here are several ways in which physical therapy supports birth preparation:
- Pelvic floor coordination and strengthening
- Body mechanics and posture alignment
- Correcting muscular imbalances
- Pain management techniques
There are many techniques that PTs can use to prepare someone for labor and delivery which include education, manual techniques to offer pain relief or mobilization, and personalized exercise programs to enhance comfort during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
PT has also been shown to lead to improved labor outcomes.
Partner support: enhancing connection and confidence during childbirth
Childbirth brings intense physical sensations, and having a prepared birthing partner can make a huge difference on the journey. In our physical therapy sessions, we strive to deepen the birthing partner’s understanding of their role during labor and delivery, teaching hands-on strategies and giving them tools to be involved. Learning hand placement and massage skills, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and optimal birthing movements and positions — as well as ways to offer emotional support — can enhance a birthing partner’s ability to provide effective support and assistance during labor and birth.
Many times, it is the partner who feels like they have little to offer during the labor and birth experience. However, equipped with these skills, most birthing partners feel more confident and helpful, which in turn creates a supportive birthing environment and strengthens the bond between you.
Building a birth plan
A birth plan outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It serves as a communication tool between you and your healthcare team. While building a complete birth plan entails communication with your physician or midwife, PFPT can help by educating you about the birthing experience as well as different labor and delivery options and positions, which aids in building a birth plan aligned with your needs and desires.
With greater knowledge of your options, you can make empowered choices that strengthen trust and collaboration with your healthcare team.
Planning for a smooth postpartum recovery
Preparing for childbirth should also extend into the postpartum period.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can guide you in understanding the physical recovery process after birth — offering advice on safe movement, early postpartum exercises, and tips on scheduling your postpartum care.
Knowing what to expect in terms of physical recovery, breastfeeding support, newborn care and how to seek assistance from family, friends, or postpartum doulas can support your emotional well-being, ensuring you transition into parenthood with less stress.
Reach out to schedule your PFPT appointment
Preparing for labor and delivery is a journey that begins well before contractions start. Through PFPT, expectant parents can understand the birthing process, explore pain management strategies, build a birth plan, and nurture emotional well-being, all key components of navigating childbirth with confidence and empowerment.
Remember, every birth experience is unique, and adequate preparation sets the stage for a positive start to your parenting journey. Ultimately, being well-prepared helps you navigate the surprises and decisions with confidence and promotes a positive birth experience.
Our specialized therapists are here to help you embrace childbirth with empowerment, support, and trust in your own strength.
Start your pregnancy journey with the help of a physical therapist.
As your physical body changes and accommodates to the needs of your growing baby, you may experience discomfort and aches and pains. Physical therapy is an effective way to help you manage your pain and can offer you a variety of ways to make your pregnancy more comfortable.
Additional Pregnancy, Labor and Birth Resources
Pregnancy / Postpartum and the Pelvic Floor
Most women have heard that they should do “Kegels” during and after pregnancy., but learning how to identify and contract and relax the pelvic muscles can be challenging. A pelvic health PT can help.
Pre and Post-Partum Rehabilitation: How Physical Therapy Can Help You Bounce Back
The pelvic floor and abdominals go through a lot before, during, and after pregnancy and will affect the way we move throughout the day. Working with a pelvic health specialist during and after pregnancy can help you in returning to your optimal function and get you back to doing everything busy moms do!
Pregnancy Exercises: Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor, Core & Posture
There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant. Regular exercise during pregnancy will help you stay in shape and support your body as it copes with the physical challenges of pregnancy. A prenatal exercise routine can help alleviate back pain and pelvic pain, boost your mood and energy levels and help you sleep better.
What is Lumbopelvic Stability?
Lumbopelvic stability addresses the intricate interplay between the lumbar spine and pelvis, which forms the foundation of our body’s strength and resilience. From everyday movements to athletic endeavors, understanding and nurturing lumbopelvic stability is key to preventing injuries and optimizing performance.
Your Physical Therapy Guide to Pregnancy
Physical therapy is an effective way to help you manage your pain and can offer you a variety of ways to make your pregnancy more comfortable.
Physical Therapy and Pregnancy: Before, During and After
Understanding the musculoskeletal changes that can occur during this time will allow you to embrace the changes as they come and understand when it is time to visit your local physical therapist to address some of the aches and pains before they become a real problem.
