Hi.

Had my first baby at 22 and i turned 34 yesterday and am now 31 weeks with my second....a 12 year gap!
My first labour was 34 hours and im not as fit as i was then!!!!!

So any tips on how to prepare myself for an easier labour/birth would be gratefully received!

Whether it be from birthing balls/raspberry leaf/massaging to try and prevent tearing....anything you think that may have helped you...please share with me!!!

I know there are no guarantees but at least i will have tried!

Thankyou x

I've been hearing really good things about reflexology, and how it can make your labour easier and shorter. There are studies to prove this (aren't there always!), so may be worth looking into. Try checking out this site for more info: http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/newparents/-az_complementary_therapies.as p

Gond
xx

Hi,

I bought some Almond Oil from a health food shop and my partner rubs it into my perineum to get it ready for stretching. I am petrified of tearing!

Can't say whether this will work as I am only 4 months pregnant but I got this tip from the Baby Channel.

The oil is also good for massaging onto your skin to prevent stretch marks and will help them heal quicker.

Apparently.....

Hiya

Firstly - Happy birthday for the 9th! You didn't tell us (at least, I don't remember it if you did - nothing new there then!)

Secondly - 34 HOURS!!! Oh my god.

I was told by my midwife that swimming prepares your pelvis and is great at keeping you healthy and in shape for the birth. Obviously I don't know and probably won't know whether it's made a difference, but I can say that I haven't put on any weight other than bump weight, and I still feel good afterwards, without any of the breathlessness I get from other exercise, like walking, so there are definately advantages. It also helps my back to be less tense, I think.

I have heard about the massage thing, might try that. Ooh, pregnancy is all glamour, isn ... lol x