5 Must-Haves for Moms-to-Be

2. Strike a Pose.
Get to know the various positions you can use in labor. Using positions that take advantage of gravity can help your baby descend into the pelvis with less effort.

3. Discover the Birth Ball.
A tool that helps to promote positive positioning, the birth ball takes advantage of gravity and is very comfortable to sit on while doing pelvic rocking. You can lean over the ball and rest on it while in a standing position, or rest over it while on your knees.

4. Pack Heat.
You can create your own heat pack at home by simply filling a tight-knit sock with rice (add some lavender for a soothing, calming scent.). Then just toss it in the microwave (about 20 seconds at a time, for no more than a couple of minutes total). It will hold heat for a nice, long time and feels great draped around Mom’s shoulders, held underneath a contracting belly, or on the lower back.

5. Just Add Massage.
Massage is such a great technique to help Mom relax. It not only helps release tension, but it also eases any aches in her back, shoulders, hips, and face. Not least importantly, massage promotes a feeling of security and support as labor pain increases. That touch lets Mom know someone else is there with her.

Julie Hurst, ICCE is a Childbirth Educator, Registered Yoga Teacher and ACE Group Fitness Instructor. She is also the founder of Herself Moms (in Sacramento and Roseville). You can contact Julie through her Web site: www.HerselfMoms.com.