10 Tips for an Easier Labor and Delivery | PREPARING FOR LABOR

If I had to choose between an epidural or a natural birth, well after this experience, I'd pick a natural birth. Every.single.time. Here are my carefully picked 10 tips for an easier labor and delivery. Prepare for labor without fear! Read the right things and from there make the best decision for you and your baby.
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There is so much free information out there today. I encourage you to dig, read and make your own list of needs to be stress-free, calm and confident going into this adventure (birth and motherhood). Sending love!
*Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, a nurse or prescribing medical advice in this video. Always consult your doctor for medical advice. I'm simply sharing my personal experiences and practical tips to prepare your body and mind for this experience.
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➤Helpful LINKS:
My Natural Birth Story: • My Natural Birth Story...
Instagram Accounts to follow: @drcourtneykahla, ‪@spinningbabieslady‬, @birthbossco, ‪@thebirthhour336‬ ‪@YoprTV‬
Spinning Babies: www.spinningbabies.com/pregna...
Hypnobirthing: amzn.to/39O4MdR
Favorite Meditations:
▸Letting Go: • A meditation for letti... ,
▸Stilling the Mind: • Stilling the mind: Fre...
What to Eat During Pregnancy: The First 40 Days(all time fav book): amzn.to/3sG6nLp
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#easierlabor #preparingforlabor

[@lifewithlarsandsusie8315]

Great tips! I have had 9 kids naturally. The first was so hard, I didn’t know what to do and it was a long labor and pushed for a long time till they told me to go sit on the toilet. By changing my mindset and being up (standing or on a yoga ball) the last few have actually been pain free. I repeat, it’s pressure not pain and try to open my pelvic muscles! I would love to be a doula someday and help women have babies. Hopefully my girls and daughter-in-laws will let me come help with birth! Waiting is definitely hard at the end.

[@margaretmatheny]

9 kids?!?!? Holy cow, you're amazing! Truly a testament, man you should have created this video! Correct, pressure is the right word 100%. You definitely should, I'd love to be after my child bearing years are over. It's so beautiful to help women understand their strength in the same way my doula did for me.

[@jaquirox6579]

Come be my mother in law! 😂♥️🙏🏽

[@Warefamily2024]

I’d love to chat with you!

[@clairetomes617]

Great video! My phrase was, “I’m powerful.” I just kept telling myself I could do it, and I did! My baby’s 2 months now.

[@sitcomchristian6886]

I have had two babies, 3rd is due any day now. My labors have been excruciating. I read Ina May's book. I read Holy Labor. I did hypnobirthing. I exercised through pregnancy and focused on leaning forward as much as possible to facilitate a good position for baby to be in. I watched positive birth vlogs and read encouraging stories. I was very positive in mindset. I went to a chiropractor my entire 2nd pregnancy. Almost none of that seemed to do any good. Both of my babes were delivered OP, which is a whole different level of labor pain. I felt like I was doing it wrong, and extremely discouraged. The single best thing I'm doing this labor, is accepting there will be pain, and a lot of it. Instead of chasing the pipe dream of a painless (or greatly pain reduced) labor. Which many people are happy to sell you lol

[@mickeymouse4938]

What’s OP

[@cdrm9564]

I think the idea of painless or almost pain-free labor is probably not realistic for most women, I am hoping using the tools you mentioned I can mentally handle the pain this time as opposed to just suffering and feeling like I'm failing because of the pain.

[@lorelwebber6435]

Someone speaking truth

[@jasminecorvic9519]

Thank you for the positive tips! I'm 21 weeks and have been practising meditation and breath work in the lead up to the birth. I truly believe your mind has so much power over your physical pain. Even though you can't get rid of the inevitable pain, you can 'warrior up' your mind to get through it.

[@riahwhipple5654]

Fantastic video! I really appreciate that you just got right into it.

[@alokasiablackmagic3444]

I’m not yet pregnant but planning to, and I love that you say so much about instinct and pregnancy being normal cos it is! This is the most natural thing in the world

[@CocoKiss2011]

Amen with the pushing. Don’t let them or your thoughts rush you to push when your body its ready. Push when your body compels you too. Trust. You won’t tear.

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah thanks for saying this! Couldn't agree more. Changes the entire mindset of birth...the body knows what it's doing. Thanks for being here!

[@sahj663]

Thankyou for sharing your phrases! Love them ♡

[@bettyglick2679]

Great video and tips soo useful! Love your energy thanks for sharing your experience

[@musicbyalexis6532]

What a beautiful video! Thanks so much!! I’m 17 weeks and having the baby at a birthing center. For some reason I’ve been more anxious about the unexpected and so I am grateful for your wisdom!

[@doughanddirthomestead]

Love this! I’m 32 weeks and things are getting real!

[@zoekarlinsey6328]

Thanks for this! Love the tips

[@BooksHappen]

Hello Margaret! Thank you very much for this video, I am currently pregnant and my due date is not until late this summer but I know myself, I get stressed and anxious really easily, so knowing what to do and what not to do before hand is really helpful. It is propbably very early but I have started saying to myself daily that what I am going through is completely normal and natural and , like you said, millions of women have done this before me, so I can do it!

[@margaretmatheny]

Hey!! I'm so glad it was helpful to you. That's exactly why I created it. What you said made me emotional. YES. So many women have done it, that's unbelievably empowering. My deepest congrats to you!

[@joymouzone8250]

Girl! Thank you so much! This was exactly what I needed to hear 🙏🏾

[@claudiaclaudia169]

I really like the idea of the 3 phrases, which can be said during the contractions as a mantra. Thank you!

[@margaretmatheny]

you're so welcome. wishing you the best!!

[@ally33799]

I'm 38, almost 39 weeks and this is so helpful!! I'm definitely going to try to stay in this mindset. Also I was stalking your insta and my fiancé randomly said he grew up playing your husband in baseball a lot and that he was always very kind to everyone. I love your videos, thank you for all the helpful advice💓

[@margaretmatheny]

Omg, small world! He is the sweetest human. That's hilarious! Thanks so much for these kind words. Means the world, and I mean that!

[@femininegrowth8545]

This is a great video. I hit like after your first tip about food. Pregnant women get told vaguely to "eat healthy" but otherwise diet and nutrition is SO overlooked including in pregnancy. Everyone just takes prenatal vitamins and then eats whatever they want. Thanks for sharing

[@shania647]

I’m a first time mom whose expecting in November. This video really calmed my nerves. I love the fact that you mentioned the phrases that helped you. I will be in fact using them

[@QuiteQuietASMR]

I hope it ended up going excellently for you!! ❤

[@elladekross641]

I would also advise you and your partmer in birth to hve some stop word. Prtners can sometimes behave weird or annoying during labor and if you say just “please, don’t” they might ignore it. Have a stop word, so they really understand that you need something.

[@elven_music]

Thank you so much, this was so positive :)

[@coppersulphate002]

As a future midwife, it was truly amazing to hear about your birthing experience and preparation. Everything you said is aligned with how all births should go. What I really liked about your testament was how you allowed yourself to listen to your body! That's the power right there! All we women have it inside of us. But modern practice make it impossible for women to do so and on top of that doctors treat women's body as if its a broken and constantly needs fixing and repairing. It is truly a pleasure listening to your video. Have a beautiful day

[@margaretmatheny]

Wow, this is the kindest message. Thank you so much. Your words are so affirming and encouraging! My experience was, gosh, incredible. I just have to share about it in hopes that other women can experience something similar. Thanks for sharing these words!!

[@mandanaweingartner153]

Your Channel is gold !

[@chloedaletski6892]

Thank you for this video!! Currently pregnant with my first and as my due date approaches, I feel more calm and at peace with the birthing process when I used to be terrified. Appreciate your thoughts + energy!!

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely! Sending my deepest congratulations to you. I'm here for people like you! Seriously, thank you for the kind words.

[@lilliebrown7570]

Love your vids! You’re super informative, let us in on our meditative practices please!

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks so much!! Oh, honestly I started by looking up guided meditations on KZbin. I love Fleur Chambers, the mindful christian and a few great people on the insight timer app(a meditation app).

[@alyshaschmidt535]

I'm currently 32 weeks pregnant with my sixth (my sixth boy, 8 years and younger). The first four I had at a hospital with induction. I am so grateful everything went well and everyone was healthy, but oh how I wish I had known more about natural birth. I hated everything about being at the hospital, but felt that was just the best, safest way to go, according to everyone around me. I felt pressured by my doctor to be induced and get the epidural and episiotomy. Recovery was always so so hard! With my fifth I decided on a midwife and a birthing center and it was by far the best birthing experience I've had so far. I was literally just so excited to experience it all naturally and not feel the sheer discomfort of the hospital, that not once was I scared or overwhelmed. Active labor was only around an hour and I knew it was time when my body started the fetal ejection reflex. Not once had I heard a woman talk about it, so I had to look it up afterward! It was such a neat feeling, my body doing exactly what it needed to. It was all so quick and amazing and recovery was soooo much quicker and pain free. I pray that I can have a similar experience with this next little guy!

[@margaretmatheny]

wow!! Yes, I had a very similar experience. It just didn't feel "right" when I had an epidural. YES, our bodies do what it needs to do. IT's the most miraculous thing. Thanks for sharing this story!

[@taheerahsalley7610]

This was very informative

[@simplystacy5747]

This is perfect 🙌 I'm 16 weeks pregnant with our first and have been trying to up the amount of research I'm doing now that I'm out of the first trimester. So thank you for all of your helpful tips and information!

[@margaretmatheny]

Absolutely! I'm so happy to help, truly. Wishing you the best, Stacy!

[@makaylaboren445]

How did your labor go??? I’m 3 months away! What did you find helpful?

[@simplystacy5747]

@@makaylaboren445 I had an amazing labour and delivery! Although it was our first so I can’t really compare. We had a midwife though and I feel like that made a world of difference. We also did a home birth. But no matter which route you’re going remember you’re strong and capable and that your body was made to do this! I’ll definitely be praying that you have a smooth labour and delivery! Can I ask when your due date is?

[@makaylaboren445]

@@simplystacy5747 you are so sweet! Thank you!❤️ I’m so glad to hear your labor went well and it was a good experience! I keep going back and forth from wanting a midwife! My husband feels very uncomfortable with the idea of it which is the main reason why I’m probably just going to do an OBGYN. But everyone who said they’ve done a midwife had liked it better. My due date is December 10th!

[@makaylaboren445]

@@simplystacy5747 also, you’re seriously such a brave mamma! I’m terrified of the pain and the ring of fire I don’t know if I could go without an epidural! But then I’m dealt by scared of needles 😂

[@diamondh]

I think your points are great. I’ve had 2 babies. The first I was scared and kinda talked into doing things I didn’t want. Oh if you just take this drug you’ll rest. You need rest. I couldn’t think my self though what I was going through because of the outside voices. With the second I let my nurses know I would tel then what I needed. Please don’t offer help. That’s what I did. I chose to get my waters broken and didn’t regret it any. With the first none of it was my idea and I ended up wishing it different. I hate that but ready for the third coming this spring. I’ll be in control again.

[@margaretmatheny]

Thanks. Yes! You couldn't have said it better. That was similar to my first birth. I felt like I had no control and it really just didn't feel right emotionally and physically!

[@sarahroberts7374]

Im 2 days over my estimated due date and obviously getting a lil impatient for my boy to arrive! I just keep repeating my baby will be born when my baby is ready and sticking to the relaxation techniques! Watching stuff like this really helps 💖. Ive been having false starts every night and im so tired of it so just need to remember to relax and be at ease and if i cant sleep just try and take my mind off it! Xxx

[@margaretmatheny]

Ah, bless you! You've got this. Don't rush yourself, just be still, do your daily routine and calm your body. You and the baby know when it's time

[@sarahroberts7374]

@@margaretmatheny Thank you he arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time) and we got home from the hospital early Monday evening. It's now 3.24am over here and ive had about 3 hours sleep since before i had him i feel like i will never sleep again out of love and protection for him. He's lay cosy across my chest as i type. So emotional. He's perfect 😭💙 Edit: And the hypnobirthing stuff worked my Labour was FAST!!! 😂

[@margaretmatheny]

@@sarahroberts7374 amazing, oh my goodness congratulations!!!! rest up, enjoy those snuggles!

[@genealynn9280]

Looooove this!! I am giving birth on 18 days or less, and these videos from this incredible woman have helped me so much here at the end!! I am so ready to experience a natural birth, definitely have been studying up on hypnobirthing. About to check out spinning babies!! Thank you so much. Definitely stealing your phrases! God bless you and every woman here! 😁💛

[@margaretmatheny]

These words are so kind, wow. Congratulations to you, I hope it goes well for you all, truly. Ya know, I say that and know that it's going to go exactly how the Lord wants it to go. How comforting it is to know that. God bless you and your growing family!

[@makaylaboren445]

How did your labor go?? I’m due in 3 months!

[@margaretmatheny]

@@makaylaboren445 This labor was...hmmm I don't want to say "easy" cause natural labor requires so much strength. But it felt right. I didn't tear, I was in active labor for 20 minutes. I was in peace the whole time. It was a beautiful birth.

[@makaylaboren445]

@@margaretmatheny Awe!! I don’t even know you but I can already tell you’re amazing!! Women go through so much and sacrifice so much, but it is so worth it when you hold that baby! Thanks for being a good example to me! I have a lot of fears behind it and women like you remind me I can be strong and I’ll be ok!

[@margaretmatheny]

@@makaylaboren445 Ah, you're so sweet!! It's absolutely so worth it. Thank YOU for being so encouraging. It strengthens me to continue doing this work!

[@tinar.3759]

Do you recommend getting an episiotomy and what type of anesthesia do they use?

[@Cici_amavi_]

I’m 32 weeks right now with my first and I’m sooo terrified. I’ve never had anxiety like I have this pregnancy, always scared something’s wrong or going to go wrong so I’m trying to watch anything I can to start having a peace of mind and to remind myself, women are meant to do this and we are stronger than we may think and feel. Those thoughts help but I’m still scared lol

[@isabelgutierrez3658]

This is my first pregnancy and I am currently 8 weeks. I’ve been meditating for so many years but now with the nausea and stomach cramps it helps. I wrote every single tip! Thank you thank you 🫶🏻

[@kittycoon9143]

These are great! You should seriously look into home birth next time, I really think it would fit your philosophy and lifestyle😊 gentle birth choices is a great book 📚 also the business of being born is a great documentary to check out👍

[@margaretmatheny]

I would, except because of our lifestyle...technically we don't have a home. We borrow spaces that family graciously lends us for the off season! But when the time comes, I'm ALL for that.

[@xjgirlx37x]

Loved your helpful tips! Do you have any particular ebook/course/video you recommend from Spinning Babies on a budget?

[@margaretmatheny]

the spinning babies on instagram is helpful! I'd honestly find good sources through instagram. Here are a few that I love: Dr. Kourtney Kahla, Rose Uncharted and Spinning Babies

[@chocolatediva026]

Thanks for sharing having my second baby it’s a girl 🤰little nervous

[@sophiafkl]

Hello Margaret! Thank you for your great tips, I'm in my first trimester and planning to do natural birth in water. You mentioned the Hypnobirthing book helped you to focus on mindset, I think its very important to have the calm state of mind to go through the labour process. You are right, its a mind game! So I will definitely read the book, would you tell me who is the author please. Lots of love from London xx

[@margaretmatheny]

Marie Mongan is the author! Deepest congrats to you dear. How was your first tri? Hoping the rest of pregnancy goes smoothly for you!

[@sophiafkl]

@@margaretmatheny Thank you for your reply and blessing dear! I didn’t feel much about morning sickness, so it went really well :) I love your energy! you are beautiful inside and out. Keep up the good work xx

[@margaretmatheny]

@@sophiafkl Absolutely!! Thanks for those kind words

[@Chathamgirl]

Im a uk midwife, I am actually quite shocked that the nurses had not seen a mother so in control before. Really shocked! We often facilitate a mother to birth her baby standing, or kneeling or however she chooses. Often at home where it is statically safer.

[@margaretmatheny]

Honestly, I'm reading SO much about how births in America are incredibly different from those in Europe. Really fascinated me. This makes me want to read even more into this!

[@Chathamgirl]

@@margaretmatheny have a read of a book called Spritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin. She is well respected in the UK.

[@margaretmatheny]

@@Chathamgirl I haven't heard of, but sounds right up my alley. thank you!

[@alishalp6260]

I am over 40 weeks and is due any time night or day... I am freaking out due to the pain that is coming. Please give advice

[@madeleinejosefsson7702]

What book did you read on hypo birthing? :-)

[@katharine1285]

What's the name of the book?

[@bobbi5091]

These are such helpful tips, 38 weeks now with my first and watching your video makes me feel so much more relaxed about this whole process ❤ amazing how smooth your second birth was, a friend had suggested hipnobirthing which is not heard about before, love the idea of having frazes too

[@akkoss2331]

Oh wow...so much to say so I will try to be brief! First, no offense to you Margaret...I'm so glad your second birth was a better experience for you! PTL🙏 Childbirth is amazing and yet can be unpredictable and I just want to reassure every mom that no matter how much you prepare ahead of time sometimes things don't go as planned...it doesn't mean you did anything wrong!! I have had the privilege of giving birth to 5 babies and let me tell ya though I did every possible thing I could to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for each delivery...EVERY BIRTH WAS UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT COMING WITH ITS OWN SET OF CHALLENGES!! (some more severe and serious than others...I wont go into details😉) So please, I beg of you...do not play the comparison game with other moms and do not feel bad because your experience wasn't the same as someone else's. Every birth is beautiful, a complete miracle and a gift from God!

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Beautifully said, and very encouraging. Thank you!

[@temeraldharris3067]

5 days over due. Here I am.

[@kristenl5963]

Do you know of any virtual classes during this time of Covid we are living? I am 34 weeks and am getting nervous because all in person classes are suspended.

[@margaretmatheny]

www.babylist.com/hello-baby/online-prenatal-childbirth-classes I don't, but I did a little research. This looks like a good place to start! Wishing you all the best. You're stronger than you know

[@kristenl5963]

@@margaretmatheny I really appreciate you checking!! I will look into these for sure and yes, we are definitely stronger than we think! This will be my first (and maybe only), so feeling all kinds of emotions ☺️❤️ Take care and thanks for the uplifting advice!

[@margaretmatheny]

@@kristenl5963 embrace those feelings. Keep them with you forever!

[@taylors221]

What book? You don't name the book...?

[@anleeeee5554]

You’re amazing ❤️

[@chloelee7045]

My husband chanted with me “I can do this!”

[@margaretmatheny]

🥺so sweet!

[@GlobalResonanceDance]

They didn't tell me about baby positioning either - actually said not to worry about it. :o It ended up awful

[@margaretmatheny]

So so sad isn't it? I'm just grateful I know now!

[@alternativezen]

Doing research for my wife to help her when we decide to get pregnant. Thanks for sharing ^_^

[@apebass2215]

"we decide to get pregnant"? Only one of you is going to be pregnant - your wife. She should be doing this research, it's her body, her pregnancy.

[@tabithajoymitchell204]

Question: Are you saying you didn’t push at all during labor ? I’ve heard this method before but I always took it as “no pushing when baby is crowning” Currently 14 weeks with baby #2, taking a whole different approach this round ! I LOVED this video. I have recently discovered your page and I have been enjoying it so much.

[@ciaraperkins7949]

So everybody is saying dula but everyone can’t afford that stuff

[@margaretmatheny]

We couldn't afford one with our 3rd! Maybe I should do an updated one. You can absolutely do it without

[@madeleinewilson2691]

What verses from the bible encouraged you during your labor? What was Tate's roll in your labor?

[@margaretmatheny]

Be still and know that I am God. Just reminders to be still, to rest, to not rush the process. Personally, that's what comforted me. Tate honestly was just there holding my hand and being quiet. I needed him postpartum with both babies more than the labor process. I didn't put pressure on him during labor. He was with me through it all and that's just what I needed. When I needed him to show up most was the postpartum healing, transitioning stage. I'd tell all mommas to focus on that together as a couple!!!

[@g9ir4p86]

1:18 erstaunlich

[@lorelwebber6435]

These tips aren’t unique at all. Eat right. Let your body do work expelling baby no push. Breathe .Have good stress control all common sense…nothing new