Top Tips for First-Time Moms: Expert Advice from Midwives

Prenatal Care Tips

Prenatal care is essential for monitoring your and your baby’s health. Going to your prenatal appointment regularly allows your healthcare provider to track your baby’s development, manage possible complications, and provide you with personalized advice. Early prenatal appointments serve as the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. 

What You Should Eat

• Fruits like bananas, avocados, mangoes, and apple
• Dairy products such as hard cheese, yogurt, and kefir
• Vegetables like broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, and spinach
• Lean proteins like chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds
• Whole grains such as breads, oatmeals, brown rice, quinoa, and barley
• Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil 

Exercise Recommendations

There are exercises made explicitly for birthing people who are in their first trimester, such as:

• Pelvic tilts
• Tailor sitting
• Deep squatting

These exercises are all crucial to help you labor with ease. 

What to Know About Labor and Delivery

Finally meeting your newborn is a precious moment worth preparing for. If you want to be more confident and at ease during childbirth, here are some things you need to know about labor and delivery. 

Stage 1: Early and Active Labor

Early labor is when your body starts preparing for delivery. You may experience mild, irregular contractions during this stage. Your cervix begins to dilate and thin out, typically reaching about three to four centimeters. During this phase, your amniotic sac may also rupture (water breaking), but this can also happen later during active labor. 

Active Labor

This is where the contractions become more intense and consistent, usually occurring every three to five minutes and lasting about 60 to 90 seconds. This phase can be challenging as your cervix dilates more from four centimeters to ten. You may experience increased pressure in your lower back and pelvis, and you may have the urge to push. 

What to do:

• Go to a birthing center immediately.
• Lean on your support person or partner for comfort and encouragement.
• Focus on your breathing techniques to manage the intensity of your contractions.

Stage 2: Pushing and Delivery

During this stage, you will cooperate with your body’s natural urge to push the baby down your birth canal. You may experience more intense contractions, but this can help bring your baby closer to birth with each push.

Tips for pushing:

• Try pushing in different positions that feel comfortable, whether squatting, kneeling, or lying on your side.
• Listen to your body and midwife’s guidance on when and how to push.
• Practice breathing techniques and use each contraction to push effectively.
• Rest between contractions to conserve your energy.

Delivery

After each push, your baby’s head will start to become visible at the vaginal opening. When this happens, you will only need a few more pushes for your baby to be born.

When your baby’s head begins to crown, it’s normal to feel a burning and stretching sensation on your vaginal opening. Once your baby’s head and shoulders are delivered, the rest of the body usually follows quickly. At this point, your midwife will guide you on when to stop pushing so they can deliver the baby out gently and prevent tearing. 

Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta

This stage is typically the shortest, lasting about 5 to 30 minutes. After your baby is born, your body will continue to contract to expel the placenta. You may feel mild contractions but not as severe as the first and second stages. Once the placenta is delivered, your healthcare provider will check to ensure it’s complete and has no excessive bleeding. 

Postpartum Care

The postpartum period is critical for both you and your little one. Midwives stress the importance of taking care of yourself during this phase. Rest as much as possible, accept help from others, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns regarding your physical, emotional, or mental health. 

Postpartum care is about understanding the physical and emotional changes you may experience as you transition into a new chapter in your life with your baby. Preparing for the postpartum period helps birthing people recover quickly after pregnancy and childbirth. Arranging support in advance, learning about breastfeeding, and understanding newborn care can make the transition smoother and easier. 

Build a Support System

A robust support system provides first-time moms the emotional reassurance they need, making them feel less isolated. Surround yourself with supportive people who can provide emotional and practical help. 

If you need someone to assist you anytime, a doula can be your ally during your toughest days. Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person during and after childbirth.

Self-Care Tips for New Moms

Life after childbirth is never easy. It’s okay if you still haven’t figured out everything about motherhood. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your success, whether big or small. Find ways to relieve your stress and prioritize your wellness. Try the following self-care tips:

• Explore new hobbies.
• Sleep when your baby is asleep.
• Eat well and keep hydrated at all times.
• Establish a routine by making a to-do list.
• Pamper yourself and practice meditation.

Embracing the Journey of Pregnancy

Being a first-time mom is a fulfilling journey with its fair share of ups and downs. By educating yourself about the stages of labor and delivery, understanding postpartum care, building a solid support system, and practicing self-care tips, you can surely navigate this new chapter of your life with confidence and joy. 

Remember, you’re not alone. Many moms have also walked this path before you, and a world of support is available when you need it. Embrace the experience, and acknowledge all your efforts. 

Here at Circle City Midwifery, we understand the importance of supporting first-time moms throughout their pregnancy. Childbirth is a pivotal experience for new parents, and we are here to ensure that it is safe and memorable for our clients. 

We take pride in our fully equipped and relaxing birthing rooms designed to accommodate your unique needs. You can trust our team to create a peaceful and safe environment where you can focus on your birthing experience surrounded by your loved ones, ensuring you get the best possible care throughout your stay with us. 

For inquiries, call us at 951-547-4208 or message us at info@ccmidwifery.com.

Know Your Birthing Options