Ok what should I be doing to get ready???

[Jakabella]

Morning All,
So I am just short of 37 weeks (OMG where has the time gone!!) and I am wondering from your wealth of experiances WHAT should I be doing to get myself ready?? Or is it to late??

Being a first timer I really have no idea about things that ppl do to make birth easier...

I have been doing my pelvic floor exercises and i tried the perenial (spell??) massage but I must admit I hated it! I have been giving the old nipples and bit or a rub at nights (sorry TMI!!) but apart form that I am clueless!

Is there anythings that you have done that worked for you??

IM GETTING VERY EXCITED!!! YAY...

Kate xox

[SamiH]

Acupuncture!!!! I am sooooo a believer now ....
Raspberry leaf tea tincture - my first two pregs I drank the tea and it didn't seem to help regulate my contractions - had acupuncture weekly from 35 weeks and took the tincture and my labour and birth was totally natural and wonderful (yes, weird to say that ...)
Lots of walking
Rest with feet up a few times a day to make sure if labour does start, you don't go into it too tired
visualise your preferred birth ie squatting, kneeling, standing etc
try not to think too much about "pain" or pain relief options, you may not even need them!

Oh, and acupuncuture ........... did I say acupuncture ....??

Good luck!

[Jakabella]

Thanks Sami!
I will look into accupuncture - I have never had it but I know lots of ladies swear by it.
I will have a look on the weekend for some Rasberry leaf - are the tabs better than the tea? It cant do any harm can it?
I am feelig very positive about the birth and I have no worries about the pain (well at this stage anyway) I have written my borth plan and I would pref no pain relife but will take some guidance if needed - I also want to be able to move around and would love to give birth standing or squating and will def use the bath / shower!
Thanks again for your suggestions!!
Kate

[Jakabella]

what about EPO? Do I need to do that at all??

[Antheia]

If you want to use EPO, now is a good time to use it! You can use it orally and/or vaginally. I second the accupuncture as well. Also, getting in the right frame of mind. Try some relaxation/meditation.

[Jakabella]

Thanks Anthia - do i get EPO from chemist or health food shops??
I am really positive about the birth at this stage so I hope that continues!!