what i am doing to prepare for my natural birth

The countdown is on! We are already in August and I am due in less than 1 month! I can’t believe how fast this pregnancy has gone by. I’ve been doing a lot of talking about my postpartum during this pregnancy, so I thought I’d share a little bit on how I am preparing for the birth itself. Dates ~ 6 a day (3 if you’re eating medjool bc they’re bigger) starting around 36 weeks is said to help soften the cervix and they have an oxytocin-like effect on the body, resulting in a faster labor and less chance of tearing (spontaneous, mother led pushing is really what leads to no tearing but that’s for another day!)

Red raspberry leaf tea ~ 2-3 cups a day helps to tone the uterus to prepare for labor (see my third trimester tea recipe HERE)

Evening primrose oil ~ 3 a day to help soften the cervix

Hypnobirthing ~ listening to @hypnobabiesofficial_ hypnosis tracks and positive affirmations everyday. I’m excited to see how this works for me!

Exercises ~ squats, lunges, sitting on an exercise ball, walks to keep moving and opening up the pelvis

Keeping stress levels LOW ~ meditating, journaling, going to sleep early, going to the beach, trying not to sweat the small stuff (planning on working til the end - but only because I love it and it feels fun for me right now!)

Did you do anything during your last month of pregnancy to prepare for labor and childbirth? I’d love to hear!