Confidence and trust – birth preparation
The nearer the due date comes, the more questions and thoughts arise: how will the birth be? How can I prepare physically and mentally? How can the person who is accompanying me give me the best possible support? Good birth preparation creates confidence and trust.
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Short and simple
Good preparation helps with the birth.
Exercise, rest and a healthy diet are important.
There are also courses you can take to prepare for the birth.
The person who will accompany you can prepare, too.
Giving birth to a child is a unique and emotional experience. Even though the birth cannot be planned down to the very last detail, good preparation helps you to feel safe and more confident in your body and can have a positive impact on the course of the birth itself.
There are physical, emotional and organisational aspects to preparing for the birth. Good preparation helps parents-to-be to think consciously about the upcoming event and be well informed when the birth starts.
The role of lifestyle during the pregnancy
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Sufficient rest
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Good, restorative sleep
Pay attention to the signals from your body and make sure you get enough rest. Your health and that of your child are the priority now.
In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, you can also take courses to specifically prepare for the birth itself.
Are prenatal classes worthwhile?
Many parents opt to take labour preparation classes or prenatal courses, especially before having their first child. Those who attend these classes learn about the pregnancy, the birth and the postnatal period. At the same time, group courses offer an opportunity to talk to other parents-to-be, which can improve self-confidence and at the same time provide useful new contacts for the time after the birth with the baby and later the toddler.
Usually run by midwives, prenatal courses include the following:
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Information on the birth
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Tips on preparing for childbirth mentally and physically
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Information on coping with pain
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Breathing and relaxation techniques
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The role of the person accompanying the mother during the birth and how they can help
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Tips for the initial period with the child
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Information on the postnatal period
Who will be with me during the birth?
A familiar, trusted person by the mother’s side can provide valuable support while she is performing the great physical and emotional feats that childbirth involves. In what is a completely new situation and often an unaccustomed environment, this person can give her a feeling of security and comfort.
For this to be possible, however, it is important that the companion is also well prepared. Every phase of the birth is different. Sometimes a few reassuring words, a gentle relaxing massage and simply being there are what helps. At other times, encouragement or joint breathing is required.
Many fathers-to-be and partners feel uncertain or helpless in this situation. This is entirely natural. Good preparation for the birth can help them to feel more confident and support the mother-to-be in the best possible way – emotionally and with small gestures.
Nowadays there are many courses and other services that are aimed specifically at fathers. The umbrella association of the Swiss men’s and father’s associations offers a crash course for fathers (available in German and French), for example.
What else can I do to prepare for the birth?
In addition to the mental and physical preparation, there are also a number of important organisational questions that need to be clarified in good time:
- Which midwife is right for me?
Look for a midwife as early as possible. Many midwives get booked up quickly, so it is worth contacting them in plenty of time. - Where would I like to give birth?
Whether it is in hospital, at a birth centre or at home, take time to think about where you will feel most comfortable giving birth. If you make this decision at an early stage, the subsequent planning will be easier.
There are also a number of administrative matters that you can already take care of during the pregnancy. For example:
- Registering your baby for health insurance before the birth: Find out about the advantages of pre-birth registration with CONCORDIA.
- Choice of paediatrician: Many paediatricians have waiting lists. Find out at an early stage which practices still have free spaces and register your child during the pregnancy.
- Acknowledgement of paternity: If you are not married, the father can already officially register his paternity before the birth. This is done at the registry office.
Finally, here are a few practical tips for the last few weeks before the birth:
- Pack a bag: Prepare everything you need for your stay at the hospital or birth centre – from comfortable clothing for the mother and baby to toiletries, snacks and various documents for the baby.
- Pre-cook some meals: During the first few days at home, you will mainly be occupied with your baby. It is therefore worthwhile spending some time cooking while you are waiting before the birth. You could cook a Bolognese sauce, divide it into portions and freeze them, for example.
- Enjoy the time as a couple: Use the remaining time for couples’ activities that will only be possible to a limited extent once the baby has arrived – such as a trip to the cinema, the theatre or a restaurant.
Which benefits are covered by your health insurance for maternity?
