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Once your contractions are 3-5 minutes apart, or once your water breaks, head to the hospital or to your birthing center. Bring a bag with light, loose clothing, a robe, thick socks, maternity bras, non-perishable snacks, and a full water bottle. You should also pack photo identification and your healthcare information so you have it on hand. Pack the bag a few weeks before your due date so it is ready to go. Let your partner know where it is so they can bring it for you to the hospital or birthing center, as needed. Let your doctor or midwife know you are at the hospital or birthing center. The staff at the hospital or center will give you a hospital gown to put on and set you up in a room or area. The doctor or midwife will then check in on your regularly to see how your labor is progressing. If you have a doula, let them know you are in full labor so they can be there to support you. Start with slow breathing when your contractions become close together and more intense. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth, letting air out with a sigh. Keep your body limp and release any tension as you exhale. Do light accelerated breathing as your labor becomes more active. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, breathing in and out rapidly. Keep your breathing shallow and follow a breath pattern of one breath per second. When you start to feel overwhelmed or exhausted during labor, do "pant-pant-blow" or "hee-hee-who" breathing. Inhale quickly through your nose or mouth and let out a longer exhalation through your mouth. Make a "who" or "puh" sound as you exhale to release stress and tension. Change positions to find a comfortable one for you as you push during late-stage labor. Lean on your doctor, midwife, doula, or partner to support you as you push. Consider taking medication to help reduce the pain and keep you relaxed. Your doctor or midwife can discuss this option with you and offer it to you as you push during the final stages of labor.
Bring an overnight bag with you. Check in with your doctor or midwife. Do breathing exercises to reduce pain and stress. Communicate with your doctor or midwife once it comes time to push.