Getting ready for baby

Getting Ready for Baby: All About Birth Preparation

Gentle Guidance for Expectant Parents

Becoming a parent is a unique adventure, filled with emotions and questions. As a midwife, my goal is to guide you step by step so that you can approach your baby’s birth with confidence. Childbirth preparation is designed for exactly that — it’s a special time to prepare both physically and emotionally for labor, whether as a couple or on your own, in a caring and reassuring atmosphere.

In this article, I speak to you as if we were in a session together, to explain everything childbirth preparation involves, its many benefits, and to share useful resources (videos, readings, and podcasts) to help you feel fully ready for the big day.

Childbirth Preparation: What Is It?

You’ve probably heard about childbirth preparation classes (also called prenatal or parental preparation). In practice, these are a series of sessions, usually led by a midwife, designed to help expectant parents prepare for birth and the arrival of their baby — in every sense. These sessions typically include:

• Physical preparation: breathing, relaxation, and birthing position exercises, along with techniques to help manage pain (breathing patterns, movement, massage…). You’ll work on your body — muscles, posture, pelvic floor — to build endurance and comfort for the big day.
• Emotional preparation: open discussions about fears, expectations, and ways to manage stress and emotions. These sessions offer a safe space to express how you feel, build confidence, and gently embrace the idea of becoming a parent.
• Practical preparation: concrete information about how labor unfolds (early signs, when to go to the hospital, stages of labor…), tips for packing your maternity bag, writing a birth plan if you wish, and anticipating the first days with your baby (feeding, newborn care, household organization).
• Preparation as a couple: involving the partner in this journey. The co-parent learns how to support the mother during pregnancy and birth — for instance, by helping with breathing, positioning, or giving massages to ease tension. These shared moments strengthen the couple’s connection and help the partner find their place and feel actively involved in the birth.

Each childbirth preparation program can differ depending on the method used and the midwife’s approach. Some are traditional group classes, while others may include prenatal yoga, sophrology, haptonomy (which focuses on bonding with the baby), water-based classes, or even prenatal singing.

The key is to find the approach that feels right for you — the one where you feel comfortable, supported, and at ease.

Why Take Childbirth Preparation Classes? – The Benefits for Mothers (and Fathers)

Investing time in good childbirth preparation means giving yourself the best possible chance to experience a positive birth. Many studies confirm the benefits of prenatal support programs. For example, preparation improves the well-being and self-confidence of expectant mothers, deepens their knowledge (both theoretical and physical), and helps them better control their breathing — which in turn allows for more effective management of pain and stress during labor.

When better prepared, a woman in labor often feels more active and empowered in the process. Rather than feeling like a passive participant, she knows how to accompany her contractions — how to breathe, move, and rest at the right moments.

One study even showed that personalized prenatal preparation can significantly reduce pain during labor, lower anxiety levels, and decrease the risk of certain obstetric interventions (such as cesarean section, episiotomy, or tearing). Other research suggests that well-prepared women are less prone to mood swings and sleep disturbances in late pregnancy, and that they may also have a lower risk of postpartum depression. In this sense, taking part in these sessions also helps prepare for the postnatal period, fostering better emotional well-being once the baby arrives.

And what about fathers or co-parents? They, too, benefit from the preparation. Attending classes helps them understand what to expect and makes them feel more involved. Many partners leave the sessions more confident and informed, ready to actively support the mother on the big day. In some places, there are even specific sessions designed just for future fathers — safe spaces where they can ask questions and share experiences freely, helping them feel reassured in their role.

In short, childbirth preparation provides a nurturing cocoon of learning and support for both the expectant mother and the co-parent, helping you form the best possible team to welcome your baby into the world.

Preparing Physically: Feeling Good in Your Changing Body

During pregnancy, your body changes at an incredible pace. It’s not always easy to adjust to these new sensations — a sore back, disrupted sleep, shortness of breath… Physical preparation helps you get to know and care for your pregnant body, to strengthen it gently and mindfully in anticipation of birth.

Moving during pregnancy — in a way that’s adapted to your stage and comfort — is extremely beneficial. Throughout the sessions, I’ll show you simple exercises to relieve discomfort (for example, stretches for your back or pelvis), improve your daily posture, and train for birthing positions.

We’ll also work on breathing, your number-one ally when it comes to managing contractions. By practicing proper breathing, you learn to oxygenate both your baby and your muscles, to stay relaxed, and to flow with the sensationsrather than fight them.

Among the most valuable activities for physical preparation is prenatal yoga. Prenatal yoga is a gentle form of yoga designed specifically for pregnant women, with postures adapted to each stage of pregnancy. You don’t need any prior yoga experience — the movements are soft and accessible to everyone. They help stretch and strengthen the muscles used during pregnancy, loosen the pelvis, improve circulation and breathing, and allow you to take a moment for yourself — to reconnect body and mind in calmness.

Several scientific studies have shown the many benefits of prenatal yoga, both for mothers and for the course of labor: reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, lower stress perception, shorter labor, and an easier birth (more vaginal deliveries, fewer complications).

In short, it’s a wonderful tool to prepare yourself both physically and mentally.

Want to give it a try? I suggest practicing a short guided session of prenatal yoga at home — you can find simple exercises in this article. Roll out a yoga mat, grab a cushion, and let yourself be guided. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

As a complement, you can also enjoy other pregnancy-safe activities such as regular walking, swimming (loved for its soothing weightless feeling), or gentle water exercises like prenatal aquagym. These activities help maintain your fitness and prevent discomfort.

The most important thing is to listen to your body and respect your rhythm — focus on gentleness and consistency, never on performance. Every small effort you make during pregnancy is a beautiful gift to yourself for the day of birth.

Preparing Emotionally: Embracing Your Fears and Cultivating Confidence

Beyond the physical aspect, giving birth is an event that stirs up many emotions. It’s completely normal to feel fears or doubts toward the end of pregnancy: “Will I be able to handle the pain?”, “What if things don’t go as planned?”, “Will I know what to do?”.

Childbirth preparation helps you acknowledge and ease those fears by putting them into words. During our sessions, we take the time to openly discuss any subject that may be worrying you. The more informed you are, the less anxious you’ll feel — because it’s often the unknown that frightens us more than reality itself.

These sessions are also an opportunity to learn how to relax your mind. Techniques such as sophrology, guided meditation, or simple positive visualization exercises can be introduced. For instance, we might practice a relaxation exercise where you imagine yourself in a calm, soothing place, breathing deeply to release tension. Practiced regularly throughout pregnancy, these techniques become valuable tools to help you stay composed during labor. You’ll learn to approach each contraction with greater serenity, one at a time, without being overwhelmed by panic.

Let’s not forget the emotional connection with your baby. Preparing for birth also means beginning to build a relationship with your little one before they’re even in your arms. Some methods, such as haptonomy, emphasize communication with your baby through touch, voice, and gentle gestures on the belly. But even without a specific technique, taking a few minutes each day to talk to your baby, hum a lullaby, or simply rest your hands on your belly while breathing deeply can help you feel closer. This prenatal emotional bond brings meaning to everything you’re experiencing and strengthens your confidence in your ability to become a mother.

As the sessions progress, you’ll feel your confidence grow. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect, learn to recognize your strengths, and welcome your emotions (even tears can be wonderfully liberating!). The goal is for you to arrive on the day of birth thinking, “I’m ready. I can do this, no matter how the birth unfolds.” Of course, not everything can be predicted or controlled — but we can work on our state of mind. A mentally well-prepared mother is better able to adapt to the unexpected, stay calm, and make the right choices for herself and her baby.

Preparing in Practice: The Little (Big) Details That Make a Difference

The last aspect — and certainly not the least — is all about logistics and practical details. A well-rounded childbirth preparation also includes a very concrete component, to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed when the time comes. Together, we’ll go over topics such as:

Going to the maternity ward: What are the signs that it’s time to leave — water breaking, contractions every five minutes, or other signals? What should you do if labor begins in the middle of the night? Who should you call if you’re unsure? I’ll give you all the advice you need to feel ready and calm on the big day.

Packing your maternity bag: We’ll go over everything you’ll need for yourself, your baby, and possibly your birth partner. Preparing your bag in advance (around the eighth month) can save you a lot of stress later. During our classes, I’ll provide a checklist of essentials (administrative documents, toiletries, clothes for you and the baby, snacks, and more), and together we can personalize it according to your needs.

Creating your birth plan: If you have specific wishes for your delivery — for example, minimizing medical interventions, favoring certain birthing positions, or creating a calm atmosphere — I’ll guide you through how to write a clear and respectful birth plan. This document, which you can share with the maternity team, helps communicate your preferences. Of course, flexibility is key (the priority will always be the health of both mother and baby), but expressing your wishes in advance can be reassuring and helps the team tailor their care to you.

Preparing for the return home: We’ll also talk about the postpartum period. How can you best navigate the first days with your baby? What kind of support should you plan for (family help, home visits from your midwife, etc.)? We’ll discuss topics such as breastfeeding (if you plan to breastfeed, I’ll share advice to help you start smoothly) and how to organize your rest — for instance, preparing and freezing a few meals in advance so you don’t have to cook during those first days. These small, practical tips will help you feel more confident and serene when leaving the maternity ward.

In short, nothing will be left to chance! The goal is that, on the day of your delivery, you can simply let yourself be carried by the moment — because everything else will already be taken care of. You’ll know when to leave, what to bring, and who to contact, allowing you to focus entirely on yourself, your baby, and your birth.

It’s a true mental relief to know that everything is ready — so you can simply live and savor the experience. And if something unexpected happens (because there always is a little surprise!), you’ll already have developed the ability, through your preparation, to adapt and take things in stride.

In Conclusion: I’m Here for You 😊

As you’ve probably understood by now, childbirth preparation is not a luxury or a formality — it’s a real asset for experiencing your pregnancy and birth with serenity.

By preparing physically, you give your body strength and flexibility for the big day.

By preparing mentally, you learn to release fear and trust yourself.

By preparing practically, you take away many unnecessary sources of stress.

And all of this directly benefits your baby, who feels your well-being and will be welcomed into an atmosphere of love and calm.

Every small step you take during pregnancy — every class you attend, every breathing exercise you practice in the evening, every page you read, every conversation we share — is a beautiful step toward a gentler, more empowered birth.

Of course, giving birth will always remain a powerful and unpredictable event, but with this preparation, you’ll have all the keys in hand to experience it in the best possible way — as an active participant, not a bystander.

I’ll end with a heartfelt invitation: don’t hesitate to contact me to join our childbirth preparation sessions or workshops here in Valais. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your pregnancy or already well along, it’s never too late for us to start preparing together. I’ll be delighted to answer your questions, listen to your needs, and offer you a personalized, caring, and non-judgmental approach.

As an independent midwife, my role is to guide and support you and your family throughout this extraordinary journey of birth.

Take good care of yourself, cherish every moment with your baby growing peacefully inside you, and remember: you are capable! I’m right here beside you to remind you of that and to help you welcome your baby with calm and joy.

See you soon, perhaps — to begin together the beautiful story of your new life as parents 💕