The end of pregnancy can feel like it’s own lifetime and maybe you are wondering what to do while you wait for baby to make their appearance. So often I am asked how to encourage labor to get started, and while that can be helpful, more often I try to help moms focus on a few other things instead. 

While you wait, it’s important to use your time for rest and nutrition, trusting in the process, and filling your cup. 

Rest and Nutrition

Since we have no idea when the birth process will get started, we want to ensure that we are always ready. When you are waiting for labor to start, you want to be well rested and well fed. Fueling your body as your due date approaches (and goes by) will help prepare you and give you energy storage for when labor begins. Eat often, eat well, and get your labor snacks ready. Make sure your fridge is stocked-you don’t want to enter into labor with no food options at home. Lots of electrolytes and fluids will be helpful as you wait, too. As for rest, get to sleep early, take naps, and put your feet up. Read a book, lay in bed, watch your favorite movie. Do whatever you can to feel rested in these last days of pregnancy. 

Trust the Process

While you wait for labor to begin, remember that your due date isn’t a magical number. Most first-time moms go past their due date. Although it’s hard, it’s totally normal to have to wait. Believing that your body and your baby know what to do is so important at this stage. You might be getting a million text messages from loving family and friends asking if anything is happening. They mean well, but are they making you question if something “should” be happening? Surround yourself with people who trust the birth process, who can remind you don’t need to do anything but take care of yourself right now. 

Fill your cup!

Do things that make you happy while you wait. Put your feet in the sand, treat yourself to a massage, schedule a date night, get coffee or walk with a friend, and get some sunshine. Oxytocin, the love hormone, can help labor get started so do things that give you the feeling of love. Give yourself an outing every day so you aren’t just sitting at home in an endless waiting cycle. Stay busy with things that bring you joy and fill your cup. 

I know it’s hard, but your only job right now is to wait. This is your first lesson as a parent in patience. Take care of yourself by eating, resting, trusting that your baby knows when it’s time, and by filling your cup while you wait. If you need a little encouragement, be sure to text your doula. We are always here for you.