Are you giving birth in 2025? Here are a few things you should know 👇🏼 1️⃣ Cervical dilation is not linear Dilation doesn’t always follow a steady pace. You might progress slowly for hours and then quickly reach 10 cm. Early labor focuses on softening and thinning the cervix (effacement), which is just as important as dilation. Patience is key—your body knows what to do. 2️⃣ Oxytocin Drives Contractions This hormone starts and sustains contractions, helping open your cervix and push your baby out. Oxytocin also promotes feelings of love and calm. Activities like massage or nipple stimulation can naturally boost oxytocin levels to aid labor progress. So definitely have your partner involved if you can! 😉 3️⃣ Your Baby Helps Too Babies instinctively rotate and move to navigate through the birth canal. Known as the “cardinal movements,” they tuck their chin, turn, and position themselves to help with delivery. Labor is truly a teamwork process! 4️⃣ The “Rest and Be Thankful” Stage Before pushing, some moms experience a pause where contractions slow down. This allows your body to conserve energy. Waiting for the urge to push, also called “laboring down,” can make delivery more effective and less exhausting. 5️⃣ The Placenta Is Next After your baby is born, your body delivers the placenta. This is the final stage of labor, often accompanied by mild contractions. Your care team will monitor you to ensure it’s delivered safely and prevent excessive bleeding. 6️⃣ Your Body Creates Natural Pain Relief Endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—peak during labor to help you cope. These hormones reduce pain, boost mood, and create a sense of calm. Movement, deep breathing, or warm water can help increase their effects. ✨Trust your body—it’s designed for this miraculous journey!✨ Comment “LABOR” and I will send you the items that helped me during labor! • •
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