1. Strong, Regular Contractions Begin the Process: The journey starts with strong and consistent contractions that come at short intervals, signaling the beginning of the dilation phase. This marks the onset of the labor process, filled with anticipation and emotion as the body prepares for the arrival of a new life.

2. Uterus Pushes Baby's Head Deeper: With each contraction, the uterus works hard, pushing the baby's head deeper into the pelvis. This movement is crucial, as it helps position the baby for birth, inching closer to the long-awaited moment of meeting your little one.

3. Gradual Opening of the Cervix: The pressure from these contractions causes the cervix to gradually open. This phase can feel like a marathon, requiring patience and strength. The cervix must dilate fully to allow the baby’s head to pass through, marking the body's remarkable ability to adapt to this life-changing event.

4. Timing for First-Time Mothers: For first-time mothers, this phase can be particularly lengthy, often lasting between eight to 14 hours. It’s a period filled with a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and overwhelming love—as they inch closer to meeting their child for the first time.

5. Shorter Duration for Experienced Mothers: For women who have previously given birth, this phase tends to be shorter, averaging around six hours. This time, the journey is often filled with a sense of familiarity and preparedness, yet each experience is unique, bringing its own set of emotions and challenges.

When should you pack your hospital bag?

    You shouldn't pack your hospital bag for the birth just before the due date. Because you can't be sure that your baby will keep to the due date. Once the first contractions have started, you won't have the time or the head to pack the most important things. That's why your hospital bag should be packed during pregnancy, ideally four weeks before the birth. From the 36th week of pregnancy, the baby is no longer a premature birth and can come at any time. But if your baby surprises you with an unexpected birth and your hospital package isn't packed yet, don't panic: In the hospital, you'll get everything you need for the birth.  

What goes in the hospital bag? 

    What do you need for the time before and after the birth and of course for the birth itself? We'll tell you what you absolutely need. Documents for the hospital bag The first things you pack in your hospital bag are the most important documents you need for the birth of your child. In addition to your health insurance card, this also includes your maternity pass and identity card. Since you will probably need the latter during your pregnancy and should also take it with you, you probably won't pack it straight away. It's best to stick a large piece of paper and the fully packed hospital bag with the documents, which then need to be added quickly just before you leave for the hospital. These are the most important documents for your hospital bag: 

 Maternity pass Identity card/passport of both parents 

 Health insurance card 

 Marriage certificate or birth certificate 

 Family register (optional, if available) 

 Hygiene items for the hospital bag:

     As far as hygiene items are concerned, you only need to take the bare essentials in a toiletry bag. When packing your hospital bag, ask yourself what you really need? Make sure that your cosmetic products are unscented, because your baby likes your smell the most. You will receive hygiene items such as sanitary pads for the lochia at some point in the hospital - washcloths and towels. Ask when you register what the hospital will provide you with. 

 These are the most important hygiene items for the hospital bag:

Dental care products 

Hairbrush and hair ties 

Bandages Glasses supplement or replacement contact lenses 

Clothing for the hospital bag:

Your clothing should be one thing above all: comfortable. 

So go for a comfortable shirt or nightdress for the birth, comfortable underwear as well as jogging pants and a dressing gown. The nursing bra should also go in the hospital bag. These are the most important clothes for the hospital bag:

Warm socks slippers 

Nightdresses 

Dressing gown 

Nursing bras with nursing pads 

Jogging pants 

T-shirts & comfortable sweaters 

Cotton underwear

Choosing your birth plan: options and considerations:

1. Give birth in a hospital? In a technical platform? In a birthing center? In a natural room? At home? With or without a bathtub?
2. With or without an epidural?
3. Stay lying down or keep mobility during labor?
4. What atmosphere should you create (dim lighting, soft music, etc.)?
5. What positions should you consider for giving birth?
6. What place for your +1? What role should you give him, especially in the event of an emergency cesarean?
7. Surgical procedure: is an episiotomy ok or not? What about using forceps and a vacuum extractor?
8. Breastfeeding, not breastfeeding? Limiting yourself to the welcome feed?
9. Donation or not donation of the cord?
10. Skin to skin from the first minutes of life?

Breathing and relaxing techniques for a smooth labor:

1. Automatic Response to Pain: Practicing breathing techniques can help your body automatically respond to pain, making it easier to manage discomfort during labor.
2. Improved Well-being: These techniques help improve overall well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
3. Stress Resistance: Utilizing breathing techniques can help you resist stress, keeping you calm and focused during labor.

Slow Breathing

• When to Use: This technique is useful in the early phase of labor when contractions are mild and spaced apart.
• How to Do It: Inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through the mouth, ensuring that all the air is expelled. This promotes calmness and helps you stay relaxed.
• Rhythm: As contractions become more intense and frequent, adjust the breathing rhythm to match the changing pace of labor.

Slightly Rapid Breathing

• When to Use: This technique is beneficial during the active part of labor when contractions are stronger and more frequent.
• How to Do It: Breathe through the mouth with shallow and light breaths. Inhale quietly and exhale audibly, matching the breathing rhythm to the intensity of the contractions.
• Rhythm: As contractions peak, exhale through the mouth and adjust your breathing every second. Perform superficial breathing cycles of 5 to 20 times throughout each contraction.

Breathing Technique to Avoid Straining at the Wrong Time

    During both the first and second stages of labor, you may feel the urge to strain and push the baby down. To avoid straining prematurely:

• Exhale with Chin Raised: Instead of holding your breath, continue exhaling with your chin raised. This helps weaken the urge to strain and prevents premature pushing.

Breathing to Strain

• When to Use: This technique is essential once the cervix is fully dilated and the second stage of labor begins.
• How to Do It: Take a deep breath, then exhale while relaxing the tension in your arms and jaw, keeping your chin close to your chest.
• Focus: Concentrate on pushing the baby down during contractions. If pain persists, take another deep breath and continue to push in the same manner.
• Relaxation: When contractions subside, stop straining and relax your arms and jaw. Breathe regularly in and out.
• Repeating the Cycle: As contractions return, repeat the breathing and straining cycle until the baby is delivered.