Why waiting is important for your birth journey.

In a world that thrives on speed, measuring and efficiency, it’s easy to feel a lot of pressure to get things done, and that can include childbirth. Many people wonder why we can’t just schedule a birth, or why it’s so important to let labour begin on its own. The truth is, waiting for your baby and your body to be ready is one of the most profound and beneficial things you can do for both of you.

I personally understand the challenges of a perceived prolonged pregnancy. My last two babies arrived at nearly 42 weeks, teaching me invaluable lessons about waiting and managing the pressure from well-meaning friends and family.

Full term pregnancy is classes as 37 and beyond.

Night time where oxytocin thrives in the darkness.

Having a read of Sara Wickhams book in your own time is a really good place for some evidence based information on waiting.

​Let's look at why I think waiting for labour to begin naturally is a magical and essential path.

​1. Your Baby's Timeline is Their Own

​Every day your baby spends inside you, particularly in the final weeks of pregnancy, is crucial. Their brain is growing at an incredible rate, their lungs are maturing, and they are gaining the necessary weight and fat stores to regulate their body temperature after birth. A baby that is born spontaneously, when they are ready, is often better prepared for life outside the womb. This is why interventions like inductions should be reserved for when there's a real medical need; they can disrupt this final stage of development.

​2. The Hormonal Symphony of Birth.

Labour a masterpiece hormones, and the conductor of this orchestra is oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." Your body naturally produces oxytocin when it feels safe, relaxed, and loved. This hormone is the key to effective contractions, and it works hand-in-hand with prostaglandins to ripen the cervix and get the process underway.

​When you're constantly on the go or feeling stressed, your body produces cortisol and adrenalin the "fight or flight" hormones. These can actually inhibit oxytocin production, making labour less efficient and potentially longer. This is why rest and relaxation are not just a luxury, they are a biological necessity for a smooth birth.

Our babies ripen at different times.

​3. Rest: The Secret Ingredient for a Smooth Birth.

​Think of the days leading up to labour as a time to fill your cup. Rest, nap, and take it easy. Your body needs to conserve energy for the marathon of labour. As contractions begin, you'll need your physical and mental strength.

​This is a time for "passive rest," not just "active rest." Put your feet up, have a warm bath, and let your partner pamper you. The more you can slow down and tune into your body, the better prepared you'll be.

Its a really good time to practice breathing, use hypnobirthing scripts and connect with your birth and bump.

​4. Physical Preparation Isn't Just for Athletes.

​While the hormonal and emotional aspects are critical, the physical side of things is also at play. In the final weeks of pregnancy, your baby naturally moves into the optimal position for birth, with their head down and facing your back. Gentle physical activities like walking, squatting, and using a birth ball can encourage this process.

​However, the key word here is "gentle." This isn’t the time for intense workouts. Instead, focus on movements that open up your pelvis and help gravity do its job.

Swimming and yoga can also help with getting baby in the optimal position for birth.

​Waiting for labour and birth to happen on its own timeline is an act of trust, trust in your body, trust in your baby, and trust in the profound wisdom of nature. By creating a calm, loving, and restful environment, you're not only giving your baby the best possible start, but you're also setting the stage for a more positive and empowering birth experience for yourself.

​Embrace the stillness of the final days of pregnancy. It's a magical, fleeting time, and in that waiting, the most beautiful journey of your life is about to begin.

If your looking for someone to walk with you on your journey drop me a DM for Doula support in Cheshire.

Kat x