It’s incredibly exciting when you think you have finally started early labor! Yet here’s the truth, the best thing to do, is to actually relax. Here are 5 things you can do during those first hours of labor.

Watch a favorite movie or TV series:

Yep, watch tv. It keeps your body resting, your mind resting, and allows you to keep your energy for when labor really starts to kick off. Watching your favorite movie snuggled up with your kiddos will release oxytocin too that will help keep labor chugging along.

Have a list of light activities:

I mean it, light activities. Now is not the time to start cleaning the entire house or going on a massive hike. I’m talking more like baking your favorite bread, doing a light craft with your children, or maybe even playing some board or card games. These activities will also be a little distracting so you’re not too focused on each contraction!

Eat & Drink in early labor:

Give your body all the fuel it needs to keep labor going strong. Drink plenty of water and electrolytes, along with nourishing fluids such as bone broth. Make sure to eat! Light meals and quick snacks such as honey sticks, eggs, fruits or soup can all be yummy choices. Ask your midwife, doula, or OB what snacks they suggest you eat to keep your body nourished during this time of labor.

Have support people around you:

I recommend an experienced birth doula/photographer and your husband. Two people who really know you, the birthing process, and are totally down to keep you company and distracted. Having them may also keep you less stressed as you know there is someone else there with you. Keeping you in a more relaxed state to let those contractions flow and thats what we want!