Welcome, I’m glad you requested to receive this information. To begin, congratulations, what an extraordinary adventure you are embarking on. While you are taking some time for yourself, delight in it and savor every instant, I hope you will find all this useful. I am not a doctor and do not intend this to be a dogmatic point of view in any way. Nonetheless, these are things I found extremely useful and feel compelled to share with any woman soon to give birth.
Before
Hypnobirth or regular hypnosis is a terrific tool. It can enable one to be present, and much more in control. It seems to reduce contraction discomfort by associating the surprising sensation as “powerful” instead of “painful”. Somehow, being able to trust that your body is meant to do something, no matter how surprising and uncomfortable it is, makes it easier to deal with. Hypnosis helps in every way before, during and after labor, to be prepared and present for one’s child’s arrival into the world.
Generally speaking it would make sense to massage any body part that is bound to change shape during pregnancy and breast feeding with organic oil or lotion to avoid stretch marks and prep for feeding. It is believed that massaging with Olive or Calendula oil and gently stretching the perineum muscle could possibly help avoid an episiotomy or help it heal faster. It makes sense, like any muscle before serious exercise, this one would progressively (over the course of the 4 last months) be stretched for a baby’s head to pass.
Consider meeting with a Doula, even if it’s just for some advice, it is wonderful to have an advocate…It may be good to discuss pre and post birth recommendations (for example Homeopathic Arnica Montana 30C 3x day before and after birth; no side effects and there are testimonies of fast recovery, is this recommended in your situation?)
After
In South America post birth, it is advised to wrap a sheet around your waist and hips: taking a bed sheet folded lengthwise and wrapping it snuggly around hips and waist, tucking the ends under. This not only relieved soreness, creates support, it also helps to hold and settle everything back in place. It may be very useful to in relieving sciatic pain as well.
In case of hemorrhoids, rinsing with a solution of 80% water, 20% Which Hazel, a cap full of tea tree oil or even locally applying a mixture of 1 tsp coconut oil, 1/2tsp baking soda, 3 drops lemon oil can provide some relief.
It is now globally acknowledged that breastfeeding is very beneficial for babies. Beyond the encouraging the development of antibodies, nutrition and probiotic flora, the eye and skin contact are extremely beneficial for a child’s neurological development. Some midwives are specialized in helping mothers breastfeed and can be consulted on the issue. Drinking plenty of water, eating sufficiently, adding almonds is great, as well as some fennel tea in case of colic but maintaining a steady prenatal vitamin intake makes a world of a difference. If milk production is too fast, creating an engorgement, a hot water compress provides great relief.
Clingy and restless, a child can be comforted by showering or bathing in their parent’s arms. Perhaps it is the comfort of the warmth and memory of being in the womb and physically supported, if you ever find yourself out of sorts and ready to try anything… give it a test. When children are older, washing hands together, with hand to hand contact can be sufficient.
So sleep a lot to stay patient, loving and brave as you are, what an amazing journey you are on!