3 More Things I Would Do to Prep for Labor

Written By Tina Bitangcol

You asked for more birth prep tips — so here are three more things I would personally do if I were preparing for labor again.

These aren’t magic tricks. They’re practical, confidence-building steps I would take based on what I know now.

1. I Would Collect Colostrum Before Baby Arrives

Not because it makes labor faster.
Not because it guarantees an easier birth.

But because it would give me confidence.

With my babies, one of the biggest mental hurdles in those early days was wondering: Is my baby getting enough milk? Even knowing what I know, that transition from colostrum to mature milk can feel stressful.

Collecting colostrum during pregnancy through hand expression can help you feel prepared and empowered. Seeing those tiny drops increase over time can be incredibly reassuring. It confirms that your body is producing colostrum and that it’s there for your baby.

There are additional situations where this can be especially helpful:

  • If you’ve had previous breast surgery

  • If you struggled with breastfeeding before

  • If baby may need extra support after birth

For me? Even if I did it purely for peace of mind, that alone would be worth it. Confidence going into birth matters.

If you’re considering antenatal colostrum harvesting, make sure to talk to your provider about when it’s safe to start and whether it’s appropriate for your pregnancy.

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2. I Would Gently Prep My Cervix and Uterus (If Cleared)

Now, some people roll their eyes at this part. I get it.

The evidence behind some natural birth prep methods is limited and not made up of large, perfect randomized control trials. But some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest there may be benefits — and most of these options carry low risk if your provider approves them.

Two common ones: dates and red raspberry leaf tea.

Dates

If you’re in your third trimester, someone has probably already told you to eat dates.

The theory is that compounds in dates may act similarly to prostaglandins — the hormones that help ripen the cervix. Some smaller studies have suggested that eating dates in late pregnancy may:

  • Decrease length of labor

  • Reduce need for oxytocin augmentation

Again — the studies are small and not perfect. Correlation does not equal causation. But if you’re cleared by your provider and don’t have contraindications (like gestational diabetes), eating about six dates daily starting around 37 weeks is commonly recommended in these studies.

Worst case? Dates are nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and easy to eat when your stomach space is limited.

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Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Not raspberry tea — red raspberry leaf tea.

The idea here is that it may help tone the uterus, potentially supporting more efficient contractions. Some small studies have suggested it could reduce the length of the second stage of labor (pushing).

But again — evidence is limited. Much of the support is anecdotal.

It’s important to check with your provider before starting, especially if:

  • You’re on certain medications (like metformin)

  • You have specific pregnancy conditions

  • You’ve been advised against herbal supplements

If it’s safe for you? It’s tea. And if it helps? Great. If not? You hydrated.

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3. I Would Practice My Coping Techniques Ahead of Time

This one is big.

Coping mechanisms work best when your body knows what to do with them.

It’s one thing to practice breathing techniques on your couch. It’s another thing to try them for the first time in active labor.

Muscle memory matters.

If I were preparing again, I would rehearse:

  • Breathing patterns

  • Visualizations

  • Mantras

  • Relaxation techniques (think rag doll shoulders)

  • Using a birthing comb

  • Position changes

And yes — I always joke that breathing techniques are great to practice while you’re pooping. Calm, controlled, steady. Same skill set.

Even if you plan on getting an epidural, don’t let that be your only strategy. Labor can move quickly. Anesthesiologists can be tied up. Epidurals sometimes don’t work perfectly. Having coping tools already practiced gives you backup options.

Birth is like game day. You don’t want to try a new play in the middle of the championship.

Final Thoughts

None of these are guarantees. Birth is unpredictable.

But if I were pregnant again, these would absolutely be on my prep list — not because they promise perfection, but because they build confidence, knowledge, and body awareness.

And sometimes that mental preparation is just as powerful as the physical.

If you missed the first three things I would do to prep for labor, be sure to check that one out too.

As always — be happy, stay healthy, have fun.

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Tina Bitangcol
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