Whether you are planning to go unmedicated or know ahead of time you want pain relief, it's a good idea to labor at home for a while before you head to the hospital or birth center. How can you prepare for managing contractions during labor?
Have you heard of the ice cube exercise? Doing it can help you train your mind and your body to focus in and relax during contractions. This makes for an easier, faster labor, and a better experience overall.