Great Birth and Labor Projects for Home Birth and Unassisted Birth

With the increasing popularity of home birth and unassisted birth, many women are asking the question "what should I do to keep busy while in labor?" A growing trend is the "labor project," also known as a "birth project." This is a project that the mother can do while in labor to take her mind off of things and keep her busy until the baby is born. Some mothers save certain crafts for their labor project, or they may put off doing something until labor gets going. It can be a great way to stay distracted and be productive at the same time.

Craft projects for the baby are a great idea. One mother told a story about how she put off painting her rocking chair until she went into labor so that the chair would be ready for her to rock the baby in once he was born. If you can sew, making baby toys for your little one is also a good idea. It's probably best not to wait to make important things, however, such as diapers and other necessities. Knitting projects are fun or you could work on a quilt for your new little one.

Some mothers, like me, choose to save a chore or two for impending labor. If you have something you need to get done that has been piling up, it might make a good labor project. We have mold here that grows rather quickly and clean clothes will mildew within days. My project, then, is to wash all of the baby's things while in labor so that they will be fresh and clean when my baby arrives.

Other popular chores to get done in labor include cleaning the house, mopping the floors, doing the dishes, or organizing a room. If you have a messy closet, save cleaning it until you are in labor. Gardening is also a perfect activity. You will feel productive and ready for birth by the time you are done. Don't take on chores that are overly difficult or that will tire you out. You need all of your energy for the birth of your baby, so avoid wearing yourself out in the early stages of labor.