The More You Know...The More Normal Childbirth Can Be

Written by Liz Pickett, CD, DONA for the Times Herald Record

Understanding The Miracle Of Birth

              When a woman finds herself pregnant and starts to tell people about her pregnancy, chances are she will hear some stories about other women’s birth experiences.  The stories may be lovely and uneventful but some will involve emergency situations, including cesareans.  In order to keep things in perspective, there are a few things that expectant parents can do in order to prepare for their birth experience.

              1. Take a childbirth education class:  Did you know that there are several varieties?  Besides Lamaze, you will find the Bradley® Method, BirthWorks®, and Hypnobirthing®. While each offers its own philosophy, all are focused on the assumption that birth is a normal, physiological process.  A good childbirth education series offers a greater understanding of the birth process itself -- for example, that it is normal for you to move around, make noise and feel pain during labor, and that the pain of labor actually serves a purpose.  A good class will give you the tools you may need to help deal with these naturally occurring things, and may help you to avoid unnecessary medication.

              2. Understand the risks and benefits of procedures: In order to fully understand the consequences of certain medical measures, you must learn about them before the birth.  This is critical because during the labor it may be difficult to ask questions or discuss the procedures at length with your practitioner.  You may want to consider hiring a labor support doula to advocate for you so that you can stay focused on the task of birthing your baby.  If your practitioner tells you that you may need an internal fetal monitor, for example, your doula can tell you that the risks are that the baby may have a small laceration or scratch on her head due to the placement of the monitor.  The doula will also tell you that the benefits include freedom of movement unlike the external  fetal monitor which has belts that go around mom’s abdomen and require her to stay perfectly still in order to pick up baby’s heart rate.

              3. Know when to go to the hospital:  It is recommended by most practitioners to follow the five, one, one rule. Women can safely stay home until their contractions are five minutes apart and last for one minute each for at least one hour. While at home, a laboring woman can use comfort techniques such as showering, or rocking on an exercise ball. She can also feel free to eat when she is hungry and drink when she is thirsty.  Of course, women should immediately contact their practitioner if they have any questions or concerns, or if they are leaking amniotic fluid.

              Many women know very little about the process of childbirth until they actually have their own babies. Giving birth can be an empowering experience, and women should learn as much as they can before their labor begins! To learn more about childbirth education classes in the region, contact MISN at 1-800-453-4666, or visit  www.misn-ny.org.

Liz Pickett is the Perinatal Health Educator for Maternal-Infant Services Network (MISN) of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, a not-for-profit organization that coordinates health and human services for pregnant women and children. Visit our website at www.misn-ny.org  or call 1-800-453-4666 for more information.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.