Researching Your Childbirth Options
Knowledge is Power
First time parents are at such a disadvantage when it comes to the beauty of childbirth. The knowledge of what childbirth is all about comes from watching television or is passed down by other family members and friends. The problem with the way they have learned their information is that it is a skewed reality. The only stories that get passed down from family and friends are the bad stories and we all know that misery loves company. Hollywood portrays childbirth as a painful and miserable experience in movies like, Look Who’s Talking and Nine Months. These stories are turned into the expectant parent’s reality because they do not know any better. They will go into the labor and delivery room already prepared for pain, and it is because of this that they do experience pain, and will not look upon their experience, as they should. Giving birth is an event that is supposed to be uncomfortable, but not painful.
There are so many ways to avoid complications and prevent a painful delivery. If only the positive messages were heard rather than the negative, we might be able to turn around our common misconceptions of labor and delivery. The key is knowledge and your voice. Be inquisitive with every statement and get educated in childbirth.
The female body was made to birth and was made to birth with little discomfort. The female reproductive system is a work of fine art. It works the way a well-oiled machine should and, if left to its own devices, will birth a baby with little effort. It is when we allow interventions and become impatient that we lose our ability to birth comfortably.
Birth is a magical and spiritual event and should be researched thoroughly in order to understand and clear common misconceptions that lead to the inventions that cause fear and pain during labor. Learn about every facet of childbirth. Childbirth education classes are available in every method and style possible. Care should be taken when choosing your childbirth education classes. Some methods of childbirth education can be very clinical and may emphasize the use of drugs during labor; these classes are typically found in hospitals or OBGYN clinics. If planning a natural birth, look into classes that will not concentrate on the use of drugs to alleviate pain, but rather methods of relaxation and breathing to dampen or eliminate pain. You may find these classes in places that focus on holistic living such as yoga studios, chiropractic offices and wellness centers. A great example of childbirth education that focuses on natural childbirth is the HypnoBirthing® Method –famous for helping to eliminate the fears and misconceptions you may have about childbirth. You will learn how to relax through self-hypnosis and other valuable techniques that will help you through your birthing process.
Research the laboring body and learn as much as possible. The key points to focus on will be the uterus muscle layers and the pelvis during delivery. Research your class options and choose a childbirth method that you are most comfortable with. Each and every childbirth class instructor that cares about your birthing experience will show you how to make and fill out a birth plan. You will give your birth plan to your Doctor or Midwife before labor begins. The cooperation of the birthing staff is pivotal in making the birthing experience a safe and beautiful memory.
Your labor and delivery memories will be up to you. You can control the amount of pain you feel by simply knowing what each sensation is. Pressure could be your contraction or surge, warmth in the vaginal area could be your baby crowning. Neither of these sensations is supposed to hurt. Your uterus is a muscle and like every muscle in your body, when exercised, pain is typically not immediate, but on occasion, a bit sore later.
You may also consider you birthing location. Your birthing location can make all the difference. You can choose to birth in a hospital, a birth center, at home with a midwife or unassisted. All but unassisted births are safe ways to bring your baby into the world. With an OB you have the security of knowing that in case of any special circumstance, they will be there to help.
Midwives at your home or in a birth center are some of the most incredible women you will ever meet. They are kind and usually have the same bedside manner you grandma would have. They listen to your wishes and help to make your dream birth come true.
Stay in control and know your options from relaxation to your birthing location. Know your body and know the stages of labor. Relaxation, breathing and education will keep you in control and turn your birthing experience into a beautiful memory, the way nature intended. Animals even birth their babies without writhing in pain, what makes us any different?