Preparing for Natural Childbirth
The choice to go "natural" where childbirth is
concerned may be one of the first facets of your
birth plan that you consider. You can opt to use
synthetic drugs for birth management and pain
relief or you can choose to decline those
popular options and have a birth that is al
natural.
While
it can be painful, many times natural childbirth
is the best option for having a healthy delivery. It also makes sure
that you will be lucid and ready to see and hold you baby once they
are born. While most women plan on having a natural birth, many tend
to change their minds when the pain gets too bad, especially it it
is your first birth. If you really want
to have a natural childbirth, but aren’t sure you’ll stick with it;
try these methods to help you prepare for your labor.
The first step in succeeding in natural childbirth is to make your
decision and be confident about it. You’ve probably heard someone
say (or said it yourself) that they’re going to “try” to have a
natural childbirth. Saying you’ll try shows no commitment or
confidence in your decision. Instead of “trying” natural childbirth;
state that you are “going to go natural”. Being confident that this
is what your want to do is actually a big step in making the labor
more bearable. If you expect you’ll be in horrible pain, you’re more
likely to actually be in pain.
If you are really serious about natural childbirth
and are not considered a high-risk pregnancy, you may want to
consider hiring people to help to deliver your baby that are more
likely to support you choice to give birth naturally. Instead of
having a doctor, you can get a midwife. They’re more open to
different methods of
childbirth, but they still have expertise if
something is to go wrong. You may also want to consider hiring a doula. They are basically a paid, naturalistic child birthing coach.
When you have someone there reminding you why you made the decision
of natural childbirth and pushing you to continue, sticking with it
can be easier.
Most people who have, or are trying to have a natural birth end up
taking some kind of birthing class, usually Lamaze. These courses
teach you how to use focused breathing and other techniques to get
through the pain naturally. While these classes help you focus on
the task, most don’t adequately prepare women for the tremendous
amount of pain involved. Instead of Lamaze, try taking a class on
self hypnosis. It uses similar methods to help you lessen the pain.
A great way to actually make labor easier and less painful is
perineal massage. In this method, you simply massage the muscles
around the vagina about 6 to 8 minutes a day, starting at 34 weeks.
You can start later, but not earlier. This will help stretch out the
muscles in the area and make it easier for the baby to come out.
Once you get into the delivery room, make sure everyone is aware of
your wish to have a natural childbirth. You can instruct doctors not
to offer you any medicines unless they are medically necessary. This
way, you won’t have the option of changing your mind once you are in
labor and are not in a good state of mind. You may want to consider
having some sort of backup plan to get medicine if the pain is just
too bad, but that’s your own choice.
Just remember, even if you have the best of intentions, sometimes a
natural labor is not the best option for the health of safety of you
and your baby. Always remember to listen to your doctor’s options or
have someone there to help make these decisions for you.
My favorite natural childbirth tool and Jessica Alba's too!
The Hypnobirthing Bundle for Happy Hypnomoms and Blissful
Hypnobabies. Read our review of
Hypnobirthing here:
See also:
Birthing From Within
Natural Birthing Books:
