Hey there mama-to-be!
So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don't worry, I’ve got you!
Here are 10 things I wish I knew about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control. (And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the next appointment!)
You don't have to give birth in the hospital.
🤯 I'm not embarrassed to say - Before I became a birth photographer, I 100% thought that everyone in America gives birth in the hospital unless they just don't make it in time. I soon realized that's not true at all. Giving birth at home or in a birth center can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control
over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes compared to hospital births.
Question for your doctor: Would he/she support you and work with a home birth midwife if you decided to go this route?
Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.
Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor, but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief. One of the most effective pain relief tools is coming up below 👇. You'll know it when you see it.
Question for your doctor: What other pain relief options do they see often that’s effective other than epidural?
You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.
Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labor. I don't know why this surprised me.
Question for your doctor: Can I bring music to the birthing room?
Birthing pools (aka tubs) can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.
This is the one I was talking about 👉 Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Birthing pools can also provide a sense of privacy and
intimacy during labor. I'm told this is like an epidural for the mom who wants a natural birth. Some of the calmest births have involved a birthing tub.
Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital or another way I can use water to relax?
You will probably poop during labor (and that's okay!).
It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Don't let this concern hold you back, it's nothing to be embarrassed about.
I'm not sure there are really any questions related to this one. It's pretty self explanatory 😆
Birthing positions - there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.
There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.
Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby?
My first birth was an induction ... that led to an epidural ... that led to being catheterized ... which pretty much confined me to the bed for the rest of labor. Another good question to ask your doctor: what should we avoid so that I can more easily change positions every 30 minutes or so? Will you please let me know if an option will limit my ability to change positions as we're considering it?
Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.
A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth. I just didn't know this was a possibility or a thing when I had my first baby. It felt very expected to do everything - labor, birth, recovery - all on my own. In hindsight, I really wish I knew about doulas. I think I would have hired one!
Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?
You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.
Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished.
Question: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?
The power of the mind - visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.
Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable. I can still remember walking into a family's home and hearing the soothing voice coming from a speaker. I wish I had this when I was in labor. Heck - I wanted to download it for myself at home, years after my last baby! 😆
Question: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?
Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.
C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It's important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations. I've had three of them myself. My favorite silver linings - they sucked all of the excess blood out of me, so I didn't bleed for weeks like many do with vaginal births. My babies heads were immediately beautifully shaped. Everyone took my recovery more seriously, it seemed, because it wasn't just birth, but major surgery.
Question: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections?
So, there you have it, mama. You're armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!
I hope reading "10 Things I Wish I Knew About Childbirth Before I Gave Birth in Michiana" has given you some solid ideas. If you’re still looking for a Michiana Birth Photographer, click here