So let’s talk about "natural birth", an important topic with many emotional overtones. Many women would prefer a natural birth, without an epidural and without other interventions. So how are you able to maximise your chances of that happening? (If you just hope for the best, you may get lucky all will turn out how you imagined, but for most ladies it won’t, you need to prepare). *Become knowledgeable about the process of birth so you know what to expect and how to cope with the different stages. *Be realistic about the length of a normal birth and learn about natural pain relief for each stage. *Be in great health-take your vitamins and iron supplements so your body is in top condition. Eat a healthy diet so as not to gain too much weight as this will make it easier for you to be mobile. *Keep fit by keeping up with light exercise throughout your pregnancy. For the most supple body-do pregnancy yoga or Pilates and practice spinning babies exercises everyday to increase your pelvic capacity. Ladies who are fit, have much easier births. *Manage expectations of your labor supporters, be they your husband, mother or friend. They often find it really hard to see their loved one in so much pain and may out of love, pressure you to take an epidural. Be clear with them that you want their support in trying to avoid an epidural and for them not to feel helpless. Ask them to help you by breathing with you, and by rubbing your back. *Try and be well rested before the birth (easier said than done) as it will ensure you have energy for dealing with the contractions. *Hire a doula and discuss your expectations with her. She will be your best source of encouragement and is worth the investment ✅.
*Read some birth books geared up for active birth, they are full of valuable information. *Write a short bullet point birth plan and ask your midwife to please look over it ✅. *If you try to do all these things, you’ve given yourself the best chance to succeed. And if you don’t succeed, having done what you can, then know it was out of your hands. You don’t choose how long and difficult your labor will be. Even with the best preparations, things can go wrong, or birth pains can be overwhelming. Don’t feel guilty- giving birth is incredibly hard. Keep an open mind and realise you can only do your best. And that’s ok!! (It’s also great to choose to take an epidural - no judgment here). Wishing you much Haztlacha!!! Happy momma Happy baby Sarah the Midwife
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