10 Things Your Doctor Never Told You About Giving Birth
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 your doctor probably didn't tell you 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
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
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.
Hiring a Doula can also be extremely beneficial for managing pain during your birth. A doula is a trained, experienced professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth.
https://www.abqdoulas.com is an exceptional doula service offered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Question for your doctor: What other pain relief options do they provide? What are the best pain relief options for you?
You Can Bring Your Own Music Into 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 speaker to help you relax and focus during labor. I highly reccomed creating your playlist weeks in advance. There are also many options of labor playlists and soundtracks on Spotify!
Question for your doctor: Can I bring music to the birthing room or into my c-section?
You Can Give Birth In a Birthing Pool (Water Birth)
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.
Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital or is there another way I can use water to relax?
Pooping During Labor Can Happen (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.
Of all the births that I have photographed, not one mom knew she had pooped during birth. Ask your birth photographer if they have experience editing out your bowl movement *IF* you don’t want to see it.
Not everyone poops during labor, but it is possible. Just remember that it is one more step closer to meeting your sweet baby.
Wide Variety of Birthing Positions
You do not have to birth your baby on your back! Studies have shown that laying on your back can actually take longer and sometimes even stall labor. Think of gravity.....optimal positions in birth are standing, kneeling, squatting, and being on all fours. This helps open your hips and allows baby move down into your pelvis.
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? What positions are not recommended with different pain relief options?
I love seeing moms be vocal when a position is uncomfortable or not working. Your body knows exactly what it needs, so listen to it. Try squatting, getting on all fours, or even asking for a support bar across your bed. They all have benefits to get baby lower. Birthing your baby in water is safe, natural, and from many studies, can reduce the time spent in labor and reduces pushing time.
Doulas Are Magic During 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.
https://www.abqdoulas.com is a great recourse for local Albuquerque, New Mexico doulas. They have been extremely professional when working along side them.
Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Is a doula allowed in a vaginal AND cesarian during my birth?
You Can Eat And Drink During Labor
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.
Energy is burned extremely quick during labor. Make sure to pack snacks that will sustain your energy throughout labor and delivery.
Often times moms get very fatigued and exhausted during labor. Who am I kidding….labor is very hard work. Get snacks like fresh fruits, veggies, sandwiches, nuts, and energy bars. I always recommend taking to-go packs of Liquid IV or Pedialyte to stay hydrated.
Question: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?
The Power Of The Mind & Hormones
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.
Things like sex, nipple stimulation, masturbation, and having an orgasm have all be known to speed up labor, and shorten pushing time. During these activities, oxytocin (a natural hormone increases) reduces stress, calms you down and helps with pain during labor. This can be an intimate time to connect with your partner during labor.
Question: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?
Supplies At The Hospital
The hospital provides all the supplies for you and baby. SO do not worry if you forget to pack diapers, outfits, a peri bottle, or pads. Girl, the hospital has it ALL. The best part.... you can (and your should) take everything they give you and baby, home. If you don't take these items home, they throw it away. Some items you can expect to have access to are:
-diapers (they have all sizes)
-baby bottles
-formula
-outfits (basic white onesie or t-shit)
-breast pump (hospitals have the BEST Brest pumps. Sadly, these have to stay there). BUT call your insurance after delivery, and it is likely you are provided with a free breast pump from insurance. The medical supply company dropped off my pump at the hospital. Every 3 months you can request free replacement parts for your pump (depending on insurance).
-baby wipes
-baby shampoo
-baby hats
-pacifiers
-baby blankets
-postpartum underwear
-pads
-peri bottle
-numbing/ cooling spray for your vagina.
-tucks pads
-cooling ice pads
-toothbrush
-toothpaste
-shampoo/conditioner
-hair comb
My advice is: If you need it, ask. They probably have it.
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 this helped easy some stress and possible anxiety leading up to your big day. Remember, YOU GOT THIS.
If you are interested in knowing more about birth photography, follow the link below:
https://www.newmexicobirthphotography.com/blog/why-birth-photography/
