Childbirth is one of the greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences a woman can go through. For most, getting pregnant is one of the happiest times of their lives, and looking forward to meeting their child makes the discomforts of pregnancy entirely worthwhile. However, many women spend at least a little time worrying about the impending labor and delivery process.
And why wouldn’t they? There are countless television shows focused on exactly this process, and they are all sure to highlight the pain, discomfort and potential issues that can arise when giving birth. The fact is, women have been having babies since the beginning of time. The process is a natural one, and though today’s medical advances have certainly drastically improved the safety for both mother and baby, most women’s bodies know exactly what to do when labor begins.
The majority of women today decide when still pregnant how they would like to approach childbirth. For most, utilizing medical intervention such as epidurals is their method of choice for pain management. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! If you feel that you will be better prepared to meet the physical challenge of giving birth with some form of intervention, then by all means, take advantage of the technologies offered in our hospitals today. However, if you have done some research on drug-free deliveries, and feel this option would be best for you and your baby, then here are some tips to keep you on this chosen path.
1. Keep a positive frame of mind
The most important thing when planning a drug-free delivery is to tell yourself you can do it. Make a birthing plan so you have a course of action written down when you do go into labor. Advise your doctor and support team of your plan, so they can encourage you when the going gets tough (and it will!). When labor starts, remind yourself of your goal – a natural delivery and healthy baby. No matter what happens, once you start the labor process you will end it with the delivery of your baby and that thought will keep you going.
For most mothers, especially first time moms, the labor process is a long one. When you feel the first contractions, you may not even know if it is “time” or not. Often pregnant women have many Braxton hicks (or practice contractions) before delivery day arrives. When you start to have contractions, at first they will be relatively mild – like period cramps – and may come inconsistently. Keep yourself relaxed and occupied -perhaps take a walk, a bath, prepare some last minute items, etc. Whatever you do, unless expressly advised by your doctor, don’t go to the hospital right away. You will be much more comfortable in your own home environment. Wait until your contractions are so strong you can’t talk or walk through them. If they are coming every three to five minutes apart, and have done so for at least an hour, it is likely time to go to the hospital.
3. Have a coach to help you through
The most critical factor in achieving your plan of a drug-free birth is the strength of your support team. You must have someone who will be able to keep you calm and focussed, be there to hold your hand or rub your back, and someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Many moms choose their partners as their labor coach – and dads are often great because they know your “help” or “leave me alone” signals better than anyone. Sometimes, it may also help to add another person to your support team. A doula can make a great addition, as she has experience attending many births and is able to give female advice and support to a laboring mom. Doula’s are widely available for hire and will assist you in the final stages of pregnancy to prepare for delivery, as well as be in attendance on the big day. Some mothers-to-be also include close friends, parents or other relatives in their support team. Just remember, whoever you have in your delivery room must be aware and supportive of your birthing plan, as well as get along well with everyone else involved in your support team. During labor, you will need to be focussed on your goal of having a baby, not solving arguments between family members or defending your goal of a natural birth.
The most popular method to assist women in achieving a drug-free birth are pain management techniques focussed on breathing and relaxation. There are several available, including Lamaze breathing, the Bradley method, and Hypno-Birthing. Each of these techniques allows the mother to focus on something other than the pain of contractions. The key is to address each contraction as it comes, get through it, and then relax until the next contraction hits. When you are in labor, time means nothing – it is simply important to get through the current moment of pain.
5. When the going gets tough, persevere!
Perseverance through the toughest of contractions is important. Once you have arrived at the hospital or birthing centre, you will be closely monitored for your progress. It is very common to be only a few centimetres dilated after hours of early labor. You may feel like the pain of contractions has been endless and awful, and you may feel like giving up. At these moments your birthing coach should offer reassurance that you CAN do this, that you ARE doing this, and that very soon you will be meeting your baby. If you find yourself saying you just can’t do it any more, you are likely very near to actual delivery…
6. Remember that it doesn’t always go according to plan
Despite our best intentions, sometimes life doesn’t happen the way we’ve planned it. Every woman reacts differently to the pain of contractions, and no one can know how it will feel until you are actually in labor. If you find yourself extremely distressed by the labor process, physically and emotionally exhausted, or unable to take it anymore, then modify your birthing plan accordingly and accept some help! Your team of nurses and doctors will be able to advise you on the available pain medications – from laughing gas to an epidural, there are several options to ease the pain. Whatever you choose, it is of utmost importance not to feel guilty about accepting help. In the end, your goal is always the delivery of a healthy baby… If some pain relief will enable you to go ahead with a vaginal delivery as opposed to a caesarean section, then you’ve made a good choice.
Above all, enjoy your birthing experience. Once you finally meet your baby, the pain you’ve gone through will melt away. Accept the labor and delivery you’ve gone through and be proud of what you’ve done. Welcome to motherhood!
