Delivery-Day Jitters?

"Delivery-Day Jitters? Let us put your mind at ease" - the headline on the cover of American Pregnancy magazine. I was disappointed at the way this magazine thinks they can ease your mind by addressing normal fears about labor and birth. The first fear was about pain. The woman quoted explains "I wanted an epidural when my pregnancy test came back positive." Fear? Yes. Informed? No. The ONLY way the magazine "eased" your mind was by talking about the epidural and how you shouldn't be worried that the epidural won't "work its magic" because the amazing-miracle-working doctor says "it's not a big deal to put in another one." Great.

As a doula, I'd ease delivery-day jitters by explaining where this pain comes from and provide natural suggestions for pain relief before jumping into an epidural. We must educate women so that they understand the importance of experiencing labor naturally for as long as they can. There is no need to be scared when you have support from all angles - family, partner, doula, nurse, midwife and doctor. Together we can all use our tricks to help women in labor.

Breathing

Relaxation Techniques: The Simple Power of Breathing
by Nancy Hausauer

Epidurals....

So, why wouldn't I get an epidural? Many people might think that doulas are anti-epidural. I recently read a NY Times article titled And the Doula Makes Four which gave doulas some negative press, I think. I would like to clarify some points about myself as a doula because I can obviously only speak for myself.

As a birth doula, it is my job and goal to provide unconditional, continuous labor support to my clients, epidural or not, planned c-section or not, au natural or not. When I sign on for a job, I commit to offer educational support to the woman so that she can make her own informed decision. I strongly believe that the choices made before, during and after birth are a woman's right and if she has the resources to make an informed choice, we should respect that.

I am proud to be a doula who can support a woman through many different types of labors and births. I respect the woman who chooses to have her baby at home, intervention free. I also respect the woman who decides that she wants some pain relief from an epidural.

So, why are some against epidurals? My guess would be that when a person learns and believes that labor and childbirth are natural processes that occur for a reason, it makes more sense to not mess with that process. Birth is often described as a miracle and some may feel that to intervene or interrupt this miracle would be disrespectful and inhumane. I agree, birth is a miracle and natural is always best. However, what we must remember is that birth is something that occurs within a woman and we must leave the choices surrounding childbirth up to her because after all, it is her body and her birth.

Rebozo in action!

This shot was taken when I was using my newly purchased rebozo at my 4th and most recent birth. I love it! Thanks girl.

Laboring Positions

Standing with foot resting on something sturdy is a good position for opening up your hips and pelvis. You can sway back and forth or just rest with your leg raised and bent.


Sitting on the ball with pillows on a chair, couch or bed to lean on is a very comfortable position and allows the hips to stay open and wide.



Leaning against the ball on a wall or chair can provide a gentle pressure massage against your back. If you are having trouble balancing, try leaning forward on your partner or doula for support.


The ball provides support so leaning on it while resting in childs pose can be quite nice. Ask your partner to rub your back.




Just resting on the ball is always a great position for laboring. If you would like, ask someone to massage your back or to just stand behind you for comfort, it's a great way to stay relaxed.










Slow dancing or just standing and leaning while swaying is a good way to stay in a supported stance for labor. This will gravity to help bring your baby down.





Squatting with the help of a partner can be a comfortable and effective position.






Leaning with your back against a partner can help you into a slight squat. If your partner feels its comfortable to have his or her back against the wall, that might help keep both of you in this position for longer if it is working.




Simply relaxing by sitting backwards on a chair is nice for labor.







Pressure on your lower back while in labor can relieve back pains and pressure.