Birthing Crash Course

A very close friend is expecting her first baby....Here is my advice.

Dear Sweet Friend,
   I know you will make the best choices for you and your baby--she/he picked you for a reason!  The right birth for you is whatever works.  

STEP 1: Be EDUCATED!
    Be an informed consumer.  Do your research before the 3rd trimester.  Know the risks to unnecessary ultrasounds, induction, early cord clamping,etc.  At minimum, watch The Business of Being Born
Read: Gentle Birth Choices by Barbra Harper OR
            Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
     I can give you a few more resources, but these are ESSENTIAL!

STEP 2: Take care of YOURSELF!
     The best thing you can give your baby is a happy, healthy mama.  Make time to do things that truly make you feel good.  Get a foot massage.  Do yoga.  Walk outside.  Watch movies that make you laugh.  (If you must watch baby/birth things on TV, please try to view some empowering natural birth videos, too!  Subconscious cultural programming about fear/pain is a lot to overcome.)  
      Consider seeing a chiropractor.  This can help the baby's position, your balance/coordination, etc.  If you're totally freaked out by it, skip it.

STEP 3: CHOOSE your provider.
     Ideally, you've selected an OB/GYN or Midwife who doesn't do routine episiotomies, inductions, and has a low c-section rate....It's never too late to switch to a provider who supports your choices and knows how to help you achieve the birth you want.

STEP 4:  Assemble your support team.
        Help your partner prepare.  He should hopefully watch/read the minimum resources AND read Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.  (That would be book #3 on the must-read list. There are some great counter pressure techniques in there!)  
 
        Consider a Birth/Labor Doula.  A good doula can help you navigate hospital procedures and use comfort measures and positions to ease labor, and be a consistent calming presence for you both.  At minimum, make sure all present at your birth make you feel calm, secure and believe in your judgement.

STEP 5: Prepare to surrender.  
      Once you've done your homework, let your baby do the rest.  Babies know when they are ready and will initiate labor.  Relax, relax, relax.  Your body knows what to do.  (just as your mother's, grandmother's, and great-grandmother's did!) 
      Labor at home as long as you can.  (you'll labor more efficiently and have less disruptions there!)
        
    I will love and support your choices--be it an epidural, induction, etc.  I don't presume to know what will be the best birth for you and your baby.  My wish for you is a birth that makes you feel empowered as a woman and a mother.  If you make informed choices in your care, feel like your voice was heard, your desires honored in the birth, you'll treasure the journey....And begin the 4th Trimester in a position of strength.

       Hugs & excitement for you!!!  

If YOU have any advice, resources, or things you think I missed, please comment below!