Pam England talks about childbirth being a rite of passage, not just a medical event. In our world today, it is very hard to get past the medical event stuff. So, I thought I’d offer some tips and choices.
Home birth is an option and research has shown (as far as I can tell) that it is also safe for low risk moms. For those who don’t feel as comfortable with the thought, though, or need to be in the hospital, here are some other ideas. Bring a pillow, blanket, or other comfort item. Dress in your own clothes. Visit the hospital and become familiar with it. Don’t go in with a fighting attitude…that defeats the whole purpose of trying to get past the medical stuff. But…know your options and choices and be willing to ask for them. Bring a doula or childbirth coach. Bring music to play. If you don’t have to use drugs, don’t get an iv. If you do, walk around as much as possible and “claim” the area. Try and focus on your loved ones there and on the new baby instead of the medical stuff. Bring a journal and write down your thoughts at the time. Create a letter to your baby while you labor. Bring movies that will help you focus on positive things. Create art while in labor. For those who are dissappointed or afraid of what happened in birth, discuss this with someone you trust. Again, write out your thoughts and feelings. Think of how you could use this experience in a positive way, or think about what you can learn from it.
I’m sure there are a lot of other ideas that you could think of, but make this birth your own.