Natural Childbirth - the way nature intended

Author: pew singh

Every woman dreams of a Natural Childbirth. This is how it always used to be but nowadays it isn't so common to have a natural childbirth. People believe that by not having a C-section they have had a natural birth. But what about all the drugs and pain killers and the birthing environment?

The type of birth experience you receive seems more conditional on time and medical resources than the real issue or your wants. Women should begin to take back control of their births.

Taking into consideration things such as your health, mental state and physical shape will help you in your goal of experiencing a natural childbirth. You need to also make yourself knowledgeable about birthing techniques and in particular techniques that give you the control over your body.

Natural childbirth is achievable if your body and you are in equilibrium, and you have done the preparation.

Also pay attention to what you put into your body. Make sure you eat the proper foods and make sure you cut down the amount of toxins entering your body. And by toxins I don’t just mean things you eat. Check out your surroundings too.

There are plenty of resources available such as books and DVD's about natural childbirth. For such resources and details of techniques visit our website.

Part of your education should deal with the stages of pregnancy and what happens during each phase. In particular what happens to your body. Learn what your body will experience and try and learn how you can adapt your body positions in order to make it easier for your baby.

Your partner is essential and should be involved the whole way through. The success of your natural childbirth depends highly upon your partner and his fundamental interaction.

Most significantly you will need to find a midwife or birthing practitioner who supports your needs and will do everything in their power to ensure your natural childbirth is successful. Form a relationship with this person leading up to the birth, it is very important and it will help during the birth process.

Witnessing the birth of your child changes your life, experiencing a positive natural childbirth heightens it so much more. You can have all this and without drugs or medical interference and in turn be able to tell a wonderful birth story to your friends. Something which you do not hear too often these days, unfortunately.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/natural-childbirth-the-way-nature-intended-1117791.html

About the Author:

Martine Baanvinger is one of the founders of Raising-Angels.com, a Positive & Natural Parenting website and Blog. For information, techniques and resources about Natural Childbirth, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Positive Parenting, Waterbirth and other subjects visit our website - Raising-Angles.com

Vaginal Deliveries

Author: Jennifer Wider, Md

Recovery time from a vaginal delivery is usually shorter than the recovery time from a Cesarean section. But sometimes it can take a while, especially if you've experienced any lacerations or tears.

The perineum, or the region between the vagina and rectum, is vulnerable to tearing during delivery. Some studies show that women are more likely to tear during their first vaginal delivery, probably because this is the first time the area has been stretched to that degree. But whether it's your first or your tenth, delivery technique can make a huge difference. One study revealed that if normal, spontaneous vaginal deliveries are unrushed and occur in a controlled setting with a nurse, doctor, or midwife guiding the pushing process, there is a lower risk of obstetrical trauma. Many health experts recommend perineal massage in the weeks prior to delivery as a way to lower the chances of tearing. Unfortunately, some women experience tears despite their own best efforts and the efforts of their health care professional.

Tears and Lacerations

Tears and lacerations vary in severity and are classified accordingly:

• First-degree tears are surface tears that involve the skin of the perineum and the vaginal connective tissue, usually near the vaginal opening. No muscles are involved. Healing time for first-degree tears is rapid, and women usually experience little discomfort. Stitches may or may not be required.

• Second-degree tears are deeper tears that involve the skin, connective tissue, and underlying muscles. Second-degree tears almost always require stitches, and healing time can vary. Most often, the stitches will dissolve on their own. Some women report feeling fine in a matter of weeks, others complain of experiencing pain for longer periods of time.

• Third-degree tears are more severe and involve the skin, connective tissue, and the external anal sphincter muscle, the muscle that you can squeeze to stop yourself from going to the bathroom.

• Fourth-degree tears are the most severe and can involve a tear through both the internal and external anal sphincter muscles and lining of the bowel. These tears often result in the loss of anal sphincter control, as well as fecal urgency and/or incontinence.

While third- and fourth-degree perineal tears are not common, they can happen to anyone. There are a few risk factors which may increase the chances:

• Larger babies

• Occiput posterior deliveries (baby is sunny-side up, or delivered faceup, instead of facedown)

• Nulliparity (delivery of first babies)

• Extended second stage of labor, or if the pushing stage lasts longer than an hour

• Midline episiotomies -- unfortunately, some women end up tearing further than the controlled incision

• Forceps delivery

Third- and fourth-degree lacerations can be extremely painful and may interfere with all sorts of activities, including intercourse, for quite some time after delivery. Many women find going to the bathroom, especially having a bowel movement, a huge challenge. One woman with a third-degree tear told me that having bowel movements after her delivery was worse than the actual delivery itself.

The pain can persist for months after the baby arrives. A thorough follow-up is very important, so make sure that you see your health care professional several times after the delivery. Your doctor should examine the area and make sure the anorectal area is functioning properly. For many women, the pain and discomfort will subside within a few months and normal activities, including sex, can be resumed.

Some moms experience uncontrollable gas and/or fecal incontinence down the line. These problems should be brought to the attention of your physician immediately. In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary.

Episiotomies

An episiotomy is a controlled surgical incision made in the perineal area (between the vagina and rectum), prior to the delivery. In the past, the episiotomy was used routinely in order to lower the risk of vaginal tears during deliveries. But because newer studies have shown that these routine episiotomies have no real benefit for the mother, and may actually worsen the outcome and prolong healing time, episiotomies are becoming less common. In fact, several studies reveal that more severe lacerations were associated with the occurrence of an episiotomy.

Despite the new research about episiotomies, some women still get them. And it's certainly true that in some cases, an episiotomy may be necessary, especially if the baby presents in an unusual position or is overly large; it may also be necessary if the doctor needs to speed up the delivery for health or medical reasons pertaining to the mom and/or the baby.

Recovery from an episiotomy is a lot like the recovery from a tear; it all depends on the extent of the cut or laceration. For most women, the pain and tenderness will subside significantly in one to two months. If a woman experiences a serious tear in addition to the surgical incision, recovery time may be prolonged.

C-section

The recovery from a Cesarean section, or the delivery of a baby through an abdominal incision, varies from woman to woman. In general, recovery time tends to be longer than the time it takes to recover from a normal, vaginal delivery, unless, of course, a severe tear or laceration is involved.

Right off the bat, the incision site will most likely be sore, although some women report that their incision feels numb and tingly. The pain will gradually subside and the numbness should lessen as well (although I've spoken to a few women who never fully regained total sensation in that area). Many women also complain of itchiness around the scar during the healing process. If the itchiness becomes intolerable, speak with your health care provider for options. Some doctors will recommend soothing creams, but others do not, so it's important to get his/her opinion.

Some women who have had a C-section complain of cramps caused by the buildup of gas in the abdomen after surgery. Walking around or light exercise can help. This will usually go away within the first few days post-surgery, but it can linger, especially if you are not moving at all. Speak with your health care professional if it becomes a problem.

Don't be shocked by the way the incision looks! For many women, seeing a dark red scar on the abdomen can be upsetting. But remember, it fades with time (and will likely look a whole lot better in six to eight weeks) and most doctors make the incision low enough that your pubic hair will eventually cover it.

Certain activities may be difficult right after a C-section; even coughing, sneezing, and laughing can be uncomfortable. Lifting anything heavy is out of the question, and it will be a while before you can have sex again. You also may need to wait to drive a car, especially if you experience pain buckling your seat belt or getting in and out of the car. Getting up and moving are important parts of the healing process, but you shouldn't expect to run a marathon.

Here's a good piece of advice: Don't overdo it! Oftentimes, women don't seem to realize that they have just had major abdominal surgery and they feel frustrated that they are unable to move around freely or lift heavy things. One woman I spoke to complained that the stairs in her house posed a major challenge. Another woman was upset that she was in too much pain to be able to cook for her older child. It normally takes an average of six to eight weeks to recover completely from a Cesarean, and for some women it can take several months.

Here are a few more tips to help speed your recovery from a C-section:

• Accept help. As simple as it sounds, it can make a world of difference. Many women are used to doing everything themselves. But this is not the time to be superwoman. Husbands, siblings, parents, friends, and even in-laws make great helpers. If they offer, take them up on it!

• Take it nice and slowly. Many women feel okay by that six-to-eight-week mark, but if you're not among them, don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Overexerting yourself can actually prolong the healing process.

• Don't neglect your bowels. If you're taking pain medications, be aware that certain types can cause constipation, which in itself can become a serious problem. Make sure that your bowel movements are regular, and if this starts to become an issue, speak with your health care provider. Stool softeners and laxatives might be necessary.

• Accept the mess. With tons of foot traffic through your home and visits from your extended family, your house may get messy. But you're recovering, so leave it. This is a great opportunity to ask your mother-in-law to help clean up. Even if the mess causes you stress, it's better to leave it for someone else to handle than for you to overexert yourself. Believe me, there will be many messes in the future you can dirty your hands with!

The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

The above is an excerpt from the book The New Mom's Survival Guide
by Jennifer Wider, M.D.
Published by Bantam Books; June 2008;$15.00US/$17.00CAN; 978-0-553-80503-1
Copyright © 2008 Jennifer Wider, M.D.

Author Bio
Jennifer Wider, MD, is a doctor, author, and radio personality who specializes in women's health issues. She is the medical advisor to the Society for Women's Health Research in Washington, D.C. Dr. Wider is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan magazine and hosts a weekly segment on Cosmo Radio for Sirius Satellite. She has appeared as a health expert on The Today Show, CBS News, Good Day NY, Fox News, and a variety of cable channels. She lives with her physician husband, and their daughter and son, in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/vaginal-deliveries-591842.html

About the Author: Visit the author at www.drwider.com.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Author: Shahidul Islam

Weight Loss after Pregnancy
First Trimester

You already know that women may gain up to 30 lb or even more during the nine months of pregnancy. And then, when your baby is born, it’s often a huge problem to get rid of the excess pregnancy weight. But you should still stay positive and work hard in striving for “the slim yourself” all the nine months after pregnancy. Here’s what prevents you from losing excess weight and what to start with during the first postpartum trimester.

New Life after Pregnancy
Got new experience? Childbirth is actually an eye-opening thing. First, you realize the view that babies sleep up to 15 hours a day is far from being true. Even calm babies are likely to catnap and give their parents a hard time round the clock. Second, realizing that those pounds are still there, a young mom goes into a tailspin.

What Prevents from Getting Slim?
But what prevents you from getting slim during the first trimester? Progesterone and lactation hormone still prevail in the hormone profile. It is linked to the increased appetite. That’s why your belly and hips are still a problem. Obviously, lack of sleep and unhealthy sleep contribute to your inability to lose weight (it relates to all people).

Losing Weight during the First Postpartum Period
How to lose weight? Breastfeeding does not impede your efforts towards being slim. With no childbirth complications and a healthy lactation, you will be losing excessive weight naturally as the fat is used to produce milk. At average, your body consumes 30-40 g of fat daily.

Postpartum Weight Loss Tips
Tips. Here is a hard and simple rule for you –don’t ever try to start a strict diet. Make sure you don’t eat more than usually, though. Breastfeeding mothers often make the same mistakes, trying to eat more of fatty food (to make milk more nourishing), chose too big portions (to ensure their milk is good) and even have a hamburger before sleep (to make sure they have enough milk at night).

In reality, the quantity of breast milk has nothing to do with breastfeeding mother’s diet.

What Stimulates Lactation?
The secretion of lactation hormone is influenced by the other female hormones –estrogen in particular, not by eating more. It also depends on how right the breastfeeding process is as well as on your psycho-emotional state. Both for the mother and her baby, emotional state and healthy sleep is much more important than portion sizes.

Article Source: More Article regarding Prenancy and childbirth

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/pregnancy-and-childbirth-626263.html

About the Author:
Shahidul Islam
IT Professional
Bangladesh
www.pictureworldbd.com
www.phototrail.net

Bying the Perfect Birth Experience

Author: Kicki Hansard

Will you have your perfect birth experience if you hire your own obstetrician and book yourself a place in a private maternity unit? Imagine the following:

You find yourself pregnant and your friends are telling you to prioritise booking an obstetrician as the most popular ones get booked up very quickly. You have the money and you are determined to get the best possible care. You are delighted to find that not only has the private hospital you had your heart set on availability but the obstetrician you have heard so many good things about is free too. You feel delighted and relieved that you can now go through your pregnancy knowing that you will be receiving the best care and services available.

So you decide to start going to yoga classes, antenatal classes and you start reading books. You begin to like the idea of a natural birth, with the minimum use of drugs. You start wanting to take responsibility for your own birth experience. You realise there is research to suggest a link between drugs used in childbirth and drug abuse in later life (Jacobson et al, 1988). You learn that keeping the umbilical cord pulsating until it stops, before cutting it, will increase neonatal iron storage at birth (Ceriani Cernadas et al, 2006). You read that if you have a straight forward natural birth, there is no need to have an injection to deliver the placenta; your body can perform this all on its own! Perhaps you even decide to hire a doula as you have learnt about the favourable statistics linked to having a doula at your birth. Statistics like a 50% reduction in caesareans, 25% shorter labour, 60% reduction in epidural request, 30% reduction in analgesia used and 40% reduction in forceps delivery (Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1991).

You are now feeling happy and excited about knowing so much more about your options and choices. You feel “in control”. You decide to speak to your obstetrician about your wishes but throughout the meeting you find that there is little common ground. He/she does not share your enthusiasm about a physiological third stage and suggests that you have been fed unrealistic information. You feel very confused and unsure. You are trying to make sense of the situation; surely you are paying this person to give you what you want? The very least you expect is for your obstetrician to listen to you views, discuss them with you and provide facts and figures as to why he/she doesn’t share your thoughts. You are no longer happy with any information that follows “in my view” or “based on my many years experience”. The discussion soon moves away from your ideas and birth preferences to talks about inductions dates and pain relief, possible risk due to the size of the baby or its position. You start to get a horrible feeling that your obstetrician wants to schedule you in for an induction two weeks before you due date, even though there is no medical reason for this. There is a growing feeling inside you of mistrust and suspicion.
When you leave the meeting you feel communications have broken down and you don’t feel like speaking to your obstetrician anymore. You find that you start keeping things from him/her and that you dread each weekly meeting where you feel unheard and bullied. You start worrying about what is going to happen when you do go into labour. How can you trust that this person is going support you in your wishes and not look for any excuse to go down the medical route?

Fortunately, what you have just read does not happen all the time, but it does occur more often than you can imagine. I am not suggesting that all obstetricians are nasty, “out to get you” people who only care about when they can clock off but I am talking about a very common misconception. Going private does not necessarily guarantee that you will get what you want and the décor of some private maternity units warrants a payment to you for putting up with it rather than the other way around. The misconception is what someone means when the say the “best care”. To you, this might mean a comforting voice or hand, someone that will listen to you and be empathetic, someone that will do everything to fulfil your wishes, as long as there are no medical indications to do otherwise. However, to someone else it might mean the latest technology, rigid procedures and protocols, preventative medicine, keeping “on top” of things, removing or actively managing any pain and trusting the experts.

If your choice is to have an elective caesarean section or your wish is to have an epidural as soon as labour starts, then going down the private route will probably be a good option for you as the NHS isn’t always very receptive or able to accommodate this. In all likelihood you will have made an informed choice and have understood the risks and possible complications associated with these options. A good birth experience is about having made informed choices, about feeling that you took part in any decision making and that any procedure was explained in detail. Whether you have a drug free vaginal birth or an elective caesarean is up to you but do read up about the pro’s and con’s of these choices.

If you are looking for a more natural birth with the minimum of interventions, the best route is to hire an independent midwife and book yourself in for a home birth. An independent midwife trusts that the overwhelming majority of women in her care will be able to birth naturally and will do everything to support you in your wishes, as long as you and the baby are well. Being at home, in your own environment with everything around you that is familiar will help you relax and produce the hormones needed for a straight forward birth.

If a home birth makes you feel uncomfortable, why not have a look at a birth centre or midwife led unit? You have the right to give birth where ever you choose to and can look at more than one hospital local to you. Remember, you are “allowed” to do what you want. This is your body, your baby and your birth experience!

If you do find the route of hiring a private obstetrician the most appealing, make sure you find out about their views and philosophy on childbirth. Perhaps look at their caesarean rates versus vaginal deliveries. Speak to some of their previous clients and ask them to be honest about the care they received. When visiting a private maternity unit, find out what kind of births are most common and what kind of priorities the women who come there have. Most midwives will be able to tell you whether the place is suitable for you or not if you let them know how you picture your birth. Their births statistics should also be available to you.

Going back to the initial question at the beginning of this article, the answer must be “No”. The birth process is unpredictable and there is no way to guarantee a perfect birth experience by any means. Each couple needs to work from their own life experiences and personalities, manage their expectations and understand their rights and choices; after all each birth is unique. Remember, you need to take responsibility for your own experience and no matter who your hire to attend your birth or where you have your baby; you are the one who will be doing all of the labour!

References:

B Jacobson, K Nyberg, L Grönbladh, G Eklund, M Bygdeman, and U Rydberg (1988), Opiate addiction in adult offspring through possible imprinting after obstetric treatment. Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1664218

Kennell J, Klaus M, McGrath S, Robertson S, Hinkley C. JAMA 1991 May Continuous emotional support during labor in a US hospital. A randomized controlled trial. 1;265(17):2197-201 Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2013951

The effect of timing of cord clamping on neonatal venous hematocrit values and clinical outcome at term: a randomized, controlled trial. Ceriani Cernadas JM, Carroli G, Pellegrini L, Otano L, Ferreira M, Ricci C, Casas O, Giordano D, Lardizabal J.
Pediatrics. 2006 Apr;117(4):e779-86. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16567393?dopt=Abstract

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/bying-the-perfect-birth-experience-738253.html

About the Author:
Cert Soc Sci (Open), SNHS (Professional Relaxation Therapy), is an experienced doula, recognised with Doula UK and a Certified Doula with BOND and Nurturing Birth. She took part in the documentary about doulas called "Mum + One" which is currently being shown on the Discovery Home & Health Channel. She holds talks about doulas to student midwives and alternative health practitioners and is currently studying for a degree in Psychology.

Kicki is a facilitator of Doula Training courses and also run Prepare4birth Courses in central London.

Parent's Choice Of Childbirth Footage

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

The parent's choice

Many parents might want to keep the birth of their child on record and view it together later. The decision and the choice varies from parent to parent. For those who want to have an experience of child birth viewing they could easily download this online and watch it. This could be very informative for those who are about to become parents. There could be many reasons for wanting to watch a video on child birth. It could be for informative purposes, or for personal reasons like if the woman is pregnant she may want to know what to expect and prepare herself for what is going to happen soon. A video on child birth can give a lot of insight into the different kinds of births like the natural process, a c section, breach births and multiple births. It also shows the emotional side of the whole episode and the relief and joy on the mother's face once it is all over and the baby is born.

The mother can plan for herself

For a mother to be or for someone who is planning on a pregnancy, watching a video on childbirth can help them to decide on what they would want for themselves. Though it may not always be possible to decide on everything in these situations, at least they can voice their opinions and let the father or a relative know what she would like to go through.

A birth Plan for the mother to be

A birth plan indicates what the mother to be would be willing or unwilling to go through. This includes the medicines, the babies name, what are the things that go into the hospital bag, and the kind of birth that the mother would wish to go through. The mother may opt for a midwife or daula to assist her or prefer to have a water birth, and among other things the birth plan will also let others know whether the mother wants the birth to be put on record with a video tape or not.

Help others with your childbirth footage

Just like you could get a lot of information and ideas from watching another's childbirth footage, the same way your own experience would be of help to others. By sharing your experience with other parents to be, you could help them on deciding whether they would want a similar foot age or change their own and only cover some parts of the childbirth. Childbirth is a fascinating experience for everyone and seeing a new baby being born and a new life coming into this world is a thing of joy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/parents-choice-of-childbirth-footage-tips-to-help-parents-decide-753511.html

About the Author:
Abhishek has got some great Pregnancy And Childbirth Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 77 Pages Ebook, "Understanding Pregnancy!" from his website http://www.Childbirth-Guru.com/774/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

The Ecstasy of Birth

Author: Jenny Everett King

Quote: “There’s just no reason to do it any other way.” Said by many a new mother sitting in a hospital bed, following the virtually pain-free birth of her baby, thanks to the wonders of modern medicine. Years ago, when my sister-in-law and I had this conversation, I found myself at a loss. Having just delivered my own daughter without medication or other intervention, I felt conflicted. I disagreed with her logic, but could not seem to come up with an articulable counter argument, and that frustrated me.

Before we go any further, let me be clear: I count women who have chosen medical birth among my dearest family and friends. I have no wish to offend them or anyone else. And for a minority of mothers, medically-oriented labor and delivery is the best option. But natural-birthing mothers have been silent too long, and it’s time we respond, “Yes, there absolutely is a reason to do it another way.” To more accurate, there are several reasons, and the evidence on the sheer physical benefit of physiologically normal birth is compelling. But let’s forget about the science for a moment and talk about one specific, albeit abstract, reason: Elective childbirth without medication just may be – no, will probably be – one of the greatest sensations of your life.

Is childbirth painful? You bet. It’s probably some of the most extreme discomfort many women will experience in their lives. Childbirth educators like myself often shy away from the word “pain,” because we don’t want to scare anyone. But let’s face it: “Discomfort” does not begin to describe the sensation of transition contractions. Birth hurts.

But that’s only half the story, and if that’s all you’ve heard, you’ve missed the best part. Yes, birth hurts. But birth also heals. Childbirth is not only one of the most physically painful things many women will experience; it is also one of the most physically and emotionally ecstatic.

I’m convinced that many mothers shy away from discussing this aspect of birth for two reasons: 1) It is highly personal, and 2) It is extremely difficult to articulate.

Describing to anyone your feelings at the birth of your child is to let them in on one of the most intimate experiences of your life. It requires a level of intimacy that most of us share with very few people. Even more challenging, the ecstasy of childbirth is nearly impossible to put into words. But its inarticulable nature does not mean it doesn’t exist. By way of contrast, consider some of the more intense experiences of your own life – moments that enveloped you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And then ask yourself: Could anyone possibly put that experience into words? Poetry might be able to come close, but prose? Could a random, double-blind, controlled scientific study even begin to touch it?

For most people, the answer is no. There are experiences that cannot be put into words. Science may reflect the hormonal surges that lead to the feelings we experience, but science cannot describe the feeling itself. Now ask yourself: How do you normally respond to an experience that is “too good for words”? Doesn’t its inarticulable nature only make you want to try it more?

So here’s my suggestion: If you are expecting a baby and find yourself on the fence about natural childbirth, put down the research books. Instead, talk to a mother who chose to deliver her child without medical intervention. Ask her about her experience. (Don’t be shy – most mothers love to tell their birth stories!) Notice her enthusiasm, her attitude towards labor pain, her level of confidence. Ask her if she would have chosen a different approach to her baby’s birth. I’ll wager that she’ll tell you: “There’s just no reason to do it any other way.”

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/the-ecstasy-of-birth-764543.html

About the Author:
The coordinator of Healing Hands Chiropractic’s Body-Mind Wellness program, Jenny Everett King believes strongly in the value of holistic health practices. Her faith in the power of the mind-body connection is the core of her approach to both yoga and childbirth classes.

Jenny is an ExpertRating Certified Yoga Teacher at the Expert level, and continues to study various hatha yoga styles and practices. She is a member of the International Yoga Association, as well as the Manchester Young Professionals Network and the Southern New Hampshire Women’s Business Network.

Jenny and her husband have two young children, both born naturally with midwives attending. Jenny has used her twin passions for yoga and holistic family wellness to develop Healing Hands Chiropractic’s childbirth education series, Empowered Birth. Her childbirth educator certification through the Cambridge, MA-based ALACE organization is pending.

Is Natural Childbirth Right For You?

Author: Sheila Baskerville

If you are pregnant, it is important that you plan ahead regarding your expectations for the birth of your child. You may have noticed a lot of interest in natural childbirth lately. Perhaps you’ve heard about it from other parents or seen the many programs on your cable channel that focus on pregnancy and childbirth . Read on to learn more about natural birthing to see if it might be the right choice for you.

What is Natural Childbirth?
Natural childbirth is the process of having a baby without using medications or surgery. Some people may take it so far as to describe it as a birth without any interventions at all. While this is seen as radical by some people, it can truly be a beneficial process to both mother and baby.

Advantages of Natural Childbirth for Both Mom & Baby
There are many advantages to natural childbirth.

• Many women feel more in control and empowered during the birthing process as they can move around freely, and eat and drink as desired.
• Most comfort measures used in natural childbirth, such as massage, water immersion and acupressure, are non-invasive, so there are no side effects for you or baby. Instead of feeling groggy, which can happen with some pain management medications, you remain alert.
• Your natural hormones can flow as nature intended, preparing both you and your baby for birth.
• If your partner wants to be involved, there is more for them to do during natural childbirth. They can rub your back, be a stable person to lean on during contractions, and help you with positive affirmations.
• Because pain medications that you take during labor can pass through to the baby, natural childbirth allows your baby to be more alert once he or she is born. They are able to actively nurse, and make eye contact with you and your partner. Beginning the breastfeeding process may be easier when baby is alert and responsive after a natural birth.

Disadvantages of Natural Childbirth
Comfort measures used in natural childbirth do not remove pain; they only reduce your perception of it. It is up to you to learn how to work with your labor pains. If you have complications, it may become impossible to have a natural birth since many interventions that may be required may increase your pain. In long labors, you could become exhausted and need more assistance. Natural childbirth is hard work that must be prepared for ahead of time.

Pain Management in Natural Childbirth
There are many ways to manage your labor pains in natural childbirth.

• Changing positions is a great way to manage the pain.
• Staying upright and active can also help since lying flat in bed can be a quite painful position to labor in.
  
• Practicing breathing, visualization and meditation.
• Using hypnosis techniques can be very effective.
  
• Using a tub of water or the shower can help, since the feeling of the water on your skin can compete with pain messages being sent to your brain.
• Massage techniques such as effleurage, which is a light, stroking touch, can also send these competing messages. The brain can only process so much at one time, and messages sent from the skin will arrive faster than internal messages.
• Hot or cold packs, acupressure, and other comfort measure techniques can help you relax, send competing messages to the brain, and help you cope with the pain.
• Having someone to support you can go a long way in helping you deal with pain. Whether this is your partner, a family member or friend, or professional labor support, having someone there to support you and help out is very comforting.

Midwives & Doulas
Hiring a doula or midwife to assist at your birth can help you succeed at natural childbirth. A trained doula can lower the incidence of pain medication use and surgical birth, according to studies.

Hiring a midwife as your care provider can help as well. Midwives are trained in normal birth techniques. They are less likely to resort to high tech measures, especially if you are birthing in at home or in a birth center.

As you prepare for your own labor, remember that childbirth is not a contest. Things may change and your birth may not end up as you anticipated. Be prepared to go with the flow and respond to circumstances as they arise while heeding the advice of your health care provider. Ultimately, the health and well-being of you and your child should be of the utmost importance.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/is-natural-childbirth-right-for-you-774194.html

About the Author:
Sheila Baskerville is a CPA and mother of 3 children. For more information on natural, organic baby products and eco-friendly parenting tips, visit Natural-Organic-Baby.com. Get helpful tips delivered straight to you. To sign up for your free monthly newsletter, visit The Go Natural & Organic Baby! E-zine.

Tips On Choosing Childbirth Options

Author: Paul Banas

This may be a good time during the pregnancy for your spouse to give a thought to the manner of delivery she wishes to opt for. The options-natural, induced, or cesarean-all have their pros and cons.

Natural delivery

• This is the most common method of childbirth.
• It does not involve an extended stay in a hospital.
• The risks associated with major surgery are avoided.
• This method of delivery makes breastfeeding easier.
• The mother can actively participate in the childbirth.

Induced delivery

• In this method, labor is artificially induced rather than spontaneous.
• It avoids complications in post-term babies.
• The pregnant mom, or her doctor, can decide when to go in for labor.
• Studies report that women who have induced labor are less likely to develop chorioamnionitis, an infection of the placental membranes.

If your spouse's pregnancy extends beyond her due date, her doctor may decide to induce labor. In fact, there some everyday activities, natural labor inducers, that are popularly believed to induce labor. Find information on common natural labor induction when your spouse's pregnancy extends beyond her due date.

Cesarean section

• In this method, delivery is surgically carried out through an incision made by the doctor in the abdomen and uterus.
• It is required if labor does not progress normally.
• It is also required in case of a complication in the pregnancy.
• It is useful in cases where the fetus has been diagnosed with a developmental problem.
• It is helpful in cases of women carrying twins, triplets, or multiples.
• Cesarean is also used in the cases where the mom has herpes or similar infections, to prevent the baby from contracting these infections.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/tips-on-choosing-childbirth-options-798216.html

About the Author:
Paul Banas is a founder and writer of GreatDad.com. Many future dads are a bit confused about their role in their spouses' pregnancy. If you are one of them, here are some pregnancy planning tips to tell you what you can do.

Unexpected problems at birth can cause a child to born with cerebral palsy

Author: Alice Shown

An expectant mother has several important decisions to make regarding the birth of her unborn child. Where to deliver, who should deliver, and how to deliver are a few things to consider to ensure a safe and healthy birth.

It is very important to choose a delivering hospital that can handle emergency situations. Women with health problems or those who are at high risk for problems during the delivery process should give birth in a hospital. Hospitals offer the most advanced medical equipment and highly trained doctors for expectant mothers and their babies. In a hospital, doctors can do emergency cesarean sections if the mother or unborn baby is in danger or distress during labor. In some situations medical mistakes are made in which a child is born not breathing and requires intensive care. It is important to make sure that the hospital you choose has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU has specialized health care professionals and advanced medical equipment necessary to care for a child born with cerebral palsy.

Women have choices in who will deliver their unborn child, such as a nurse midwife or a medical doctor. An obstetrical doctor (OB) is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of expectant mothers and in delivering of babies. Obstetrical doctors also have special training in surgery so they are capable of doing episiotomies and cesarean sections if needed. Children with cerebral palsy are usually born with complications at birth. Such complications include a child who is born not breathing, the need for ventilator assistance to breath, and seizures following delivery. An obstetrical doctor is trained on how to handle unfortunate situations such as these. Although you don’t anticipate that your child will be born with these complications that result in cerebral palsy, an obstetrical doctor would be the best choice should the situation present itself.

A child can be born either naturally (NSVD) or by cesarean section. During a cesarean section delivery, the doctor makes an incision in the mother's abdomen / uterus and removes the baby. This type of delivery is used if the mother has had a prior c-section, or if an emergency situation presents itself. When a child is experiencing fetal distress, a c-section can save the life of the unborn child. Most c-sections result in a healthy mother and baby, however, significant brain injury may have already occurred resulting in cerebral palsy. If your child was born with complications at birth resulting in cerebral palsy, you may want to consult with a qualified birth injury law firm to protect your special needs child.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/unexpected-problems-at-birth-can-cause-a-child-to-born-with-cerebral-palsy-856005.html

About the Author:
I recommend http://www.originsofcerebralpalsy.com/ for more information on Cerebral Palsy.

Why Homebirth?

Author: John L. Rakestraw

Homebirth can be safer - Our houses are a lot less likely to be a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and unlike a hospital, it’s not full of sick people.

Your chances of going through a cesarean are greatly reduced with a homebirth.

It’s easier on the pocketbook - The cost of a midwife is normally much less than a hospital stay or it can even cost you nothing if you do it all yourself.

You don’t have to go anywhere, the food is way better at home, plus you get to eat when you want and your home is always more comfortable than any hospital room.

You don’t have to have all those interrupters (CNMs, OBs, nurses), the beeping machines and best of all, no drugs at your birth. Everything you need is right there. You get to control the environment at home, which means if you want to dim all the lights or open a window, you can just do it.

Giving birth at home is an empowering event for all that are a part of it. We can all trust in birth.

Homebirth is also fun. Your children should and can be a part of the normal birth experience. The whole family can cut the umbilical cord when you are good and ready.

At hospital births we're always on our way to somewhere... either rushing to the hospital or rushing to be at home or to work!

There is no pressure to circumcise, vaccinate, or apply for a SSN for your baby right after a homebirth.

Your get to keep the placenta... it doesn't become a hospital's byproduct, to be sold or dropped in the trash as biowaste!

Hours of them telling her what she couldn't do!

Hours of different drugs!

Hours of nothing but lying on her back!

Hours of nothing proactive

I know how scary it is to just think about having a baby let alone have a homebirth! If by chance this is your first birth, you are both in for a wonderful time and if this is one of many then this experience is going to open up a whole new magical event that you find so much more sacred.

I had a hard time getting past the “are you nuts?” stage. In my mind, the hospital was the safest place to be, they knew what was best for the baby and my wife. Until our fourth birth, when the OBs at the practice Toni had picked, decided to fire all the CNMs just weeks before she was due to go into labor

There was no way Toni was going to stay with them after that. It was going to be hard to find to find another CNM, but I still wasn’t comfortable with the homebirth idea. I wish I could have found it in myself to trust Toni and the birthing process enough to avoid what was going to happen next.

To make it easier for us (that would be me), Toni decided to go with our family doctor. He had the right hospital privileges. We sort of knew him and we could stick with the hospital we wanted. We then found out that he wasn’t going to be there for the birth, but their other doctors with the practice would be on call. It was going to be a crap shoot as to who we might have!

Finally Toni went in to labor, and we stayed at home as long as we could. It had been a long day at work. I didn’t sleep to well the night before. My mother was having trouble watching our other children and kept waking me up; I was very tired by the time we headed off to the hospital in my parents RV.

We got there and were met by a friend of my wife’s who was going to be our doula. We got into our room, they hooked Toni up to the wireless monitors and we walked the halls. In the early hours the doctor showed up to introduce herself and check Toni's progress. She was the only doctor at the practice I never met.

Toni labored for some hours and then a nurse checked her dilation. She was at 5 cm. This always meant that she had a few more hours to go before the pushing stage. I decided to go down and check on the other children in the RV and get a little nap. Toni agreed that it would be a good idea before things really got started.

I was gone for only 45 minutes, but in those 45 minutes all hell broke loose!

Toni rapidly opened to 10 cm in dilation. She suddenly started pushing and our wee new one was quickly moving down the birth canal. The doula started to panic because she didn’t know what to do… there were no nurses nearby and no doctor, either. The doula yelled down the hall for help, and still no one came rushing in.

Toni had the presence of mind to get on her knees to help herself push the baby out and maybe into her own hands. The baby starts to crown, at which time the nurses and the doctor came to see what all the noise was about. They found themselves almost too late to help deliver the baby; they tried to get Toni to roll over onto her back to make it easier for them. She told them “no way, this baby is coming now!!!”

The doctor was so confused about how to catch the baby with Toni’s back to her. Toni just pushed the baby out onto the bed. The doctor and nurses quickly cut the cord and scooped the baby up and moved over to the warming light, leaving Toni to fend for herself. At which time I opened the door to this room, and saw all this pandemonium. I ran directly into the doctor and the nurses, who looked back at me like deer caught in the headlights. Thinking I’d walked into the wrong room, I excused myself and started to leave when out of the corner of my eyes I spied Toni in a daze over on the bed with the doula. It dawned on me that the baby is mine and that I’m in the right room. I quickly rushed in to see if the baby was okay and to check what sex we had. It was a girl! I told Toni we have Ostara, which let her know that it was a girl. I took some time to look over our new daughter. This made the doctor and the nurses really uncomfortable for some reason.

After checking to make sure that Ostara was healthy, had all her fingers and toes. I headed over to Toni to see how she was feeling and to find out what had happened during the last 45 minutes!

What I found were two women, both in shock and dazed by what just happened. It would take Toni hours to get to a point where she could finally tell me what she had been through. Our doula tried to explain how it all transpired but even she was too keyed-up about the whole thing.

One of the worst parts about all this was seeing my wife in shock and not being treated for it. Here we are in a hospital with medical professionals and no one was concerned about Toni. My wife has become a nonentity.

I suddenly realized that the medical profession had slowly over many decades turned birth into a medical procedure, where I believe that they have delusioned themselves into thinking that they are rescuing women from birth. They no longer trust birth! They no longer trust women, their bodies and the babies to naturally go through the wonderfully mystical process called BIRTH!

The medical business machine stopped looking at birth as women’s celebration of life.

Instead they look at birth as a celebration of man’s need to overcome nature, to conquer and subdue the birth process into a widget of an assembly line of efficiency.

At that moment I realized that we as parents need to take back birth. We need to stand up and yell “WE TRUST BIRTH, WE TRUST IN OURSELVES, WE TRUST IN OUR BABY AND WE TRUST IN THE BIRTH PROCESS!!!”

That is why we have homebirthed our last four children.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/why-homebirth-936485.html

About the Author:
It's your birth, your magical event and you can make it as sacred as you need. What better setting could there be but at home? If you would like to learn more about homebirth please wander over to http://www.organic-birth.com

My wife, Toni, of 23 years and I have 8 wonderful children. We've had 4 homebirths and would love to help more families realize this dream!

The Stages of Birth

Author: John L. Rakestraw

There are three stages for birth and labor. Remember, there is no false labor. All the Braxton Hicks contractions are just helping you along the path to active labor. Every step gets you both closer to holding that new wee little one in your loving arms.

It's been 9 or 10 long months that you have watched the birthing mother carry this baby inside of her. Now comes those moments where all the times you have been honestly listening and working with her will pay off. She needs you now more than ever... every ounce of you as the birth ally must come into play. Here is a quick overview:

First stage - the beginning of contractions (in most cases it's the longest phase) that cause progressive changes in the birthing mother's cervix and ends when her cervix is fully dilated. This stage is divided into two phases: early labor and active labor. Early labor begins with the onset of contractions. This is where the birthing mother's cervix gradually effaces (thins out) and dilates (opens). Once active labor starts, her cervix begins to dilate more rapidly and contractions become stronger and closer together. Near the end of active labor is the transition phase. This is the part of labor most often depicted on television as the mother completely losing it and cursing her partner, the world in general, and either screaming for drugs or says she's dying.

Second stage - the pushing portion of labor, (at this stage she will need all your patience and your confidence in the birth process and most importantly... in Her!) She is working hard to move the baby down through the open cervix, through the vagina and into the world.

Third stage - the final stage begins right after the birth of the baby and ends with the birth of the placenta.

Every pregnancy is unique, and because of this there is wide deviation in the lengths of labor. For first-time birthing mothers who are at least 36 weeks along, labor can take between ten and 20 hours on average. For some it lasts much longer, while for others it's much shorter. Labor generally progresses more swiftly for women who've already given birth.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/the-stages-of-birth-939305.html

About the Author:

So, as you come to the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of labor... Just start thinking about how birthing mothers' bodies are amazing. They can grow babies from two tiny cells to millions of cells all by themselves. If a body can do all that, this same amazing body can birth that same beautiful baby. Women DO NOT need to be rescued from childbirth! We human beings would have died out a long time ago if natural birth didn't work. Trust in the birth process. To learn more about birthing at home and the stages of birth please wander over to our informative website http://www.organic-birth.com

John Rakestraw and his wife, Toni, of 24 years have 8 wonderful children. They've had 4 homebirths and would love to help more families realize this dream!

Different Positions for Childbirth

Author: Emilyd

At this point in her pregnancy, your spouse should give a thought to the birthing position that she would prefer for her delivery. Each position has its advantages and disadvantages. Your spouse can opt for the one with which she would be most comfortable.

Listed below are child-birth positions that any would-be mother should consider before delivery:

Lithotomy

* Involves the mother lying on back with her legs elevated using stirrups.
* Earlier considered the most ideal position for birthing.
* Allows the doctor to deal with any complications.

Semi-sitting

* Involves a semi-sitting position with the spine curved and legs drawn up.
* Makes use of gravity to facilitate the delivery.
* Makes it difficult sometimes for the baby to descend under the pubic bone.

Side-lying

* Reduces the need for an epistiomy—a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vagina and facilitate delivery.
* Reduces pressure of the uterus on major blood vessels and the perineum.
* Is more relaxing for the mother.
* Helps prevent back ache.
* Is ideal for mothers suffering from high blood pressure.
* Helps to slow down a rapid birth.

Squatting

* Naturally helps to open the pelvis
* Allows the baby to rotate into a position conducive for birth
* Can become tiring or uncomfortable for the mother if the delivery exceeds the normal time period.
* May require some practice to get used to.
* May make it difficult for the doctor to support the perineum.

Hands and knees

* Reduces strain on the perineum.
* Allows free movement into other positions such as semi-sitting and side-lying.
* Helps to slow down a rapid birth.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/different-positions-for-childbirth-985732.html

About the Author:

Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on pregnancy care, unusual baby names, toilet training, parenting tips and many more topics related to dads.