 NATURAL CHILDBIRTH
By Dana Wilson, written for Gail Dahl Since the
beginning of the 1900's, medical and scientific advances have escalated astronomically. We
live longer, run faster, cure horrific diseases, and mass-produce more pills than there
are stars in the skies. We even mass-produce babies.
A visit to a maternity ward in any hospital is akin to watching Ford
popping cars out of its factories. Why has childbirth become so manufactured?
There are many reasons for this, the foremost being financial. In Canada, health-care
regulates childbirth, and for those who are middle income or below, this all but erases
other options.
Time is also a factor. Many women are now a part of the work force and many
families depend on dual incomes. This increases the need for faster and more efficient
birthing. Despite this catch-22 situation facing most women, childbirth can still be a
special and empowering time. There are natural options for women who wish to cherish
childbirth.
Studies show that 95 per cent of all women are capable of giving birth without using many
of the procedures available such as epidurals, episiotomies, and labour-inducing drugs.
Epidurals have become popular during childbirth, particularly lumbar
epidurals - anesthetic agents administered to the lower back during labour. Although they
create numbness from the ribs to the toes, epidurals are not risk-free and should be used
only as a last resort because they can cause serious side effects to the mother and child.
Side effects in the mother could involve paralysis of the lower
extremities, slowing of labour, vomiting and seizures. Epidurals could also effect the
baby's heart rate and increase the need for forceps, caesarian deliveries and
episiotomies. Other, more natural, pain-alleviating methods are available and should be
used first.
Two of the most important things a woman can do during the early stages of
labour are eat and drink. Physically exhausting, labour's exertion on the body is similar
to running a marathon. Nourishment in the form of fluids and digestible proteins aids the
mother in meeting her body's needs as well as the baby, who is still dependent on her for
nourishment.
It is also important during the early stages, for the mother to stay
comfortable and relax. Also, have the mother change positions often - at least every 30 to
60 minutes. Standing, squatting, kneeling, lying on one side, and walking tend to shorten
labour and reduce the need for pain-reducing drugs.
These processes should continue throughout labour, but in the later
stages, emotional support becomes more vital.
Many women recommend a doula. A doula is like a coach who can help
emotionally and physically before, during and after childbirth. She can provide massages
and non-pharmacological pain relief, as well as offer support for partners.
It is also important to discuss every detail of the pregnancy and birth with
your partner and health team - doctor, midwife or doula. Think of it as being the director
and choosing whom and what you want involved in your production.
Create a list detailing handling of procedures and solutions to problems that may arise
during pregnancy or childbirth and present it to your health team.
Decisions about episiotomies, inducing labour and caesarean sections should
be included. Also, include information such as how the baby should be monitored after
delivery, who you would like with you and what environment the baby will be delivered in.
The benefits and detriments of various procedures should be researched so
parents can make informed decisions.An informed decision is essential when determining
whether or not to induce labour artificially start labour using hormones. Some doctors
believe an induction is required at 40 weeks. However, it is not uncommon for the
gestation period of first-time mothers to last 42 weeks. Inductions should only be
considered under a few conditions, including heart or kidney disease, diabetes, or high
blood pressure.
Inducing labour can result in prolonged postnatal depression and extensive hemorrhaging of
the mother and may cause brain damage to the child.
Inducing labour also requires electronic monitoring of the mother or child or both. This
monitoring restricts the mother's mobility and can slow delivery. Longer, more forceful
contractions are likely and episiotomies or caesareans could result.
Epidurals and inductions increase the need for an episiotomy a surgical cut
through the skin and tissue to widen the birth outlet. Episiotomies can be extremely
painful and may lead to increased blood loss and infection.
Natural solutions to avoid this surgery include warm oil or warm water compresses to the
area as the baby's head begins to show.
Another possible solution is water births, which are becoming
increasingly popular because of their relaxing effects. It is recognized that life evolved
from the primordial soup - from water. So it makes sense that water could be a perfect
environment for mother and child.
Natural childbirth is a very empowering experience that is reaffirmed every
time you look at your child. With that strength supporting you through the challenges of
parenthood, the sky's the limit on your road to success.
Gail Dahl is the author of National Bestseller Pregnancy &
Childbirth Tips. She resides in Calgary and is currently researching new material for a
revised second edition. Find out more about Gail at www.pregnancytips.com |
