Childbirth an Empowering Event

Giving birth is an empowering life event

The most appropriate environment to give birth is it has to be out of love. For many centuries women gave birth at home without medical intervention and these women had babies understanding and accepting that giving birth is a natural process. It has been proven through history that a woman can give birth without any assistance or outside interference. However the ones that manage to go through uncomplicated labor and child birth represent only very few number of women. In our modern days, we believe that high tech and obstetrical interventions offer pregnant women a significant advantage. Some also believe that having a baby in a hospital is a much safer option. The move to hospital births started way back in the 1920’s to 50’s and around this time medicine has taken complete control on childbirth. In the 70’s the fathers were allowed to be present at the birth of their child, however when they were admitted they were only mere observers and are often asked to leave the room if things get a bit tricky. Nowadays a father who does not choose to be present when his partner gives birth is quite a rare exception.
At the beginning of the 21st^th century mothers and enlightened birth practitioners are seeking changes and wants birth to be normal and be a wonderfully joyful part of a woman’s life. Not a pathological pain to be endured and can only survive with medical assistance.

Before Labor Begins

Four weeks before the birth your baby’s head will engage in your pelvis. There will be increased pressure on your bladder and your groin. You will feel a bit of relief under your ribs and you will notice that your breathing will be easier. If you are having your second baby, the baby’s head may not engage until you are in labor. As labor approaches you will experience Braxton Hicks contractions which act as a rehearsal for your uterus for the birth and for your cervix to soften and to ripen.

Ultimately giving birth as nature intended is a profound experience, it is difficult and challenging, yet rewarding and enriching.

Pregnant Woman

Experiencing Contractions

The First Stage of Labor

The loss of the mucous plug from the neck of the cervix is the first stage of labor. It’s what they call a show that is sort of blood stained, however it may occur also a few days before. When your amniotic sac breaks and water comes out, the lost fluid will largely depend on how well engaged your baby’s head is. Don’t worry because these waters are replaced and replenished and it will never dry out.
Usually contractions begin in irregular intervals similar to a period pain, but this will become closer together as time passes.
Some women are able to sleep in between their contractions; some women react differently and have some vomiting and diarrhea. When your labor intensifies and is well truly underway, your contractions will be closer together and will be intense.
Whatever gets your labor underway it is important to contact your support person, your midwife or your doctor as there is a fine line with going in to hospital early and being sent home. Because when the time comes that to give focus to your contractions and use up all the energy to push you want to be secure and comfortable in a place you have planned to give birth.
Once your labor is strongly established each contraction will build up to a peak of intense pain and then fade away. And during the time that the contractions are gone you can try and recover. You will have all sorts of feelings like being hot or cold as your contractions increase. As the baby’s head descends it will exert pressure on your cervix which will assist dilation.

Transition during Labor

At the end of the first stage of labor, many women are feeling that they are unable to continue so if you are feeling like that it means that you definitely entered the transitioning stage of labor. Transitioning is the point when your contractions reach its peak and fades away, it is intense and painful but not nearly as intense as what’s about to begin. It can be the most trying part of all and the sensations during this stage are powerful. Your midwife will be examining you to see if you are dilated.

What do you think?

Is Natural birth better than Hospital birth?

• Yes
• No

Healthy Pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy will help you prepare for the different stages in labor

The Second Stage of Labor

Your baby’s head is now free from your uterus and will continue to rotate until the crown stretches wide open. Remember at this point there is considerable pressure on your baby’s head moreover there is no need to worry as the softness of their bones naturally allow this. The contractions you will experience on the second stage of labor, will be a lot more painful than your previous ones and will begin when dilation is complete. Even if you feel tired you will be refreshed with new energy if you prepared well through your pregnancy. Actually women have described this as a tidal wave that is hard to resist. As your baby is pushed down through the birth canal you will be amazed on how much strength you have. You will then experience an acute burning sensation as your tissues stretch to the max. Then finally your baby’s shoulder and the rest of the body will enter the world. Most newborns nowadays are given to their mothers for immediate bonding between mother and child.

Third Stage of Labor

Your uterus will contract and your placenta will come away from the uterine wall. Once your infant is breathing on its own the umbilical cord will be cut. It is normal to feel more contractions after the birth and the placenta will be expelled. Once this has all occurred, it will be the start of an extraordinary process of getting to know your new born child.
Those are the facts facing you as an expectant mother during normal and not heavily medicated labor. After a labor with no heavy medication or intervention your baby is most likely to be relaxed and alert. The important bonding process can take place as from the moment of birth all family members present at the birth will have a connection with one another. Your partner will be able to bond with the child immediately and will have deepened his respect for you after seeing how hard you worked during the birth. For siblings the overwhelming arrival of a new baby can be overcome if they are not isolated from the birth experience.

Resting is vital for pregnant women in labor

Summary

Those are the facts facing you as an expectant mother during normal and not heavily medicated labor. After a labor with no heavy medication or intervention your baby is most likely to be relaxed and alert. The important bonding process can take place as from the moment of birth all family members present at the birth will have a connection with one another. Your partner will be able to bond with the child immediately and will have deepened his respect for you after seeing how hard you worked during the birth. For siblings the overwhelming arrival of a new baby can be overcome if they are not isolated from the birth experience.