›› Birth Methods
A woman who is
pregnant can prepare for going through labor in many ways.
The best thing she can do for herself is to get educated on what to
expect when labor starts. There are many ways a woman can
learn about what to expect. There are a multitude of books
and websites dedicated to pregnancy and parenting. The
library, a bookstore, or search engines are all good places to
start. Many hospitals offer free or very inexpensive classes
on various birth philosophies and breastfeeding techniques.
It is a good idea to learn all one can before the time comes, to help
relax and understand what is happening to the body when labor sets
in. It is also a good idea for the birth partner to attend
these classes, so he or she can learn how to be the best support to the
mother-to-be.
There are many birth
philosophies that a woman can learn about. One is called
Lamaze. This is a breathing technique that helps a woman
focus on breathing through the pain of labor contractions, and
attaining a meditative state by doing so, in order to cope with the
contractions as they become intense. It is very
popular. The birth partner helps by being a coach during
labor. This method may be used instead of pain medications,
for those interested in a medicine-free birth, or in conjunction with
any one of the available pain-reducing drugs during labor.
Another birth method is called the Bradley Method. This
method involves using positions and relaxation techniques to help the
body have productive contractions, and help the woman to cope with the
pain. Relaxation is commonly understood as an effective way
to manage the pain of labor. The Bradley method teaches ways
for the birth partner to serve as a coach and help the woman relax
through each contraction and allow it to help the labor
progress. This method is most commonly used by women who wish
to have a medication-free birth, but may also be used by women who want
to get as far into labor as possible before trying any pain
medication.
Besides birth
methods, there are also professionals who are available to help women
and their partners with the process of labor. These
professional labor coaches are called doulas. A doula is not
a nurse or midwife, but rather a person who is trained in supporting a
woman through labor, and helping her partner to support her
too. Husbands often feel helpless when their wives are in
labor, as they watch her going through pain, they don't know how to
help. A doula can help support both partners by understanding
the woman's experience, and knowing effective ways to help.
Women today have many options when it comes to birth, and have the
opportunity to educate themselves in many ways so they are as prepared
as possible to have a positive birth experience, with few complications.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
