What is nature’s simple plan for birth?

A woman’s body is created to grow a baby, give birth and nurture her baby at her breast. Hormones in the woman’s body orchestrate the succession of these events. Any intervention in this process may cause problems that must be managed with medical expertise. Care practices that support nature’s plan for birth include: labour that begins on its own, freedom of movement throughout labour, continuous labour support, no routine interventions, non-supine (e.g. upright or side-lying) positions for birth and no separation of mother and baby after birth with unlimited opportunity for breastfeeding.

These six care practices are supported by research studies that examine the benefits and risks of medical care practices. They have been adapted from recommendations made by the World Health Organization. For more information on these care practices one can visit www.normalbirth.lamaze.org 

To those who view birth as normal natural life process, pregnancy, birth and lactation are seen as part of the wellness paradigm of The Illness/Wellness Continuum.  Presented with awareness, education and opportunities for growth, families have the potential to achieve a high level of wellness.

Birth is more than a physical phenomenon. It is important to have an awareness of the birth process and honour it at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. Babies can experience pleasure, pain, fear, stress and serenity in response to the mother’s experiences and reactions.

How does one honour the birth process and the baby?

• By listening to one’s body and honouring it by taking time to meet its needs with nutrition, physical activity and rest.
• By finding ways to reduce stress in everyday life. Meditation, massage and pre-natal yoga are beneficial in relieving stress and help one to attune to their body’s needs.

• By nurturing oneself.
• By taking time to listen to music, journal, create birth art, talk to and hug their baby.
• By listening to one’s body and nurturing it one is building a relationship of trust with themselves and their baby.

Education is a vital part of building that relationship of trust. Lamaze childbirth preparation gives a pregnant the knowledge, skills, and support that instill confidence in her ability to give birth and gives her partner the confidence to be active in the process.

What does Lamaze offer in childbirth classes?

• evidence-based education providing essential information one can rely on when  making decisions about giving birth.
• small classes, allowing time for individualized attention.
• at least 12 hours of instruction to build skills and confidence for a normal, healthy birth, including time to review comfort measures, practice skills, and participate in class discussion.
• educators who have credible credentials in childbirth education.

To learn more about Lamaze childbirth preparation one can visit www.lamaze.org

Another important part of preparation for normal birth is insuring that there is adequate support. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship of their partners, women and their families benefit from having a birth doula. 

What is a Birth Doula?

A DONA International Birth Doula is educated to work with evidence-based standards of practice and provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to couples during labour and birth. Doulas support normal birth practices and some birth doulas have extended their service to include supporting the birth preparation process and breastfeeding after birth. Doulas have varied educational backgrounds (nursing, massage therapy, physiotherapy, birth education) that are an asset to their doula service.

Why use a Doula?

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

• tends to result in a shorter labour with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support may:

• feel more secure and cared for
• be more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• have greater success with breast feeding
• have greater self-confidence
• have less postpartum depression
• have lower incidences of abuse

How do you find a doula?

DONA International has a database of certified doulas on their website at www.dona.org.

Are Birth Plans Useful?

Having a birth plan is part of the preparation for normal birth.  A birth plan creates a picture of the birth experience one desires by addressing their needs with clarity and is written in positive language as an affirmation of their intention regarding birth. The key is to not attach to the plan. When one becomes pregnant they step into the unknown and it is important to balance surrender with intent. A birth plan is similar to making a travel plan. The destination and the plan to get there are known. However, many things are beyond one’s control as they step into the unknown. If there is a clear intention, no attachment to the travel plan and adequate preparation, then there is the necessary information and the confidence to make informed choices. Being involved in the decision making process allows individuals to feel empowered verses out of control.

By choosing prepared childbirth classes such as Lamaze, individuals have the opportunity to build confidence and create a plan for having a healthy normal birth. A person can enter the darkness of the unknown, feeling empowered, and one of the many benefits of having a doula as part of the “birth team” is that the support they give allows one to remain empowered throughout the birth experience.

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