Discovering Your Birth Plan

As your delivery day approaches, you may have concerns about labor and your delivery experience. An effective way to express your concerns and preferences is to create a birth plan with your partner.

A birth plan is not binding, therefore can be changed at any time. Since you cannot know exactly what the birth of your baby will be like beforehand, there is no guarantee that all of your preferences will be appropriate for your actual delivery.

The Healthy Belly Supports:

• education the more you know about the entire process of your pregnancy, (i.e., trimester stages, breathing techniques, birthing and delivery methods, etc.) the higher your awareness will be in creating the most rewarding, least stressful experience of the pregnancy and birthing process. Even if complications should arise; with more education, the easier it will be to make clearer, more concise decisions that will bring about a healthier mother, baby, and recovery.
• the individuality and personal preferences of every woman and family.
• a woman who prefers an unmedicated (natural) birth, and advocates for having people present who help and support in this decision.
• a woman who prefers a birth that is as pain free as possible by using medicine for pain or epidural anesthesia at a suitable time in labor.
• childbirth preparation classes. Even for women planning to use pain medication. Childbirth classes will assist in the development of the skills necessary to deal with early labor and or delivery complications.
• movement while in labor as it is a natural progression in the body's response to giving childbirth.
• and recommends that you check with the hospital or birthing center where you will be giving birth to familiarize yourself with the labor and delivery policies and to find out if they offer tours of labor and delivery. In addition to creating a birth plan, there are a few things that you can do to feel more at home while you are in labor.

"Methods"

The Healthy Belly promotes that regardless of which "method" you choose to use during labor and delivery; the important thing is to be informed of the pros and cons of those choices. Become educated about the stages of normal labor and delivery and be prepared to make informed decisions if any complications should present themselves.

Mind

"Hypnobirthing"

Hypnobirthing is a form of hypnotic meditation that is used to reach optimum comfort, relaxation, and relief while giving birth. During birthing, the woman utilizes the power of suggestion by making positive affirmations, suggestions, and visualizations to relax her body, guide her thoughts, and control her breathing. She can practice this method on her own, or receive assistance from a hypnotherapist. Often times, a recording of verbal affirmations is used to help them enter a calm state of self-hypnosis. Another method used can be mental visualization; like a flower opening its petals to correlate with what's happening to them, and achieve a sense of comfort and relaxation.

While some people respond better to the assistance of a hypnotherapist, others may find that reaching a self hypnotic state with out a coach is more relaxing and less stressful. For some, self hypnosis is an elementary practice, which comes natural to them. The Healthy Belly supports a higher awareness approach to birthing techniques and is a strong advocate of the hypnobirthing method as it has proven a solid track record of success in its practices throughout the world. Click here to find more information and resources on the hypnobirthing experience.

"The Bradley Method"

The Bradley Method (husband-coached childbirth) is another natural method of childbirth created by Dr. Robert A. Bradley in the late 1940's. Educators of the Bradley Method advocate that with adequate preparation, education and assistance from a loving, supportive coach a vast number of women can give birth naturally, without drugs or intervention. The Bradley Method also highlights measures that can be taken to assist in keeping women healthy and low-risk in order to avoid complications that may lead to unexpected or unwanted medical intervention. Click here for more information on The Bradley Method and find out if this technique is right for you, your baby, and your partner.

"The Alexander Technique"

The Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, flexibility, and coordination. The principles of the Technique can be applied to anyone and can greatly enhance your comfort during pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.

A woman's body is designed to birth and care for a baby. How much easier that can be when you learn how to use your self based on your body's natural design. Study of the Alexander Technique aids in a more informed and integrated experience with pregnancy, birth, and life with a baby.

Ideally, a woman will take weekly lessons while pregnant. Since the Alexander Technique is an educational process, the more you practice the principles in your daily activities, the greater your benefits will be.

Comfort During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, your body is undergoing more changes in the first trimester than in any other time during your pregnancy. Hormones are rushing through your system. You may be experiencing morning sickness and breast tenderness, among other changes. As pregnancy progresses and your body changes and grows to accommodate the developing fetus, other problems you may notice are neck pain, lower back pain, sacroiliac pain, carpel tunnel syndrome and numbness in the hands.

Study of the Alexander Technique... LEARN MORE>>>

"Lamaze Method"

Lamaze is the oldest and most popular technique of childbirth preparation in the United States. Approximately 25% of all childbirths in the U.S. are administered using the Lamaze method. Lamaze is widely known for its rhythmic breathing techniques; however, what it really emphasizes is active concentration, based primarily on relaxation. The rhythmic breathing sequence assists women in diverting their attention away from their contractions and encourages them to direct their attention to a focal point; such as something they would look at, listen to, or feel; something she would imagine; or a movement made with her body. Lamaze partners are also taught coaching and massage methods that can help reduce the pain. To learn more, click here and find out if the Lamaze method is right for you.

Body

"Water Birth"

Giving birth in water is not yet considered a conventional method, however more and more people are considering it as a higher awareness begins to manifest in the evolving minds of young parents about this type of birth experience.

How Does Water Birthing Work?

As a woman begins labor, she will enter a tub of warm water, which is heated to body temperature (approx. 98.6 degrees). The baby will be monitored by using a special underwater Doppler device that will be able to detect any complications. If intravenous medications are necessary, in most cases they can be administered to the expectant mother while she is in the tub. Here, labor will continue until birth is given. Most women like to give birth while in the water, however some choose only to labor in the tub, and prefer to give birth out of the tub.

The Benefits of Having a Water Birth

According to Barbara Harper, RN, director of Waterbirth International (www.waterbirth.org), birthing in water reduces stress and anxiety, allows the laboring woman to focus inward, relaxes the body's muscles, and makes it possible for the laboring woman to move and change position more easily. There are benefits for the baby too: Warm water is similar to the familiar fluid environment of the womb and creates a smoother transition to an air environment. Water also buffers light and sound that can over-stimulate a newborn on his or her way out into the new world.

If Water Birthing Interests You

If you're interested in having a water birth, talk with your OBGYN or midwife about where the safest and most comfortable place would be. Although most women prefer to give birth in a hospital or birthing center, others find a much more comfortable and calmer experience in the comfort of their own home. Click here for additional information on this method or visit www.waterbirth.org for an in-depth look at the many aspects of this alternative and amazing experience.

"Cesarean or C-section Method"

Once a woman conceives a child, the chances are good that she will be able to deliver naturally (vaginal birth). However, there are cases where a Cesarean (C-section) is needed for the health and safety of the mother or baby. So, even if you plan on a vaginal birth, it's a good idea to learn about C-section, in case the unexpected does happen.

A C-section may be planned or unplanned. In most cases, doctors do cesarean sections because of problems that arise during labor. Reasons you might need an unplanned C-section include:

• Labor is slow and hard or stops completely.
• The baby shows signs of distress, such as a very fast or slow heart rate.
• Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
• The baby is too big to be delivered vaginally.

When doctors or midwives know about a problem ahead of time, they may schedule a C-section.

Some reasons you might have a planned C-section include:

> The baby is not in a head-down position close to your
   due date.
> You have a problem such as heart disease that could be made
   worse by the stress of labor.
> You have an infection that you could pass to the baby during
   a vaginal birth.
> You are carrying more than one baby (multiple pregnancy).
> You had a C-section before, and you have the same problems
   this time, or your doctor/midwife thinks labor may cause your
   scar to tear (uterine rupture).

In some cases, a woman who had a C-section in the past can still be able to delivery her baby naturally (vaginal birth). This is called vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). If you have had a previous C-section, ask your doctor / midwife if VBAC might be an option this time.
In the past 40 years, the rate of cesarean deliveries has jumped from about 1 out of 20 births to about 1 out of 4 births. This trend has caused experts to worry that C-section is being done more often than it is needed. Because of the risks, we at The Healthy Belly feel that C-sections should only be done for medical reasons. To learn more on the C-section birthing method and its effects; short term and long term, Click here.