Giving Birth: What Are Your Delivery Options?

Some women wish that the delivery process could be as fast and as simple as UPS or Fed Ex. After all, nine months of hormone changes, body changes, extra weight and increasingly limited movement, you might be ready to just get rid of the weight already! However, you can use Lamaze, Bradley or other options to help you in the final phases into labor.

Women have been giving birth for thousands of years, but the basic process has changed very little. Of course, now there are medical advancements that significantly help a woman while she is giving birth.

During the mid-nineteenth century, there were more tools and drugs to minimize the pain that a woman felt while giving birth. However, by the mid-twentieth century, the medical breakthroughs have made giving birth much more efficient and painless. The expectant mother has more opportunity to take control of her birthing process and deliver using the best methods and tools to bring her child into the world healthy and safe.

The Bradley method is a method devised by Dr. Robert Bradley in the 1940's and his emphasis had more to do with techniques and the ability to deliver a baby without any drugs. There are benefits and drawbacks to this approach, but giving any drugs to the baby during labor can be harmful and stressful for the child as well. The drug dosage is low, but why risk harming your child when they are at one of their most vulnerable stages?

The Bradley method uses breathing techniques that the woman can use when she is not contracting. These relaxation techniques can significantly help the woman to build strength for when she needs her energy for the more active periods. The deep breathing is a positive benefit during pregnancy.

Lamaze is similar in fashion. Again, it is a breathing technique developed by a French physician during the 1960's. It also encourages natural childbirth that is free from drugs and discourages pain medication. Lamaze also looks for hot and cold packs to alleviate pain, positioning and breathing control.

The Lamaze and Bradley breathing techniques are helpful, but they can be crucial during the active parts of the delivery. The fast, shallow breathes will help to oxygenate the tissues and control the pain. The focus is on the breathing and on pushing in the proper way, which helps the woman keep her mind off the pain and on the process itself.

For the Lamaze and Bradley classes, you will need to have a partner as this is an important part of the delivery. The partner can be a friend, spouse or midwife - just someone who makes you feel comfortable and who you trust. After all, that person will be there for emotional support and comfort. In addition, both of you will have a better understanding of the delivery process. They can also help you to maintain focus and help with physical positioning or be the friendly face you need in an emotionally cold environment of a hospital.