Tips for Successful Childbirth

If you are like most first time mothers, childbirth probably seems like the most daunting thing you will ever face. Labor is often a main concern for pregnant mothers, and not without reason. But like most anxieties and fears, this feeling is often fueled by fear of the unknown. Therefore, my first suggestion for a successful child birth is to gather information about labor. Just be sure to choose your sources wisely.

Where to get information

You want to avoid horror stories from every mother you meet who wants to tell you about her labor experience. Childbirth experiences differ from one woman to the next, indeed from one pregnancy to the next, so take their experiences with a grain of salt. Instead seek childbirth advice from your obstetrician, midwife or doula. Read reputable books such as What to Expect When You're Expecting by , or established parenting magazines like ePregnancy, Child, or Parenting. You can talk with a few trusted friends who have already given birth. Try to select folks whose birthing philosophy is close to yours and who will give you positive information and helpful tips.

How to prepare

Most women give birth at a hospital but there are options here as well. You may choose a home birth or a birthing center. If you do choose a hospital, most require you to register with their Labor and Delivery unit (L&D) ahead of time. You can tour the facility and see first hand where you will enter, what the birthing rooms look like and even view the nursery. Though the list of things to do before the birth of your baby is long, this tour is important. Being familiar with the surroundings where you will give birth can do a great deal to reduce your anxiety when you do go into labor.

It is not original advice, but I cannot stress how important it is to pack your bags early. My second son was born one month premature, and my water broke when I was in the car with my older son…talk about being unprepared! Trying to tell a loved one what you need after you are already in labor is a hassle you don't need. Packing ahead of time, calmly, will ensure that you bring all the things you need to make your hospital stay comfortable. If the hospital where you will be giving birth is not in your immediate neighborhood, be sure to do a dry run and figure out what route you will take.

Now comes the question of childbirth classes. It seems like there are more and more options in this arena every year. Many hospitals offer a childbirth class that will provide information about medications, opportunities to practice breathing and relaxation exercises, and a review of their admissions process. It is helpful to attend the childbirth class for the hospital where you will give birth so that you can familiarize yourself with their philosophy. For example, it would make no sense to prepare for a water birth only to find out that is not an option at your hospital. Some of the various philosophies for pain management during labor include Lamaze, Bradley, and Hypnobirthing. Lamaze has become a household name and focuses on using breathing exercises and distraction techniques such as a focal point to help the laboring mother manage pain. Many childbirth classes today contain some Lamaze elements. You can read more about Lamaze and labor at http://www.lamaze.org . The Bradley method believes that natural childbirth is attainable and promotes attention to body sensations rather than distraction during labor. This childbirth philosophy is explained in further detail at http://www.bradleybirth.com. Hypnobirthing, pioneered by Marie Mongan, uses self-hypnosis practiced during pregnancy to achieve a pain-free birth. Yes, I said pain free…or should I say they said pain free. You can review Hypnobirthing techniques for labor at http://www.hypnobirthing.co.uk/marie_mongan.shtml.

Another option is the use of a doula. This is a professional but non-medical person whose job is to support the mother during labor. They must undergo specific training, including both classes on childbirth and attendance at live births. For more information on doulas you can check http://www.dona.org.

Prepare your labor coach. Whether dad, a grandparent, or a friend will be your partner in childbirth, make sure they know your wishes. You will need someone else to speak for you, literally at times, and to remain focused on your needs. Ensure that they are aware of the pain management techniques you want to use during labor and that they attend any childbirth classes with you. When you pack your bag, a great tip is to pack snacks for the coach.

Prepare your body for labor as best you can. This includes exercising safely throughout your pregnancy by doing prenatal yoga, walking, or swimming. Be sure to clear all exercise regimens with your obstetrician. Another important but less obvious form of exercise are Kegel excercises. These are used to strengthen pelvic muscles. Kegels involve tightening and then releasing the pelvic muscle. The easiest way to learn how to do a Kegel is to try and stop your flow of urine the next time you use the bathroom. And if you are pregnant, you will have many opportunities to do that! Once you have learned how to do a Kegel, do them whenever you can. In the car, in line at the grocery store, anytime you remember. Kegels are beneficial in the aftermath of childbirth as well, as they can help ensure that the pelvic muscle retains some elasticity and prevent stress incontinence (otherwise known as peeing your pants every time you sneeze or laugh).

Other physical preparations can include "massages" to stretch the perineum. This is the area between the vagina and the anus. I know, this stuff is not for the faint of heart but before you skim over this, consider this, these excercises can decrease the chance of needing an episiotomy during labor. Episiotomies occur when the physician must make an incision to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth and they usually require a few small stitches immediately after the placenta is delivered. For specific guidance on perineal massage consult What to Expect When You're Expecting or your obstetrician.

During labor

Relax! You are living in an era where women have more options for pain management during labor than ever before. You can choose to use relaxation, breathing exercises, an epidural, Hypnobirthing, or some combination of all of the above during the course of your labor. When all is said (or screamed, or moaned) and done, you will have given birth to a miracle.

Listen to your labor coach and keep your focus. Keep yourself calm. If there is something or someone that is distracting or troubling to you, remove it. Childbirth is not a time to worry about your manners or other people's feelings. When my labor nurse, from her post by my bedside, was talking loudly to a colleague in the hall during my contractions, I closed my eyes and gave a loud, obnoxious "SSHHHH!!" I didn't see her reaction but I got the quiet I needed. And childbirth is definitely one of those times when it is all about you!