Here are ways you can have the kind of birth you want to have! It is never too late to keep trying for a vaginal.
There are so many factors stacked up against expectant women these days. Incredibly high induction and epidural rates have no doubt influenced the escalating cesarean rates internationally. More and more birth centers are closing. What can mothers do to increase their own chances of having a vaginal birth? Here are only a few things you can do:
1. Choose a good childbirth class - do not fall for the marketing of classes that are offered in many hospitals today unless you can speak to the instructor ahead of time. Be sure that comfort measures and options for labor are taught and not just the protocals of the hospital.
2. Use a doula - over 25 research studies have demonstrated that the presence of a doula can lower a mother's chances of having a cesarean. In my own practice, I have found that about 15% of my clients have cesareans, versus the almost 30% cesarean rate in the US.
3. Give birth outside a hospital setting. If you have the option of using a birth center of having a homebirth, consider whether you are ready to make a commitment to this type of birth. Remember not everyone has a comfort level so be sure to pray about this decision and "go with your gut instinct" on this.
4. Get out of bed and change positions during labor! This is crucial to rotate babies and keep labor progressing as well as for mother's comfort.
5. Don't forget that changing positions during pushing is just as crucial! Some babies will still need to rotate and often the position changes will "free the baby's head" by allowing your pelvic outlet to open at different angles.
6. Ask for more time. I attended a birth where the doctor had decided that a cesarean was the only option. I suggested to my client that she could indeed ask the doctor for more time since both she and the baby were doing well. About 45 minutes later, she ended up having a vaginal birth! It is never too late to step up and advocate for yourself.
There are times when I wish that I could fill pages and pages of books with all of the knowledge I have in my head from attending births for the last 12 years. Childbearing women today are so in need of educating themselves about their options and how to advocate for their health care.
Obviously I am very passionate about this issue. What are your thoughts regarding educating yourself about ways to reduce your chances of having a cesarean? Is it worth it? Tell us what you think.
Warmly,
Brenda
