With the re-emergence of natural childbirth as the preferred method of delivery, many mothers opt to go for the nearly pain-free technique using self-hypnosis for natural childbirth. In fact, many schools of thought and even established associations and institutes have come out to promote self-hypnosis for natural childbirth.

HypnoBirthing™ and Hypno-Beginning ™ are examples of such institutes, both of which began as concepts in the late 80s and are now taught as popular classes around the world. But what about self-hypnosis, where a woman in labor will have to depend on herself to induce trance or relaxation?

Self-hypnosis and childbirth Self-hypnosis is an offshoot of hypnosis, a practice that has hundreds of years of history behind it. Often used for medical and psychiatric treatments and therapies, hypnosis became more popular recently, as evidenced by the appearance and proliferation of numerous books, tapes and CDs. Self-hypnosis is often practiced using these aids, although more capable individuals can opt to use the technique by themselves.

However, for pregnant women who feel less confident about their abilities, it is advised that they seek the help of a qualified professional to help them begin their training in self-hypnosis for natural childbirth. A lack of confidence can often translate to nervousness, which may undermine the process of self-hypnosis.

What characterizes self-hypnosis used for natural childbirth? Unlike other methods used in natural childbirth, self-hypnosis uses relaxed, controlled and gentle breathing as opposed to hyperventilating or forced breathing. This method promotes a relaxed and calm state, which most experts believe are beneficial for both mother and child.

Other than that, self-hypnosis is also effective in alleviating or eliminating the pain of childbirth, acting as a natural anesthesia or analgesic. This allows a woman to give birth without the use of painkilling drugs. During actual labor, the trance state is induced although the woman still participates in and experiences the joy of giving birth. As labor continues, positive suggestions are constantly given to the woman to ensure that feelings of discomfort, aches and tension are relieved and that breathing is correctly performed.

Why not use drugs for childbirth? The use of drugs for childbirth is often to reduce the pain. It is also even possible to undergo pain-free childbirth. Although considered safe*, some women worry about possible side effects while others prefer to experience childbirth the natural way.

How do you use self-hypnosis for natural childbirth? Most experts agree that the best and safest way to use self-hypnosis in natural childbirth is to seek the help of a trained professional. This way, a woman can be assured of a complete series of training sessions that will teach her the techniques in a graduated manner. There are self-hypnosis tapes and CDs available, but if you are capable of doing it, it may be prudent to attend classes to help familiarize you to the process. Self-help tapes and CDs may just be used as supplements to the formal training.

Most hypno-therapists also suggest that women who decide to use self-hypnosis for natural childbirth should begin practicing the techniques early in their pregnancy. Self-hypnosis is more effective if users can achieve greater hypnotic depths or state of consciousness, something that is not achievable within a short period of time. Pregnant women are more likely to get the desired results if they have been practicing self-hypnosis techniques for sometime before labor, preferably during the first trimester, or as early as the pregnancy is confirmed.

Is it possible for self-hypnosis not to work for natural childbirth? There are several reasons why self-hypnosis used for natural childbirth might fail. One is that the mother has doubts about the efficacy of using self-hypnosis and another is that the labor is accompanied by self-doubt. Self-hypnosis is best used by someone who has complete trust on the technique and also on herself.

There is also another reason that might not make self-hypnosis helpful for natural childbirth and that is the inability of the mother to be hypnotized, a phenomenon that often occurs in people who are not easily swayed by suggestion or are just plain skeptical and unwilling. Unless you are in complete trust of the program and willing to submit yourself to a natural mind relaxing exercise to aid you during natural childbirth, you might be better off not using self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is best for women who believe it can work and are willing to make it work.

Author: Nathalie Fiset
About the author: For more complete information on self-hypnosis please go to: http://www.hypno-beginning.com
http://www.a-1hypnosis.com/index.htm www.drnathaliefiset.com

We do not consider pain killing drugs to be safe for either the mother or the baby for many reasons. This happened to be the opinion of this particular author and we do not share her view point which is one of the many reasons we stand by unassisted childbirth as a viable and safer option. That said, if you are going to attempt a “natural” hospital or midwife assisted birth then hypnosis can be an excellent method to avoid childbirth impairing drugs and epidurals.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/simulation/3905720/

Source: www.PRWeb.com

7 Alternative ways to prepare for childbirth and cope with the intensity of labor.

Carlsbad, CA (PRWEB) — As the shift toward self-education continues to grow, large numbers of American women are choosing alternative ways to prepare for childbirth and cope with the intensity of labor. Instead of waiting for the doctor to tell them what they need to know, women are doing more research on their options and exploring ways to make pregnancy and birth less painful.

Here is what they are choosing:

1. Birth Networks – These organized, regional groups of pregnant women and birthing professionals meet regularly to educate, empower and support each other and advocate for the improvement of maternity care in their communities. What started as a grassroots movement has exploded across the county.

Evidence of a growing trend: Amy Romano of Lamaze International estimates that the number of birth networks has doubled in the past year. Since 2004, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth has awarded grants to form and expand birth networks. It also offers organizational resources for birth networks through their website, www.normalbirth.lamaze.org.

2. Birth Stories – Expectant women are hungry for information on labor and birth, and the mainstream media is responding with birth stories. These stories offer much more than entertainment; they provide information on birth options, tools, classes and techniques. The impact of birth stories on expectant parents is quickly coming to the attention of the birth professionals, and many are actively discouraging patients from watching the highly-dramatized birth programs on cable television. Because the level of fear in a laboring woman directly impacts the progression of her labor, birthing professionals are directing patients to read only empowering, inspiring birth stories, such as those found in Journey into Motherhood:
Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth http://www.journeyintomotherhood.com (White Heart Publishing, 2005).

Evidence of a growing trend: There are now 7 programs on cable television that highlight the experience of labor and delivery. Most pregnancy magazines now feature birth stories on a regular basis, and many birth networks and childbirth educators now sponsor birth-story nights.

3. Hypnosis for Childbirth – Since a 1999 segment on NBC’s Dateline featured hypnosis for childbirth, interest has steadily grown. The HypnoBirthing Method and Hypnobabies are two of the oldest and most popular programs, but with the growing interest in this method, there are now several different programs available, as well as supplemental products such as Journey into Childbirth: Hypnosis for Empowered Birthing by Sheri Menelli. While no program promises a pain-free birth, this is a frequent result.

Evidence of a growing trend: In the late 19990s there were only a few hundred educators, and as of this year, there are over 3000.

4. Prenatal yoga – Prenatal yoga strengthens and stretches the muscles that are used in childbirth, and teaches breathing and focusing techniques that help women through labor.

Evidence of a growing trend: In San Diego, California, prenatal yoga instructors are reporting an increase in class attendance of approximately 50% over the last three years. Much of the increase is attributed to growing support from doctors, midwives and childbirth educators who send their clients to yoga classes to relieve back pain, reduce tension, and cope with high blood pressure. A number of prenatal yoga videos are now available to women who prefer to practice at home.

5. Water-assisted labor – Widely known as “nature’s epidural,” warm water can ease the discomfort of labor by helping a woman relax. A “birthing tub” counters the effect of gravity on her contracting muscles, and even a warm shower can provide soothing comfort to tired and tense women.

Evidence of a growing trend: In the last 10 years, water-assisted labor has grown exponentially. In 1995 there were only three hospitals in the country that offered it. Now it is offered in more than 260 hospitals – 15% of all U.S. hospitals. In the last year alone there was a 4% increase, and this number is expected to grow in the coming year.

6. Doulas – A doula is a professional who is trained to provide emotional and tactical support a family through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care. Studies show that the presence of a doula reduces the need for medication, as well as the possibility of a Cesarean-section birth.

Evidence of a growing trend: Every doula organization reports phenomenal growth in membership, and in the number of students in doula training classes. Doulas of North America (DONA), just one of several doula organizations reported a 10-fold increase in the number of certified doulas in the last 7 years.

7. Pregnancy Massage – A specialized form of bodywork, pregnancy massage addresses the specialized needs of a rapidly changing body. It enhances the function and alignment of muscles and joints, improves circulation and muscle tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. These benefits translate to lower levels of stress hormones, as reported in a study by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Evidence of a growing trend: Instructor Elien Alexander from The School of Healing Arts in San Diego, California, reported a 10-fold increase in the number of students becoming certified in pregnancy massage in the last 5 years.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/amandabel/2302960016/

Source www.PRweb.com

Moms: Do you really need that C-section or epidural? Registered nurse and midwife Breck Hawk, author of “Hey! Who’s Having This Baby Anyway?” reveals why these procedures are often unnecessarily prescribed during labor and shares how you can
avoid them.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) — Studies show birth is most common Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Is this just coincidence or is it a contrived effort by providers to control personal schedules?

Pregnant women are encouraged to welcome the chance to have their baby on a scheduled date for the convenience of their provider. But often they’re not told the risks and side effects involved. They don’t realize that some interventions – such as pain medications, epidurals, C-sections, or birthing the baby with forceps or vacuum extraction - may not only be unnecessary, but also dangerous.

“Moms-to-be may blindly trust providers, thinking everything suggested is good – but this isn’t always true,” says registered nurse and midwife Breck Hawk, author of “Hey! Who’s Having This Baby Anyway?” (Metropolis Ink, www.HeyAnyway.com). “Unless it’s anatomically necessary, women deserve and need to be told they probably birth babies vaginally and naturally.”

Hawk has over 27 years experience as a midwife, doula, prenatal instructor, and registered nurse specializing in maternity and neonatal intensive care. She has helped hundreds of women give birth. Here she reveals how to avoid common interventions and have a successful birth.

-Hire a doula or professional labor support person.

-Exercise during pregnancy. This strengthens muscles and prepares your body for the long stress of labor.

-Consider a birth center or having a homebirth with a midwife.

-Attend childbirth classes that teach non-pharmacological methods of pain relief such as yoga, HypnoBirthing, Lamaze, and others.

-In the hospital, ask to be assigned to the nurse who is the strongest supporter of natural childbirth.

-Before taking pain medication, ask for a vaginal exam. See how far your cervical dilation has progressed. You may be further along than you thought and decide to forgo the medication.

No matter what’s on your provider’s personal agenda, remember it’s your body and your baby and it’s your right to have the last word regarding your baby’s birth!

How birth-savvy are you? Take the 12 Question Quiz for Moms-to-Be or purchase your copy of “Hey! Who’s Having This Baby Anyway?” at www.HeyAnyway.com.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/s4xton/1791633553/

By Ralph Shumway via wiki

A doula supports a woman and her partner during pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of parenting, with reassurance, practical assistance and information.

You should get to know your doula very well by the time childbirth rolls around. She will be there during your labor and delivery, by your side, focused solely on you and your needs. She can encourage you, remain objective and help your partner feel more confident about how to support you. She can also assist you with practical knowledge on comfort measures for labor, such as massage and suggestions for labor positions. A doula can provide information when you have questions, and can help you communicate most effectively with your medical caregivers.

Steps in Choosing a Doula
1. Start with thinking about what you want from your doula. Reassurance? Physical support and comfort during labor? Specialized expertise in attending twin births or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)? Knowing what you want is the first step to making sure you get it! Likewise, a good doula finds out what you want and works toward that, instead of offering a “one size fits all” service.

2. Keep in mind that the doula who is right for you may not be the one who has attended the most births, but could be the one who can offer the support you need and with whom you and your partner “click” the best.

3. Ask your caregiver or friends for recommendations. Alternatively, use one of the online search engines, such as www.findadoula.com to find doulas in your area. ALWAYS verify claimed certifications! If you find something “fishy”, choose another doula!

Did you know that using a doula ……..
Reduces need for cesarean by 50%
Reduces length of labor by 25%
Reduces use of oxytocin by 40%
Reduces pain medication use by 30%
Reduces the need for forceps by 40%
Reduces epidural requests by 60%
Source: Transitiontoparenthood.com

4. When you meet with a doula, have a list of questions to ask her. Try to think of questions that will give you an insight into how she supports women such as asking her what she enjoys most about her work and what she finds most challenging. You can get more information on good questions to ask from www.findadoula.com.

5. Make sure you clarify the cancellation policies, times she will be on call, backup arrangements and all the services that are included in the price you are paying.

6. This is the person who will be with you throughout labor and birth and you need to feel comfortable with each other. Choose the doula you trust!

Questions that are helpful when interviewing a doula include:

• Tell me about one of your favorite births you’ve attended as a doula; what did you enjoy?
• Tell me about one of your most challenging births as a doula; what was difficult?
• Have you ever worked with a doctor or nurse who wasn’t happy working with a doula? how did you handle it?
• What kinds of things do you find that partners feel are helpful during a birth?
• What is your policy in the event I have a cesarean?
• Do you have a back-up in case you are unable to attend my birth? Will we meet her before the birth?
• What other services do you offer (such as breastfeeding support, postpartum services, childbirth classes)?
• Can we speak to other parents whose births you have attended?

* Absolutely check with the Labor and Delivery section of the hospital you are going to use to see what their experience is with a particular doula. This is important, some doulas have a bad reputation with the nurses and doctors you are going to use.

Sheryl’s comment: If you have chosen to give birth in a hospital then I implore you to get a doula. Among all the other benefits mentioned, my personal belief is that doctors and midwives behave better when someone else who knows a bit about childbirth is paying attention. There is no way of proving my theory scientifically of course, but it stands to reason that they cannot get away with nonsense reasoning if there is another birth professional in the room. No matter what the reason, doulas do, in fact, lower the rates of many common, unnecessary, painful, traumatic interventions. So get one if you have decided to deliver in a hospital (for some reason). She might be the only one who can protect you from your doctor or midwife.

About the Author:
Ralph Shumways is a researcher in the childbirth field. Learn more about childbirth options and about birth doula selection at MotherMe Doulas Inc.
Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/bies/128860335/

Occasionally, babies run into a few difficulties while making their way into the world. Special procedures may be needed for example, to aid your baby’s exit from the birth canal. Or, if your baby’s health is at risk, a cesarean delivery may be required. Don’t forget, that no matter how the birth goes, a healthy baby is the primary goal.

Vaginal Delivery
The contractions that occur during labor serve the purpose of opening up the cervix to allow the birth of your baby. When your cervix has opened to 10 cm, you will notice a distinct feeling of wanting to bear down. This can feel like the urge to move your bowels, but much, much stronger. Your contractions may begin to slow down at this point, and it may actually feel good to push.

You will be instructed to push with each contraction. Your partner can participate in this process by counting out loud while you push. With each push, your baby will begin the descent through the birth canal. Your doctor or midwife may perform a small cut to widen the opening of the vagina to speed up the delivery. Local anesthesia is used before the cut is made, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. However, you can expect some pain afterwards as your episiotomy cut heals.

Some lucky women only need to push a couple of times before a baby is born, while others will work for hours. After your baby’s head emerges from the birth canal, one shoulder will slip out and then the other. After the shoulders the rest of your baby’s body will follow quickly. After delivery, the placenta will peel away from the wall of your uterus, and you may need to push a couple of more times to expel it from your vagina. You may continue to feel contractions that will help your newly empty uterus return to its former size.

Assisted Delivery
Sometimes a woman may push for hours without making much progress. Other times, the baby’s heartbeat becomes erratic or slow, or the position can make delivery harder. In these cases, the doctor of midwife may need to assist delivery by using forceps or vacuum extraction. This is done in about 10 percent of vaginal deliveries.

Forceps look like two large tongs. They are inserted into the vagina and placed around the baby’s cheeks and jaw. Then, the forceps are used to gently guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal.

Vacuum extraction is used similar to forceps, except a plastic cup is inserted into the vagina and applied to the baby’s head. Suction holds the cup in place. A handle attached to the cup allows for the baby to be pulled through the birth canal. In the vast majority of births where either forceps or vacuum extraction is used, there are no major problems. Still, both tools can bruise the baby’s head and cause tearing to the vagina and cervix.

Cesarean Birth
Over 20 percent of babies are born by cesarean birth. This means the baby is delivered from an incision in the mothers uterus and abdomen. While some cesarean births are planned in advance, some situations can occur during labor that can make a cesarean birth the safest choice for the baby.

You may require a cesarean deliver if:

• You have had a prior cesarean birth.
• You have certain medical conditions such as an active genital herpes outbreak.
• You have a large baby or a small pelvis. This is called cephalopelvic disproportion.
• Your baby is in an unusual position such as buttocks or feet down.
• You have a multiple pregnancy. Many women give birth vaginally to twins, but the chance of cesarean increases dramatically with each additional fetus.
• There are problems with the placenta blocking all of part of the cervix.
• The umbilical cord is pinched or compressed.
• Your labor fails to progress. This is the cause for 1 in 3 cesarean births.

Most cesarean births are fairly straight forward and quick. In most cases, the birth goes something like this:

1. You will be given an epidural, a spinal block, or general anesthesia to numb the pain during surgery.

2. The anesthesiologist will hook you up to equipment that will monitor your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. You will also be fitted with a mask or tubes in your nostrils to receive oxygen.

3. Your partner or labor coach will be asked to put on a sterile mask and gown and then will be seated next to you in the operating room.

4. A nurse will prep you for surgery by washing our abdomen and shaving any hair between your pubic bone and navel. A catheter will be inserted into your bladder, and an IV line will be started in a vein in your arm or hand. Your abdomen will then be swabbed with antiseptic, and sterile drapes will be placed around your abdomen.

5. The doctor will make a small incision through your skin and the wall of your abdomen. Depending on the position of the baby, the cut could be made either vertically or horizontally.

6. The doctor will then spread apart your abdominal muscles and cut through the lining of your abdominal cavity. The doctor will then make another cut in the uterine wall.

7. Your baby will be delivered through the incisions. Next, the umbilical cord will be cut, and the baby will be passed to a nurse. The doctor will also remove the placenta at this time.

8. The uterus and abdominal wall will then be closed and stitched with sutures that will dissolve in your body. Stitches or surgical staples will be used to also close the incision in your skin. A dressing will be placed over the incision.

by Julian Hall
About the Author: Julian Hall of GiftBabies.co.uk - The Baby Gifts Company - The Most Unique, Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

Sheryl’s Comment:
This article is accurate. This is really what happens in a medically managed childbirth. Now let me explain why most of it is unnecessary or dangerous.

First of all the primary goal is a healthy mother and baby, not just a healthy baby. While most mothers would in fact give their life for their child, it does not mean that she should undergo unnecessary torture as if her feelings and pain just don’t matter. A mother does not lose her basic human rights just because she is giving birth.

Forced pushing. This is one of the most ridiculous aspects of a hospital birth. When you reach dilation, a team forms around you, they make you lie on your back, in the worst possible position to deliver a baby in and they all yell at you to push while you hold your breath. There are so many things wrong with this I don’t even know where to start.

A. They make you hold your breath while you push. These people are idiots. Babies need oxygen. Why on earth would you hold your breath? Pant, count your breaths or do what comes naturally but for heavens sakes, do not hold your breath for ten or twenty seconds at a time!

B. You are on your back. Your baby’s weight will be compressing your vena cava which supplies oxygen rich blood to the baby. As I mentioned in A., your baby needs oxygen (combine supine, breath holding and tetonic Pitocin induced contractions….hello birth injury!) . Just because your doctor or midwife are willing to sacrifice your child’s oxygen for a better view does not mean you should comply. Get on all fours if they won’t let you squat or kneel. They will still have their precious view and you won’t be suffocating your baby.

In addition, the supine position (on your back) does not take advantage of gravity, it forces your baby into your tailbone, it forces the baby to actually move uphill against gravity to emerge from the birth canal and it forces the mother to physically push the baby out with her abdominal muscles rather than uterine contractions. Get off your back ladies.

C. It is just unnatural. Your baby will emerge from the birth canal naturally if you simply let gravity and your contractions do their job (believe it or not). Do you see your cat holding its breath and pushing for ten seconds when it gives birth? Do you think teenagers who give birth in the bathroom of a McDonalds hold their breath and push for ten seconds? It is simply preposterous.

Everything you just read also applies to assisted delivery. If you are squatting, kneeling or on all fours, your pelvis will open up to 30% more than while you are laying down. Your back will naturally arch, opening up the birth canal. Even cases of cephalopelvic disproportion can often be birthed naturally if the mother assumes a more natural, effective birthing position. Dangerous, damaging forceps and vacuum extractors are only necessary because the mother is on her back.

Cesareans are barbaric. Cutting a baby from its mother’s womb is butchery. It should be a last resort. Unfortunately it lines the pockets of obstetrical surgeons, it is great for scheduling their vacations, and it has been sold to countless women as “the more civilized alternative”. There are very few legitimate reasons for a C-section. One of them is placenta previa, where the baby simply cannot emerge through the birth canal because the placenta is blocking it’s path. If you are diagnosed with a placenta problem then please, schedule a cesarean with my blessing. Otherwise, you are probably risking your health and your baby’s health for ulterior motives. How ethical is that?

Buy the Book: Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/whiskeyboytx/2162605996/

Most women know — or should know — that epidurals have risks associated with them. Epidurals can lead to the often quoted “cascade of interventions.” A recent study has brought to light a surprising and amazingly common side effect of epidural intervention. This side effect brings on even more risks, including high rates of cesarean section and instrument assisted delivery.

The side effect is having a persistently posterior baby. Posterior means that your baby’s spine is up against your spine and your baby is facing forward (towards your belly button). Posterior babies can and are born vaginally with no intervention. However, a posterior delivery can be much harder than an anterior delivery.

Why the Increased Risk?
The risk of having a persistently posterior baby is increased with an epidural because the epidural relaxes all of the muscles around the baby. The mother is also forced to be bed ridden. Studies have shown that many babies turn different ways during labor, but most settle into the anterior position (facing your back).

If an epidural has relaxed the back muscles the baby can more easily spin around and lounge with spine against your spine (facing your front). An epidural will most likely prevent you from moving during labor, and you will lie on your back. This position will encourage your baby to lie spine to spine.

Why Does it Matter?

Posterior babies are the most common culprit for back labor. Back labor is the term used when a laboring woman feels intense back pain during labor. Though clinical evidence does not show posterior babies increase back labor, many women who have posterior babies report intense back labor, lending anecdotal evidence.

Having a posterior baby (sometimes called “sunny side up”) makes interventions much more likely because it is harder for the baby to move through the birth canal. The use of forceps and vacuum extraction is greater with posterior babies.

Cesarean section is also more likely, perhaps because of more “failure to progress” diagnoses. Cesarean surgery is a major abdominal surgery that is harder for mothers to recover from and also puts babies more at risk for breathing difficulties.

Being born from a posterior position is ok for babies. However, a baby born “sunny side up” may have swelling in the face that takes a day or so to fade, due to the baby’s unusual birth presentation.

Weigh the Options Carefully

Epidurals do provide pain relief, but with many risks. You may have heard some of the risks (headache, fever, back pain, and increased chances of cesarean deliveries) — and you should take the time to research those risks and more.

The increased risk of posterior babies when using an epidural is one reason to seriously consider other methods of childbirth pain relief. Natural pain relief options can be excellent for you and your child. Be aware of what is best for yourself and your baby, and make the choice that will benefit both of you.

by Kristen Hart
About the Author: Kristen Hart is the owner of http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com a website devoted to healthy pregnancy, natural birth, and the best baby care. Learn more about epidural risks and natural pain relief alternatives at Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Buy the Book: Childbirth Without Fear
Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/catharticflux/2710528630/

In spite of all the advertising touting “home-like” birthing rooms in hospitals, for most women, a hospital birth will be nothing like a home birth. Interventions are routine in the hospitals in my state. Every laboring woman will be hooked up for some period of time to an electronic fetal monitor, given vaginal exams, and be told where and in what position she must give birth. If her membranes are ruptured, she will be required to deliver her baby within a certain time period. If her labor is moving too slowly, she will be given pitocin to augment it or have her water artificially ruptured. She will be told how many companions she may have with her. If she has other children she may or may not include them at the birth. How long she is kept in the hospital will vary depending on her physician and the particular hospital. How soon her baby will be released also will depend on the baby’s pediatrician and hospital policy. Some of the more common interventions that take place during hospital births are discussed below.

AMNIOTOMY
Artificially breaking the amniotic sac is done routinely at many hospitals to speed labor up, get labor going, to test the fluid or to get it out of the way so that an internal monitor can be screwed into the baby’s head. It was believed that breaking the water would speed up labor by 30 to 60 minutes but the only randomized control trial done disproved this. This procedure can cause cord prolapse, a serious complication for the baby and increases the chances of an infection. With less amniotic fluid in the uterus during labor, the baby has a greater risk of cord compression problems leading to fetal distress and malpositions of the head.

DRUGS & EPIDURALS
Nearly every woman giving birth in a hospital will receive a drug at some point during her stay. Pitocin is frequently used to induce or augment labor. Because it causes abnormally strong contractions, many women receive a pain-relieving drug such as a narcotic. Unfortunately, narcotics also are received by the baby and can affect the condition of the baby at birth and for years after. Some of these side effects are respiratory problems, impaired muscular, visual and neural development in the first week of life and in the following years, lower reading and spelling scores, difficulty in solving problems or performing tasks when they pose a challenge.

The new drug of choice at many hospitals is the epidural. It must be administered by an anesthesiologist and requires the mother to remain in bed afterward. She must be flushed with an IV fluid prior to getting it to keep her blood pressure up. A needle is inserted into the woman’s back and small catheter is left in place where the medication is injected. It numbs the woman’s body from the ribs to the toes. Many women ask for this drug because they do not want to deal with the pain of childbirth and believe it is safe for themselves and their babies because the physician who administered it, their obstetrician and the labor and delivery nurses all encourage the use of it and give no information regarding side effects.

The known complications are many ranging from requiring EFM, IV, immobility, urinary catheterization. An epidural also may allow no sensation of labor or the pushing urge, lower blood pressure, abnormally relax the pelvic muscles which may encourage the baby to adopt malpositions of the head, may decrease the production of oxytocin at critical times, and increase the need for forceps and cesarean section. Epidurals cause some serious complications such as heart attack, spinal damage, and spinal headache. After the birth, chronic backache is a common complaint. The baby may be exposed to narcotic drugs given to enhance the effect of the epidural and which if given alone can compromise the baby’s respiratory efforts as well as require the newborn to metabolize the drugs. We do not know the short or long term effects of the epidural or other drugs on the baby. Some claim that the baby is unaffected unless the mother becomes hypotensive. Some non-interventionist birth attendants recognize that occasionally epidurals may be useful for certain situations. Some examples when an epidural may permit a normal birth are for maternal exhaustion, severe back labor, certain malpresentations or psychological dystocia. Although the FDA approves drugs as safe or unsafe, they have no definition of safe and do not guarantee safety of drugs. Many who work with brain damaged children, wonder if the disability is due to obstetric drug use. They also question if women would make the drug choice if they were given complete information about side effects. The American Academy of Pediatricians discourages the routine use of obstetric drugs.

ENEMAS
This procedure is still done routinely at many hospitals, although no research proves any benefits for the mother or baby. Home birth and natural birth advocates recognize that for the vast majority of women, the process of labor will empty the bowels.

EPISIOTOMY
Although some people believe that an episiotomy is necessary to have a baby to prevent damage to the baby’s head, prevent trauma to the mother’s perineum and the cut will heal faster and prevent 3rd and 4 degree tears, no research supports these myths. Shiela Kitzinger writes that as many as 9 out of 10 American women will have an episiotomy with her first baby although in Holland, only 2 or 3 out of 10 will. The facts are that episiotomy is a cultural phenomena. Research shows that episiotomy is done because the doctor was trained to do it, not because it was a necessary procedure. It can be avoided by using more physiologic positions to give birth (not lithotomy or semi-sitting), pushing only when mom feels need to, giving birth gently, slowly to the head, preparing for the birth by doing perineal massage and Kegel exercise, avoiding forceps delivery.

FORCEPS & VACUUM EXTRACTOR
Forceps are obstetrical tools which are shaped like large spoons have been in use since the 1500’s. Years ago, forceps were used for many problems which are now handled by cesarean section. Today, most forceps deliveries are low forceps, which means they are applied when the babies head is low in the pelvis and birth is imminent. According to Henci Goer, “There is no research to support the elective use of forceps.”

The risks to the mother are perineal trauma, extensive episiotomy, possible extension tearing from episiotomy, hematoma and nerve damage. Lasting effects of forceps or vacuum extraction to the mother may be anal incontinence in spite of a repaired third degree tear. The baby may have damage to the head, eyes, the nerves that lead to the face and neck and arms. However, an article written by a physician which appeared in Parents magazine claims, “Medical studies comparing outlet forceps deliveries with spontaneous (no forceps) deliveries have shown that there is no difference in risk to the baby.” (Emphasis mine)

Vacuum extraction is a newer technology that sometimes takes the place of forceps. As with low forceps, the baby’s head must be very low in the pelvis before the suction cup can be attached. It has the benefit of not requiring an episiotomy and maternal perineal trauma is less than with forceps, but the baby still has the possibility of trauma to the head and face. Chiropractors also recognize that pulling a baby out by the head changes the spinal alignment, although this is not recognized in any medical texts.

IMMOBILITY
Along with the lithotomy position comes immobility. It is impossible to move around when you are flat on your back. It’s even more difficult if you have internal and external fetal monitors attached to your body, an IV running into your arm and after a narcotic drug was given to “take the edge off.” It goes without saying, that if you had an epidural, you would not be going anywhere at all as your legs would have no feeling and even “walking epidurals” are misleading because even if you are able to walk, the equipment makes it too difficult and odds are the staff would never allow it.

Some hospitals encourage walking and moving around. Others do not like you to be out of your room, which may be quite small and loaded with equipment, making any real walking about nearly impossible. Studies have shown that moving about and being upright and changing positions can shorten labor.

INDUCTION
According statistics from the health department in Wisconsin, one-third of all births in that state are the result of induction, the artificial starting of labor. Most inductions are accomplished using Pitocin in an intravenous solution or artificially rupturing the amniotic sac. The reasons for doing this are many. One of the most common for healthy full-term women, is fear of going too far past the “due date” and having a baby with postmature syndrome or meconium staining. Another reason is fear of having a big baby.

Benefits of inducing would seem to be avoiding postmature syndrome, attempting to deliver a baby that had grown too big for the mother and bypassing meconium staining. However, studies fail to confirm this line of thought. The actual amount of time needed for a baby to grow to term varies and figuring an exact due date for each baby has not yet been done. Ultrasounds have at best a 10 day window of error if done in the first trimester. The phenomenon of postdates, is poorly understood. Macrosomia occurs prior to postdates as does” postmature syndrome.” The entity of postmature syndrome is based on a single physicians “subjective evaluation of 37 babies.” Research seems to indicate that watchful waiting is the more prudent course of action for healthy women.

IV
At a great many U.S. institutions, one of the first items of care to be rendered to the obstetric patient will be her IV, “just in case.” Just in case she needs drugs or surgery or her veins collapse making insertion of an IV impossible. Nancy Wainer Cohen and Lois Estner interviewed many labor and delivery nurses to find out how frequently a laboring woman’s veins collapsed. They learned that this does not happen. This is not the way birth happens in other nations, where a laboring woman is permitted to eat and drink lightly. This cultural warping began in the 1940’s when anesthesia was being given to nearly all birthing women by mask and vomiting and food aspiration were risks associated with this. Eliminating food and drink, they felt would eliminate this risk. Today, however, anesthesia methods have improved and this is no longer the problem it once way. Improved intubation techniques make this problem virtually a thing of the past. Doris Haire, a maternity care writer, in looking at 20 years of medical literature on aspiration during surgery found that the cause was not eating or drinking prior to the surgery, but caused by incompetence of the anesthesiologist.

General anesthesia is given to approximately 4% of those who undergo cesarean section. Approximately 0.3% cesarean surgeries will require intubation that will be difficult to do yet not all women who require intubation will aspirate. This translates into denying all laboring women food and drink because 1 cesarean sectioned woman out of 10,000 may aspirate.

Although IV’s are supposed to keep the stomach empty, a glucose IV actually works to slow down the emptying of the stomach. It also may encourage tissues to swell so that it makes it more difficult to intubate, if that becomes necessary. IV fluid accumulates in the bladder and that may slow down labor. Some women may have sensitivities to the IV and have a reaction from one. It restricts the woman’s mobility. The needle in the arm is painful and inhibits free movement. The baby also may suffer from the mother’s IV, as studies are being done to determine if the excessive sugar administered through a glucose IV may harm the baby.

by Yvonne Lapp Cryns

About the Author: Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives .net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com . Yvonne is also a law school graduate, a registered nurse and a Certified Professional Midwife.

Sheryl’s comment:
Don’t forget about immediate cord clamping, Vitamin K shots, eye drops, circumcision, and time away from mom. The bottom line is that “they” lead you to believe that these procedures are necessary and safe for mother and baby, whereas the majority of the time they are neither. If you insist on trying to have a natural birth in a hospital (isn’t that an oxymoron?) then write up a good birth plan, make your doctor or midwife sign it, go to the hospital with Obstetric Myths and Research Realities so they cant try to bully you into procedures that are unnecessary or unsafe, get a doula, and be prepared to battle them, kicking and screaming if necessary because mark my words, they will try to intervene and impede labor and endanger you and your baby.

Then again you could just give birth at home.

Buy the Book: A Good Birth, A Safe Birth
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Pain in childbirth is normal, healthy, and productive — and ends with the ecstasy of your baby’s birth. Although management of labor pain plays less important role in a mother’s satisfaction with childbirth, compared with the quality of the relationship with her labor support and her ability to take part in decision making, it is an important topic.

Pain in labor is a nearly universal experience for childbearing women. It is, however, experienced differently by birthing mothers. The majority of modern American women, though, need some sort of pain relief during childbirth. Methods vary from drugs to natural methods, and it is worth considering the various options available to you well in advance of the big event.

Non-pharmacologic methods of labor pain relief are becoming more common as mothers, as well as pregnancy and labor caregivers, become more aware of the effectiveness of these methods. Changing positions and movement, warm water baths, massage and acupressure are gaining more popularity, in addition to relaxation and hypnobirthing, in management of labor pain.

A vast study by Childbirth Connection in 2005 revealed that 69% of birthing mothers used at least one non-pharmacologic method to relieve pain and increase comfort during their labor. Most frequently used were breathing techniques and position changes and movement, followed by relaxation, visualization or hypnosis. As many as one in five birthing mothers used hands-on techniques such as massage and labor acupressure. These two hands-on techniques were rated very helpful by vast majority of 91% of the mothers. The popularity of these pain relieving methods is based on the simplicity and easiness to use them anywhere without any special and expensive tools. This is in addition to highly satisfactory level of relief from labor pains.

Less frequently used labor pain relieving methods include use of birthing balls, birthing tub or pool, and aromatherapy. Mothers who use these pain relieving methods, also, generally rate them helpful. Unfortunately, their use is limited by the need of special equipments or space.

By far, the most common forms of medication in both vaginal and cesarean births among the pharmacologic labor pain relieving methods are the epidural or spinal analgesia. Epidural or spinal analgesia mostly give excellent labor pain relief. However, studies revealed a scattered satisfaction with epidurals. Many interviewed mothers described their experiences of not having access to this type of pain relief when they wanted it, getting uneven pain relief on different sides, and experiencing headaches, and other adverse effects.

Labor is an exciting event and involves many new sensations, especially if you are having your first baby. These sensations are part of giving life to your baby. However, no one needs to suffer during childbirth. By understanding what you can do, and how others can help you in order to prevent and relieve labor pains, you are most likely to have a satisfying birth experience.

About the Author:
Lena Leino is the author of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth labor acupressure guide. She has now created an At-Home Labor Contraction Follow-up Chart so that you could easily document how your labor is proceeding. You and your labor caregivers can quickly see the progress of your labor with a single glimpse at the Chart. Now you can get this useful tool at http://www.MaternityAcupressure.com/labor-contraction-chart.html

Buy the Book: Hypnosis for a Joyful Pregnancy and Pain Free Labor and Delivery
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By the time my husband and I finally got pregnant the first time, I had done a lot of reading about birth options and we had already decided to have a midwife instead of a doctor. We believe that pregnancy is a healthy state of being, and unless something came up, a midwife was the best way to go for us. Besides, where we live, a midwife can deliver babies at hospitals, so I felt that was the safest way to go. (Although, now, I feel I could have had my babies at home… but that is a whole other article!).

When I was a few weeks pregnant I came across an article on doulas, but I had never heard of a doula so I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. A doula is a woman who supports women through childbirth. “Doula” is an ancient Greek word meaning “servant to women”. A doula provides a woman with continuous emotional support, aides in her physical comfort, and encourages the laboring woman. She also provides praise, reassurance, and explains what is going on during the labor. While some husbands and partners may feel that it’s their job to offer support to the laboring woman, and therefore initially feel that they would not want a doula, after the birth they are very pleased and relieved that they had one. A doula can help husbands and partners by suggesting ways they can help the laboring woman, and doulas actually assist the husband to feel like he is contributing.

Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor have:

- 50% reduction of cesarean rate

- 25% shorter labor

- 60% reduction in epidural requests

- 30% reduction in analgesia use

- 40% reduction in forceps delivery

From Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus (Perseus Press, 1993)

When I was about halfway through my pregnancy, we decided to interview some doulas and see if it would be right for us. We met with three doulas. The first one was Jan, who we ultimately picked. We liked her right away and I wanted to hire her on the spot, but my husband insisted that we meet the other doulas too because we might find someone we like even more. (How could that be possible?, I wondered.) Well, it turned out that the other two doulas were wonderful too, but our instincts told us to go with Jan. So we hired her.

We had to give her a deposit of $100 to confirm our commitment, and sign an agreement as well. How do I describe this fabulous woman? She is very tall and has a great presence. She is quiet, knowledgeable and thoughtful; she doesn’t speak a lot, but when she does it is carefully thought out. In other words, she is not “chatty” but not shy either. She has an engaging smile, she is discrete, and she is strong. I felt like she could sweep me up in her arms and take care of me!

Jan came over several weeks before my due date to do some one-on-one prenatal training with both James and I. She is a lactation consultant as well so she helped by answering my questions about breastfeeding in addition to my questions about what to expect during labor.

I went into labor three days before my due date, on August 13, 2001. It was about midnight and I was just getting into bed when I felt (or heard?) a loud POP! And then another one. And warm liquid dribbling down my legs. My water had broken. Yay! This was finally happening.

The contractions started immediately and James rubbed my thigh while I rested on the bed. The contractions got closer and closer together and James called Jan at about 5:00am when they were about 5 minutes apart. They got really intense after that and by the time Jan arrived, I was vomiting in a bucket on my bed.

Jan threw down the birth ball she was carrying, flew across the bed, grabbed my hand, looked me straight in the eye with her face close to mine and said, “I want you to breathe like this.” In an instant, she had me calmed down and breathing effectively. She was amazing. I went from being in a total panic to feeling like everything was going to be ok.

When my midwife arrived at 7:00am, she told me I was about 3 centimetres dilated. I was so disappointed! But Jan was my cheerleader, telling me that I was working so hard, and managing so well, and that my body was only going to give me what I could handle. She helped James help me by suggesting things he could do for me, and he felt taken care of by Jan as well.

It was only about an hour later that Jan noticed my breathing had changed and she called out to our midwife who was in another room doing paperwork. Our midwife didn’t think that I could have progressed that quickly but Jan stood her ground and said, “It really sounds like she is trying to push.” So the midwife checked me again (doulas do not perform medical tasks) and I was about 7 cm dilated! This was going fast. Suddenly everybody sprung into action and started gathering up all the bags and things we needed for the hospital. If it wasn’t for Jan, I really don’t think we would have made it on time.

While James drove, Jan sat with me in the backseat holding my hand, talking to me, encouraging me and calming me. She was so amazing! After we got to the hospital, she never left my side. James had to go fill out the paperwork and park the car, but Jan was there beside me constantly.

I felt such complete trust in Jan that I had to hold her right hand a particular way through each contraction. It was quite funny! A contraction would start and I’d yell, “Hand! Hand!” and Jan would come running and grab my hand. I don’t know why, but it was only Jan’s hand that comforted me. It had to be Jan’s hand.

She also helped by taking me to the bathroom and getting me water to drink, a cold cloth for my forehead (without being asked), and waving tissues with aromatherapy oil on them around the room. I found that I couldn’t communicate what I wanted or needed, but Jan always seemed to know, thank goodness. She suggested different laboring positions and she helped during the delivery by suggesting positions for pushing, too. I only pushed one hour and then our beautiful Hana was born. (Hana means “flower” in Japanese). Jan stayed with me while I delivered the placenta (James was on the other side of the room with Hana) and helped me attempt to breastfeed right away. She stayed for about 4 hours after Hana was born and helped me take a shower and gave me lots of help with breastfeeding.

What more can I say about having a doula? She made my birth experience fantastic. I am one of those people who can honestly say that I enjoyed labor (twice!) and I want to do it again! When we found out we were pregnant for the second time, I could not imagine doing it without Jan. It was a much easier labor and birth, but I am still so grateful that Jan was there - she made it a great experience again. It is true that continuous support during labor has many, many benefits, and I am one of the “lucky” (or is it “well prepared” because I hired a doula?) women who was able to fully experience birth without drugs, or intervention. I had a healthy birth and a healthy baby. And a doula to help us through it all.

For more information, or to find a doula in your city, visit DONA, the Doulas of North America website.

I wish you all the best during your labor and birth!

About the Author:
Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is the mother of two daughters, Hana and Alexa, and married to her best friend James, who is a stay-at-home dad and educational game developer (and he makes a mean grilled chicken!). Suzanne is also the creator of Pregnancy-Leads-to-new-babies.com, an informative site for pregnant women and new moms. Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/pulpolux/390159014/

Giving birth can an extremely uncomfortable and painful experience for many mothers, and while for some women labor goes quickly and relatively easily, for others it can turn into a real ordeal. Where our grandmothers had to go through the pain barrier more or less unaided, there are quite a few options available for today’s pregnant women that can lessen or even completely remove the pain, allowing the joyfulness of giving birth a much greater chance to be appreciated.

Birthing Pool
Being in water during the early stages of labor can greatly relieve the contraction pains in some women, as the buoyancy takes some of the pressure off the muscles of the lower back. Some women prefer to stay in the water right through to the later stages of labor, and some even choose to complete the birth in a birthing pool.

Birthing pools have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they are seen as a natural way of reducing pain, in line with today’s widespread preference for keeping things simple and as close to nature as possible.

TENS
A TENS machine is a small electronic device which you attach to your lower back with electrode pads. The machine passes a very slight electric current through the pads, which is intended to interfere with the pain signals, reducing the extent of the discomfort. The level of current can usually be increased during contractions, and then lowered back down as the pain subsides again. Some women find TENS machines to be highly effective, while for others the effect is minimal. The devices can usually be hired from the hospital, but are relatively cheap to buy yourself if you want to be sure that one will be available.

Gas and Air
This is also known as entonox, and is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is breathed in via a pipe whenever the mother-to-be feels the need. It is a very light method of pain relief, and is enough on it’s own for some women, especially in straightforward births. The effect is more of a distraction from the pain than an actual reduction, but doesn’t feature the drawbacks of the two more heavy-duty pain relief drugs below.

Epidural
An epidural is an injection of pain relief drugs direct into the lumbar region, and is extremely effective at blocking pain. The initial injection must be performed by a doctor, although the drug levels can then be subsequently topped up by the midwife for as long as it is required. Early epidurals also interfered with movement, and so the entire birth had to be carried out lying down, but more advanced versions of the drugs used now allow the mother to walk around a little to relieve discomfort.

Pethidine
This is the strongest pain relief option available in most cases, and is extremely effective in stopping pain over a 3 to 4 hour period. Unlike an epidural, it can’t be used indefinitely, and only two doses are usually allowed, meaning it is less than ideal for labors lasting longer than 8 hours or so. The drug can also pass through to the infant, in some cases delaying the start of breathing. Antidotes are, however, available should this occur.

Although the choice of which method of pain relief to use is usually left up to the mother, most midwives recommend starting with the less invasive choices such as TENS and gas and air, only moving up to drug treatments if necessary later on.

Sheryl’s comment:
A few pain relief options that the author failed to mention are acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, meditation, massage, hypnobirthing and other childbirth preparation methods such as The Pink Kit, Bradley and Lamaze.

Pain relief during labor is a charged topic. Obviously no one should suffer unnecessarily and that is why pain relief for childbirth is considered civilized and humane. While I do not feel that women in a hospital setting should be denied painkillers, I would hope that women explore options to avoid needed the pain relief in the first place because many commonly used pain relievers such as epidurals are dangerous to the baby, the birth process, breastfeeding and bonding.

Fear is a primary component in childbirth. It activates your fight or flight response and prevents your body from doing what it is meant to do. Simply reading some books such as Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick Read or The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth by Laurie Ann Morgan can make the difference if you understand that there is nothing in the natural birth process that you should be afraid of, and in fact many women experience great pleasure even mind-blowing orgasms when left to give birth the way nature intended.

The second component in pain during childbirth is interventions. Interventions, by their very nature are meddling in the natural process of childbirth. Pitocin, for example, which usually necessitates an epidural, blasts the baby out of its the uterine home with (bovine strength) chemicals before it is ready to come out on its own. If you can avoid the Pitocin or the Cytotec you can often avoid pain relief during childbirth.

Many women who reach spontaneous labor because the baby is ready to come out, report having contractions that “give them pause” or they have to stop walking and lean against the wall but they all report that the contractions were bearable and the worst part was the humiliating, degrading, dangerous and often excruciating things that the doctors or midwives were doing to them to “speed things along”.

That said, if you are going to attempt to have a “natural” hospital birth, (good luck with that by the way), then make sure to have a birth plan and lay out in advance what pain relief you want. If you want acupuncture or TENS then make sure you have the resources lined to up make that happen.

Also make it very clear that they cannot deny you pain relief just because you are getting close to delivering. The only reason they tell you no at that time is because they do not want to wait for an anesthesiologist to get there. Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me. Letting you suffer because they are in a rush is just not acceptable. If they put you in that position with their hexes and potions then they can wait a few minutes while you get some relief. Threaten to sue if they don’t. Please remember to get off your back and squat. (Threaten to sue if they do not want you to) Your baby will come much quicker and end your suffering.

Want to avoid pain relief during childbirth? Find yourself a Trust Birth group near you, join an unassisted childbirth online community, trust the birth process, stay at home and let nature do its job.

Author: Simone Butler
About the author: Simone writes for a parenting information, a site where you can read more about pregnancy and birth, plus advice on choosing baby products such as cots and cribs.
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