Holistic Pregnancy & Childbirth

What should I look for in childbirth classes?

Look for classes that:

• Provide you and your birth partner(s) with an opportunity to practice many techniques for relaxation, coping with pain, and encouraging the movement of your baby. Because coping and relaxation techniques take some time to master and become habitual, you might find it more effective to take classes that meet weekly with time in between to practice, rather than choosing a class with a single-weekend format.
  
   
• Teach you ways to advocate for your wishes if you are birthing in a hospital or birth center.

Childbirth classes have the added benefit of giving you and your birth partner(s) the opportunity to meet with other pregnant women in a supportive environment. However, some people choose to prepare for birth without classes. Some resources are listed in Additional Readings if you choose this route.

Another way to meet pregnant people who can share their experiences with childbirth is through the La Leche League. This international organization is a peer-support group for breastfeeding, and welcomes pregnant people at their meetings. You can find a La Leche League group in your area by looking in the phone book, or by going to their website.

What should I know about birth plans?

Good health and a holistic approach during pregnancy maximize your chances for an optimal birth experience and a healthy baby.

If you are still somewhat fearful-of losing control, of the unknown, of pain and how you will cope with it-it is helpful to recognize that, ultimately, there is no control to lose. Instead of worrying about "losing control," reflect on "giving in" to the birth process-and giving your body the freedom to do what it is capable of doing. Your body is beautifully designed to give birth.

This is often difficult-we are used to controlling many aspects of our lives. Dealing with uncertainty is challenging. But you can prepare by educating yourself and your partner, learning ways to cope with contractions, and talking about your preferences with your partner and your care provider. And once you know you have done all you can to prepare, it is helpful to let go and to be flexible and open to the aspects of childbirth that you cannot predict.  With this in mind, many pregnant people find it useful to prepare what is commonly known as a birth plan.

Role of a birth plan

This is a written record of what you would like to do during your birth. (The name "birth plan" is a bit problematic, since it seems to suggest that all aspects of birth can be fully prepared for and planned in advance. Some women and providers use the term "wish list" instead, but this phrase seems to minimize a pregnant person's carefully thought out desires. Because it is more commonly used, we will use the term birth plan here.) The plan is a tool that you can use to communicate with your partner, midwife, or doctor during pregnancy and with the nursing staff at your hospital or birthing center during your birth.

Review your plan with your provider

Review your birth plan with your midwife or doctor ahead of time, so he or she can tell you whether the aspects of your plan are realistic at the place you have chosen to give birth. Your birth plan should be considered a "living" document that may change if needed. Flexibility and adaptability are helpful. Write your plan with this in mind.

A flexible plan is helpful if labor unfolds in an unanticipated manner. For example, if you give birth by cesarean section, most other aspects of your plan, such as early contact with your baby, should still be possible. Staff in some hospitals take babies born by cesarean section directly to the nursery, and parents do not see their child until the mother recovers from surgery. However, you can request immediate contact with your baby, early breastfeeding, and a calm and quiet recovery with your baby in a darkened room.

Preparing a birth plan

Learn about effective birthing positions for your planStart the process of preparing a birth plan by reviewing the sections: How Has Childbirth Changed in this Century, What About Pain, and What Factors Influence the Natural Progression of Childbirth. These sections give you background information about your birth choices. If you plan to take childbirth classes, you might want to wait to prepare a birth plan until you have attended a few classes.

There are several Internet sites devoted to writing a birth plan. Some let you click alternatives and print a final copy of your plan. While using these resources may seem easy, these plans do little to reflect your individuality or developing philosophy of birth.