10 Things You Need To Know When Planning For Your Birth!

So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don't worry, I’ve got you!
Here are 10 things your friends probably didn't tell you about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control.
(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the next appointment!) 

You don't have to give birth in the hospital.

Giving birth at home or at the birth centre can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes compared to hospital births.
If this is something you think you may want to consider, call all the midwifery clinics as soon as possible! They normally have waitlists and it can be hard to find one available for your due date!

Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labour.

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labour, but they are not the only option available! Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, narcotic medications, and natural methods such as a TENS machine, acupressure and hydrotherapy. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief.

You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.

Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labour. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labour. Lately I have seen more and more people using audiobooks and podcasts for relaxation during their labour.

Using a bath tub can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labour.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Birthing pools or a bath tub can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labour. While Ottawa’s hospitals don’t allow you to give birth in the tubs, Montfort hospital, the Queensway Carleton Hospital and the Ottawa Hospital, General Campus have tubs available to use during your labour that can be very beneficial.

You will probably poop during labour (and that's okay!).

It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Don't let this concern hold you back, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. If it does happen, there’s a decent chance you won’t even know it did, so let’s just say you didn’t ;)

Birthing positions - there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.

As a doula I have seen people use all kinds of positions and there’s no way to say which is “best”. So my main piece of advice is just to try different things until you find something that works for you!

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.

Ok, I might be biased with this one! While we are great at supporting you during your pregnancy and birth, having a trained professional support you at home after your birth is just on a whole other level! Our doula provide daytime support as well as overnight support to help you through this journey of bringing home a new family member.

You can eat and drink during labour, if you want to.

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labour, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished. If you haven’t gotten an epidural you can generally eat whatever you’d like and even if you do have an epidural, ice chips aren’t your only option.

Things that many people enjoy are things that you can take just a quick bite of between contractions that don’t involve a lot of chewing and of course, Jell-O!

The power of the mind - visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labour.

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.

Lately a few different clients have recommended Hypnobirthing by Siobhan Miller.

Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It's important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

So, there you have it. You're armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!

Want to learn more about preparing for your birth? Every month we have our 1-day prenatal class that is jam packed with so much information that you are sure to walk away learning even more about the birth you want!