The Risks of Epidurals
I have recently talked to a few women who are concerned about having an epidural during childbirth and want to know the risks and benefits involved with this type of anesthesiology since it has become “the norm” in most hospitals today. I’m no expert on the subject and have never had one myself, but I know that women need to educate themselves about this medical procedure before they arrive at the hospital to have a baby. The decision to have an epidural or not is completely personal and it is up to each woman to decide what is right for her.
As Kim James, a certified birth doula in Seattle, says, “There are obstetrical situations in which an epidural promotes a healthier labor and thus indirectly helps the baby. But there are instances when an ill-timed epidural interferes with the normal progress of labor and therefore may negatively affect the baby. Before you take a leap of faith and sign the consent forms, obtain information from reliable sources about the safety of any drug or procedure for you and your baby, and learn exactly what it will do for you.” [...]
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Natural Birth in Hospitals
Even though it is a radical idea to many mainstream childbirth professionals, it is entirely possible to have a natural birth in a hospital—one without any medical interventions, pain medications or surgical procedures. It is even possible to have a beautiful, satisfying and empowering birth experience in a hospital, provided the parents have chosen the proper health care professionals and received thorough education about natural childbirth methods.
However, pregnant women must take matters into their own hands—your birth is your responsibility! If you believe that natural birth in a hospital setting is the best option for you, finding the right Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) who will support your vision of natural birth is key to achieving your goal. As well, you should prepare for the experience by taking natural childbirth classes (Lamaze, Bradley Method, HypnoBirthing) and make sure that you have proper labor support. First time mothers giving birth in a hospital can greatly benefit from, and are more likely to achieve a non-medicated birth, with the help of a doula. [...]
What is a Doula?
This wonderful article was written by my cousin’s wife, Hannah Reasoner, who is a doula in Ft. Worth, TX. Check out her blog for more information.
A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. She understands the physiology of birth and the needs of a laboring woman.
The role of the birth doula greatly depends on the woman and family for whom she is providing care. The doula’s main purpose is to be a friend, a mentor, and a helper to the mother, as well as a support to her partner and/or family. If the mother chooses a doula in the early stages of pregnancy, the doula can help to provide information and education for several months leading up to the birth. This can also help the mother and family build an established, comfortable, and trusting relationship with the doula. [...]
