What should you do to help cope with natural childbirth?
Congratulations on exploring the option of natural childbirth! One of the best things you can do for yourself, to ensure that you follow through with your own birthing goals is to hire a DOULA. A DOULA provides “continuous, uninterrupted, emotional and physical support of the woman for the duration of the labor and childbirth.” Her only goal is to see mom through her ideal birth plan whether natural or drug assisted. Having a DOULA present at your birth provides you with an experienced labour assistant who is knowledgeable in comfort measures from positioning, massage, counter pressure, focusing, and visualization to specific pain management techniques. Doulas are proven to shorten labor, enhance labor experiences,lessen post partum anxiety, lessen the probability of c-section, and lessen the chances of using medication. A great book to read is “Mothering the Mother” by Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus.
