Painless Childbirth handout

Preparation for childbirth

• Physical health
• Exercise
• Yoga
• Independent ante-natal classes (inc. Hypnobirthing)
• Support of loved ones esp. husband/partner
• Support of a doula
• Relationship and honest understanding with or about your doctor

Inductions

• Against body’s and baby’s timeline – tend to be done for reasons which are tenuous
• Do hurt more
• Rupturing water sac membranes (AROM), pitocin interferes with the birth process
• Most likely will require mother to be on the bed (either lying down or sitting) and strapped to a fetal monitor, limiting movement and creating pain and discomfort

Fear

• Fear-tension-pain
• Fighting against your body
• Let go of fear
• Positive thoughts
• Birth affirmations

Hypnobirthing

• Acknowledges Fear-Tension-Pain and provides ways to ensure mother’s relaxation in labour and delivery
• Re-organising your mindset and approach, e.g. interpreting contractions as surges
• Doesn’t result in a hypnotic trance, but more a daydream or inward focus
• Deep relaxation

Ecstatic birth

• “Four major hormonal systems are active during labor and birth. These involve oxytocin, the hormone of love; endorphins, hormones of pleasure and transcendence; epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones of excitement; and prolactin, the mothering hormone… For birth to proceed optimally, this part of the brain must take precedence over the neocortex, or rational brain.” – Sarah J. Buckley

Orgasmic birth?

• Can happen too!
• Loving affection between mother and father during labour can help to relax and bring pleasure to the mother and to re-affirm the bond between the parents as they become a family

Birth environment and processes

• Hospital – need to be firm about what your requirements are to make your birthing space as comfortable as possible
• Hospital – be aware of what processes/interventions etc you do not want and communicate this
  • E.g. Intermittent fetal monitor/dopplers, minimal or no vaginal exams
• Home – whatever you like

Prayer and belief

• Can be extremely powerful
• Accept that our bodies are an amazing product of evolution and creation, and that birth is the same.

Kredit : The Gentle Birthing Group