Considering a natural childbirth? Not sure how to make it happen? Here are 7-steps to maximize your success in achieving the beautiful, natural childbirth experience you desire.
- Join the St Louis natural birthing community. Seeking out experienced natural birthing moms and birth professionals will significantly increase your chance of achieving your goal of a natural birth. St Louis has a very friendly and open birthing community.
- Hire a Doula. She is a key ingredient to supporting you during your labor and delivery. A doula will be your advocate and best supporter when it comes to crunch time. Her knowledge and experience will prove invaluable. Interview several and choose whom you feel is most aligned with your childbirth philosophy.
- Choose the right Obstetrician. Finding one that truly honors and supports your choice to have a natural birth will make or break your experience. Word of mouth is the best way to locate these rare physicians. Experienced natural birthing moms and doulas are your best resources for a natural birth friendly physician.
- Choose the right hospital. Not all hospitals are created equal when it comes to supporting natural births. Tour the Labor & Delivery area to get a feel for the vibe. Ideally the nurses should be open and supportive of your choice to have a natural birth.
- Get educated, know your options. Knowledge is power and the best way to have an empowering birth is to get educated. Take an independent childbirth education class, read articles and books on natural birth, watch natural birth documentaries, and research the internet or library for evidence-based statistics on mother friendly maternity care
- Create a birth plan. This will be your care providers’ guide to your preference on procedures. Be prepared that it may change as birth is unpredictable. This is another area for your doula to shine; she will ensure that your birth plan is carried out to the fullest extent possible. Additionally, creating a birth plan helps you and your partner get clear on the type of birth experience you want.
- Prepare your mind, body, and spirit. Preparing your mind for childbirth is one of the most challenging yet most important preparatory things you will do. Trusting your body’s ability to birth your baby, hearing positive natural birth stories and envisioning your ideal birth are excellent ways to prep your mind for childbirth. Dedicating time to walk, taking a prenatal yoga class and regularly seeking chiropractic care will help build endurance, strength, and flexibility for the big day. Incorporating spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation will allow you to connect with your higher power and allow you to maintain a level of mindfulness through this anxious time. Not to mention, the process of childbirth is a very spiritual, euphoric experience.
Have more questions? Ask away in the comment section!
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