9 Things I Wish I Knew About Childbirth Before I Gave Birth | Tucson Birth Photographer
If you’re pregnant, chances are that you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information about giving birth. I’ve given birth twice, and I still learn more all the time about what choices I could have made differently. So don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Here are 9 things I wish I knew about childbirth before I gave birth.
1. You don't have to give birth in the hospital.
Giving birth at home or in a birth center offers a relaxed and intimate setting, allowing for a more personalized experience. These options are generally safe for low-risk pregnancies, with outcomes similar to hospital births. If you’re not quite sold on being at a hospital and want a little more care than at home, you may consider a hospital with a birthing center and midwives, providing access to hospital resources for emergencies (like Tucson Medical Center here in Tucson, AZ!). I personally had two hospital births and had good experiences, but I didn’t even know I could ask about alternative birthing locations!
Question for your doctor: Would he/she support you and work with a home birth midwife if you decided to go this route?
This beautiful birth took place at a midwifery center attached to a hospital.
2. Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.
Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor (raising my hand as a two-time epidural recipient!), but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief. I learned about acupressure combs after my own births and wish that I knew about them as a tool in my toolbox.
Question for your doctor: What pain relief options do they see often that are effective, other than an epidural?
During Ellie’s labor, her doula, Ashley, massaged her lower back during almost every contraction. Watching Ashley support Ellie was incredible!
3. You can personalize the delivery room with music, essential oils, and lighting.
Okay, I knew about this one, but I love seeing women make their delivery rooms cozy! All of these factors can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. Some facilities will let you bring your own diffuser for essential oils, while others may ask that you use an aromatherapy inhaler instead. You might also bring twinkle lights and battery-powered candles to give your birthing room all the vibes.
Question for your doctor: Can I bring music, essential oils, and/or my own lighting to the birthing room?
Candlelit birthing tub at a midwifery center in Tucson, AZ
4. Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.
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. Not to mention, birthing pools/tubs make for absolutely gorgeous photos, if you’re choosing to have a birth photographer present. (Check out 4 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer to learn more!)
Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital/center or another way I can use water to relax?
This second-time mama labored in the tub alongside her husband and doula.
5. There are many different birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier.
Various birthing positions 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. Ask your nurse, doula, or midwife for their suggestions! During my labor with my second child, I wasn’t making much progress until an incredible nurse helped position me on my side with a peanut ball. Within minutes, I was ready to push!
Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby?
6. Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.
A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth. I’ve worked with amazing doulas who get. 👏 it. 👏 done.👏
Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?
7. You can eat and drink during labor, 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 labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished. I’ve worked with a mom who brought honey sticks to her birth for quick shots of energy when she wasn’t feeling up to eating.
Question for your doctor: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?
8. Visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.
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.
Question for your doctor: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?
9. 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.
Question for your doctor: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections?
Hopefully, 9 Things I Wish I Knew About Childbirth Before Giving Birth from a Tucson Birth Photographer gave you some new information to help you feel more confident and excited about your birth. Remember, there’s no one right way to give birth, as long as you and baby are both safe and healthy. Your choices are just that — choices, and you deserve to be informed about all of your choices from the very beginning!