How to Have the Birth You Want

Posted by Brenda Lane Jun 16, 2008

Not long ago, I attended an amazing birth that demonstrated yet again how mothers can indeed beat the odds stacked against them and have the kind of birth they want. It does require some work, prior research and good support. However, no matter where you choose to have your baby, there are simple ways you can advocate for yourself.

1. Ask for more time. If you are rushed into making any decision, be sure to ask if waiting for an hour or longer is possible.

2. Distinguish between true emergencies and routines. If your care provider recommends something, is it because there is a problem or a true indicated risk to you or your baby? Or is it something that is a routine procedure? Find out before you agree to something that may have an irreversible outcome.

3. Use additional support. It is hard to not be biased in this recommendation given that I am a doula myself and I believe wholeheartedly in the value of having a birth doula present. Very often having an additional person there to faciliate dialog can be a huge advantage to parents. Not only that, but birth doulas are skilled in comfort techniques and way to help labor progress. To me it is a no brainer that more parents need to use a doula since without the support and knowledge, there are seldom any options.

4. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. This is your day, your birth and your baby! There are very few events in your life that are more important so be assertive even if it requires you that you need to step outside your comfort zone.

My heartfelt desire is that all of the expectant mothers reading this blog would have the kind of birth they want.

Warmly,

Brenda