Growing and giving birth to life - really is a magical experience. The fact that your body is growing another human being - mind-blowing! Unfortunately, in our current society, birth is not made as joyous as it should be. Birth, by nature, can be very unpredictable, and things happen. Also, it is very medicalised, and having a positive birth experience often involves preparing for your labour and birth, and being ready to navigate the medical system, especially when things do not go to plan.
Navigating potential complications requires you to have the knowledge and flexible mindset. In this blog post, I will explore how to stay informed with evidence-based information, how to stay calm and empowered through your labour when things do not go to plan and ensuring you have a trauma-free, positive experience.
1. Knowledge is Power: Inform Yourself
Birth complications can be overwhelming, but understanding them is your first step to empowerment and a positive experience. Dive into reliable sources, join antenatal classes, and demand benefits and risks from your medical professionals. Arm yourself with evidence-based information so that when the crucial moments arrive in your labour, and you need to question or decline an intervention, knowledge becomes your ally. Remember, you don't need to justify your opinions, but being informed makes saying "No" a whole lot easier.
2. Consult and Question: Communication and Taking Informed Choices
Building open communication with your medical team is a game-changer. It's all about you, your body, and that little miracle growing inside you. A birth and labor, by nature, can be or is very unpredictable, and things happen. If your questions are getting dodged or choices dismissed, remember you have the power to change your medical team—midwives, doctors, hospital. You can even bring in a doula for added support. Complications might call for medical intervention, but not always. When deciding on an intervention, assess the benefits and risks carefully. You always have the option to wait. Having a solid communication foundation with your medical team, where you feel respected and safe, makes voicing your questions and concerns a breeze. Studies show that women that felt that their decisions and concerns were heard and respected were more likely to have a positive experience.
3. Keeping Calm and Managing Anxiety
Feeling anxious about potential complications is normal. That is why preparation is the key. Ideally, you would discuss potential complications before you go into the labour. Acknowledge your feelings and seek healthy coping mechanisms. Take your time with decisions, rest, and find what calms you. Rarely is anything in labour so fast that it needs an immediate decision. Countless mindfulness and relaxation techniques are there to help you cope. Establish a support system to discuss your concerns when needed—whether with your birthing partner, a doula, an antenatal teacher, or a friend. Ensure your decisions align with your carefully thought-through birthing preferences for your positive experience. In an ideal scenario, discuss potential complications with your birthing partner beforehand so they know what to do, as you will be busy giving birth.
Remember, Birth is an Adventure - Be Prepared for Twists and Turns! 🚀
Twists and turns are part of the journey in labour and birth, so be prepared. Stay informed, communicate openly, and tackle the unexpected to ensure your positive birth experience. You have got this!
Ready to get birth prepared? Grab your completely FREE "Positive Birth Essentials" E-Book from the link below:
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