Preparing For A Natural Hospital Birth

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There is a lot of talk in the natural birth community about home birth and how fantastic it is.  I am, of course, a fan of home birth.  But realistically, most women will be birthing in the hospital for whatever reason.  It IS possible to have a good, enjoyable, and natural birth in the hospital but there are some things that can make it more likely.  

Let's talk about some ways to ensure that you get the natural birth you have been wanting within your hospital.  

Rule 1- You choice of hospital is VERY important. 

You need to be very aware of the hospital policies where you are birthing.  If your hospital has rules that make it very difficult to have a natural birth, then you may want to shop around for another one.  What are some hospital rules or policies that work against natural birth?

~Constant monitoring (as opposed to intermittent)

~Mandatory IV (as opposed to only needed if medicated, and at the very least, a hep lock should be available)

~Supine positions required, for laboring and pushing

~Standard breaking of the bag of water

~Heavy pressure to induce labor by 40 weeks

~A strict NPO policy (are you allowed to eat in labor?)

Other things you will want to check into-

What is your hospital's c-section rate?  (You can find them listed by state at The Unnecesarean)

What is your care providers c-section rate?

What is the induction rate?

What is the epidural rate?

What is their policy on walking around?

How do they feel about doulas?

Do they have midwives on staff?

Here is the thing.  Please be honest with yourself about these factors.  I have seen women "say" they want a natural birth and then choose to birth at a hospital that is literally the WORST in the entire state, simply because it was convenient for them to drive to.  

The chances of you not making it to the hospital in time to have your baby are very slim, especially for a first time mother.  If you are not willing to drive a little way in order to birth in a hospital that is respectful of your wishes, then I really can't help you.  

Yes, it is possible to birth naturally in a hostile environment.  It just won't be easy, and you will probably have to fight.  Do you really want to fight while you are in labor?  

Rule 2- Choose Your Care Provider Carefully

The next most important thing is how your care provider feels about natural birth.  Personally, I am a big fan of midwifery care.  If your hospital has no midwives on staff, that says something very powerful about how they view birth.  Namely, it says they view it as pathological.  

I have lived by many hospitals that have midwives on staff.  In fact, there are a few in my area in which ALL women are assigned a midwife and only see an OB if they become high risk.  Midwives are going to be trained more heavily in the normality of birth and will transfer care if you become high risk and there is a need.  

There is this thought that midwife=home birth or midwife=no medical training.  Neither is true.  Yes, there are midwives who are only home birth midwives.  But a hospital based midwife is going to be a CNM, a certified nurse midwife.  That means (usually) that she is an RN that has an advanced degree specializing in midwifery.  These women often are very good at what they do.  Yes, sometimes they are a little more medically minded than your typical home birth midwife.  But, if you want to birth in the hospital that is your midwifery option.  

So, go with a midwife if you can.  If an OB is your only option, then ask them the same questions as above.  Take in your birth plan.  Go over it with them.  Find out what works and what doesn't.  Be realistic and ask hard questions.  Do not be brushed off.  If you are, then CHANGE PROVIDERS.  

You are paying for this, don't pay for something that you don't want. 

Rule 3-  Take A Good Birth Prep Class

A good birth class can really help you prepare for your birth.  It should include the following:

~An overview of the birth process

~Training of your birth partner (husband,boyfriend, etc) 

~Relaxation training (so that you can avoid medications)

~An overview of various interventions, when they are needed, and how to avoid them if not needed

~Postpartum preparations

~Learning to communicate with your birth team

I am a fan of Birth Boot Camp because they prepare the partner well.  Whatever you choose, a longer class will do you more good.  And be sure to take a class that is independent of the hospital.  Many hospital classes tend to be more focused on teaching you how to be a good patient rather than how to have a natural birth.  

A well prepared partner will really make your life easier.  Think about how tense YOU will be if your partner is scared to death because he doesn't know what is going on and is freaked that you are moaning in public.  Prepare him too.

Reading and preparing yourself and practicing relaxation outside of class is wonderfully helpful too. 

Rule 4- Think About A Doula

Doulas are not for everybody, but they can really help both mom and dad have a better birth.  Even when you have prepared well for a birth class, a doula can help you remember what you have learned.  Even lots of dads just rave about their doula.  If you want your partner to be your main source of comfort, you can always talk to the doula about helping HIM, help you.  

Labor can be long and an extra pair of hands can be really helpful. 

Extra Tips-

Some other things that women find helpful are these:

Don't arrive at your birth place too early.  I am not going to tell you not to go to the hospital.  If you want to go, then go.  But many women cite the fact that they labored mostly at HOME as the reason why they were able to have a natural hospital birth.  

Where are you comfortable and where can you most labor how you want?  Induction agents are so commonly used today, even for women already in labor.  If you want to avoid them, then you may want to get some of your dilation out of the way at home, where you can move freely.  

Eat well during pregnancy so that you are low risk.  Check out the Brewer Diet and consider following it.  Your health pre-pregnancy health may be important too.  Taking better care of yourself can help you have the birth you want.  

Natural hospital births are possible, but they require work and commitment.  You can do it!