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Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida

Natural Birth is Best with Proper Preparation

Apr 29, 2015 05:41PM ● By Vicki Taylor-Breheim

Women go through many processes in life, and giving birth is one that a woman’s bodies is specifically designed to accomplish. It knows exactly how to prepare for conception and pregnancy, and when it is time, the labor and birth process. Many factors can influence when we go into labor, but the bottom line is that our hormones initiate the process. Here are some suggestions to make the most of this natural process.

  • Eat well before and during pregnancy, keeping in mind the nutritional needs of the growing baby. The Brewer Diet (BlueRibbonBaby.com) recommends daily consumption of 2,200 calories, 85 grams of protein and less than 30 percent of calorie intake from fat. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats or complementary proteins (for vegans) are important to fulfill the needs of a growing baby, as well as prepare the mother’s body for the physical demands of labor. A plate containing a variety of textures and colors with serving sizes the size of a palm should do well. Avoid caffeine, obvious sugars and highly processed foods, and drink at least 32 ounces of water each day.
  •  Keep physically active throughout the pregnancy. Walking and swimming are excellent for preparing the body for the endurance required for labor and birth. Prenatal yoga is wonderful for gentle stretching, practicing breathing and becoming aware of how the body moves. Sing and dance mother and baby will both benefit from the relaxation.
  • Attend a childbirth preparation class to learn about the physical process of birth and acquire physical and mental tools for relaxation.
  • Attend a La Leche League meeting to meet other moms that breastfeed their babies, learn about this vital process and see that the body has the ability to adequately provide complete nourishment for baby’s first year.
  • Assemble a birth team to fully support the birth plan, regardless of the location or details. This team might include a primary caregiver (midwife or obstetrician), partner and possibly a doula (midwife assistant).
  • Accept the element of surrender as a vital part of the birth process. Women that are prepared for the work involved, but also willing to go with the flow, generally do best in labor.
  • Consider using warm water for an aid to relaxation. A shower, warm bath or birth tub can help to stay calm and focused. This kind of relaxation has been proven to move the labor along with excellent outcomes for the baby.
  • Have smells and sounds around that promote relaxation. Birth is a journey inward, and the ability to relax is the key.
  • Do as much advance meal preparation as possible. Make freezer meals or arrange for friends and relatives to bring meals daily in order to concentrate on the new baby’s needs and mother’s own healing. By allowing a “queen for a week” gift, will be off to a great start.

As in any process, the end may not be what we envision. Labor is known to be full of twists and turns. Remaining flexible and confident in our goal of a healthy baby is important. If we are surrounded by a birth team that we trust in an environment that allows us to eat and drink at will, use the bathroom and move around, we will feel empowered by all of our choices.

 

Vicki Taylor-Breheim is a Florida licensed midwife and certified professional midwife who has been attending births since 1974. Her home birth business, Mama’s Cradle, is based in Pensacola, and she serves Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. For more information, visit MamasCradle.org.

 
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