There are a number of different perspectives on child birth. It is often a mothers choice on how she chooses to give birth. Mothers seek different options to fulfill their own physical and emotional needs. Whichever path they choose, they need to have support. Labor support is a good method because it offers a connection between mother and baby in both an emotional and physical way. Alternative approaches like prenatal yoga, finding a doula and a midwife can help to reassure the mother that she is normal and healthy.
    It is a known fact that the experience of giving birth is intense. The intensity of labor is both physical and emotional. Women seek out birth preparation in the beginning phases of pregnancy as a way to prepare them for what is to come. Prenatal Yoga is a good step in helping prepare the mothers body, mind and spirit for labor. It connects mother and baby while also strengthening her core and physically grounding her for releasing baby out of her pelvic area. Most importantly, it teaches her birthing breath, which is a good alternative to medication. In the meantime, a women also needs labor support so that she is reassured that the experiences she is having are both normal and healthy. She also needs to receive feedback about her process while in labor. Some women also seek gentle, warm touch as well as gentle assistance to help move and change positions in labor. Motivational encouragement given by labor support also helps relieve the intensity of giving birth.

Sara is a young woman planning her labor. She is a naturalist and has always supported holistic healthcare. She is athletic and healthy. Sara started practicing prenatal yoga within her first trimester. By nature, Sara has an anxious demeanor to her. Yoga helps her to find peace and serenity while planning for the birth of her first child. Due to yoga, her body feels healthy, which has lead her to seek out other alternative ideas in preparing for labor. Sara reads about Doula’s and becomes interested in having one during labor.

  photo credit: birthbabybreastfeeding.com

Doula (DOO-lah; Greek for ‘woman who serves’) Doula’s are trained to give comfort and care to pregnant women during labor.

    Women seek out labor support with hope for a positive birth experience. Some women feel that by asking for support, they are not asking for safety. The truth is that when a woman plans for labor support they are planning an effective way to make birth safer and healthier for she and baby.
    Research proves that labor support helps prevent cesarean, vacuum extraction or forceps delivery. It also proves that the women’s likelihood of pain medication decreases and that baby is born in better condition. Labor support helps the mother by reducing the risk of a negative outcome. Women who receive labor support have better memories of giving birth and may also feel a sense of spirituality and connectedness during this time.

Sara also became concerned with the pain that comes with child birth. She asked about an epidural and should she opt for one when going into labor. Through the encouragement of her doula and midwife, Sara decided she will not opt for one because through the practice of prenatal yoga and learning the birthing breath, she wouldn’t need an epidural.
When it was time for Sara to give birth she used her breathing techniques to help her with her intense contractions. Sara’s doula Janet stayed by her side through the labor while her midwife Maryann took on her role as primary caregiver to both Mom and baby. Sara’s husband Daniel  stayed by her side and nurtured her by giving her gentle touch and motivational encouragement when needed. Sara had some fear around the pain she would feel and every time she would express fear her caretakers would offer her the right support. She would grunt “Me no talk now me push.” Her midwife Maryann massaged oil around her pelvic area, which made it easier to deal with. As soon as Sara began thinking that she was doing less of the work, her sweet little angel Michael eased into the world. They greeted each other with enthusiasm and approval. He looked at her with fully alert, conscious eyes. Sara felt supported by so much loving, kind attention. This sense of support left her feeling convinced that due to all of the goodness and warmth that supported and nourished her at this time, her baby Michael was born into a real state of grace. She believes that labor support and preparing for baby properly, shaped Michaels character in a positive manner.

    Research supports that having a doula or other caregivers during labor allows the mother to feel more relaxed and grounded during an intense physical and emotional workout. Research also supports that taking care of one’s own body, mind and spirit during pregnancy allows mother the same benefits. Being prepared for labor is important for a mother to focus on when preparing for baby. All the support a woman can get during this time will help her to go her own way with nature and her body. In the end, the mother will experience birth as life enhancing and empowering.

References:
Childbirth Connection, Labor Support: What You Need to Know http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10178

Ina May’s Guide To ChildBirth by Ina May Gaskin