For some women, the thought of labor and delivery causes a lot of
anxiety. However, preparing mentally and physically early in pregnancy
can help you have a smoother delivery.
Many women choose a childbirth partner. This person can be a spouse,
partner, friend or relative who can provide support through your
pregnancy, labor and delivery. He or she can accompany you to prenatal
visits and childbirth classes. You can practice breathing or relaxation
exercises together, and on delivery day, your partner can coach
you through contractions and help carry out what you have learned
in your classes.
Some women choose to have a doula, or professional labor assistant.
Doulas support both women and their childbirth partners and can
take off some of the pressure during a long labor.
Childbirth education classes help prepare women for what to expect
in labor and delivery. The techniques taught in popular classes,
such as Lamaze, Bradley and Read, can vary, but the idea is the
same – that fear and tension make pain worse. The classes aim
to relieve pain through education, emotional support, relaxation
techniques and touch. Your doctor can give you information on the
types of classes available.
During childbirth classes, you will learn about a number of ways
to approach labor and delivery. Topics that may be addressed include
having a natural childbirth vs. using pain relief medication during
labor; episiotomy; breastfeeding after delivery; and who will be
in the delivery room.
Discussing these details beforehand can ease confusion at the time
of your delivery. You can make a list of options that appeal to
you and share them with your doctor. He or she can let you know
if your preferences conflict with hospital policy.
If you choose to work with a midwife, the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends using a certified nurse-midwife
(CNM) or certified midwife (CM). Unlike lay midwives, CNMs and CMs
are accredited, have passed a national certification exam and are
trained professionals. They work with qualified doctors to care
for women and their babies through early pregnancy, labor, delivery
and the weeks after birth.
Women must also consider where they will deliver. It is important
to be in a setting where trained emergency medical staff is available
in case any complications arise that threaten the life or health
of the mother or baby. Therefore, ACOG recommends that all births
take place in a hospital setting or a birthing center within a hospital
complex.
For more information, the ACOG Patient Education Pamphlet “You
and Your Baby: Prenatal Care, Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum
Care” is available in English and Spanish at www.acog.org/publications/patient_education.
