Ways to Get Lucky During Labor
There is a small part of the labor process that may include things happening by chance but there’s a lot you can do to ensure a better experience for yourself. In fact, I say don’t leave it to luck at all. Here are a few things you can do.
Pick a care provider that you trust. You want to have a provider who listens to you, provides evidence-based care, is forthcoming about your options, and welcomes questions from you. If you don’t feel that this decscribes your current provider, it is absolutely OK to switch to another provider.
Know your options. Becoming educated on the medical terms used during labor and delivery, knowing what’s normal for each stage of labor, and knowing what tools you have available can all improve the chances of having a better labor. Take a childbirth class, tour your birthing location. and listen to evidence-based podcasts to get more educated about your options.
Hire a doula. Ok, may you have already done the first 2 things on this list. That’s awseome. We still recommend hiring a doula. They can be your brain for you while you are in labor-your brain is busy trying to help your body have a baby and that’s plenty for one brain to do-and help remind you of options. They can help you manage your contractions with comfort measures and positioning. Even more important, they can give you and your partner emotional support. They are the one person that will stay with you continously until your baby is born and they are familiar with what is important to you. Your doula can help share your preferences and facilitate conversations with your care providers. Your doula is there to support you and you just can’t have too much support during labor.
Have a flexible mindset. Yes, you should absolutely share your preferences. There is one vote here that may change everything though, and that is the vote of your baby. Sometimes babies have their own plans for labor. The good news is that you should still have options even if your baby has you pivoting on your birth preferences.
We believe that all the above options combined can make sure you have the best possible labor and birth scenario. With a lot of planning on your part and-ok, maybe a little luck, you may just have your best birth ever.