Natural Birth
Giving birth is perhaps the most challenging thing that a woman has to do and yet at the same time it can be the most empowering and liberating experience of her life. Women have been birthing babies naturally for thousands of years. Our bodies are designed to give birth and we have mechanisms that allow us to cope with the pain of labour, such as endorphins that are produced and released to match the level and intensity of the contractions. A natural birth can be an enriching event for mother and baby, allowing each to be really present in the moment. There are a number of alternative therapies that can be used to support the body's natural abilities in birthing a child. We have focused on four of these treatments and looked at what to expect, how they can be used at home or in other birth settings and how they benefit you and your baby.
Hypnobirthing:
This method offers women the chance to experience wonderful births through a complete education. The mother is taught how to go within her birthing body and how to develop ways of achieving the birth that she desires. The method is safe, easily learnt and allows for birth without fear, which can cause pain and discomfort. Hypnobirthing is especially beneficial for the birthing companion as they are able to be supportive within a defined role.
At a class: You will be taught breathing techniques to help the birth, a simple massage technique to reduce the risk of needing an episiotomy, how to release any fears you might have had about childbirth, how to get labour started if you go beyond your 'estimated due date'. Probably the most important thing you will take away from a class is how to relax and stay in control, regardless of what's happening around you.
Self-help: To benefit from using hypnobirth techniques during labour you will probably have to attend a class, there are several available around the country, check www.hypnobirthing.co.uk for more details. A revised edition of Marie Mongan's original hypnobirthing book has just been published and could be worth a read.
Further Reading: HypnoBirthing®: A Celebration of Life by Marie Mongan (Rivertree Publishing)
Water birth:
This usually means giving birth in a special birthing pool filled with warm water but could be used to describe birthing in rivers, lakes or the sea. This method works on the principle that the water supports the labouring woman's body and allows for greater relaxation and therefore less stress on her body and the baby. It is thought that being born into water is less shocking for the baby as he passes from one watery world to another. Michel Odent pioneered the use of birthing pools in France in the 1970s.
At a class: There are a few classes available around the UK for those parents-to be who want to learn more about water birthing. As these are few and far between it is probably best to speak to a birthing pool hire company and have your queries and concerns answered by an expert. Many midwives support the concept of water birth too and may be able to offer more help and advice.
Self-help:Enjoy water during your pregnancy, either through swimming or candlelit baths. In the later stages of pregnancy a warm bath, filled to the brim and anointed with relaxing aromatherapy oils can be a soothing treat. It is possible to birth in the bath but obviously not as accommodating, nor as comfortable as a birth pool.
Further reading: The Water Birth Book Janet Balaskas £14.99 Harper Collins
Acupuncture:
This stimulates the energy channels of the body, Qi and can be used in labour to treat pain or after 40 weeks of pregnancy to encourage the onset of labour. Fine needles are inserted into the skin at various specific points
Seeing a therapist: Needles are usually placed in the hands, feet and lower back and manipulated gently for stimulation. The success rate is good for bringing on labour, but should only be considered if you have had a healthy pregnancy with no complications.
During labour acupuncture can be used for pain relief and to help boost energy levels. You will need to hire a private practitioner to attend the birth to offer this treatment.
Self-help: Acupuncture should only be practiced by a full trained acupuncturist. However, your birth partner can use acupressure techniques to ease labour pains. Halfway between your Achilles tendon and your outer anklebone is a point known as bladder 60. This can be pressed during a contraction to encourage the body's response.
Further reading: Acupuncture in Midwifery, Michel Odent (£14.99 Books for Midwives)
Active Birth:
Active Birth techniques are designed to empower women to give birth naturally. The use of complementary therapies is encouraged and women (and their birth partners) are taught specific skills that work with the body's natural ability to give birth. Yoga positions and visualisations are used to encourage the opening up of the cervix and the relaxation of the body. Focusing on the rhythm of the breath, making sounds, changing positions and moving all help to enhance endorphin secretion.
At a class: You will be encouraged to visualize aspects of labour such as each contraction becoming a wave in the ocean, or thinking of the earth as a big sponge drawing the pain away from you as you breathe.
Self-help: Attending a class is recommended as the techniques can be learnt from an experienced teacher who will offer support and advice throughout your pregnancy. This is also a useful opportunity to meet up with other parents-to-be. However, many Active Birth practices are ones that you can easily take away and use in your own home. One of the most helpful may be to choose a hormone-enhancing environment for birthing, a darkened room, perhaps lit with candles offering a good degree of privacy.
Further reading: New Active Birth By Janet Balaskas (£10.99 Harper Collins)
Also www.activebirthcentre.com
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