Hello, mama-to-be! You may feel a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! Here are 8 things about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control.

(If these pique your interest, you may want to bring these 8 things about giving birth up with your midwife or doctor at the next appointment!)

You don’t have to give birth in the hospital.

Giving birth at home or in a birth center can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes compared to hospital births.

Question for your doctor: Would he/she support you and work with a home birth midwife if you decided to go this route?

Question for your midwife: Do you have a hospital and doctor you work with if baby and I need to be transferred?

You can bring your own music or sounds to the birth room.

Music can help create a calm and soothing environment during labor. You can bring your own playlist or sound machine to help you relax and focus during labor.

Question for your midwife or doctor: Can I bring music to the birthing room?

Lights can make a difference in your birth experience.

Lighting can help you relax and create a more intimate space. There may be times you want the lights dim or maybe a bit brighter. Being able to adjust this to your preferences can be helpful during your birth.

Question to ask your midwife or doctor if you are giving birth at a birth center or hospital: Can the lights be dimmed or adjusted to my preferences?

Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Birthing pools can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor.

Question for your midwife or doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital, birth center, do you have a birth pool you bring with you, or another way I can use water to relax?

Birthing positions – There are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

Various birthing positions can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, or on your hands and knees. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you. Changing your positions during labor can help the baby move along the birth canal and help your pelvis open up when it needs to.

Questions for your doctor or midwife: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby? Can I move around during labor?

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.

Questions for your midwife or doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?

You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It’s important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished.

Question: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?

Cesarean sections – Ask questions and be informed beforehand.

C-sections are unfortunately a common form of delivery, and they can be planned or unplanned. However, if you need one, your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It’s important to remember that a C-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

It’s always important to ask questions and be informed about the decisions you may need to make during your birth. Asking your doctor things like, What are some of the reasons you perform a C-section? Is there an option for it to be a family-centered C-section? How many of your patients end up with a C-section? Are some things you may want to consider before giving birth.

Questions for your doctor: In what circumstances do you perform C-sections? What are the risks involved for me or baby with a C-section?

Questions for your midwife: In what circumstances do you transfer to the hospital? What is your transfer rate?

So, there you have it, mama, 8 things about giving birth.

You’re armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!

If you enjoyed this post, be sure and check out my 5 simple step to prepare for your newborn here.

Kimia