Birth Beyond the Basics: 10 Secrets for a More Comfortable Delivery | La Mirada Birth Photographer

Hey there mama! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don't worry, I’ve been there and have some tips for you!

Here are 10 things your doctor probably didn't tell you about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control.

(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your 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. If you need some recommendations for some amazing home birth midwives or birth centers close to you, send me an email at info@alainanunez.com and I can get those to you!

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

Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.
Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor, but they are not the only option available.

I have seen both sides of the spectrum with the use of epidurals. Negative outcomes have shown epidurals to slow down progression of labor and cause the pushing phase to potentially take longer since mama does not have as much coordination. This in turn increases the use of assistance with things like the vacuum use.

Positive outcomes of epidural use is when mama has been laboring for many hours (maybe days) and is tensing up so much during contractions that she is not progressing even at 8cm. I have seen mama get an epidural at this time, take a nap and then have a baby. This outcome seems to be more common for subsequent pregnancies and births and not necessarily with first time mamas.

Non-medicated forms of pain relief include comfort measures such as hip squeezes, counterpressure, visualization, hydrotherapy (shower or bath), relaxation practices, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief.

You can bring your own music to the delivery room (and twinkle lights if that's what you envision).
Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labor. I had a mama record her own affirmations and encouragements and as she was in labor listening to the recording there was a major fear release and breakthrough that allowed labor to progress.

Question for your doctor: I desire to have the lights dim during the birth/delivery time. Are you able to work under these conditions?

Birth 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. Birth pools can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.

For my home births only one was in the water but that was definitely helpful with supporting my belly during contractions.

Warm showers are also a great way in early labor and active labor to ease the tension and crampy feeling that can happen in the lower back during labor.

Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools and showers at the hospital that I am able to use?

You might poop during labor (and that's okay!).
It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Don't let this concern hold you back, it's nothing to be embarrassed about.

The nurses and assistants just get rid of it as soon as it happens almost like, “there’s nothing to see here”. It just means your baby is moving down and the pressure from the baby’s head is clearing the way. It happens more when mama is on her back as well.

You also might notice that leading up to birth your body goes through a cleansing process so a lot of times mama doesn’t poop while pushing.

Birthing positions - there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.
There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up while leaning over supported, squatting (throne), on your hands and knees (or leaning over the top of the bed), in a lunge, even lying on your side or leaning back. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you. It can be a good thing to move into different positions while pushing as this helps your baby move down and out.

I've birthed my babies in various positions and the one I ended in wasn't always the one I started in. That's why it is good to listen to your body and nice to be able to move around during baby's decent if that's what your body is telling you to do. I've supported and photographed mamas in various positions and locations for that matter.

Question for your doctor: Will you support me birthing in whatever position I am most empowered and comfortable in?

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.
A doula is a professional trained to provide education and emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and help you advocate for your wishes during birth. I love being able to encourage, pray over and offer support for my mamas and their families when I'm hired as their birth doula and I know some great postpartum doulas!

Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? How do you utilize them as part of the birth team?

You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.
It's a good idea to have some protein when you first think you're in labor. Depending on the time of day, a full on meal is encouraged. As you progress along you will not feel as hungry but it's important to continue to have some protein and stay hydrated to help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished. If you find that chewing food becomes a chore because your contractions are getting closer together, try something that doesn’t take as much effort like a smoothie, broth, or softer foods as opposed to something like a sandwich.

Something I do want to mention is, if you choose to utilize an epidural for pain management, you will only be “allowed” clear fluids. The concern with that is if you start an epidural early you might not have enough energy toward the end when it’s time to push since you haven’t been able to stay nourished well.

Cesarean sections, knowledge is power

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. 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. If the baby and mama are still doing well, most often than not, a c-section is not medically necessary even with a long labor.

If you want your birth documented in the OR you have to be the one to advocate to have your photographer in there. The aneasthesiologist is the one who has the final say but don’t settle for what the nurses say, this is your birth, your body and your baby that you have a right to have these memories.

A common thing I’ve heard from past c-section mamas is everything was a blur or their memory is foggy or they were so tired and couldn’t even remember immediate postpartum. This is where having a professional photographer is even more important. It is beneficial for mamas mental health in processing her birth story.

Question for your doctor: If it is deemed medically necessary to have a c-section, will you help me advocate to have my photographer in the OR with me as well as my primary support person? I need both of them with me.

Birth Photography is an important aspect of the emotional recovery process.

Having the birth of your baby documented can play a vital role in how well you are able to processes your whole labor and birth. More often than not, I am told by my mamas that they didn't even know about a lot of the things I was able to capture and document during their baby's birth, and that having the photographs have helped them feel empowered, have closure and helped with bonding with their new baby.

Question for your doctor: How do you feel about having a professionally trained birth photographer with me during the birth of my baby? I believe the photographs she is able to capture will help me process my birth experience.

So, there you have it, mama. You're armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth! And I've created a checklist for you to print out and take with you to your next appointment.

If you’re still looking for a La Mirada Birth Photographer or Birth Doula (I cover all of Orange County, Long Beach, Los Angeles County and parts of the IE), click here to see my portfolio of Birth images.

I hope reading Birth Beyond the Basics: 10 Secrets for a More Comfortable Delivery has given you some solid ideas.

Blessings,