Week 13: Time to think about interviewing doulas.
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Hire a birth doula. The continuous labor support a doula provides often leads to a shorter labor, a reduced need for pain medication, increased chance of normal vaginal birth, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience.
DONA International
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Avoid labor induction for non-medical reasons. If your care provider suggest induction for a debatable medical reason, such as suspected large baby or continuing the pregnancy beyond 40 weeks, ask about the benefits of induction and the risks of a failed induction.
Lamaze International
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Use medical interventions only when clearly necessary. For example, avoid routine IV fluids, continuous electronic monitoring, and augmentation with Pitocin or rupture of membranes. In some situations, interventions may be the best option for you or your baby. However, the routine use of most medical interventions can lead to more problems.
Lamaze International
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Learn to differentiate between early labor and active labor so you can delay hospital admission until you are actively in labor. Use labor-coping skills at home to manage pain and aid progress. Eat, drink, and rest as needed to keep up your energy.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn
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Use a variety of positions and activities during active labor, such as walking, dancing, rocking in rocking chair or on a birth ball, or taking a shower or bath. They will help you cope with the pain and help your baby get into the perfect position for birth.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn
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Avoid pushing on your back and push in positions that help baby come down into your pelvis. Only push if you feel the urge to do so.
Lamaze International
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Have you thought about taking an early pregnancy class to help you understand and navigate your prenatal choices? Check the class offerings of your local birth centers, midwife offices and birth doulas in your area. Some hospitals, baby boutiques and even Babies R Us will offer general education classes to newly pregnant women. Education! When you know better, you do better. (Maya Angelou)
Lamaze International
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Bonding with your baby doesn't have to wait until after the birth. Try singing your favorite song or reading a simple story to your baby now and throughout pregnancy. After birth, your baby will be comforted by hearing that same song or story.
Penny Simkin
BirthWatch Recommends:
This is the one book I wish every woman would read before she gets too far into her prenatal appointments. This book takes you through the algorithmic thinking of doctors and shows you how it helps your doctor BE a better doctor if you ask lots of open-ended questions about your care, in particular tests, procedures and medical interventions. Remember, informed consent is your right, but YOU must ask for it.