Empower Your Childbirth Journey: Proven Ways to Make Informed Choices

💡 Summary: Informed consent is an ongoing process throughout childbirth that involves knowing and understanding all of your options. This course overview explores choices at each stage of childbirth, from labor and comfort options to pushing techniques and postpartum decisions. It aims to help parents-to-be have conversations with their provider and partners, make decisions that align with their preferences, and find comfort in the birthing experience.

Informed Consent and Choices in Childbirth

Informed consent means being aware of all your options throughout the childbirth experience. It's an ongoing process, with your healthcare provider consistently asking about your preferences during labor, from vaginal exams to assisted delivery methods. This blog will provide an overview of your options during childbirth, sparking meaningful discussions with your provider, your partner, and helping you make the best choices for your birthing experience.

There are countless decisions to make during pregnancy and birth. Many people might ask about your birth plan or preferences, but it's important to pause and shake off external expectations. Remember, there can be decision fatigue, and this discussion is here to help you understand your choices so that they align with what makes sense for you and your unique experience.

Labor Choices

When it comes to labor, you have options for monitoring your baby's progress. Internal monitoring is typically used in higher-risk situations, while external monitoring involves belts or wireless stickers placed on your belly. A Doppler may also be used, especially if you have a midwife. Another term you may encounter is "rupture of membranes," which refers to your water breaking. This can happen spontaneously or be artificially done by your healthcare team. If your labor stalls, augmentation might be recommended, often involving medications like Pitocin to keep things progressing. In some cases, surgical delivery (a C-section) may be necessary.

Comfort Choices

Your environment during labor plays a significant role in your comfort. Think of all your senses and how they can help create a peaceful atmosphere. You might want music, guided meditation, or even silence. Adjust the lighting to suit your mood—dimming the lights or bringing LED candles could be comforting. Aromatherapy can enhance your experience, and it's worth discussing any smells you'd prefer to avoid. You can invite supportive people, such as your doula or close family, while also setting boundaries for others who may not be helpful during the process.

Pain management can involve both medicated and non-medicated options. Medicated choices include an epidural, nitrous oxide, or IV narcotics, which you can learn more about in a separate medicated birth course. Non-medicated methods include hydrotherapy (using a shower or bath), movement, swaying or dancing, and breathwork, all of which help manage the sensations during labor.

Pushing and Delivery Choices

When it comes to pushing, you can opt for directed pushing with guidance from your provider or find your natural rhythm. Positions for pushing can be flexible, and your doula or nurse can support you in finding what works best. You might also decide to use a mirror to see your baby as they crown, or touch their head—this choice is entirely up to you. Assisted delivery methods, such as using a vacuum or forceps, may become necessary, and these decisions will be made in collaboration with your provider.

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Postpartum Choices

Once your baby is born, there are several options for immediate postpartum care. Skin-to-skin contact is often prioritized, allowing you and your baby to bond unless medical attention is needed. You also need to decide what to do with your placenta—whether to keep it, encapsulate it, or discard it. With Anja Health's cord blood banking kit, you can opt to delay cord clamping and bank cord blood.

You can also decide if your partner or support person will cut the cord, or leave it to the medical team. If you'd like the baby's sex to be announced, make sure your team knows this to prevent any surprises. Prioritizing your golden hour with your newborn means delaying procedures like weighing or measuring, allowing for uninterrupted bonding time.

Common newborn procedures include the vitamin K shot, antibiotic eye ointment, hepatitis B vaccine, and a newborn screening. When it comes to feeding, whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, communicate your preferences to your healthcare team.

Embracing Your Choices

The birth process is unpredictable, and despite best-laid plans, interventions may be needed. However, being informed of all your choices ensures that you can still uphold many of your preferences as the situation evolves. The goal is to make decisions that feel right for you, while being open to changes that may arise during the journey of childbirth.

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Watch our YouTube video on the topic or listen to the full episode on our podcast.

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