It’s National Midwifery Week and we in the Parkview community consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished, committed team to celebrate. Many women aren’t familiar with the services our certified nurse midwives offer. With that in mind, we invited Kelly Horn, MSN, CNM, and Allison Thorpe, MSN, CNM, Parkview Physicians Group – OBGYN, to discuss some of the most common questions regarding natural births and healthy pregnancies.
As certified nurse midwives, we are so thrilled to be able to offer women our supportive care through their entire pregnancy, labor and delivery, and during their postpartum period. It is such an exciting time in a family’s life and we want each woman to be able to have “her baby her way”.
When it comes to planning your ideal birth, there are so many things to consider. For some women the ideal birth is a “natural birth,” but that can be defined in a variety of ways.
Merriam-Webster characterizes natural childbirth as, “a system of managing childbirth in which the mother receives guidance and education in order to remain conscious during and assist in delivery with minimal or no use of drugs or anesthetics.” At Parkview, we emphasize the importance of coming into delivery day as prepared as possible.
This begs the question, “How do I prepare?” That’s where we come in.
6 tips to prepare for natural childbirth
1. Gather your people.
The most important part to prenatal care, getting through pregnancy and achieving that ideal birth is to have an amazing support system. We believe the more support and encouragement you have, the better you will be at adapting to the entire birthing process so that you are able to achieve that natural birth.
2. Go back to class.
Parkview is proud to offer amazing birthing classes for expectant parents and families. The key is to utilize your resources and absorb the information that is presented.
3. Explore your options.
Discuss all the options that are available for you during labor and delivery for pain relief measures in detail with your certified nurse midwife. Whether that is hydrotherapy in one of our amazing whirlpools, walking and remaining as independent as possible, position changes, labor balls, aromatherapy, music or the support of a doula, we can accommodate an array of comfort strategies.
4. Patience pays off.
Remember that it takes time for these babies to develop, so don’t rush the birth process. As long as you are medically stable then there is no need to speed up the process and start things early. Allow your body to go into labor on its own.
5. Focus.
Identify a focal point during labor and delivery. Think about your baby, think about your breathing and do not focus on each contraction. This is where that support system comes in. Our goal is to labor sit with each family and provide additional support and coaching.
6. Permission for pain relief.
If the time comes and you decide that you desire some additional pain relief, know that it is ok to ask. There are IV pain options along with a labor epidural. The most important part of this entire process is to have a healthy mom and a healthy baby.
Getting to delivery day the healthy way.
Review these tips for a strong, healthful pregnancy journey.
For more information, visit PPG – OB/GYN, Midwife Program at 11123 Parkview Plaza Drive, Suite 202, Fort Wayne, IN 46845, or call (260) 425-6650.
