Own Your Birth!

The Importance of an Informed Birth

As a doula I am always yelling the words “INFORMED BIRTH” from the rooftops. This concept is one of the most important concepts of having a doula/attending a childbirth class. At the end of the day whatever choice you make is your own, but it should always be made from a place of knowledge and not a place of fear.

What does it mean to have an informed birth? We always say to use your B.R.A.I.N! Let’s go over what that means. Ask what are the Benefits, Risks, Alternative options, always use your intuition and if you can do Nothing! Unless in an emergent situation you have time to discuss all of these things. I encourage you to ask the doctor/midwife to give you a moment to talk with your partner about the options given to you. Some practitioners will pull out the “dead baby” card.

Some practitioners are refusing to allow women to have doulas at their birth, which is another way of controlling the situation and forcing you into interventions you and baby may not require. A doula does not stop any necessary medical intervention, but we do encourage moms to own their birth and question everything. Information is key to a happy and healthy birth. A mother and baby alive is a REQUIREMENT..not traumatizing women in the process is necessary.

It is very important to tour your hospital and to take a childbirth education class with your partner. Before committing to that hospital check the c-section statistics. How many were emergent? How many were planned? These statistics are readily available on each hospital and birth center. It is important to go into your birth informed. Birth is long, it is tiring for both mom and her partner. It is always helpful to have a birth partner (whether a doula, family member, friend) that can remind you of your birth plan during the exhausting moments. Always bring an advocate with you to speak up or remind you to speak up when you get too tired.

If you want more information on how to own your birth feel free to email me birthwithavoice@gmail.com