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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 The Childbirth Consultant is an experienced professional who provides a safe place for open dialogue regarding concerns, fears and cultural beliefs about pregnancy and birth. She can answer questions, recommend books to read, provide information regarding available services and classes, and facilitate the exploration of birthing options.
A Childbirth Consultant is a valuable personal connection to well researched information that is shared without agenda or judgement. The consultant’s holistic perspective assists women in tailoring their pregnancy and birth experience in a way that honors each woman’s uniqueness. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy would benefit from the services of a Childbirth Consultant.
How does midwifery care differ from typical obstetrical practice?
This will provide a limited overview. There are many wonderful midwifery web sites such as, Citizens for Midwifery, that can provide more extensive coverage of this topic. Midwives have a rich heritage. Midwives provide “woman centered” care. The focus is on the woman and respect for her as a whole. The midwife supports wellness and prevention. She does not focus on pathology. She is an expert on what is normal and recognizes when there is a need to refer a woman to a physician. Midwives promote continuity of care as they come to know each woman. The woman who seeks midwifery care will enjoy the development of a personal relationship with her health care provider, the midwife. The midwife provides personalized, individual attention. Midwives spend more time with clients and provide information, education and avoid intervention. They do not seek to control pregnancy, labor or birth. They respect pregnancy, labor and birth as normal life processes and not a medical condition. Midwives will make every effort to honor the woman’s wishes in regard to her birth experience and attend each birth with respectful watchfulness. Midwives respect the wholeness of mother and baby and render care that reflects that belief. The midwife dignifies each woman by supporting personal responsibility.
What is a doula?
Doulas have education, training and experience in pregnancy, labor and birth. A doula develops a relationship with the mother. A doula does not replace the mother’s partner but supports both mother and partner. Doulas “mother the mother”. They do not offer health care but provide education and support. Typically doulas are certified through birth organizations such as ALACE, DONA and CAPPA. They will usually meet at least 2 times prenatally and remain available for phone consultations before and after birth. When the laboring mother requests her doula’s presence the doula will maintain that presence continually and remain with the mother until she births and stay for a period of time postpartum. Doulas do not control or make decisions for the mother, but can be a mediator for her and answer questions that may arise in labor. She can offer practical suggestions and reminders. She works with the mother to help her realize her birth plan as much as possible. She assists the mother in being an advocate for herself.
Why would I want a doula at my birth?
The addition of a hand chosen support person at your birth will enhance your birth experience. You will have an established relationship with your doula and feel comfortable with her presence as she supports your decisions without judgement. Having a doula who is able to make suggestions, answer questions and offer comfort measures frees up the mother’s partner to simply surround the mother with love. Studies have shown that the use of doulas results in shorter labors with less need for pain medication. The presence of a doula results in fewer Cesarean births, fewer episiotomies, improved neonatal outcomes and greater maternal satisfaction. Because the personal connection is important you should interview several doulas to be sure you choose the one best suited to you.
What is the benefit in attending childbirth education classes?
 There is a great benefit to attending childbirth education classes. If the classes are private they can be focused exclusively on each couple or woman’s needs. A group setting allows interaction with other expectant parents and the resulting discussions can be very informative. No matter what the setting, you will be empowered to retain personal responsibility for your birth experience, and to make well-informed decisions about your birthing options.
Does it matter which birth class I choose to attend?
Birth class provides a safe place to express fears, concerns and ask questions. Therefore it doesmatter what type of childbirth education you choose. An independent childbirth educator will be in a position to offer information without concern about loyalty to an institution. She will not hold back from offering complete information. Her job is not in jeopardy if she shares controversial information, as she is independent. She is not beholden to a physician or hospital.
There are many types of childbirth classes. Many teach “methods” of childbirth. The best classes recognize that your body knows how to birth and that you do not need to learn a “method” of birthing. Comprehensive information about natural birth is the gold standard. There should be information regarding interventions and the rationale behind them to assist you should such a need arise; but the majority of the focus should be on normal labor and birth. The physical, emotional and psychological changes of labor should be covered, as well as breastfeeding, newborn care and the often overlooked postpartum period. Classes typically last from 6 -8 weeks and the instructor will probably be available for phone consultations. It would be good to interview a few instructors to make sure you’ve selected one who makes you feel comfortable.
Why do many women choose natural birth?
There are many women who feel that natural childbirth is best for mothers and babies. They find that they are empowered by the experience of birthing without intervention. They are not superwomen, but are ordinary women who realize the pain of childbirth is manageable and natural, and different from the pain that signals something is wrong. They may prefer the mobility and freedom that comes from avoiding intervention. Some feel that there is much to be gained by allowing the process of labor to unfold naturally and respectfully. They are concerned about interventions that increase the possibility of having a Cesarean birth. Some women do not want their babies exposed to the powerful medications used for pain relief and feel the natural process of labor and birth is optimal for the baby’s health. They choose attendants that will support their decisions and believe in their ability to give birth naturally. They keep natural birth as their model whether they birth at home, in a birth center, or even in a hospital environment.
Why do women choose home birth?
Much could be written about this topic, but basically women who choose home birth typically do so because that is where they feel the safest. Many women can relax more easily at home, with hand chosen birth attendants, usually including a midwife who is able to care for all types of natural birthing situations and who is certified in neonatal resuscitation. The midwife is an expert in what is normal and monitors mother and baby. Should there be abnormal situations unresolvable at home, the mother will transfer to the hospital.
Some women choose home birth because they wish to have control over their birth experience. They appreciate the physical and emotional freedom that comes from being in their own home. One Dr. described this feeling of security as “the home court advantage”. They recognize the normalcy of birth. They don’t feel birth is a medical emergency but a natural, normal life process. They may choose home birth because of a previous negative hospital experience but this is not always the case. Some women appreciate having the ability to have as few or as many support persons as they desire. She may want to integrate her other children into the experience.
Some women really want to avoid the disruption of being transported during labor or after the birth. Why not do some research about home birth? There are many different types of women who choose home birth. When you meet women who have birthed at home, ask them why they chose this option. You may be surprised at their answers.
Am I a candidate for home birth?
If you are in good health and experiencing a normal pregnancy then you may be a candidate for home birth. As you educate yourself you will begin to decide if you feel this is an option for you. Meeting and interviewing one or more midwives will also be an important step in making this decision. Where you birth is an important choice, one that is not to be made lightly.
Why should I attend a breastfeeding class?
Although breastfeeding is natural, it is helpful to begin with a foundation of knowledge to increase your confidence and to help you understand both its physiological and practical aspects. At times there can be challenges and these can usually be overcome with the proper support. Breastfeeding class will teach you the basics, reaffirm the importance of breastfeeding your baby, and give you resources should you need more assistance.
Why should I attend a postpartum class?
The immediate time after childbirth extending into the following year is a time of great change and adjustment. Not only are you now a parent, responsible for a new human being, but your body is undergoing great change as are your emotions and relationships. Postpartum depression has been in the news lately, but this is not the only reason to think about taking a postpartum class. A postpartum class does more than inform you about the signs of postpartum depression.
The class will expand on what you learned in childbirth class, going into greater detail about the postpartum year. You will learn about the important physical changes taking place and most likely be reassured regarding the emotional changes. You will learn how to care for yourself during this period. Sexuality will be discussed. The impact of parenthood on the many facets of your life will also be addressed. The postpartum period is often neglected, so be sure to consider this very important class.
What is Infant Massage?
Infant Massage is a form of communication - communication through touch. You do not take your baby to someone else for the massage, but you will learn how to massage your own baby, enhancing attachment and bonding. Infant Massage provides many physical and emotional benefits for both babies and parents. The classes are typically 3- 4 weeks. Although learning the massage strokes are very important, choose a class that focuses less on correct techniques and more on loving communication. There are infant massage organizations that certify instructors. Choose an instructor that promotes the bond between you and your baby.
Does “natural parenting” extend beyond birth? What else do I need to know?
Yes, there are so many issues to think about. Where will the baby sleep? What is co-sleeping? What style of communication will you use in your family? What type of nutrition should you provide? Should you vaccinate your child? Are there holistic alternatives for illnesses? What about antibiotics? What type of education will you provide for your child? What style of discipline will you choose? Should you keep your child busy with classes or should you encourage free play? Some of these topics will be covered on this site in the future. In the meantime do some research. Inform yourself of options. Examine the rationale behind these options and see how they fit into your own family. |