Informed Mama Series: Interventions In Childbirth and the FIVE secrets to avoiding them.

When planning for birth it is important to remain flexible, but educated so that you do not end up with what we would call "unnecessary intervention". 

Most healthcare practitioners and facilities do not or cannot support customized care for each individual, therefore many women who are laboring within their realm of "normal" get pushed through a system of guidelines and protocols that shouldn't necessarily apply to them. It is important for you to know that it is OK (and even responsible) to question the interventions that may come up during your birth experience. Having a doula present can greatly help you understand proposed interventions and help you understand what is actually necessary and what isn't and she will help you advocate for yourself if the situation arises. 

STEP ONE.
ASK QUESTIONS - and don't be afraid to question a perceived expert (ie: OB, Midwife, Nurse, Hospital Staff, Doulas, Lactation Consultants, etc) on ANY topic pertaining to your care.

The first thing we would encourage every parent to learn is HOW to inquire about treatments for you or your baby. This is not exclusive to birth! You should always question and know what any procedure is and why it is being performed on you or your children. The best way to approach this is from a place of respect for the professional. Have you ever heard the phrase you "catch more flies with honey"? It's true when working with anyone, and medical professionals are certainly no exception. You have to remember - a LOT of people don't really ask any questions - and even fewer will question a doctor's recommendation. Even if it doesn't seem like the extra time to answer your questions is convenient - ask anyways and get satisfactory answers you feel you fully understand. This is their job and they are getting paid plenty of money to be your CARE PROVIDER. (And, no, this is NOT exclusive to OB's. Midwives and Doulas make mistakes, too. ALWAYS ASK.)

STEP TWO.
TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY - It's not a pretty truth, but, you ARE just a number in a sea of people having babies in a system designed to accommodate our mass production of humans - and no - it is NOT anyone's responsibility to accurately inform and educate you on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding or parenting. If you want to be informed, you HAVE to seek it out.

BUT...

This is a great part of the initiation into parenthood. 

By exercising our voice and making our own informed decisions, we become parents who are more capable of speaking up for and being good role models to our children. When we take responsibility for our births, in many ways, what we're really doing is creating autonomy for ourselves. By doing this, we are stepping into our power as parents.

STEP THREE:
EVERYTHING SHOULD BE A CONVERSATION. A lot of times the things that are done in birth are done so nonchalantly that you wouldn't even think to question it. 

But, seriously....QUESTION IT.

Even the way it's said makes it seem harmless or extremely routine. For example: "Oh, we're just going to break your water now. That'll probably get your labor moving right along." If you didn't know any better you wouldn't bat a lash. That sounds good, right?! You want to be done with this, too! Why wouldn't I want to go with that? Just be aware and informed. You have every right to ask questions and SAY NO to things you see as unnecessary. 

STEP FOUR:
IF IT AIN'T BROKE - DON'T FIX IT. The general rule of thumb is, if mom and baby are managing labor fine and nothing is "broken", then do nothing and focus on keeping mom comfortable and PATIENT. 

Your baby WILL come out of you. One way or another there is always an end, so, let it play out like it's going to - not how you or anyone else thinks it should. Give your baby and your body the benefit of the doubt!

STEP FIVE:
DON'T WASTE EARLY LABOR IN THE HOSPITAL OR EVEN WITH YOUR DOULA. Honestly, one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary or unwanted interventions is to spend your time wisely in labor - but please don't look at the clock. 

Ignore, distract and REST. Go nig-night. SLEEP. You're going to need it. This is your time to lay around and get in a relaxed love cocoon with your partner and simply rest in that space for as long as you can. If you go right into the hospital, you're not going to sleep (or eat) like you would at home and your window for interventions will be much wider. Even if you call in your birth team too early you might miss out on this valuable down time and find yourself exhausted when "real" labor kicks in. You generally want your birth team to come when you actually need help coping with your contractions and to try and get where you're going to have the baby once ACTIVE labor hits. Follow your intuition (obviously), but, generally - labor usually takes a long time - so - give yourself TIME. 

SO - There you go!
These are just SOME of our secrets to avoiding interventions. (we can't give it ALL away, right? ;) If you want to know more, contact us and we'll talk about your options and situation. 

Below is a compilation of videos and links to help you get a better understanding for this issue and to be more specifically informed on many potential interventions.

FETAL MONITORING

INDUCTION

Be Informed: Induction {Article}
Breaking The Bag Of Water As A Form Of Intervention {Article}

"ARM" Artificial Rupture of Membranes

^The "cushion" she describes can actually help your baby get in the proper position for birth. Breaking the water artificially can hurt more than help and should be avoided!! 

Meconium happens. When it does, things get a little - or a lot - more serious. You will be constantly monitored and there will be a NICU team available at the birth just in case they're needed for your baby. 

EPIDURAL

The Hidden Risk Of Epidurals {Article}
Epidural Pros and Cons {Article}
"But, I Want Drugs...." {Article}

Assisted Birth (Using Vacuum or Forceps)

IMPORTANT READ: FDA calls for caution when using vacuum for delivery {Article}

Episiotomy 

This is quickly becoming a thing of the past unless absolutely necessary - FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, you really want to avoid this. It is FAR better to tear than get cut. 

Of coarse, the biggest intervention you can get after these things is a Cesarean. Please see our Cesarean Page for more info on this.