Plans for natural childbirth may nonetheless go out the window when the labor actually starts. Having an experienced birth attendant can make all the difference, as they can offer a number of methods to help control pain naturally. Houston is not only a midwife but also a certified Kripalu bodyworker and a certified hypnotist with training ranging from the Lamaze and Bradley birth methods to yoga and neurolinguistic programming. Mothers can also benefit from hiring a doula for physical and emotional support throughout the labor. Doulas, as do midwives, often bring a range of ideas for pain management, extending from the use of warm water to soothe and soften tense muscles and make delivery easier, to helping women find positions that help expedite the labor in a safe and comfortable fashion. Cari Naftali, a certified doula based in Canaan, said that she’ll use a combination of techniques for mothers in labor, including birthing balls, warm compresses, and other options.
Be Prepared and Realistic about Pain
As your pregnancy progresses, educate yourself on the options available—the different birthing methods, where you want to have your baby, and who you want to facilitate care. If you decide to choose a nonmedicated birth, get support from your friends, family, and professionals who may be present during labor. Remember that every birth is unique in its process, and have reasonable expectations concerning your pain management choices.
“Most women who haven’t given birth don’t realize it’s not a kind of pain like a broke-your-leg pain or a migraine,” said Naftali. “It’s a productive kind of pain, a unique feeling, and it’s not pain for pain’s sake. It actually can feel good. It’s something that in my personal view is really worth feeling and experiencing.”
RESOURCES:
Susanrachel Condon, CNM, LM
Susan Rannestad, CPM, CM, LM
(845) 256 5430
www.riverandmountain.net
Jency Elliott, HBCE
(845) 679-1180
[email protected]
Jennifer Houston, CNM
(518) 678-3154
www.midwifejennahouston.com
Cari Naftali, DONA-certified Doula
(518) 781-2202
www.berkshiredoulas.com/doulas-cari.html
Jipala Reicher-Kagan
Transpersonal Acupuncture
(845) 340-8625
www.transpersonalacupuncture.com
Therese Sibon
Body Mind Spirit Acupuncture
(845) 594-3873
www.bodymindspiritacupuncture.com
