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Knowledge is power-yep its even true in childbirth 07/13/2011

I wrote this post as a guest blogger for a fellow birth guru on her Birth Roots Blog After it was posted it was featured on the Childbirth Solutions LLC website. I thought i would share it here, as well!

Why does knowledge create power in the childbirth? Because, being truly educated in all aspects of birth can give you strength and power to make the best decisions for you and your baby. It can also remove fear surrounding the “scary” birth experience.

Being pregnant already has so many ups and down and lefts and rights… your tired, sore, hungry (sometimes), you have an unquenchable thirst, you are constantly given enough unsolicited advice, and it seems like a lot of work to learn all the aspects of birth.

Bad news… it is a lot of work to learn. It’s also a lot of hard work to have a baby. Good news… it’s a remarkable journey that will create a mother out of you and there’s nothing better than holding your new born baby in your arms after some good old fashioned hard work.

When you first peed on that stick you probably thought “ok, time to get the book ‘What to expect when you’re expecting’”. This book can be good as a quick look resource, however its chapter to prepare you for birth is very small compared to all the amazing literature on birth that is available via Amazon.com at nearly free prices, or actually for free to borrow at your local library (if they don’t have it-they can order it).

Instead of running out to get that book, I (and many of my other birth gurus) recommend the book “The thinking woman’s guide to a better birth” by Henci Goer. I like to call this book my “gateway book” it opened more doors into the birth realm than I had ever thought. I honestly didn’t believe everything that was being written the first time I read it. Then I got to the second half of the book. Yep, all documented evidence based research. It really got me thinking (pun intended) “what else am I missing?” “What other aspects of birth was I misinformed about?” and my personal favorite “my mother was really on to something having 2 births at home”

There are many great books out on the market today that will really open your eyes to pregnancy, birth and post partum. But even reading book after book will still only give you a taste of what is going on. (yes, we know it’s a lot to take in) This is also why there are wonderful people out there who teach Childbirth Education. These educators can be in hospitals, have their own practice or even do private classes.

Why are classes important? In my opinion I feel like classes are important because you can get more than one perspective on hot issues. Physically learn coping techniques and actively participate rather than just reading. There are even classes available online in the form of videos and discussion groups.

I also recommend watching two documentaries. ‘The business of being born’ and ‘Pregnant in America’. Some people have issues with documentaries, but it really can be eye opening to see some opinions and points of view.

What are the steps to becoming more educated and properly informed? It starts with taking the initiative to learn more!

1. Read plenty of books on childbirth. Recommendations:

The Thinking Woman’s Guide To a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Pushed by Laura Block
The Birth Partner 3rd Edition by Penny Simkin
Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper (typically has a dvd to come with it and it has awesome water birth and birth center footage)

2. Watch Documentaries

The Business of Being Born (by Rikki Lake)
Pregnant in America

3. STEER CLEAR OF ANY AND ALL “BIRTH SHOWS”! These shows are very dramatic and most often are fabricated for TV.

4. Take Childbirth Education classes. There are way too many options for this subject to name just one; I suggest interviewing and researching before you just choose the ones offered in the hospital.

5. Hire a Doula. Muy importanto!! No matter what birth you have, a doula is important because they are objective and educated in all things birth/postpartum. They can help you with so much, and some doula services are also covered by your insurance. There are even some women searching for certification births so you may even be entitled to free or nearly free services (priceless services)

Original post on Birth Roots Baby
Read it on Chilbirth solutions llc

Radical Birth Doula

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