Warning Signs to Look for in Your Care Provider

We need to shift our beliefs about childbirth in order to choose an appropriate care giver.

If you desire a natural childbirth then you need to find a care provider who works in an environment that supports natural childbirth. Most hospital obstetric units function according to the medical model of care where birth itself is viewed as a medical event that should be conducted in an intensive care setting with modern high-tech equipment. Sadly, many obstetricians have never had the opportunity to see a truly natural birth.

Care focuses on managing problems and complications

Make sure that you understand the distinction between the risk factor and the actual complication. Your care provider should be reassuring you about your natural ability to carry a normal pregnancy to term and give birth naturally. This should start from the first consultation.

Higher rates of using interventions

In a hospital setting, interventions are sometimes used because it is the common thing to do, and not necessarily because it is needed. Make sure that you are informed and proactive. 

There is an effect known as the cascade of interventions. This basically states that once you have one intervention it makes more interventions more likely to be needed. When your care provider suggests an intervention, take the time to discuss the options available. Use the mnemonic BRAIN:

Benefits– what are the benefits of doing this intervention to me/to my baby?

Risks– are there any risks involved and what is the Risk/Benefit ratio?

Alternatives– are there any? Is waiting an option? How long can you wait?

Intuition– how does it “feel” – what does your instinct tell you? Is fear getting in the way?

Negotiate– have an open discussion with your care provider. Is the decision being made for your good or the good of the hospital or hospital policy?

Labour/birth is dependent on technology

Your care provider should be taking the time to get to know you during your pregnancy. If they are not looking at you in pregnancy then they won’t be looking at you in labour. If they do not take the time to discuss your fears and concerns in pregnancy, they will certainly not be taking them into consideration when you are giving birth. Your consultation should be more in depth and interactive than reading test results, a quick scan and other technological reassurances.

Doctor delivers baby

Towards the end of the third trimester you will be more and more concerned about giving birth. Your care provider should be reassuring you of your ability to BIRTH your baby and guiding you to take classes in order to be prepared to give birth naturally. The doctor cannot do it for you. Giving birth is hard work and requires energy, focus and a deep understanding of what is happening. This should be supported by the person who will be assisting you through this transition into motherhood. If your concerns are being brushed off as those of a nervous first time mom, then you are not being honored as that. It is normal to be nervous. Your care provider should be addressing your fears and concerns.

Trust your intuition. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the care provider that you choose and that you are absolutely sure that you share the same beliefs about childbirth.

On a final note remember that we all possess Primordial knowledge – the innate wisdom that we all have but may need to rediscover. The knowledge of how to give birth without outside interventions lies deep within each woman. Successful childbirth depends on an acceptance of the process.

By Karen Wilmot www.pregnantinoman.com