Advocating for your birth preferences

During the last trimester especially the last few weeks of pregnancy there can be alot external pressure for medical intervention placed on the mother which can affect the birthing mother’s mindset and trust in her ability. 

In every massive life decision from buying a house, to planning a wedding we like to make informed decisions. We take the time to do the research. Birth is no expectation! Inside our Positive Birth Program we teach birthing parents how they can advocate for themselves as well as encourage them to do their own research. Knowledge is power!

When you feel external pressure placed on you the most important thing is to advocate for your birth preferences and it is important for your birth partner to advocate for you as well.

Ask the questions:

• Is there a medical indication that my partner or baby are in danger? No? Well, we’d like to stick to our birth preference a little longer. 
• Can you suggest any alternatives to this?
• What evidence do you see that suggests we should do this?

Ahead of time do your own research. That way you will be able to make informed decisions should the need arise in the lead up to and during your birth. Seek knowledge from reputable sources and always feel free to discuss topics in more detail with your caregivers. Some great topics to research include:

• Group B Strep
• Antibiotic use during labour
• Synthetic Oxytocin (Syntocinon used for induction & augmentation of labour)
• Monitoring baby
• Paracetamol
• Gas and air
• Morphine/ pethidine 
• Tens Machine 
• Epidurals 
• Episiotomies
• Assisted delivery (forceps/ ventouse)
• Caesarean Section 

Inside our Positive Birth Program we also teach birthing parents the B.R.A.I.N techniques which is a great techniques for questioning when medical intervention is raised. 

B – Benefits: What are the benefits for baby and mother?

R – Risks: What are the risks for baby and mother?

A – Alternatives: Are there any alternatives?

I – Instincts: What are my instincts telling me (based on knowledge – not fear)?

N – Nothing: What if we do nothing? Is it an option to wait?

If you find that your mindset has been impacted from external pressure always remember to use your mindset tools learnt in the Positive Birth Program Program including birth affirmations, self-hypnosis, MP3 tracks, Hypnobirthing scripts, and birthing music.