Even Hospitals Do Not Want Early Labor, They Send You Home

I always tell my clients and in my own experience that you have a choice, you can labor at home, in
your own clothes, eat whatever, rest, watch a movie, take a walk, take a shower, or you can labor in the hospital connected to machines and in some cases bedridden.  Every situation is different and I respect everyone in their personal choices and preferences.

Recently there has been a shift in thinking, women are actively seeing support and methods to manage labor.  I feel it is so important to understand that every woman has to make the choices for herself, we are blessed that there is complete freedom of choice.  I always tell my Prenatal Yoga and Doula clients not to listen to stories, or watch shows that sensationalize the extremes, the internet is confusing enough.  There are amazing birth classes, as well as Yoga and Hypnobirthing among other tools that will really click in the moment.

I emphasize the moment, because each birth is so different, a different tool might feel better for one than for another.  What I have noticed is that women that go into it with a positive and trusting attitude of the birth process are usually mentally and emotionally prepared to make conscious decisions and feel good about them in every scenario imaginable.

I also advise women to reach deep inside themselves into a place of acceptance of what will be, for some it is God, for others it is more of a trusting the universe or Buddhist approach.  This mindset helps keep the laboring woman focused on what is happening instead of worrying in advance.

What are tools of labor? Let's start with one you may not have thought about in the link below, at home or in the hospital.

http://www.aswiftdoula.com/blog/the-other-room-using-all-your-hospital-has-to-offer

For me personally it was standing still, no movement and focusing on my deep Yoga breathing to get through one contraction at a time.  As it got more intense, my Doula would do pressure points on my back which felt so good and were an amazing mental distraction from the labor.

Pain can be managed, but suffering is unnecessary, my advice is to labor at home as long as you can, and if it becomes too much, listen to your gut, why suffer?  I have had three epidural free and drug free births, with my Doula's help and my Yoga breathing, I honestly did not have one moment where I wanted it.  It wasn't a walk in the park, but getting through it one contraction at a time really helped.

My Doula clients have been diverse, and I support whatever their needs are.  Many have liked the birthing ball, a shower or bath, walking, and I am sure I will keep on learning more in this beautiful work I am blessed to do.

What is important to really internalize is that there is no perfect way, there is not one way, there is only your way.  Your experience will be unique, be present, it will be a ride, but at the end of it all you are a mother and a new life is in your arms.

Coach Yulia