Question

What are “natural” ways of coping with the pain of childbirth? Is childbirth at home safe?

Answer 1

• Applying warmth is a tried-and-tested way of relaxing aching, tense muscles. So it’s no surprise that it’s an effective way of providing relief from labour pain.
• A wheat bag is a great way to warm your back, tummy or groin. This is a cloth bag that’s been filled with wheat husks and can be heated for just a few minutes in the microwave. It shapes itself to your body and should stay warm for an hour or so. Some wheat bags are even scented with lavender, which may also help you feel calm and relaxed.
• Massage, particularly having someone rub your back, will warm your skin and stimulate your body to release its own natural painkillers.
• Focusing on your breathing is a really helpful way of getting through each contraction.
• A planned home birth might be associated with fewer medical interventions, but in general, home births are associated with an increased risk of obstetric emergencies when compared with delivery in a medical facility.
• Planned home births are associated with an increased risk of:-
• Needing labor induction
• A delivery requiring the use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• C-section
• Severe bleeding requiring a blood transfusion
• Severe vaginal lacerations or tears
• While most pregnant women who choose to have planned home births deliver without complications, research suggests that planned home births are associated with a higher risk of infant death, seizures and nervous system disorders than are planned hospital births.
• Also,Studies are piling up that show home birth is very safe for low risk women.Being at home or a home-like environment without beeps and wires, can help mom to relax and feel safe. Another reason is that care is simply better. Midwifery care is evidence based care which is very different from the standard care of US hospitals.
• Evidence based care doesn’t routinely rupture membranes, induce without cause, or inhibit mom from moving or eating and drinking. None of these interventions are evidence based yet hospitals routinely perform them. And finally, hospitals have protocol and policies. It’s difficult for staff to give individual care when they have to adhere to these guidelines.