[THREAD] For all of the birthing parents, expecting parents and/or support system.

Here are some laboring techniques and birth rights for general use but might be SUPER HELPFUL during this time for Hospital Births.

I’m a Certified Doula here are some gems

1. Always have a Birth-Plan. You can create/update it whenever you want. Have multiple physical copies of the plan(2-3) and make sure you keep it in your hospital bag. So when you arrive at the hospital there’s no confusion, you’ll just hand medical staff your plan to follow.

2. Hospital bag. For those who don’t know the bag consist of all of the comfort items/necessities for the birthing parent and baby. You should put it together around 30 weeks. There are some must haves in the bag however overall really depends on what the birthing parent needs.

3. Possible signs of Labor:
Vague nagging backache
Unusual burst of energy(nesting)
Positive signs of Labor:
Contractions that are progressively becoming stronger, longer, and closer together
Spontaneous breaking of water(variety of hearing, feeling, or physically seeing)

Positive signs of Labor cont:
Cervical changes (6cm dilated is considered active labor)

4. Laboring. Once experiencing some sort of labor signs birthing parents should try to labor at home as long as possible by following body clues/signs and monitoring comfort levels.

5. Arriving to the hospital and knowing Birth rights. IMPORTANT! If you hear something you don’t like, don’t understand etc. ASK QUESTIONS ! SAY NO ! It is YOUR BODY ! It is YOUR BIRTH ! I always tell my clients the best question to ask is; ...

Birth rights cont. “Is this medically necessary or a health concern for me and/or my baby?” If the answer is no decline whatever they are offering that you don’t want. Don’t get pressured into medication or cesareans that you didn’t want because you didn’t ask questions.

6. Comfort measures. If you are having a natural birth there are multiple comfort measures you can do. Hospital beds can change positions, medicine balls, walking, standing, swaying, sitting in hospital showers/tubs, and on and on.

As always I’m a certified Birth Doula and placenta encapsulator feel free to reach out and ask questions especially during this time. Doula’s are a great support system & I’m here virtually

I really hope this thread has educated and helped someone Lookout for more threads.