Birth Beyond the Basics : 9 Secrets for a More Comfortable Delivery | Colorado Springs Maternity Photographer

Hey there mama-to-be! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don’t worry, this Colorado Springs maternity photographer has got you!

Here are 9 things your doctor probably didn’t tell you about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control.

You don’t have to give birth in the hospital.

Giving birth at home or in a birth center can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes compared to hospital births.

Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor, but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief.

Does this mean that epidurals are wrong? Absolutely not! I myself opted for an epidural with both of my babies, but I know a lot of mamas that have used other forms of pain relief as well.

You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.

Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labor.

As a Colorado Springs maternity photographer, I tell all my clients this! In the delivery room, my husband and I had a bluetooth speaker with our favorite music on to help me relax.

Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Birthing pools can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor.

Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital or another way I can use water to relax?

You will probably poop during labor (and that’s okay!).

It’s a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Don’t let this concern hold you back, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

I remember going in to the hospital thinking about this. Still to this day don’t know if I did or didn’t. When I asked my husband afterwards if I had and he said that the doctors were so quick and fantastic that he never saw whether or not I did.

Birthing positions – there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.

I birthed on my back because I had an epidural. But did you know that there are still different positions you can choose to birth in even with an epidural? My doctor gave me some great options to choose from, birthing on my back just happened to be the right one for me.

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.

A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth.

The power of the mind – visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.

Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It’s important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

So, there you have it, mama. You’re armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!

To check out more images from Melissa Alley Colorado Springs Maternity Photographer