Options in Childbirth

Most women planning for a natural childbirth are hoping to avoid most medical interventions. For some women, the choice to use an intervention during labor will become the best choice. Sometimes that leaves a mother feeling helpless, let down or a failure. However, it is important to remember you do still have options even when you decide to use a medical intervention.

Having a realistic expectation of the options available during labor will help you be ready to continue using the tools and techniques you learned in your childbirth class if you decide a medical intervention is right for you. This exercise will help you prepare to successfully integrate medical interventions if necessary.

Every option you use will change the way you are able to use comfort measures for labor. Each option will also change the needs you have for comfort measures and the reasons you would use them. Answer the question in each of these scenarios to help you discover what comfort measures and techniques you can still use if you select medical interventions for childbirth. Use the Coach's Notebook and the Birth Planning sections for resources if necessary.

1. If you could be anywhere and do anything while you labor for your baby, where would you be and what would you do?

2. Now you can do anything, but you have to be in the hospital while you labor, what would you do?

3. Now you have an IV attached and must move the IV pole with you. What can you do to manage your discomfort?

4. Now, you have to be monitored and have an IV. These restrict your mobility, but you can still move about 3-4 feet around the monitor. What can you do to manage your discomfort?

5. Now you have to stay in the bed because you have received a medication that limits your mobility. You also have a monitor and an IV. What can you do while you labor if the medication is effective at blocking your pain?

6. What can you do while you labor if the medication is not effective at blocking your pain?

You May Also Be Interested In: Understanding the normal labor process can help you identify false beliefs. Explore ways exercise in pregnancy can help you prepare for childbirth. Finding out how to tell if labor has started. The Coach's Notebook helps you master comfort measures for labor. Learn how to identify myths about pregnancy, pregnancy nutrition and childbirth. Virtual Labor Game lets you practice your new labor skills.

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