Natural Birth in the Hospital

Beloved midwife and friend, Kris Harper, sent this to me from a local yahoo group that she is a part of in the Memphis area. I love the part about communication, especially requesting a nurse who is "enthusiastic about natural birth."


If you choose a hospital instead of a homebirth you can do it naturally in a hospital in Memphis if you do the following things:

*Have an ob/gyn who is excited and open to natural birth. Have a dialogue with them early in your pregnancy to make sure that they are on the same page with you.

*Have a good support person (partner, doula, etc.)

*Educate yourself about birth and prepare yourself body, mind and spirit (good resources: Birthing from Within, Ina May's Book of Childbirth,and Active Birth)

*Have a birth plan signed off by your doctor and in your chart as early as the 1st trimester and no later than 24 weeks. Also, have a copy of the birth plan with you when you go to the hospital.

*Do not go to the hospital as soon as your water breaks or at the first contraction. Women in Memphis have done well in having a low-intervention experience in a hospital if they wait until contractions are 5 minutes apart before hopping into the car and heading to the hospital.You have to listen to your body and trust that your intuition will kick inas to when to go.

*COMMUNICATE!!!! This is important throughout your pregnancy, but especially during labor and delivery. Many labor & delivery medical professionals do not have experience with, or have opportunities to see a lot of natural births in Memphis. Their job is to make you more comfortable, and keep you and the baby safe. They have been trained to stop pain with medical intervention. Women birthing naturally in a hospital setting have the opportunity to teach the professionals that birth is normal and that you will let them know when you need them. I suggest posting a sign on your hospital door that says: "Natural Birth in Progress - Please wash hands upon entry and do not offer any pain relief. Patient will request assistance if she needs it. Thank You!" When you get to the hospital mention that you would like a nurse who is enthusiastic about natural birth before you get into your room. When you meet your nurse be gracious and remind them of your birth plan. Let them know that you are grateful for their help and ask if they attend many natural births. If they have not seen many natural births then let them know that you are going to make sounds and move a lot during your birth. Tell them that the best way that they can support you is by giving you space and time alone with your partner while laboring. Let them know that if the pain is really intense during a contraction that they will be a help by making eye contact, calling you by name, and telling you that you can do it.

These suggestions are all based on my own experiences and how I have learned to navigate these strange waters in Memphis. It can be done but it takes alot of preparation and communication.