At a time like the present, in which it is increasingly common to hear about the obstetric and gynecological violence of which women are victims, new options are emerging to experience pregnancy and childbirth.
Who would you want to accompany you at the time of delivery? Surely you have wondered if you would give birth better when you were alone, because observing this ancient natural process, a certain intimacy seems logical, as happens with other mammals that isolate themselves to have their young.
Although, on the other hand, our rational part, linked to feelings of fear, insecurity or prudence, can make us choose to be in the company, not only of our partner, but also of a professional company that attends the delivery so that it is safe.
There are no official statistics, but the associations estimate that in Argentina every year some 800 scheduled deliveries are performed at home. And according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) of Spain, one in every 500 babies is also born at home.
Faced with dehumanized treatment, excessive medicalization and the pathologization of women’s natural processes, these are the ideal people who can accompany you in the event that you decide to have a natural birth at home.
Women who help others during childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care
The midwife
The midwife represents the experienced female figure who comes to bring calm and knowledge to the future mother. In natural childbirth and in home birth, the obstetrician or midwife has a very special place, since she is precisely defined as that person qualified to care for normal pregnancies, deliveries and puerperiums.
When the woman has decided together with her family that the birth will take place at home, the relationship with the midwife is established from the first months of pregnancy with this premise: getting to know each other to achieve what the pregnant woman has managed to define as an ideal delivery. The relationship deepens in recent weeks, in which the details of what the labor will be are transmitted.
When the pregnant woman experiences the first contractions, she informs the midwife, who comes to the house once the woman feels that the time has come to require her company. Certainly when the preliminary work has begun. The midwife is in constant communication with the obstetrician to keep him informed of when her presence will be required at home.
During labor it will remind the woman what the steps were in relation to breathing, relaxation and attitude. Then he will help her explore her tools to make it possible. The success of this woman, who in past times was known as a midwife, depends above all on her ability to put her own resources to work for a healthy birth.
the doula
the figure of the doula reappears as the perfect companion for those who want to experience a natural birth in which their body and emotions are welcomed and respected.
A doula is a woman who provides accompaniment and information to another woman during the maternity process, that is, during pregnancy, childbirth and also during the postpartum or puerperium. In this instance, she supports the mother in her own care and in the care of the newborn baby.
Armed with the knowledge of traditional midwifery, the doula provides a series of care on an emotional level that can make a big difference in the experience of pregnancy and childbirth as pleasant and enriching moments for the future mother.
The accompaniment and help you provide may include massages, support when bathing or moving from one place to another, encouraging you when necessary, and listening carefully when you feel worried. You can also provide up-to-date and reliable information on techniques or exercises that can help during childbirth, as well as explain to her and her family any questions they have regarding the pregnancy.
the childcare
The childcare is another of the health agents dedicated to the primary prevention of the child’s physical and emotional health. She usually works in nursery schools and maternity hospitals, in pediatric and obstetric offices.
It is generally in charge of accompanying the mother and advising her, providing her with information regarding different topics, mainly breastfeeding, raising the baby and the bonds that must be established during the first years of life.
Once the baby is born, childcare is in charge of advising on breastfeeding without this interfering with the mother-child bond. It will help her play with him, interpret her cries, and continue breastfeeding despite her return to work activities.
It is important that we keep in mind that, although she advises on some issues, her presence does not mean that we should not go to the doctor. Both fulfill very different tasks. The doctor is extremely necessary in the growth and accompaniment of our son’s childhood.
How do I prepare for a planned home birth?
You can do the following:
– Choose health care professionals who are trained to assist you
– Create a birth plan
– Take all the necessary precautions and comforts to have the birth at home
– Be prepared for a transfer to the hospital if necessary
– Take into account assistance from family or friends for the postpartum
Are there situations in which a home birth is not recommended?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against having a planned home birth if:
– You have a multiple pregnancy
– Your baby is not placed in the head position for delivery
– Previously you had more than one cesarean section
You should know that during a home birth, you may have to be transferred to a hospital if complications develop. The medical professionals treating you may recommend a transfer if:
– Labor does not progress
– The baby shows signs of fetal distress
– The baby does not end up being placed on its head
– You have high blood pressure
– You have a hemorrhage
Although the vast majority of pregnant women who decide to have their baby at home have uncomplicated deliveries, it is important to keep all these points in mind.
Remember that you have the right to make the decision of how, where and with whom to give birth.
Important: It should be clarified that does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying any information on this site for this purpose, does not assume responsibility for these acts. The intention of the site is only to offer information of a general nature to help in the search for personal development and growth.
Sources:
MayoClinic
wapa
babies and more
one more in the family