These tips for avoiding a c-section are critical for every new mom who desires having as natural of a birth experience as possible. According to the CDC, approximately 32.2% of births are c-sections, which means that most new moms have a 1 in 3 chance of adding to this statistic. While you can’t control everything about your pregnancy and childbirth experience, there are some things you can do now to prevent having a surgical delivery. Use these tips to avoid a c-section so that you can look forward to bringing your newborn into the world.
Choose Your Doctor Carefully
The patient and doctor relationship is critical throughout your pregnancy. As you interview potential doctors, ask them about their c-section rates and when they deem surgical intervention necessary. Ideally, you should hear a doctor only recommend c-sections as a life-saving measure. If they prefer scheduling them for convenience, then it may be necessary to move on. Having a doctor who backs your philosophy on childbirth is one of the best tips for avoiding a c-section.
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Take a Natural Childbirth Class
Mothers who are relaxed and prepared for childbirth are also less likely to experience complications that lead to a c-section. During a natural childbirth class, you will learn how to breathe through your contractions and recognize pain as a good thing that is helping to bring your baby closer to your arms. You will also learn pushing techniques that help bring the baby down your birth canal so that your labor is less likely to stall.
Avoid Rushing to the Hospital
Naturally, you should rush to the hospital if you have warning signs such as bright red bleeding or extreme pain. However, staying home in the early stages of labor allows you to move freely throughout your house to help labor progress. Walking and other light activities help to stimulate your uterus to contract. Once you enter the hospital, you may be confined to the bed or offered interventions that can interfere with your labor.
Wait On Pain Relief
Many mothers instantly ask for an epidural when they are unaccustomed to the pain of labor. Unfortunately, many of the types of pain relief offered during labor and delivery can interfere with the progression of childbirth. Not only can it slow down uterine contractions, but being numb can make your pushes less effective. If you do opt for an epidural in the later stages of labor, ask for it to be turned down as you push. This way, all of your efforts can be fully concentrated on pushing as you reach the peaks of your contractions.
Surround Yourself With Support
Childbirth is an intensely emotional process, and it is common for a woman to feel overwhelmed with so many people in the room. It is also normal for first-time moms to change their minds about their birth plan once they begin to experience intense pain. For this reason, another tip to avoid c-sections is to make sure that you have a supportive partner in the room with you that will talk you through contractions, remind you to breathe and encourage you to stay strong. Your birth partner can be a professional doula, your child’s father or another close friend or family member. Just make sure that they are someone who understands the labor process and is capable of focusing solely on giving you support throughout your birth experience.
Writing a birth plan is the first step toward achieving your goal of avoiding a c-section. As you speak with your physician, let them know your desires for childbirth, and insist upon having support in the hospital. By following these tips for avoiding a c-section, you can look forward to your birth experience with nothing buy joy for the opportunity to finally see your newborn comfortably cradled in your arms.
