9 things your doctor never told you about giving birth | Ottawa Area Birth Doulas

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, we’ve got you!

Here are 10 things your doctor probably didn't tell you about giving birth in Ottawa that will help you feel more prepared and in control.

(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the next appointment!) 

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

Giving birth at home or in a birth centre 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.

If this is of interest to you, be sure to contact the midwifery groups asap. Unfortunately it can be hard to get a midwife if you don’t get on those lists right away.

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

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labour, but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, a TENS machine, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief. Your doula can help you learn about different methods and their pros and cons.

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 labour. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labour.

Birthing pools and tubs 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 labour. You can rent a pool for a home birth, the Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre and most hospital have the option of labouring in a tub. If you are going to The Ottawa Hospital- Civic Campus, they don’t have tubs for labour but they do have showers and there’s benefits to that as well.

You will probably poop during labour (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.

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.

This is something we often help with during labour. We have many positions up our sleeves to help keep you switch it up!

You can eat and drink during labour, if you want to.

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labour, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished. The exception to this is if you have an epidural, then most doctors will tell you that they only want you to have clear fluids only.

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.