Episode 185: Navigating Unexpected Out-of-Hospital Births: Doula Tips for Staying Calm and Safe
Hey Mamas!
In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger, discusses how to handle unexpected out-of-hospital births. She emphasizes the importance of staying calm, trusting one's body, and creating a safe environment. Sarah provides practical advice on preparing essential items like clean towels and blankets, and highlights the benefits of delayed cord clamping. She also addresses postpartum bleeding, natural pain management techniques, and the role partners play. The episode aims to reassure and guide expectant mothers through the unpredictability of childbirth.
Staying Calm During Labor
Sarah emphasizes that remaining calm is crucial during labor. Stress and fear can slow down the labor process, making it more challenging. Here are some tips to help maintain calmness:
Breathing Techniques: Practice deep, slow breathing to help manage pain and anxiety.
Visualization: Picture a serene place or a positive birth experience to keep your mind focused.
Affirmations: Use positive affirmations like "My body knows how to give birth" to reinforce confidence.
Sarah reassures mothers that their bodies are designed to give birth. Trusting this natural process can significantly impact the labor experience. Remember:
Natural Process: Birth is a natural event, and your body is equipped to handle it.
Instincts: Listen to your body’s signals and respond accordingly.
Creating a Safe and Relaxing Environment
Creating a comfortable and familiar environment can ease anxiety and promote a smoother labor. Consider the following:
Comfortable Space: Choose a space in your home where you feel most at ease.
Lighting: Dim the lights to create a calming atmosphere.
Music: Play soothing music to help you relax.
Essential Oils: Use calming scents to create a peaceful environment.
Feeling safe is crucial for your body to function optimally during labor. Ensure:
Support System: Have a trusted person with you, whether it’s a partner, family member, or friend.
Privacy: Ensure you have privacy to help you feel more secure and relaxed.
Emotional Support and Communication
Sarah highlights the importance of trusting your intuition during labor. Communicate your feelings and concerns with your support team:
Open Dialogue: Share your emotions and fears with your partner or support person.
Informed Decisions: Discuss whether to stay at home or go to a birthing center or hospital based on your comfort level and intuition.
Partners play a crucial role in providing emotional and physical support. Here’s how they can help:
Emotional Support: Offer comforting words and reassurance.
Physical Support: Hold hands, offer water, and provide physical comfort.
Presence: Simply being present and calm can make a significant difference.
Managing Rapid Labor
In the event of a rapid labor, Sarah advises mothers to listen to their bodies and respond to their instincts. Here are some tips:
Movement: Use positions that facilitate the baby’s descent, such as squatting, getting on all fours, or lying on your side.
Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to manage the urge to push and reduce the risk of tearing.
When it’s time to deliver the baby, follow these steps:
Slow Breaths: Take slow, deep breaths to help manage the delivery.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Place the baby on your chest immediately after birth for bonding and temperature regulation.
Monitoring the Baby: Ensure the baby is breathing well and showing signs of good health, such as crying and changing color from blue to pink.
Postpartum Care and Monitoring
Postpartum bleeding is normal, but it’s important to monitor the amount:
Normal Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected as the body sheds the uterine lining.
Excessive Bleeding: If you soak through more than one pad or towel in an hour, notice large clots, or feel weak or faint, seek medical attention.
Managing Bleeding: Lie down and elevate your feet or massage your belly to help manage bleeding.
Remain relaxed and patient as the placenta is delivered:
Relaxation: Stay calm and allow the placenta to be delivered naturally.
Monitoring: Keep an eye on any bleeding and seek medical assistance if there are concerns.
Practical Preparations
Sarah suggests gathering a few essential items to prepare for an unexpected out-of-hospital birth:
Clean Towels: Use them to catch the baby, wrap them up afterward, and manage any fluids or afterbirth.
Blankets or Sheets: Protect furniture or car interiors if transportation is necessary.
Sterilized Scissors or Knife: Prepare these if cutting the umbilical cord becomes necessary.
Delayed cord clamping is beneficial for the baby and can be practiced even in non-hospital settings:
No Rush: There’s no immediate need to cut the cord; it can wait until the placenta is delivered or medical assistance arrives.
Tying Off the Cord: If desired, use a clean string, shoelace, or fabric to tie off the cord.
Natural Pain Management Techniques
For those who had planned for medical pain relief, Sarah shares natural pain management techniques:
Changing Positions: Move around to find comfortable positions that help manage pain.
Water for Comfort: Use a warm bath or shower to soothe pain.
Breathing Techniques: Practice deep, slow breathing to manage contractions.
Vocalizing or Humming: Release tension through vocalizing or humming.
Handling Emergencies
While emergencies are rare, it’s important to be aware of signs that require immediate medical attention:
Excessive Bleeding: Monitor the amount of bleeding and seek help if it’s excessive.
Baby Not Breathing Well: If the baby is not breathing well, gently stimulate them by rubbing their back or feet and seek medical help.
By emphasizing the importance of staying calm, creating a safe environment, and trusting one’s body, Sarah provides practical and reassuring guidance. Remember, birth is a natural process, and with the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate this journey with confidence.
For more insights and support, tune into the "Entering Motherhood" podcast and connect with Sarah Murray Builder. Your journey into motherhood is unique and powerful, and you are more than capable of handling whatever comes your way.
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