Vickie Answers Questions about the Discomfort of Childbirth

"Can I Handle the Discomfort?"

Would you agree that one of the biggest reasons some moms choose not to try homebirth is the fear of not being able to handle the pain?
Yes, unfortunately many moms have been misinformed in this regard.
Are you saying that childbirth is really not all that uncomfortable?
No, that's not what I'm saying! There may be a blessed few moms who experience little discomfort, but most of us would admit that the birth process is pretty intense!
Then what did you mean by misinformed?
Many moms believe that the pain will be unmanageable. They are afraid that they might panic or lose control.
Does that happen very often?
Almost never. I did have one client who insisted on being transported to the hospital. But she later said that she would have been better off to have stayed at home!
But we've all seen movies and TV shows of women giving birth with lots of panic and screaming.
Yes, but that does not represent the typical homebirth. Women who panic are usually women who have not been properly prepared for childbirth, or are being forced to endure hospital procedures that are not in their best interests. A wise caregiver can help a mom to cope with the discomfort throughout the birth process.
Can you elaborate on that?
Well, for example, in many hospitals women are made to lie flat on their backs while laboring. This can be terribly uncomfortable. At home, moms are encouraged to try various positions in order to find what's most comfortable.
Also, many hospitals and doctors feel the need to "hurry things along" if the mom is not dilating as fast as they would like, so they give the mom Pitocin. The "Pit" does speed things up—but at the expense of the mom's comfort. The contractions are extremely painful, not to mention the adverse effects on the baby. At home, we allow the mom's body to deliver the baby at it's own, natural, rate.
And what about the actual delivery?
Many doctors insist on the mom delivering the baby while lying flat on her back with her feet in the air in stirrups. Most women find this to be an extremely unnatural and uncomfortable position for delivery. It happens to be convenient for the doctor. At home, we allow the mom to deliver the baby in the position that is most comfortable for her.
And of course, many doctors feel the need to perform an episiotomy. This can be very uncomfortable for the mom—especially during the postpartum period. Episiotomies are almost always unnecessary.
So, after creating the conditions that lead to enormous discomfort, the medical community tries to "fix" the problem by administering painkilling drugs.
Do midwives administer painkilling drugs?
No. They are not necessary. And they can actually interfere with the birth process, and adversely affect the baby.
What do you mean?
Painkilling drugs affect the nervous system. The mom tends to lose touch with her own body, and may not be able to push effectively. Small amounts of these medications are transmitted to the baby, therefore the baby is not as alert as it would have been. These drugs affect the baby's heart rate and respiration.
So your moms handle the pain without medication?
Most moms are surprised at how manageable the discomfort can be. Many expect it to be far worse than it turns out to be. I had two babies in the hospital and two at home. The home births were far more comfortable.
Do you have any other advice for moms who are worried about the pain?
Remember that the discomfort is very temporary. And it leads to the birth of a precious baby! It may be difficult and uncomfortable for a while, but it is discomfort with a very wonderful purpose!

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