11 Birth Secrets You Need To Know | Ottawa Maternity Photographer

So you’re expecting? Congratulations! And you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth in the Ottawa area. But don’t worry—I’ve rounded it all up for you!

 

Here are 11 things your doctor may not have told you about your birth options that will help you feel more prepared and in control. (And if any pique your interest, bring them up to your doctor at the next appointment!)

1. You don't have to give birth in a hospital.

Okay, so this one probably isn’t a secret, so much as a reminder that you have options. Giving birth at home or in a birth center 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, and the Ottawa Birth Centre is well-equipped to handle emergencies and last-minute transfers to a hospital. I chose to have both my births at the birth centre and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

 

Question for your doctor: Would you support me and work with a midwife if I decided to go this route? Will you help me achieve my birth plan, as much as possible?

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

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labour at the hospital, but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture, massage, or incorporating essential oils. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief, and often allow for you to keep moving and walk around. The Ottawa Birth Centre clients can access nitrous oxide, sterile water injections, TENS machines, and other comfort measures in labour such as suspended slings, birthing balls, peanut balls, and birth stools.

 

Question for your doctor, especially if you are choosing to give birth out of a hospital: What other pain relief options do they see often that are effective other than epidural?

3. Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labour.

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, and are completely safe when set up properly. I used one at the birth centre for my second experience there and it was wonderful to be able to float and relieve some of the weight on my joints and keep warm after giving birth without feeling sweaty (not all hospitals allow you to give birth IN the tub).

 

Question for your doctor or midwife: Are there birth tubs at the hospital or another way I can use water to relax? Who do they recommend for birth pool rentals for a home birth? Can I give birth directly IN the tub?

 

If you are in the NCR, I recommend Ottawa Birth Rentals, which is run by a long-time doula colleague of mine.

4. There is no one-fits-all birthing position.

Various birthing positions 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. For my first birth, I laid on my side and my husband helped hold up my top leg (it got heavy after a while!) and it allowed me to focus on pushing “harder” rather than trying not to fall over. For my second birth in the tub, I was squatting at the edge to support my arms with the flexibility to float on my belly in between contractions and alleviate some pain.

 

Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby? Can my partner help? Can I walk around?

5. Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.

A doula is a birth professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to the birthing parent and their partner(s) during pregnancy, labour, delivery, and the postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth. They can also help you once you are home with the baby with baby and/or home-related tasks like cooking, laundry, etc.

 

Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you love working with?

 

If you are in the NCR, I recommend Amy Owen, Sherry Trousse, Meghan Bowser-Taylor, or explore the Ottawa Valley Doulas.

6. 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. But trust me when I tell you whatever you do, don’t eat cheese (or any other foods that can constipate you!) because that first post-birth poop is going to be painful enough already.

 

Question: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labour?

7. The power of mental and physical relaxation techniques can help during labour.

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labour. In addition to learning physical techniques such as pelvic floor and core strength exercises, pilates, dancing, prenatal yoga, etc. prior to birth, it can also help lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, making labour more manageable.

 

Question: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to process and cope with labour?

 

If you are in the NCR, I recommend taking a class from the Rooted Family Wellness Centre.

8. 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.

 

Question for your doctor: Can I bring music to the birthing room? Can I bring instruments?

9. You will probably poop during labour (and that's okay!).

It’s a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your birth professionals are used to it. Don’t let this concern hold you back, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Heck, most birth professionals will encourage you to push with that feeling because that is usually when your body takes over and the baby is coming very very soon.

 

Conversation to have with your doctor or midwife: Discuss whether you want them to clear it away without telling you (the norm), or if you want to be aware of it so that when you see it later (especially if birthing in a pool!) so you don’t unnecessarily freak out.

10. There will be blood (so don't freak out!).

Even if everything miraculously goes to plan, there WILL be blood. The amniotic fluid will continue to leak out through the process, and the placenta detaching from your uterine lining creates a dinner-plate-sized wound so there will be bleeding. This is the reason why many end up wearing giant pads for so long after birth (even after a c-section)—I recommend you pick up a small pack of period panties (disposable for easier cleanup or reusable so you can use them long after your birth experience). And splurge on a second pair of your most comfortable pyjamas so that you can still wear them while the other is in the wash.

 

Question for your doctor: What duration and volume of bleeding is normal, and what do I do if I experience differently?

11. 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. Most doctors will avoid it unless medically necessary, so trust your birth professional, AND also feel free to advocate for yourself.

 

Question: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections? How long can we wait to see if a vaginal or VBAC birth is still a possibility? Can my partner be in the room? Can they still cut the cord? Can I still have skin-to-skin time with my baby? 

BONUS: You Don't Need a Birth Plan, But Yes You Do

You don’t need to have a neatly typed-out plan, a novel of step-by-step instructions, or a colour-coded infographic, but you do need to provide important details to your birth professionals ahead of time if you want them to be respected.

 

This can be any specific details about your preferences like skin-to-skin, cord blood banking, feeding choice, triggers, religious observances, allergies, existing medical conditions, or anything else “out of the ordinary” such as not wanting anyone to announce the baby’s sex. You will also want to discuss directives with your birth professionals of who cuts the cord, what happens in the case of an emergency (who makes decisions, who do they call), which visitors (if any) are allowed, etc.

 

I chose the infographic because it answered any question in the case where I was being treated by a stranger not on my assigned birth team without having to dig through my medical files or figure out who to ask.

 

Hopefully these myth-busting tips and secrets help you feel more confident and excited about your birth. And if you are considering having your new baby photographed, the best times to schedule the session are based on your portrait preferences.

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Pure Natural Portraits (Stephanie de Montigny)
Pregnancy through Baby’s First Year & Beyond
Almonte / Ottawa, Ontario | (613) 371 – 4594
Reach out to hello@purenaturalportraits.com

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