One of the primary choices faced by pregnant women is whether or not to take pain medication during labor. The use of anesthesia has long been welcomed by laboring women. Early methods of anesthesia consisted of a simple placement of a handkerchief laced with a little chloroform over a woman’s nose as she gave birth. The doctor would just dip a clean napkin in the medication and use in patients after labor had begun.
This method came to prominence during Queen Victoria’s reign after she used it in giving birth to her seventh child. Latter methods that were used to help ease a woman’s pain during childbirth included a method known as twilight sleep that left a woman half conscious during the birth but not entirely aware of her surroundings and straight sedation where a woman was put to sleep completely once her labor had begun.
Epidurals
Today many doctors use an epidural injection of medication directly placed in a woman’s vertebra to numb her body from the waist down. Others encourage usage of a method called a walking epidural. The walking epidural technique still allows a woman freedom of movement as she labors to give birth. Both methods are very safe. They can ease pain greatly and allow for a pleasant birthing experience particularly if laboring is prolonged. They can also allow for easy progression to a Caesarian birth if something goes wrong as the woman progresses through the stages of labor.
Natural Childbirth
Advocates of natural childbirth typically rely on two childbirth philosophies to help women endure labor without medication. The Lamaze method is very widely used. Lamaze requires pregnant women to attend Lamaze classes before giving birth. Lamaze utilizes breathing techniques to reduce pain, birthing positions that place an emphasis on letting gravity aid the baby’s entrance and immediate breastfeeding in order to enable the mother infant bond to begin as soon as possible.
Many hospitals have nurses on staff trained to aid patients with Lamaze breathing methodology. Lamaze classes are widely available often at little or no cost.
Another technique employed by many natural childbirth advocates is the Bradley method. An American physician developed this technique during the 1970s. Like Lamaze, participants attend classes for several weeks prior to birth. Trained instructors emphasize breathing methods designed to reduce pain and increase relaxation. The Bradley method also places great emphasis on the husband or other partner as active labor coach. Breastfeeding techniques and proper nutrition are also taught.
Childbirth can be a scary thought for pregnant women. But with a little advance preparation it can be a very joyous and pleasant experience. Take advantage of every available technique out there to help get the ideal birthing experience.
SOURCES:
UCLA Department of Epidemiology School of Public Health / Anesthesia and Queen Victoria
Webster's New World Medical Dictionary
Lamaze International Website
Bradley Birth Website
 |
