The Ultimate Longmont Birth Prep Guide: 10 Great Options for Giving Birth in Longmont
Hi Longmont Mom-to-be! You might be feeling inundated with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. Hence this blog post to help you out. Here are 10 things that probably haven’t come up in a doctor’s appointment yet. But, if you’re still expecting, you probably still have a doctor’s appointment or two left to bring it up. If you find this helpful, don’t forget to grab your freebie before you go - Questions to Ask Your Medical Provider for Longmont Moms
You don't have to give birth in the hospital with an MD
You are giving birth in a time of options, especially when you compare this time to what our mothers and grandmothers had available to them. Low risk pregnancies can choose where to have their baby. You could consider a birth center or a home birth, so that you’re in a more comfortable setting than a hospital room. If you’re a higher risk pregnancy or want the assurance a hospital gives, you could look into the many midwifery practices available within our local hospitals. Both UC Health Longs Peak and Longmont United have midwife programs.
If you’re high risk, don’t feel like you are devoid of options. Every hospital offers different services. Shop around and find a hospital that fits your preferences. The key is to then see the practice associated with that hospital.
Question for your medical provider: What hospital are you associated with? What is your experience with other birth location options?
Epidurals aren’t the only option
We always hear about epidurals, as though that is the only option. They are common, especially in the US. There are other options available though. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, and other methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a less invasive form of pain relief. Not that epidurals are a bad option. Just make sure to discuss all your options with your doctor, so that you are able to make an educated decision about it.
I also learned an amazing tidbit that helped me a lot, especially being pregnant in Colorado. Sometimes you are experiencing more pain, because you’re dehydrated. I stocked up on Gatorade for my labor and delivery and the second I started experiencing contractions, I started drinking. Not only did it hydrate me, it also gave me a much needed sugar high.
Another thing we learned from our midwife was pain points. My husband held the top of my hips during delivery to alleviate pain.
Question for your medical provider: What are the pain relief options available to me? What are the pros and cons of each?
Make a playlist for your labor and delivery
I don’t know about you, but I find that music can enhance or change my mood. Think about the mood you want to have in your delivery area and make a playlist for your labor and delivery. No judgement here. Anything from Nine Inch Nails to Norah Jones works, if you ask me.
Question for your medical provider: Can I bring music to the birthing room? How should I bring it?
Birthing pools are available in a variety of birth settings
Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily. Moving around can be great during the birthing process. It allows you to get into new positions, which can help baby move through the birth canal. Birthing pools can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor. Don’t think that birthing pools are only available for home births or birth centers. For example, UC Health Longs Peak offers water births.
Question for your medical provider: Are there birth pools at the hospital or another way I can use water to relax?
You will probably poop or pee during labor (and that's okay!)
Here’s the gist. You won’t do anything during your labor and delivery that your birth team hasn’t seen tons of time before. Pooping and peeing during delivery is just one of them. I’m not ashamed. I’ll admit that I peed during delivery. Not too surprising considering my tip about Gatorade, lol.
100+ Birthing Positions
Have your heard of having a baby on a toilet? It is actually really common. So don’t let those movies make you think that the only way to have a baby is lying on your back. 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. My kiddo got stuck on my pelvis, so I was in more positions than I can count.
Question for your medical provider: What positions do you most often see women take during labor and delivery? Are there any pain treatments that will restrict the positions I can take?
Doulas are available for more than you think
A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth. Doulas are especially helpful if you are in Colorado without nearby family that you can depend upon to help during this period. For example, you can get a doula for helping with those early days at home.
Question for your medical provider: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?
Food and Drink may be allowed
While you’re going through early labor at home, keep up the sustenance. Make sure you have snacks and drink (remember the Gatorade) stashed away for early labor at home. If your hospital/birth center allows it, bring those snacks and drinks along. It is becoming more and more common to see medical providers recommending food and drink during delivery.
Question for your medical provider: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?
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. Check out the app store on your phone for some guided meditation and hypnobirthing apps. I found many were free.
Question for your medical provider: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?
All forms of delivery are giving birth and make you a mom
I feel like there is so much shame going around surrounding a c-section or really any type of delivery experience you have. Mom guilt seems to start before baby even arrives. As someone who has heard many birth stories over the years, just know that delivery takes many forms. All forms of delivery have their pros and cons and they all qualify as delivering a baby. And, I hate to say this, but more often than not things don’t go as planned. It is okay when things go a different direction than you planned. It also okay to be disappointed about it. Honor your feelings and don’t be afraid to share your story. I found as a new mom that sharing my birth story was the easiest way to process. My pregnancy and birth story didn’t go the way I expected. It took me time to process that and be okay with it. And that is okay.
Question for your medical provider: Can I submit a birth plan to the care team? What will happen if things don’t go as planned?
So, there you have it, mama. You're armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth! If you’d like more guidance on what to ask your medical provider at your next appointment, make sure to check out my free guide - Questions to Ask Your Medical Provider for Longmont Moms
Sara Herkes is a maternity, newborn, family, and senior photographer based in Longmont, CO. She serves the the Denver Metro Area, the Colorado Rockies, and the Northern Front Range and captures your pregnancy amidst the Colorado wilderness. Learn more about her services here.
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