Childbirth and Preparation for Breastfeeding Part 3

While the most important outcome is a healthy Mom and baby, having the birth experience you want should not be underemphasized. Having the most natural birth possible will enhance your entry into motherhood by speeding up your recovery time, making breastfeeding easier and helping you ease into life with a new little person.

Here are some more suggestions:

·    Read books on normal birth experiences to help remove fear that you may have around birth. Some good ones are:

The Birth Book by Drs. William and Martha Sears, R.N.
http://www.TheHappyBreastfeeder.com/thebirthbook.html

Childbirth Without Fear by Michel Odent
http://www.TheHappyBreastfeeder.com/withoutfear.html

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
http://www.TheHappyBreastfeeder.com/inamayguide.html

·         Avoid listening to or reading negative birth stories

A lot of women seem to want to share their horrific birth experience. If this happens to you, you can empathize with the person but don’t let them continue to fill your ears with negative talk. 

 Communicate to birth attendants and hospital staff your wishes for a natural birth
 

This is commonly referred to as a birth plan. You can find free printable birth plans on the Internet by searching around, or you can get one from your Midwife or Doula. Some books on childbirth also have one you can copy.

These suggestions can go a long way towards preventing Cesarean births or a labor and delivery with too much unnecessary medical interference that can impede breastfeeding.

If you end up having an emergency C-section however, take heart - you CAN still breastfeed your baby! Many, many women have done so and are willing to share their stories and help you. I’ve personally spoken to many women who have overcome difficult births to breastfeed their babies successfully.

Be sure to keep the phone number of your local LLL leader with you when you go to the hospital to give birth and call her if you need to. In addition, many hospitals have Lactation Consultants on call to help you if you need it. (Many times you will receive a visit from the L.C. shortly after your baby is born to give you some assistance with getting started.) Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help!