5 Secrets to make your Birth more Comfortable
Being pregnant with your first baby, or with your first baby in a foreign country can be quite overwhelming. Especially when it comes to figuring out how they do it here in the Netherlands, where homebirth is considered a national heritage.
So I've made a list of 5 things that will help you feel more in control, and that will help you make your decisions when it comes to planning your birth.
You don't have to give birth at home
If I was still living in South Africa, this heading would have been “you don’t have to give birth in a hospital.” But here in Rotterdam I very often get asked whether a hospital birth is possible, even if your birth is not considered medical (meaning you have to give birth in hospital due to medical reasons).
The short answer is yes. In Rotterdam, and the rest of the Netherlands, you can opt to give birth in a birth center or in a hospital. I would recommend that you find out from your health insurance exactly what they cover, and that you adjust it accordingly, if needed. (Remember, you can only change your health insurance plan once a year at the end of December).
That being said, I would highly recommend that you talk to your midwife, doula and other people who have experience with homebirth about what it is like giving birth at home. Even though it might not be your first choice, it is always good to educate yourself about the options, as you never know what you might learn. Remember, wherever you choose to give birth, the point is that you feel relaxed, supported, and safe, so that you can have a comfortable and magical birth.
Question for your midwife: Would she be able to come with you if you opt for a hospital birth, or will you be transferred to the clinical team?
There are many forms of pain relief available during labour
If you are feeling scared about how you will deal with the pain from labour and birth, but you also don’t really feel like you want to go for an epidural, then I’ve got some good news for you. There are so many other forms that you can try. From natural methods like hypnobirthing, having a doula, counter pressure, movement and water, to other medical forms like Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and morphine.
In Rotterdam, and the rest of the Netherlands, it is common to only have Nitrous Oxide available in a birth centre and not in hospital, and hospitals could have different policies around administering morphine, so it is important to ask your midwife or doctor what your options will be at the locations you are considering to give birth.
The Pain Relief in Labour episode from Welcome to the Womb is my absolute favourite when it comes to this topic. Listen on Spotify or Apple.
Set the mood by bringing your own music to the delivery room
Even if you are not someone who knows the names of songs or bands, you will know exactly what I mean when I say that music can have a powerful impact on our emotions. I heard a Blink 182 song again the other day for the first time in years and in that moment, I was back in Grabouw High with my classmates, just chilling and having a laugh during break.
Music can help bring up your oxytocin levels (this is the hormone of love, and the hormone that makes sure your contractions keep going, so you want loads of this during labour and birth). It can also create a calm and soothing environment for you during birth. I recommend that you make 2 playlists; a more upbeat one that you might even dance to for early labour, and a more calming one to listen to during active labour and birth. Don’t forget to also bring a small speaker.
Tip: Make sure your birth partner or doula has a copy of your playlist, or that they know how to access it on your phone. This way they will make sure to set the vibe for you and you can focus on your body.
Birthing pools can add magic to your time in labour
Warm water is considered a form of pain relief. Being in a birth pool 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 labor. Even if you do not plan to give birth in water, a pool could be a great way to ease the discomfort of your contractions as you go through labour.
Planning on giving birth in a birth center or hospital? Check with your midwife if there are birthing pools available. A lot of hospitals have at least one, but they cannot guarantee that it will be available when you go into labour. You can also check if it is possible to bring your own pool.
Birth Doulas create a safe environment and support for you and your partner
A doula is a non-medical professional that will walk a path with you during your pregnancy to build a relationship and trust. During your labour and birth your doula will provide physical support to you and emotional support to you and your partner. Doulas play a key role in keeping your environment a safe space and making sure you are being heard. Evidence shows that with a doula at your side you have:
25% less chance of a c-section
8% higher chance of spontaneous vaginal birth
10% less chance of asking for medical pain relief
Shorter labours (41 minutes on average)
38% less chance of a low Apgar score
31% less chance of being disappointed in your birth experience
You can have a look at my doula packages here.
Your idea of comfortable will be very unique to you. I encourage you to keep an open mind and do as much research as possible. This way you are not only prepared for everything, but you also know that you made informed decisions about your birth.