Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Preparing for the Pain of Childbirth | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
Is there anything I can do to prepare for the pain of natural childbirth?
— Scared Silly | | | ANSWER |
November 1, 2000 | | | Dear Scared Silly,
Of course you are worried--with a first baby, we don't know how much labor will hurt, or how we will handle it.
The first question to ask yourself is: What do I really want for my birth experience? You do not have to have unmedicated childbirth. You will end up with a baby no matter what. There is no martyr parade the next day, and the baby will not thank you for enduring hours of pain.
That said, many people want the full experience of natural childbirth, and there are things you can do to prepare yourself physically and emotionally for the challenges ahead. Childbirth-preparation classes can be a big help, for example, and you might consider hiring a doula for labor support. These childbirth assistants can help you with comfort measures, such as walking or taking a warm shower, and can serve as your advocate in the hospital. Also, be sure to practice your breathing and relaxation techniques and spend time thinking about why you want this experience, so that you don't lose your resolve when labor gets intense. Above all, remember that this is but one day in your life, and when it is over, you will have brought a new little human being into the world. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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