Creating a birth plan can be overwhelming, especially when trying to stay informed, make smart decisions, and handle distant doctor visits. Deciding where to give birth adds to the whirlwind. How can we make this information more accessible to expecting parents, so they feel confident in their decisions for their families? Our guest Natalie got interested in birth education during her pregnancy when she felt frustrated by the limited information in the patient room. She conducted her own research and now shares her knowledge, birthing experience, and motherhood on TikTok @SovereignParenting.
Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram,TikTok & YouTube.
This episode discusses navigating doctor-patient power dynamics in the context of home birth and advocating for yourself with knowledge. We support all birthing experiences and aim to empower mothers to make confident decisions for themselves and their families.
June 6th is International Home-birth Day. This observance highlights the work of dedicated home-birth midwives and promotes the right of mothers to choose the context in which they deliver their babies. A planned home birth means people give birth at home instead of at a hospital, but still need the assistance of someone qualified during labor and delivery, such as a nurse-midwife. These professionals are specialized in caring for women to honor and respect their personal space, individual choices, and birth plan. Most homes are suitable for a home birth as long as they include access to a bathroom, a source of heat and light, a waterproof base layer, and clean sheets.
Baby-friendly Hospitals
Baby-friendly hospitals require all LND workers to have lactation education, and do not push formula or pacifiers. It is a wonderful credential to have that takes years to complete, but doesn’t mean that they have better outcomes for cesareans or unmedicated births.
Birthing Plans
A birthing plan prepares families for labor, empowering them with education and self-advocacy. Despite completing a plan, Natalie's OB dismissed its importance due to the unpredictability of birth plans. Such interactions expose issues in the birthing industry, including the impact of interventions on doctor-patient relationships and patient well-being. Download a birth plan template here and communicate your birth wishes with confidence.
Safety
Midwives are prepared to handle medical interventions during and after labor, providing necessary support and the option to transfer to a hospital if needed. When choosing a home birth, your birthing team prioritizes your well-being. Home births offer flexibility, allowing for various options like water births or giving birth on a couch.
Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
