The best way to avoid interventions is to act before birth. Aid your chance of having a vaginal birth with activities before and during childbirth to make room for your baby. Easier birth for babies means easier birth for mothers. That’s what we help you do here at Spinning Babies®. If you’re new to our website, a great place to start is by following along with our Daily Essentials video.
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Many times, a stall in labor, extensive pain, or a long pushing stage may not mean you need an intervention, but rather a chance to wiggle baby into a more optimal birthing position. Our Tips for Labor Progress page has some suggestions for action during labor in a variety of situations.
For example, your care provider may suggest breaking your bag of waters to “help speed things up.” True, your contractions may become stronger after an intervention like this, but first, you’ll want to find out what position baby is in. If baby needs to move into a more optimal position, Spinning Babies® believes in leaving the sac intact because it gives baby’s head more cushion to rotate if necessary.
In this situation, instead of speeding things up, perhaps you ask for more time. Connect with your partner and baby, and try some Spinning Babies® recommended maneuvers. Perhaps you take a nap and let your body rest. The only right way to do birth is the way you feel is most supportive to you and your baby.
As long as baby and the birthing person are healthy during labor, we believe in allowing time, movement, nutrition, and of course, lots of loving support from the partner, doula, and care providers. Doing your research in advance to choose care providers and a birthing location that supports this philosophy helps to decrease your chance of unnecessary interventions.
Decision-Making
Should an intervention be offered to you during labor, the most important part of your decision-making is to know your own mind and heart. Ask first, “Am I okay, and is baby okay?” If the answer is yes, then you have time to ask questions such as:
- What are the pros and cons (potential side effects) of the intervention?
- What can I expect next if I go forward with it, or if I decide to wait?
- What are the alternatives?
- Do you know what position my baby is in? (This can give you lots of information about what to do next!)
Now here’s the important part: What does your intuition say? Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to connect with baby. Reach beneath any fear and connect to your heart. There is no wrong decision about interventions as long as you and baby are safe and you feel fully informed, feel that your team has listened to your questions or concerns, and make a choice that feels authentic.
