They say that knowledge is power. I’m not sure who “they” is but, just the same. So why is it that, with certain things, like doctors, we just take what we’re told to be fact? Most people I know research big purchases before they make them, like cars, computers, houses. If someone told you that the foundation of the house they’re selling is sturdy, would you just take their word or would you have it checked out – research it a bit for yourself? Why don’t we do the same when it comes to our doctors, to giving birth, to the most important decisions of our lives?
We all know there are certain “no-nos” during pregnancy: drinking, smoking, drugs (although these should perhaps be on the no-no list all of the time?). I think most people would at least think twice before going sky-diving or skiing while carrying a giant bowling bowl in their abdomen. But what about medications, pain interventions, birthing options?
When I got past the excitement of teeny-tiny shoes and onesies and I thought about the actual process of giving birth, my first thought was, I assume, similar to many women’s –epidural! With scoliosis, I didn’t know if that would actually be a possibility (sometimes they don’t take or numb only one side of the body, etc.) and I began vigorously researching this and talking to my doctor about getting an anesthesia consult. Then, I did some more research on epidurals only, this time, I wasn’t researching the likelihood of one working on me. I was researching what’s actually in them and what effect they can have on my child.
I learned that epidurals make you feel so good because, well, they’re drugging you. Now, that may seem like a pretty “duh” thing to say. But I suppose I just never really looked at it that way before. According to the Physicians Desk Reference, “Local Anesthetics rapidly cross the placenta and when used for epidural, paracervical, pudendal or caudal block anesthesia, can cause varying degrees of maternal, fetal and neonatal toxicity.” What a minute! My doctor never told me that!!! And so began my research into many other interventions.
My doctor constantly tells me to stop watching the baby shows on TLC. You know, Baby’s First Day, A Baby Story, etc. Naturally, they show extreme situations otherwise, they wouldn’t be all that entertaining. But, I have always been the kind of person who likes to prepare myself for all situations. Prepared for the worst case scenario, I should be able to handle anything that comes along. These shows mention Pitocin pretty frequently, in fact, I think on about every episode. Pitocin is a drug that’s used to either induce labor or speed up labor in certain situations. Seeing as induction is sometimes necessary (doctors don’t let you go past 42 weeks due to a decrease in the functioning of the placenta and an increase in the risk of meconium) I thought to ask about this means of intervention at our last doctor’s visit. My doctor’s response? Pitocin is something your body produces naturally so it’s perfectly safe. Sometimes your body just isn’t producing enough and so they provide additional Pitocin by means of IV. Okay, sounds good, right?
The problem is that what pregnant women receive in their IV’s is actually a synthetic form of what our bodies produce naturally and there is nothing natural about it at all. The bodies natural hormone is secreted in bursts, causing spaced-out contractions. When given through an IV, Pitocin is received in a steady flow. So, what’s the big deal? The big deal is that this causes contractions to be stronger and closer together. During contractions, there is a major decrease in uterine blood flow aka the amount of oxygen reaching the baby. With normal contractions, there is enough time in between for the baby to recover. However, with Pitocin induced contractions, they come on too strong and too fast most of the time, making it difficult for the baby to recover their oxygen between contractions. This can and often does result in fetal distress, making an otherwise unnecessary c-section suddenly an emergency situation. Pitocin can also cause premature separation of the placenta, rupture of the uterus, postbirth hemorrhage, fetal asphyxia, neonatal hypoxia, physical injury and prematurity (if the due date is not accurate). There is also research showing that Pitocin is linked to disorders on the autism spectrum. I guess my doctor, and many others, aren’t quite up on their reading?
It can be a vicious cycle, one that starts with an epidural, which often slows down and eases up contractions. This can create the need for Pitocin which may result in the need for a c-section due to fetal distress. Or, in situations where induction is necessary due to being past the due date or for other medical reasons, the cycle may start with Pitocin. Which increases the pain from the contractions (they’re stronger, remember), resulting in an epidural when previously unwanted.
To be fair, there are absolutely times where medical interventions are absolutely necessary and I’m so thankful that these options exist for the safety and well-being of delivering women everywhere. Let me say that I do not begrudge any woman’s right to the birthing plan of her choice, including epidurals or other medicinal pain management. Every woman and every pregnancy is different and, for all I know, when I’m actually in that situation two months from now, I may be screaming for someone to just “give me the f’n drugs already!!!!” I like to think I have a decent pain tolerance but, then again, I’ve never had a human being coming out of my body before. Either way, I’m thankful that women have these options and the right to make these choices when it comes to their bodies. I just think that those choices should come with the responsibility of fully researching the options and their possible impacts on both mothers and their children.
After my own research, I have made drastic changes to my own birthing plan which, let’s be honest, is really just a wish list. When the time comes, BB will be the one calling the shots that day. It’s the first time as mothers we are called on to let go and trust our children to know the right thing to do. I trust BB, he/she has a smart mama. All the same, having a plan is something that makes me feel more prepared for the big moment. And boy, has my plan changed. I went from freaking out that an epidural might not work on me to not wanting one at all. My plan? A natural birth.
I want to know that, not only is my baby drug free at birth but that I am too; that I’m not too loopy to hold my baby or to remember that very first contact. There’s a lot of documentation about women who give birth naturally being able to breast feed more quickly, to actually walk to their room rather than being wheeled in, etc. There is also research about babies being born with healthier coloring (no blue Smurf look at birth) and I find it all fascinating and worth reading up on at the very least. I do not want to be held back by IV’s, especially if I’m not receiving any medications through them. It always amazes me how, anytime you’re in an ER or hospital for any reason, they immediately hook you up to an IV. Most often, if you ask, they will tell you that it’s a precautionary measure, so that if they do end up needing to medicate, they are one step ahead of the game. This is something I routinely refuse. If I wind up needing medication, then you can stick me with an IV. Until then, please leave my skin and veins in tact, thank you very much.
During labor, IV’s are very restrictive and make the possibility of natural childbirth much less likely. They can restrict a woman to the labor and delivery bed, with other monitors, etc. hooked up. What’s amazing to me to learn is that there are indeed alternatives. As in any other time, women have the right to refuse a precautionary IV during labor. Which leaves them free to walk (one of the most recommended ways to speed up labor), use a balance ball, squat (also recommended for speeding up labor), bathe, eat, drink, etc. The list goes on and on. Our bodies were designed to birth babies after all. We just need to know what we’re doing to help them along.
I will soon be starting my Bradley Classes although I have already been reading the books, practicing my exercises, ensuring proper sleeping position etc. etc. I’m hopeful that, with proper breathing techniques, positioning, exercising and of course, CC’s support, that this whole natural birthing thing will be a reality. Of course, I am prepared for the possibility that I may wind up needing every single intervention that I’m not interested in having. But, at least I know the pros and cons, the risks and benefits and how to determine if the doctors and nurses are making a decision because it’s medically necessary or because they want to get home to watch their favorite show. And I know that I have the option to say no and that, whatever spur of the moment decisions arise that day and need to be made right away, I will at least be making them intelligently, backed with the knowledge of all of my research.
Whether women choose Bradley, Lamaze, natural birth, c-sections, epidurals, etc, it is a personal choice every woman can and must make for herself, hopefully with the input and support of her partner. Just remember that these choices are going to be with you much longer than that new car you’re thinking about buying. A little research and arming your mommy arsenal with knowledge can be a powerful thing.
** To anyone considering natural childbirth or just looking to learn more, I highly recommend Husband-Coached Childbirth by Robert A. Bradley, M.D. **
My Journey Through Mommyville 