Natural Child Birth, How To Have A Safe And Comfortable Birth

We know that babies remember their birth. We also know that mothers remember the birth of each child and frequently wish the birth had been managed differently. What may not be so well known is the impact of the birth on the new or growing family. Issues such as post-natal depression, marital disharmony, and lack of ability to bond with the new baby are all more common after a birth that was not satisfying to the mother.

When parents confidently participate in all the decisions made during labour and delivery, they are far more likely to look back on the birth with no regrets. It may be that the parents will elect to have a managed birth directed by medical staff, and if that is their active choice, they may well be content with the outcome.

However, the administration of any drug brings with it the possibility of undesirable side effects. Pethidine, known as Meperidine in the United Sates, meptazinol, usually called Meptid, and Diamorphine are three systemic opioids commonly used for pain relief in labour. The side effects of these drugs may include nausea, vomiting and drowsiness in the mother, and depression of the baby's respiratory system. These side effects may impact on the baby's ability to feed after birth, as it is likely she will be sleepy.

Is it possible to use the body's own natural system of relaxation and pain relief? What is the cause of the pain and discomfort that women routinely experience during childbirth?

At the beginning of the 20th Century, an English doctor named Grantly Dick-Read began to answer these questions. As a result of close observations of women in labour he formulated the theory of "Fear - Tension -Pain - Syndrome." His primary premise was that fear causes tension within the body, particularly within the uterus, and that tension inhibits the natural birthing process, prolonging labour and causing pain.

His theories have subsequently been proven to be correct by the work of Marie Mongan, director of the HypnoBirthing Institute.

The system she has developed is a complete antenatal education that is now taught around the world, allowing parents to prepare for the safe and calm birth of their child. At all times during the Hypno Birthing course, and indeed during the Hypno Birth itself, the mother is awake and fully aware of what is happening.

It requires a degree of commitment from parents, as the course is taught over a series of five lessons of about two and a half hours each. Mothers and partners are taught the arts of relaxation and visualisation, techniques that are just as helpful after the birth as before, as shown in the following comments:

"HypnoBirthing showed us how to embrace labour with a positive mental attitude. The techniques helped me tremendously with my labour, and also caring for Noah after his arrival."

"My opinion of HypnoBirthing is very high, it kept me calm and focussed throughout my labour."

"HypnoBirthing techniques greatly aided my ability to deal with the situation."

It is important to find a qualified HypnoBirthing instructor, as this programme really is a complete antenatal education. It will lead to the most natural and pain free birth of which the mother's body is capable, and positive, satisfying birth memories.

Fathers and partners are fully involved, thus setting the scene for the development of a fully functioning, positive, family life after the baby is born.