Giving birth

Giving birth is indeed a strange and wonderful thing. It is a very natural event and should not be considered an ‘illness’ though you may need medication or surgery in some instances.

Still, with all the knowledge doctors, midwives and nurses have about pregnancy and birth, every mother and every child is different. Every pregnancy is different and every labor and delivery is different.

No matter how much research you do and no matter how much you want to control your pregnancy and delivery, your baby always seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to how it will develop and when it will make its appearance.

Many new mothers look back on their pregnancy and delivery and wonder if they could have done something differently.

Should you have chosen a different OB/GYN doctor, pediatrician or hospital? Did you go to the hospital in time? Should you have decided to breast feed instead of using a bottle? Hindsight may be 20/20 but you should understand that pregnancy and delivery are probably the last things you should try to control in your life.

You can and should take good care of yourself and your baby, but there is a lot left to nature in this process.

Birth is a profound and mysterious process and no matter how good your medical care, no matter how careful you are, in the end, it is up to nature to do its job. If you find yourself worrying over these things after your baby is born, talk to your doctor and your family about what you are feeling.

Remember that it is normal to want to do the best you can for your child and you are likely to be your own harshest judge.

Put things in perspective!

For much of our societal history babies were born at home, or even in fields or by the side of the road. And we managed to deliver healthy children who lived to a ripe old age.

Today, 97% of our babies are delivered in hospitals by OB/GYN doctors.

The best advice we can give you for your pregnancy AND post partum time after you bring your baby home is to be flexible and calm.

Don’t be too quick to panic or become concerned, but be sensitive to the changes in your body and talk to your doctor if you are worried about any symptom or issue.
Give your baby the best chance at starting life healthy by eating right, exercising and making any necessary life style changes.

We haven’t had any time to talk about work or travel, but be smart when you consider how long you will continue to work or when/if you are going to travel in late pregnancy.

Don’t push yourself, especially if the job you have is risky or strenuous. On average you have an EXCELLENT chance of delivery a healthy, happy baby so enjoy your pregnancy and get all the rest you can.

You will need it after that little bundle of joy enters your life!

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