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Childbirth Self-Education
The idea of childbirth can be frightening to someone who is pregnant for the first time. A pregnancy typically takes between 38 and 42 weeks and while many say that most first timers tend to have their babies past their due date, anything can happen so it's best to be prepared for childbirth. Modern science can give women many advantages over their ancestors with respect to having a baby and many women take advantage of these options. Don't spend your 38 to 42 weeks worrying about childbirth; instead do your best to educate yourself on the process and on how to care for your child once it is born.
Many hospitals and communities offer classes to help for childbirth preparation in the third trimester but you can find a wealth of information in your local library as well as online. Every woman's childbirth experience is different regardless of preparation but preparation can bring you knowledge and power. Despite the fact that people will tell you that women have been having babies since the dawning of man, this is little consolation to most women. The fear of the unknown is frightening but knowledge can bring you at least a small sense of control over your situation. Many women take part in their birthing plan and tell their doctor or midwife how they would like to proceed with the birth of their baby if all goes well. While complications can sometimes limit your choices with childbirth, you can explore various options for your birth plan.
Taking childbirth education classes, Lamaze classes, hiring a doula and reading information can all help to prepare you for childbirth. While the idea of childbirth and labor can be frightening for a first-time mother, the end result will be all worth it. When you hold your new baby in your arms, any pain or discomfort will likely be a distant memory.
Learning all you can about the process of labor and delivery can help you to prepare for childbirth and many women find that a Lamaze or childbirth class will ease their mind by helping them know what to prepare for. Having a childbirth coach such as your spouse, significant other or even just a close friend can help you immensely throughout the process.
While some women elect to have natural childbirth, others opt for a water birth or home birth. The common denominator is that each labor and delivery experience will be different. While you may have a pre conceived notion about the type of experience you would like to have for the birth of your children, many factors and variables could impact that. The end result is the most important part of all of this and the birth of your baby will make it all worthwhile.