Questions or comments? Email me at Essential Birth Consulting or call 0400 418 448.
Excerpted from “Tricks of the Trade,” Midwifery Today, Issue 81
At birth:
Use low light
Do not disturb the mother with unnecessary interruptions. Limit talking
Have the mother choose the positions that are best for her
Make the mother central. Follow her lead and do what she needs or wants. Pay attention to her sounds, body language and expression to determine her needs.
Make sure the room is warm. If mom is comfortable she will birth more easily.
Comfort measures for the moms also help the baby. They are a unit.
This approach is very different to the philosophy and care that women receive in hospitals. I think the sort of care above has a lot to do with the inherent safety of home birth.
Melissa Maimann, Essential Birth Consulting 0400 418 448
