Posts Tagged ‘Home Birth’

1. Explore your options. Did you know that in Alaska you have the choice of using a midwife in the hospital, a free-standing birth center, an O.B. in the hospital or even a home birth?  Did you know that Denali Kid Care (Medicaid) will pay for a birthing center or home birth?  Most people are surprised to hear that there are 7 free-standing birthing centers in Alaska.  Some communities in Alaska have a wide variety of birth options while others have very limited care.  Are there doulas available where you are giving birth?  Take time to research all of your options!
2. Choose your provider wisely. Did you hand pick your provider or is it someone off of a list or a referral from the local clinic?   Did you know that your birth outcome and experience will largely depend on your specific provider and location?  If you choose a high intervention O.B. you are at much higher risk of a complicated or surgical birth.  If you hire a low intervention O.B., general practitioner, or midwife, you will have a much better chance of having a normal birth.  Consider asking your provider our “10 Questions to Ask”.  Keep in mind that you can change providers at any time during your pregnancy if you are not happy with the answers they give you.
3. Take a class. If possible, take an independent childbirth class and a breastfeeding class as well.  If they are not offered in your community, look for some online childbirth classes or look for online videos.  If you are traveling away from your village or small town to give birth, consider taking a condensed childbirth class when you arrive to the city.
4. These memories will last a lifetime. Women remember their birth stories long into old age in vivid detail.  Don’t underestimate the importance of this event.  A healthy, empowering birth will give you confidence in mothering and give you and your baby a great start together.  A traumatic birth can wreck havoc on your marriage, your health, and your confidence in parenting.   Drugs in labor make breastfeeding difficult and can lead to complications in future pregnancies.   It really matters, so take the time get the birth you and your baby deserve.
5. Hire a doula. Doctors, nurses, and midwives don’t have the time to give you all the support you need in labor.  A doula is a labor support professional that gives you emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your labor, start to finish.   Women who hire doulas enjoy shorter labors, experience less pain, end up with less surgical births, and have more success in early parenting and breastfeeding.   You usually have to pay out of pocket for their services, but most parents agree that having a professional stay by their side the entire time was “priceless.”
6. Relax, and know that birth is a normal event. Our elder Native Alaskans know that birth is a normal event, not a medical emergency.  95% of births can happen spontaneously and safely without any drugs, machinery or interventions.  Things that will help your body get ready are good nutrition, plenty of rest, and gentle exercise.  For your mind and spirit, many woman prepare by deep breathing, relaxation, praying, hypnosis, or visualization.  Practice whatever works with your spiritual and cultural traditions.  Your body was made to give birth and yes, you can do it!

We encourage you to read and explore the site to find the providers and options that are best for you.  Please contact us for more detailed info or to ask any questions.  We are glad you found us!