Childbirth is undoubtedly one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences in any woman’s life. But have you ever considered the different factors that can affect the ease and success of this all-so-important life event? In 2011, the Cochrane Collaboration, an international group of medical researchers, published their findings on this topic. The researchers assessed the effects on mothers and their newborn babies of providing continuous one-on-one support for women during childbirth. The study considered continuous support to be any assistance to the mother addressing physical comfort, emotional support, offering of information, helping the women communicate their wishes to caregivers, and engaging their partners. Results suggested that the women who were high in all of these factors were less likely to take anesthesia or give birth by cesarean, among many other positive results.
This research emphasizes the vast importance of addressing the mother’s unique needs and desires. Where do you want to give birth? Would you prefer to be at home or in a hospital? Do you wish to give birth naturally or would you rather receive an epidural? Will your partner be in the room with you? Etcetera. When it comes to one of the most important days in yours and your baby’s life, no detail is too small to consider. So, as your due date fast approaches, think about what it is that you want out of your birthing experience.