Recommendations for Natural Childbirthing Education/Guidance

[Anonymous]

I'm 43 and reasonably high-risk, so will be having a hospital delivery, but my doctor tells me she's willing to go along with a natural child birth if everything looks OK. I'm considering switching to a midwife practice, but none currently practice out of Sibley, which is my preferred hospital. Any recommendations for pretty detailed couples childbirthing classes which we can start taking now to understand the breathing, stretches, other exercises I should be doing to prepare for--and maximize the chances--of a natural delivery? And any recommendations for doulas who work well with Doctors, not just midwives?

[Anonymous]

Susan Messina teaches a Birth Works series out of her home near Sibley (Palisades area). She's terrific! http://www.susanmessina.com/

The Bradley method is very pro-natural childbirth. We decided not to go that route, but Susan Gunn teaches in DC (Adams Morgan and Capitol Hill). http://www.bradleybirth.com/ndweb.asp?ID=G322

And many doulas work primarily with OBs. We used (and LOVED) Heather Wilson, who's been recommended on DCUM many times. www.heatherwilsondoula.com

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendation for Susan Messina. In addition to being a fabulous teacher, her approach to birth is supportive, informative, uplifting and realistic. Her website has recommendations for doulas.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Susan Messina! Her classes are wonderful, I wasn't really sure if I wanted to have an unmedicated birth, and didn't end up having one, but I loved her classes and found her to be completely supportive of whatever decision people made. I thought the discussions we had in the class were invaluable in helping us prepare for birth and parenting.

[Anonymous]

I recommend reading Ina May Gaskin's books on birth/midwifery - they are very empowering. Also, keep in mind that not all midwives are equal, just as not all OB's are equal. So I would advise picking your provider based on your comfort with their perspective on the risks/benefits of unmedicated birth and/or vaginal birth over erring heavily on the side of "risk" aversion and medical intervention - rather than just provider type.

I was 41 and gave birth with a midwife in a L&D room of a major NYC hospital (induced but vaginal). GL to you!

[Anonymous]

We really liked Mary Lou Tietz, with Lamaze.
http://www.beachbirthclass.com/bethany-beach-lamaze-my-profile.htm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We really liked Mary Lou Tietz, with Lamaze.
http://www.beachbirthclass.com/bethany-beach-lamaze-my-profile.htm

Does modern Lamaze really prepare you for natural childbirth? I've heard mixed things.

[Anonymous]

The best way to get a natural childbirth is to find a provider who truly supports it on a philosophical level, AND knows how to support it on a physical level. There are VERY few OB's who meet this critera in this area. They might say "sure, you can have whatever kind of birth you want as long as everything goes well" but they don't have the slightest idea *how* to help you actually accomplish it.

If you are absolutely commited to delivering at Sibley, you could try calling Dr. Brendan Burke, or Dr.'s Sanders and Schlaffel. They have a reasonably good reputation for natural childbirth I think. If you are willing to look beyond Sibley, which I would strongly encourage you to do, I would highly recommend Washington Hospital Center with the DC Birth Center midwives. They are usually able to handle some types of high risk situations, especially if the mother is planning a hospital delivery. (You didn't specify why you are high risk, but if it is mostly because of age then that won't be a problem at all). These midwives would be 100% committed to helping you acheive your natural childbirth. If you go with midwives, the type of birth class you take and the doula you hire is far less important. If you don't go with midwives, definitely take a Bradley Method class and get an experienced doula. Bradley helps you prepare for natural childbirth, as well as helps you navigate the conversations, restrictions, and choices that you will face with most OB's. Also, most any experienced doula in this area will have worked a lot with OB's. Just start calling and asking them questions to find the right fit for you.