Hey there mama-to-be! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all
the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don’t worry, as Knoxville baby photographer, I’ve got you!

Here are 10 things your doctor probably didn’t tell you about giving birth that
will help you feel more prepared and in control.

(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the
next appointment!)

1. Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor, but they are not the
only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, spinal
blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and
massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of
pain relief.

2. You don’t have to give birth in the hospital.

Giving birth at home or in a birth center can provide a more relaxed and
intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control
over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience.
This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes
compared to hospital births.

Question for your doctor: Would he/she support you and work with a home
birth midwife if you decided to go this route?

3. You can bring your own music or
sounds to the delivery room.

You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.
Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a
calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own
playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus
during labor.

Question for your doctor: Can I bring music to the birthing room?

4. Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.
Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also
allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down
the birth canal. Birthing pools can also provide a sense of privacy and
intimacy during labor. As a Knoxville baby photographer, I have been told, if you are in a hospital setting, you can ask for a warm compress and this can help loosen and stretch your skin for delivery.

Question for your doctor: Are there birth pools at the hospital or another way I
can use water to relax?

5. You will probably poop during labor (and that’s okay!).

I know this may seem so embarrassing to think about, but trust me It’s a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Good nurses will never let you now that this even happened, Don’t let this concern hold you back, it’s nothing to be
embarrassed about. You are about to meet your precious baby and that all that matters and will be thinking about 🙂

6. Birthing positions & breathing techniques – there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process
easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even
lying down. Experiment with different positions to and what feels most
comfortable for you. When having an epidural many of these positions are not possible and you will have your nurse to help move you legs to keep labor progressing.

Breathing techniques that a lot of my clients or myself used during labor is called box breathing or 4-4-4-4. This is when you breath in for 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds, breathe out 4 seconds, and then hold again 4 seconds and repeat. This allows you ton concentrate on your breaths and staying calm.

Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth
my baby?

7. Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth

A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to
a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum
period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional
support, and advocate for your wishes during birth.

As a Knoxville baby photographer, I want to share some doulas in the Knoxville area: Memmy’s Mommas, Scruffy City Doula, and Roots and Wings Midwifery

Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you
recommend?

8. You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It’s important to
listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make
sure you are well hydrated and nourished. Some light snacks that will help boost your energy during labor are: honey sticks, travel packs of peanut butter, hard candy, and apple sauce pouches.

Question: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in
labor?

9. The power of the mind – visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and
meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help
to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor
more manageable.

Question: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?

10. You can bring your oil diffuser and scents to the delivery room.

This was such a game changer for my own hospital birth. I am a big advocate for making my space comfortable and especially more so in a hospital setting. I absolutely loved having a diffuser with a soft light and the scent I chose was Young Living Gentle Baby . This helped me feel calm and relaxed and set a cozy environment for my room.

Question for your doctor: Can I bring an oil diffuser to the birthing room?

So, there you have it, mama. You’re armed with some new information that
will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!

Click here to see more images by Jessica Malin Knoxville baby photographer