Durban - Although the rate of Caesarean sections continues to increase across the globe, natural childbirth has become trendy among supermodels and celebrities.
Models Gisele Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, Miranda Kerr, Christy Turlington-Burns and celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Kourtney Kardashian and even Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, are all said to have given birth naturally. Among the world’s sexiest women, they are creating a childbirth narrative in\[eugene.abrahams\] stark contrast to those images of women shrieking in agony portrayed on the big and small screen.
Some of them have described the experience as “zen” or like “meditation”.
Could it be that giving birth naturally is pleasant and joyous? Leading South African childbirth educator Irene Bourquin thinks so.
The author of the Practical Pregnancy, Birth And Early Parenting Guide, published by Pearson, says: “If you consider how a baby is made, then you must concede that its birth is a culmination of that sensual bond between husband and wife.”
She adds: “A natural childbirth is empowering and while powerful celebrities are driving a trend for women to reclaim their inherent talent to birth a child, it is backed by research that shows the best possible birth to be a natural, family-centred birth.
“It gives the experience back to women and their partners and uses the hospital as a safety net.
“To achieve this we need to reframe the maternity ward experience and allow the couple to enjoy the arrival of a new addition to their family.
“First, you need not rush off to the hospital the moment you are in labour. You could ease into your contractions at home by soaking in a warm tub, lighting some candles and savouring the sensual experience.
“If you feel safer in hospital, there is no reason why you can’t get into a bath or shower in your room and have your partner there to help.
“Too often, we hand ourselves over to nurses and midwives and in the process the hospital takes over and the partner is sidelined. It’s important to remember that he is the one who knows the mother best and can best provide emotional and physical support. Whether it’s a foot massage or holding her hand, he should be involved.”
Bourquin adds: “I’ve found that doulas are great for dads, who often feel disenfranchised at the birth.”
A doula is a woman trained to provide non-medical support throughout a pregnancy and birth. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience on all aspects, from where and how you give birth to recovering, breast-feeding and caring for your newborn.
They don’t have the medical training midwives have, but they are primarily trained to give emotional and physical support to the couple.
Lynne Bluff, a midwife, nursing sister and head of the Childbirth Educator’s Professional Forum, says there are many practical tips and techniques that can help create a pleasant birthing experience, “such as breathing, relaxation, positions, massage and visualisation”.
“People are prone to share their birthing stories with you; you may read varying information online or your doctor may share his viewpoint. Seek out unbiased, accurate information and make up up your own mind.”
To find out more about doulas, see www.wombs.org.za or e-mail info@wombs.org.za.
Omeshnie Naidoo, Daily News