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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Natural Childbirth in a Hospital
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Natural Childbirth in a Hospital
Growing Together
Life Learning Center
Life Learning Center
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Copyright © 2007
Felix Paulick and
Cia Gabriel
| Passion. Joy. Purpose. Energy. Growth. |
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Chapter By Chapter Outline
Page 3 of 3
PART III: BIRTH STORIES TO LEARN FROM
Nine: Vaginal Births
Each story will conclude with a list of three learning points and an analysis of key decision-making
moments.
Shannon was extremely well-prepared for both of her natural births. She gave birth in two very
different American hospitals. Her high level of preparation led to a deep belief that she could do it.
During her labor, she and her partner focused on achieving a natural birth, not on avoiding
medication. Despite considerable pressure from her obstetrician to succumb to medical
interventions, Shannon was able to hold fast to her vision and bring her nurses along with her.
LaKesha’s Story
LaKesha desired a natural birth, but her commitment was not complete. That lack of full
commitment, coupled with some other avoidable issues, led her to request an epidural at six
centimeters of dilation. The most crucial mistake LaKesha and her support team made was not
eating breakfast in early labor. After eighteen hours without food, her labor understandably stalled
at six centimeters. Another factor was that her husband and mother, who were both at the hospital,
were not fully supportive of natural birth.
Sabine’s Story
After a first birth that was disappointing and full of medical interventions, Sabine actively sought
information that would help her achieve a natural birth the second time around. She enrolled in an
intense childbirth preparation class and practiced deep relaxation exercises every day for several
months of her pregnancy. In the hospital, Sabine and her husband focused on deep relaxation and
exuded confidence to the staff. The staff continued to suggest medical interventions; however,
barring a real emergency, Sabine congenially remained “out of touch” in her relaxed state.
Kim’s Story
Kim’s story illustrates the importance of preparation, knowledge, and fear release. Kim was
confident about handling labor pain but quite scared of the pain of delivery. She assumed that the
pain of birthing her baby’s head was the worst pain of labor. Therefore, when she was nine
centimeters dilated, she accepted her nurse’s suggestion that she use an epidural. Afterward, she
discovered that pushing and birth are not usually worse than the pain of labor up to nine
centimeters. For future births, she plans to prepare more specifically for pushing naturally. She
regrets not having adequate emotional support in the room to counteract the nurse’s suggestion.
Ten: C- Sections
Shiho’s Story
Shiho has had two Cesarean Sections. Her stories are included to illustrate the experiences of
women committed to natural birth who end up with absolutely necessary medical interventions.
Shiho’s surgeries illustrate the difference between two kinds of C-Section experiences. In the first
case, Shiho felt ill-prepared and still questions whether her C-Section was absolutely necessary.
The second time around, she and her birth team were well-prepared for a natural labor. When
complications arose that led to a C-Section, Shiho felt confident that she had done everything that
was in her power to have a natural, vaginal birth. Though she is sad, she has found the second C-
Section easier to accept.
Eleven: Conclusion: Putting It All Together
This chapter reiterates the most important points of the book in concise form: 1. Write a birth plan,
2. Commit to the birth plan, 3. Create a supportive birth team, 4. Arrive at the hospital in active
labor, 5. Prepare for labor pain and labor plateaus, and 6. Prepare to handle well-meaning
suggestions of unnecessary medical intervention.
Resources
Book Home
Page 3 of 3
PART III: BIRTH STORIES TO LEARN FROM
Nine: Vaginal Births
Each story will conclude with a list of three learning points and an analysis of key decision-making
moments.
Shannon was extremely well-prepared for both of her natural births. She gave birth in two very
different American hospitals. Her high level of preparation led to a deep belief that she could do it.
During her labor, she and her partner focused on achieving a natural birth, not on avoiding
medication. Despite considerable pressure from her obstetrician to succumb to medical
interventions, Shannon was able to hold fast to her vision and bring her nurses along with her.
LaKesha’s Story
LaKesha desired a natural birth, but her commitment was not complete. That lack of full
commitment, coupled with some other avoidable issues, led her to request an epidural at six
centimeters of dilation. The most crucial mistake LaKesha and her support team made was not
eating breakfast in early labor. After eighteen hours without food, her labor understandably stalled
at six centimeters. Another factor was that her husband and mother, who were both at the hospital,
were not fully supportive of natural birth.
Sabine’s Story
After a first birth that was disappointing and full of medical interventions, Sabine actively sought
information that would help her achieve a natural birth the second time around. She enrolled in an
intense childbirth preparation class and practiced deep relaxation exercises every day for several
months of her pregnancy. In the hospital, Sabine and her husband focused on deep relaxation and
exuded confidence to the staff. The staff continued to suggest medical interventions; however,
barring a real emergency, Sabine congenially remained “out of touch” in her relaxed state.
Kim’s Story
Kim’s story illustrates the importance of preparation, knowledge, and fear release. Kim was
confident about handling labor pain but quite scared of the pain of delivery. She assumed that the
pain of birthing her baby’s head was the worst pain of labor. Therefore, when she was nine
centimeters dilated, she accepted her nurse’s suggestion that she use an epidural. Afterward, she
discovered that pushing and birth are not usually worse than the pain of labor up to nine
centimeters. For future births, she plans to prepare more specifically for pushing naturally. She
regrets not having adequate emotional support in the room to counteract the nurse’s suggestion.
Ten: C- Sections
Shiho’s Story
Shiho has had two Cesarean Sections. Her stories are included to illustrate the experiences of
women committed to natural birth who end up with absolutely necessary medical interventions.
Shiho’s surgeries illustrate the difference between two kinds of C-Section experiences. In the first
case, Shiho felt ill-prepared and still questions whether her C-Section was absolutely necessary.
The second time around, she and her birth team were well-prepared for a natural labor. When
complications arose that led to a C-Section, Shiho felt confident that she had done everything that
was in her power to have a natural, vaginal birth. Though she is sad, she has found the second C-
Section easier to accept.
Eleven: Conclusion: Putting It All Together
This chapter reiterates the most important points of the book in concise form: 1. Write a birth plan,
2. Commit to the birth plan, 3. Create a supportive birth team, 4. Arrive at the hospital in active
labor, 5. Prepare for labor pain and labor plateaus, and 6. Prepare to handle well-meaning
suggestions of unnecessary medical intervention.
Resources
Book Home