How to avoid Cesarean by giving labor a chance

The truth is, many cesareans can be avoided if you just give your body a chance to work with labor. With a normal birth, there is no rush. As long as you and baby are healthy, time should not be a factor. Let your body work and do what it knows to do. Here are ways to avoid a cesarean.

Instructions

1. Avoid elective induction of labor. Most research shows that having an elective induction increases your risk for cesarean by 50 percent. Electing to have a cesarean because you are uncomfortable, you want the baby out by the weekend to show off to company, or because it is someone's birthday are not good reasons to have major surgery.
   
   
2. Avoid pain medications in early labor. Getting an epidural in early labor may contribute to contractions slowing down progress (dilation, effacement and station) and mocking the pattern. Try natural methods like walking, rocking, hydrotherapy and position changes to cope with the discomfort in early labor.
   
   
3. Stay active during labor for as long as possible. This doesn't mean that you can't take breaks, but you should be moving around and changing positions. Changing positions in labor, even using hydrotherapy, allows your body and baby to work together. Movement in labor makes it easier for your baby to move and find her way into the pelvis easier. Movements like hip circling and swaying can be really beneficial.
   
4. 4
   Change positions even with an epidural. If you have an epidural, you can still move. While it isn't safe to get out of the bed, you can still spend some time on each side. This is considered secondary movement. The smallest of movements can still assist the baby in navigating her way through the pelvis.
   
   
5. Empty your bladder. A full bladder can actually impede the head from coming down like it should. Even if you don't feel like you have to urinate, you should try at least once an hour. If you have an epidural, you will probably have a urinary catheter, so your bladder should stay empty.
   
6. 6
   Relax. As hard as it may seem to do this, try. Keep your jawbone loose. It has been said that an open jaw has a direct connection to an open cervix. Use comfort measures on your own or with a partner to relax into the contractions. You can use imagery, guided scripts, position changes or a birthing tub.
   
   
7. Sleep. If you can manage to drift off between your contractions, and many women do, this will provide a wonderful advantage. Getting rest, even if it is just for a few minutes, will help keep your energy throughout labor.
   
   
8. Listen to encouragement. It is a good idea to have people with you during your journey for physical and emotional support. Believe them when they say that you can do this. Labor is in some form, mind over matter. Yes, it is certainly a challenge, but your body will react how your mind tells it to.
   
   
9. Hire a doula. A doula is a professional person who gives you complete emotional, physical and educational support. She is familiar with natural birthing techniques and the normalcy of labor and birth. She can familiarize you with the risks and benefits of different procedures throughout your labor, and can offer ideas and measures that you can try to eliminate your discomfort. Doulas support Dad, too, so that he can be where you need him to be while your other needs are being met.
   
   
10. Push with your body's natural urge. Instead of purple pushing (holding your breath and pushing down), follow your body' s urge to push. If you are going natural, this will be easier than an epidural, because you will feel the urge.
    
    If you've had an epidural, ask the doctor to turn down your dosage once you are complete. As the feeling starts coming back, you will be able to feel how and when to push.