7 Ways to Take Charge of Childbirth

When I gave birth to my first daughter, my labor and delivery was rough. Looking back I've realized that a lot of it could have been avoided if I had felt more in control. If I was allowed more control. I wasn't able to get out of bed for the first hour, which I later learned wasn't a rule, and caused me to labor 100% in bed due to how fast childbirth was for me. I was chastised for cursing. I never got an epidural because of how quick I labored and the supposed protocols that the nurses told me about before I could ask for one. And I never spoke up because I felt as if I was at the whims of all the nurses and wasn't allowed a voice. As I'm nearing the birth of my second daughter, I've starting to take charge of my labor and delivery. Childbirth will be different for me this time around. I've been researching, and asking friends their thoughts as well, and here are seven tips I've learned about to help me have a better childbirth experience. -By Tracy Brennan


MORE ON BABYZONE
5 things labor and delivery nurses wish you knew
16 tips for having a successful natural childbirth
10 CRAZY places women have given birth (surrounded by dolphins?!)