Four alternative ways to bring a child into the world

Giving birth is one of the most terrifying albeit magical experiences a mother will go through in her life. Especially for first time moms, the daunting task of “bringing a child into this world” is as exciting as it is scary. It’s what most call our initiation to motherhood, a sort of rite of passage that will usher a woman into a whole new world that’s previously unknown to her. The discomfort, excitement mixed with anxiety, and the labor pain as her body opens and gets ready to push out a human being is an apt prelude for her long journey ahead. With childbirth, she becomes a member of a group of women who give and give so much love for the precious little people in her life without asking for anything in return.

Childbirth signals the start of many sleepless nights, decades of sacrifice and hard work, and a lifetime of giving and receiving unconditional love. From this point on the game is on, so to speak, and it will go on until her last breath because from the moment you give birth you never really stop being a mother.

And just as there are many ways to raise a child, there are also many ways to birth one. Women these days are given various options that will help them prepare and go through labor depending on their preferences. In the Philippines while a vast majority still opts to give birth the usual way—lying on her back on a hospital bed with her legs spread wide apart, held in place by two metal bars while she’s aided by anesthesia—a growing number of women are turning to alternatives for their birthing experience. From giving birth in water to having her husband as her birth coach, there are many new techniques and methods that pregnant women and expectant couples can explore. There are those that help manage labor pain, and others than help ease her into the entire experience.

Many birthing classes are offered for soon-to-be moms all over the country and a few hospitals have even started upgrading their facilities to welcome these alternative ways of giving birth. Here are a few alternative birthing techniques and methods you can consider.

Hypnobirth

Hypnobirth is a birthing technique that involves a form of meditation that is meant to help ease the mother into a state of calm by dismissing negative thoughts about childbirth and instead replacing them with a positive understanding that the woman’s body is designed to handle this natural physiological function. HypnoBirthing International, for instance, uses a program of self-hypnosis and education that allows women “to dismiss fear-based stories, misinformation, and birthing myths as they are encouraged to see birth as something normal.” Women are taught to trust that nature had intended their bodies to give birth and they can do it in a calm and gentle way.

In the Philippines, expectant mothers can hire Certified Childbirth Doulas who can provide support for the mother before, during, and after birth. And while there are still no certified Hynobabies instructors in the country yet, according to Irina Otmakhova of Conscious Birth Manila, doulas like her can guide mothers through the HypnoBabies selfstudy course.

Irina of Conscious Birth Manila is a Certified Childbirth Doula who can provide doula support in English, Russian, Dutch, and Spanish. She has been accompanying mothers during child birth since 2013. www. consciousbirthmanila.com.

Water Birth

This is, simply put, giving birth in water. The mother is partially submerged, from her waist down, in warm water in a small pool throughout her labor until the baby’s delivery. It can be done in a hospital, a birthing center, and even at home. The mother is assisted by a doctor, a midwife, and other professionals.

Supporters of this birthing method believe that the relaxing and soothing effects of water can help ease the mother through the process of childbirth and speed up labor. Since the mother can freely move around to assume a position that will make her feel more comfortable, compared to being stuck on her back in bed, the mother will feel that she is more in control of the whole process, which can therefore ease her anxiety. In addition to this, water makes the perineum soft and more elastic, thereby reducing the chances of tearing.

In the country, so many women are opting to do water birth that two major hospitals have included water birth facilities to cater to moms who want to try this in the comfort and safety of a major hospital. St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City Taguig has two beautiful and spacious water birthing suites that feature a cozy room and a big tub. Makati Medical Center, on the other hand, has recently transformed one birthing suite into a water birthing facility that comfortably fits the mom and up to three birthing companions. It’s spacious, clean, and cozy.

Bradley Method

The Bradley Method is a natural birthing method developed by an American obstetrician in the late ’40s. Also known as the husband-coached method it uses the help of a coach (often the husband) or an advocate and a few natural pain-reducing techniques that help the mother deliver the baby without the use of pain-numbing drugs. Like Hypnobirth, the Bradley Method views childbirth as a natural process and shows that, with proper education and preparation, the mother will have increased self-awareness and be in tune with her body as she goes through labor. The focus is on the participation of a coach or the woman’s husband—which is what makes it different from hypnobirth—and on nutrition, exercise, and proper education about pregnancy and labor.

For women living in the Philippines there are numerous birthing classes by childbirth doulas and educators that expectant couples can attend. One of the most notable ones is childbirth educator and doula Chiqui Brosas, who has been helping couples since 1990. Chiqui, who received her certification from the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth or the Bradley Method in 1997, is considered one of the country’s pioneers in offering childbirth classes in the Philippines. chiquibrosas. blogspot.com.

Lamaze Method

Developed by French obstetrician Ferdinand Lamaze, the lamaze method is one of the world’s most popular birthing courses taken by expectant mothers around the world. In its infancy, the method made use of breathing techniques to manage labor pain and induce labor. But throughout the years, it has evolved to include various other techniques to make childbirth free from the usual medical intervention. According to Lamaze International, the goal of the practice is to give back women’s confidence in giving birth. The techniques teach women to manage pain naturally, to “facilitate labor and increase comfort” without the use of pain medications.

The course consists of several classes where women are taught breathing and stretching exercises to help ease pain and discomfort throughout the various stages of labor, as well as speed up the process. In the Philippines, one of the most popular ones are Lamaze classes conducted by Rose Kanapi, a certified childbirth educator under the Philippine Association for Childbirth Education (PACE). Her classes are often held at the Ateneo de Manila and at Forbes Park in Makati. 02 436-1757 or 0917-541-5114.

The decision to go through childbirth the usual way or opt for an alternative will all depend on you, your preferences, and your condition. Remember that what might have worked for some might not really work for others, so it’s important to do research and consult your doctor before deciding on a birthing method or technique for you and your baby. If you're one of those soon-to-be moms who are feeling anxious as the birth nears, remember that your body is strong and you are strong just like the millions of other women who have been doing this for thousands of years.