How does Environment support birth?
The lowdown:
The birth environment can support or hinder physiologic birth. ...
Nurses can support physiologic birth in different environments by ensuring a calm environment that helps reduce stress hormones known to slow labor.v
Environment is one of the most important things during our labour yet we tend to forget, we can choose and have exactly what we want!
The environment you're in, can be the thing that drives or halts your labour, so let's start talking about what f*** we want!
The Research:
An overwhelming 94% thought that the physical environment affects how easy or difficult it is to give birth, with half agreeing strongly that the birth environment makes a difference (48%).
Women were asked to explain why they felt that the physical environment was important. Many women suggested that positive aspects of the birth environment are associated with positive outcomes.
The Pro’s:
fewer medical interventions
greater maternal satisfaction with care
can be controlled in all birthing environments
The Con’s:
Women also suggested that negative aspects of the birth environment might lead to poorer outcomes. Less control in certain environments i.e. theatre room.
The How:
Prepare and plan, to make the perfect environment for you and your baby, whether thats at:
Home
Birth Centre
Maternity Lead Unit
Labour ward
Wherever the f*** you like
Must be:
dark
quiet
warm
safe
private