Labor & Delivery Interventions: Are They Good or Bad?

When preparing for Childbirth, it’s unfortunate that part of that planning is also learning how to advocate for yourself. ESPECIALLY when it feels like your doctor makes all the decisions because, “they know best”, right? Well, sometimes unnecessary L&D Interventions cause adverse outcomes!

Well, studies have shown that sometimes, labor and delivery interventions can cause more harm than good.

The midwifery model of care believes fewer interventions are best for positive birth outcomes, and from what I’ve personally witnessed; I agree!

However, there are situations where interventions are necessary for your safety, and the safety of your baby. So, how do we know for sure when something is necessary and how can we avoid them, when they’re not? If your goal is to have a “natural” birth in a hospital, this is important to know!

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When Are L&D Interventions Necessary?

Let’s with when it’s time to bust out the medical toolbox during your birth:

• Monitoring: Picture this – your little one’s heartbeats dancing to the rhythm of life. Continuous fetal monitoring helps keep tabs on those beats, making sure everything’s groovy during labor. This is necessary if you or your baby have a condition that causes your pregnancy to be “high-risk”.
• Labor Lending a Hand: Sometimes, our bodies need a little nudge to get the party started or pick up the pace. That’s where induction or augmentation of labor is necessary. But if you are considered “low-risk”, going to 42 weeks is totally safe. If your provider seems a bit pushy about an induction, just know that you are the boss and can absolutely decline!
• Pain-Relief Power-Ups: The Epidural, the most infamous intervention. When labor pains turn into the ultimate boss battle, this superhero swoops in to offer relief and help you conquer the final level of childbirth. If you’ve had a long labor and you get to a point of suffering, this tool could help you and your body rest and relax. Yes, it can stall your labor which introduces Pitocin into the situation a lot of times. But it’s also known to speed things up, if you aren’t progressing due to stress and pain!
• C-Section: In the realm of emergency situations, a cesarean section might be the hero we need. It’s like the emergency exit, ensuring a safe arrival for both mom and baby. “Non-emergent Unplanned Cesarean” is actually the most common though, so it’s important to ask questions!

When Are L&D Interventions Harmful?

Now, let’s talk about the dark side of the force – when interventions might throw a wrench in our birthing plans:

• Cesarean Complications: Too many interventions can sometimes lead us down the path of the dreaded C-section. It’s like falling into a trapdoor you didn’t even know was there, with risks and a longer recovery time lurking below.
• Labor Disruption Drama: Some interventions can be like that overly enthusiastic friend who accidentally crashes the party. Continuous monitoring or artificial rupture of membranes might mess with the natural flow of things, disrupting the birthing vibes that cause that Cascade of Interventions
• Breastfeeding Battles: Be aware that pain management like the Epidural or IV meds have a bit of a downside! They can sometimes put a damper on the newborn’s breastfeeding skills, making the latch game a bit more challenging in the early days.
• Emotional Rollercoaster: Unexpected interventions can leave us feeling like we’ve been tossed around in a tornado. It’s okay to feel disappointed or even a little shaken up, but remember, you’re the hero of this story! It’s best to know the common interventions, what they’re for and how to make decisions about them to avoid feeling this way.

Common Medical Interventions:

• Vaginal Exams / Cervical Check
• Membrane Sweeps
• Continuous Monitoring
• Balloon Catheter
• IVs (for fluids, IV meds, Pitocin, etc)
• Pitocin (synthetic Oxytocin)
• AROM (Artificial Rupture Of Membranes, AKA Breaking Your Water)
• Epidural
• Forceps / Vacuum
• Episiotomy (not so common anymore, but some providers still do them.)
• Cesarean

Making Informed Decisions with Your Birth Team:

I want you to remember to use your BRAIN!

B – Benefits

R – Risks

A – Alternatives

I – Intuition

N- No / Not Right Now

• Knowledge is Power: Arm yourself with information! Dive into childbirth education classes, scour the internet for reputable sources, and be ready to discuss all the options with your squad.
• Craft Your Birth Plan: Think of it as your birthing battle blueprint. Lay out your preferences, including your stance on interventions, and share it with your healthcare provider for a united front.

Download My Free Birth Plan Template

Start preparing for you Dream Birth by printing this template, fill it out and take it with you!

• Choose Your Squad Wisely: Surround yourself with a birth team that’s got your back like a trusty sidekick. They should respect your wishes, listen to your concerns, and cheer you on every step of the way.
• Speak Up, Superstar: You’re the boss, so don’t be afraid to use your voice! If something doesn’t feel right or you have questions, your squad is there to help you navigate through the twists and turns.

Remember that childbirth is like your very own saga, complete with plot twists and unexpected turns! By arming yourself with knowledge, crafting a solid birth plan, assembling your dream team, and speaking up when needed, you’ll be ready to conquer whatever challenges come your way.

Sending love and positive energy for your birth!

Education & Empowerment Childbirth Course

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