With the information highway expanding more and more everyday, we as consumers need to discern legitimate information sorted out from all the other “stuff” that’s presented.
With childbirth, everyone and their brother will tell you lovely tidbits of information that happened to their wife or whoever and even that, you need to take with a grain of salt. There are just too many stereotypes to pregnancy and every woman is different. With my first pregnancy, I loved being asked “are you learning how to breathe” in regards to childbirth classes. Now on my third pregnancy, I still get comments like “oh, you get to eat anything you want now”.
There are so many websites regarding childbirth and natural childbirth but as with choosing your own birth plan, you also have to choose which sources are presenting you correct information. Be a good consumer and do the necessary research. Educate yourself and then you won’t just have take someone else’s word on it. This includes, questioning doctors as to why they are suggesting a route for your care.
The similar goes to attending childbirth classes. Make sure (especially if you are paying) that the teacher for your class(es) is certified by an organization. This ensures that they have received some formal training other than perhaps their own first hand experience, however applicable it is. There are way too many quote on quote natural childbirth teachers who are just utilizing material from one method without receiving the training which is what ensures that they are current and up to date with the latest information. Always go to the organization’s website for teachers in your area, don’t trust posters or website that you just happen across.
Remember, you are the only one responsible for your medical care. You owe it to yourself and to your baby to find the best path for your birth.