Reducing the risk of PPD

Recently I attended a webinar on Postpartum Depression facilitated by Stephanie Morales. She stated that fear of childbirth can increase a woman’s risk of PPD by 30%.  Approaching the most exciting moment of a woman’s life should not be anticipated with fear. For the most part, fear of childbirth stems from having limited understanding or many misconceptions.

Discomfort in labor is productive and purposeful.  It is the natural reaction to a release of hormones which engage the large uterine muscle in order to deliver the baby.  The discomfort of labor cannot be more than the woman herself as it is her; her body instinctively knowing what needs to be done to deliver the baby.

Some ways to reduce a woman’s fear in childbirth are gaining knowledge, staying physically fit, using comforting coping methods and enlisting the use of a Labor Doula.

Attending a childbirth education class is one of the best ways to gain knowledge.  There are several different organizations that offer this service, whether it is through a hospital, birth center or a private educator.  Adding a decent library of evidence-based books which describe childbirth, and share positive personal experiences can also increase a woman’s understanding.

Prenatal Yoga is a great way to stay physically fit in pregnancy.  This practice not only strengthens & tones the muscles, but increases awareness to one’s breathing.   The focus on breathing which helps maintain yoga poses also aids in keeping focus off of labor contractions, all the while giving baby the oxygen needed to tolerate these contractions.

A variety of comfort positions used for the duration of labor can work as a distraction, relieve discomfort and help baby get into an optimal position for birth.  Being up and moving is very beneficial in engaging a woman in her own birth.

Visualization, practiced in advance, either recorded from the internet or read by a partner can put a laboring woman in a relaxed state of mind as she travels to a familiar and safe place.

And, of course, hiring a Labor Doula is the best way to reduce fear for any couple preparing for childbirth.  A Labor Doula is familiar with all the above  methods and will use them as needed, specific to each laboring woman.  The comfort of having an established relationship with one person who plans on being present throughout the entire process can greatly reduce fear for all.

Gaining knowledge of the birth process, staying physically fit, becoming mentally aware and connected to her body can not only help eliminate many fears of childbirth, but can reduce the risk of Postpartum Depression.  And don’t we all need one less thing to worry about when we bring home our new baby?