Bought to you by Mother & Baby
They say it can't buy you love, but we show how a bit of cash — from $26.95 to $5000 — could help you cope better with labour.
All the money in the bank can't guarantee you an easy birth, but there are ways to make it a more comfortable — and even enjoyable — experience, whatever your budget.
If you have $26.95: buy a copy of A Labour of Love
What is it?
This inspirational book, which explains techniques such as hypnobirthing and 'deep visualisation', helps women prepare for labour.
Is it for me?
Don't dismiss it as being new-age mumbo-jumbo: its no-nonsense approach helps you reflect on your emotions and recognise your worries, which is an essential part of preparing for birth.
Get it at: bookstores and www.alabouroflove.com.au.
If you have $49.95: buy a birthing ball
What is it?
A large inflatable ball for sitting on in late pregnancy/labour.
Is it for me?
Bouncing on an unstable birthing ball during labour forces you to squat, which opens up the pelvis and can encourage your baby’s descent; the movement even helps reduce labour pain. By buying the ball during pregnancy you can get used to sitting on it, and it can also make a great place to perch when sitting down and getting up becomes awkward in the third trimester.
Get it at: www.fitball.com.au.
If you have $65: hire a TENS machine
What is it?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and a TENS machine produces electrical pulses to block pain messages. You strap electrodes to your back, and you can control the strength and frequency of impulses which block pain messages and stimulate the release of endorphins. It works best if your wear it during early labour and build up the strength as contractions get stronger.
Is it for me?
If you’re interested in natural pain relief that has no negative side-effects, it can be fantastic. You can’t use the it in water though.
Get it at: www.bellybeat.com.au.
If you have $97: buy a Helios homeopathy kit
What is it?
This kit is a set of 18 homeopathic remedies for before, during and after labour; it also includes a booklet about which remedy to take and when.
Is it for me?
It offers you the chance to get the relief you need when you need it but you — or your partner -— should learn what each remedy can do in advance, as you won’t have the patience to learn when you’re in labour!
Get it at: www.arnica.com.au.
If you have $550: try hypnobirthing
What is it?
This is a way of achieving deep relaxation by practising visualisation and self-hypnosis: by learning how to manage your fear and anxiety you’ll approach birth feeling calm and in control.
Is it for me?
If you’re particularly scared of giving birth it’s definitely worth a go, as conquering your fear is the most important step in having an easier birth.
Get it at: www.birthskills.com.au or www.asch.com.au.
If you have $600 - $1400: hire a doula
What is it?
A doula is an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support before, during and after childbirth. She’s not a midwife so she won’t deliver your baby, but she’ll help with everything else — from support in labour, to establishing breastfeeding, to visiting in the first weeks after the birth.
Is it for me?
If you could do with another pair of capable hands, a doula could prove a godsend. She may well help you achieve an easier birth, too: women continuously supported by a female caregiver experience shorter labours and lower rates of epidurals and caesareans.
Get it at: www.australiandoulacollege.com.au".
If you have $1000 - $5000: hire an independent midwife
Who are they?
These are fully qualified midwives who work in their own private practise; you can hire them for home or hospital births.
Is it for me?
Your hospital’s midwives generally do a fantastic job but there are no guarantees you’ll see the same one throughout your pregnancy and labour. With an independent midwife you’ll get all her attention and the chance to build up a relationship, which should help you get the birth you want.
Get one at: www.australiansocietyofindependentmidwives.com. Fees for independent midwives in aren’t usually covered by Medicare, but some private health funds do partially rebate — check with your insurer.
Bought to you by Mother & Baby
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