Is it really necessary to read up on child birth?

Question

FTM, due in about a month with a baby girl. I have not been reading up at all on child birth or labor. I initially didn't want to start reading and freak myself out. I have my birth plan planned out, but now I'm second guessing myself and don't want to be under prepared. I've grown up with my mom running an in home day care so I know I will be able to take care of her just fine, it's the labor part that I'm getting nervous about. Any pointers? Should I stick with wanting to go with the flow or read up a bit? (I am about to take a birthing class so I'm not entirely out of the loop)

Answer

I agree with the above. Knowledge is power. That way you know what you want when you go in and most importantly what you do not. Having a sense of control and power during pregnancy and labor has been linked to less interventions during birth. Whereas if you don't know what's happening instead of experiencing birth women tend to report almost feeling like victims as they have to just accept what's going on around them.

I'm a nursing student who had a fabulous ob teacher that had seen thousands of births at the top hospital here in Minneapolis.  Her perspective has helped me be able to make better decisions for myself.

Answer

From what I've read it's best to read and know everything to beat the fear of you are scared. I'm read Ina May's guide to child birth.

Answer

You can't make smart choices unless you know what you're talking about, so yes. Definitely learn everything you can about what happens during labor, what your options for medical or non-medical treatments are. Do you want a birthing tub? Do you want an epidural? Do you want massage? A shower? How about positions for birthing? Standing? Sitting? Reclining? On all fours? 
Having more information is always better than not having enough.

Answer

I feel like it's important to know some things so that you can make good decisions should the moment call for it. However, don't over do it because often you come across information that may freak you out and make labor more scary than it needs to be. I read up a little bit so that I knew what was coming, but didn't bother in looking up risks and worst case scenarios so I wouldn't be scared. Everything worked out in the end even when I had to have a c-section last minute.

Answer

Just go with the flow no pint preparing yourself anything can happen I'm also due in four weeks what date u due on

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I took a birthing class and it was a waste of time and money. Everything went wrong for us and I delivered under general anesthesia. 
But, do read about labor and postpartum! Some women have no idea what to expect. For example, they have no idea they have to use feminine pads instead of tampons.

Answer

I enjoyed my birthing class. Really helped. Other than that I try to avoid reading too much. You can get overwhelmed. Women have been given birth since the dawn of time and we sure didn't have books and Internet back then! My doctor says to stay away from the Internet anyways.....

Answer

It might be worth your while to know a bit about what your choices are if things are going smoothly. It's always possible that nothing will go as planned, but it's more likely that you'll have a chance to decide whether or not to get an epidural or other analgesia, and I think it can only help to have thought a bit about it ahead of time. I also find it helpful to have some knowledge about what's expected to happen in a normal delivery.

Ultimately, it's your choice!

Answer

It's good to learn about natural childbirth relaxation techniques. I've had at least three friends who planned on an epidural or other drugs and their labor progressed to fast for the anesthesiologist to get there in time. So they had unplanned natural births.

Is it really necessary to read up on child birth?

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