The Ultimate Boise Birth Prep: 10 Surprising Options You Have For Hospital Birth | Boise Newborn Photography

Hey there mama! I know how overwhelming preparing for giving birth can be. But don't worry, I’m here for you! After experiencing birth with my three kids, I’d love to share some ideas and tips to consider!

Here are 10 things you may not know about giving birth in a Boise area hospital that will help you feel more prepared and in control.

(**Disclaimer, this is not medical advice, but if any of these are interesting to you, bring them up to your doctor at the next prenatal appointment! I’ve also linked a few resources and providers below that are not sponsored!)

01. You don't have to give birth in the hospital

This one might surprise you given the title of this blog post, but I think the first thing to consider is that you do have options for where you give birth, and a birthing center or home birth are two valid options to consider. Giving birth at home or in a birth center can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control over the birthing process and can provide a more personalized experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies and has similar or better outcomes compared to hospital births.

I’ve had several friends use Treasure Valley Midwives and have heard nothing but good things.

Question for your doctor: Would he/she support you and work with a home birth midwife if you decided to go this route?

 02. Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth

A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. A doula can help you with pain relief and relaxation techniques, provide backup for your partner and advocate for your wishes during birth. I had a doula with my second birth, and it is something I wish I had for my first. The support and knowledge she brought to the delivery room was so helpful!

Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?

03. Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor.

Everyone talks about epidurals and whether or not you plan to have one, but they are not the only option available for pain relief. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide, IV pain medication, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive (also typically less expensive) form of pain relief. Personally, I did not have an epidural but had IV pain meds with all three of my births and it gave me the boost I needed to get through the transition.

I also had acupuncture during labor with my third baby and this is a service that St. Luke’s Boise provides for laboring mamas. 

Question for your doctor: What other pain relief options do they see often that’s effective other than epidural? 

04. Baths can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Baths can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor. Boise area hospitals equipped with baths include St. Lukes Boise, St. Luke’s Nampa, St. Luke’s Meridian, St. Alphonsus Nampa, and St. Alphonsus Boise.

I have used the bathtub in the hospital in all three of my labors and I believe it was extremely beneficial for helping me progress into transition, as well as help me to relax and find relief from the pain during contractions. My doula or husband would pour water over my belly during a contraction and the sensation of the water would help ease my pain and discomfort.

 05. Birthing positions - there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

There are various birthing and pushing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or lying down. Expect that if you aren’t going to have an epidural you may need to move around a lot during labor to find a position that is comfortable for you and to aid baby in moving into an optimal position for birth. Often the nurses or a doula can recommend positions that will help baby move down, or rotate (if needed). You can also push in different positions.

I have given birth in a different position with each of my babies. With my first I was on my back and ended up with a small tear. For my second I was on hands and knees and my third I was standing while holding on to the bottom of the bed. I didn’t have any tears with my last two babies and I do believe the position might have played a role in that. 

Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby?

06. You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room.

Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist and a bluetooth speaker, a sound machine, or headphones and a birthing meditation to listen to during labor.

07. You will probably poop during pushing (and that's okay!)

It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Don't let this concern hold you back, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. You may not even be aware that it is happening!

08. You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.

I’ve heard birth stories from mamas who aren’t allowed to eat in the hospital during labor but thankfully this has never been my experience at Boise St. Luke’s downtown. Having a light snack can really help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished.

I remember with my third baby, I was entering the transition phase right around dinner time and there wasn’t a lot of food that sounded good at the time, but my energy was fading. My husband fed me cucumbers and hummus between contractions and it gave me the extra boost I needed to deliver her a couple hours later.

Having electrolyte drinks on hand is also helpful to keep you hydrated and energized during labor.

 Question: Under what circumstances will I not be allowed to eat or drink in labor?

09. The power of the mind - visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.

Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable. I don’t have a lot of personal experience with this, but I know other mamas for which it worked really well. For me, the best mind, body tool I had was to listen to my husband’s soothing voice and to lean into the oxytocin he was giving me through his touch. Through every contraction he held my hand or rubbed my back and that was just what I needed.

Question: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?

10. Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It's important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

Question: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections? 

So, there you have it, mama. I hope The Ultimate Boise Birth Prep armed you with some information that will help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!

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