I’m a midwife and the 7 types of mums we see during labour and the woman we all dread to meet on a shift
BECOMING a new mum is such an exciting time, but for many the idea of labour can understandably feel a little daunting.
Especially if you’re about to have your first baby, as it’s so hard to know what to expect.
And while you may have an idea of how you may react on the day, it’s hard to predict exactly how you – and your partner – will handle the birth until the time comes.
Here, midwife and The Baby Show expert Pip Davies and Megan Smith, Midwife and Antenatal Course Teacher at Bump, Birth and Beyond, share the types of mums-to-be they see…
The Knowledgeable Mum
Megan says: “The knowledgable mum are the mums who have done their research and attended antenatal education.
“These mums often know exactly what they do or don’t want, they know all the terminology and options available to them.
“Knowledgeable mums are well-informed, confident and advocate for themselves.
“Being well-informed throughout pregnancy and labour will make it easier for you to understand aspects of your care and to make informed choices and decisions.”
The ‘Lioness’
Pip says: “Whilst some women will be very quiet in their birth bubble, others unleash their inner lioness and will be more vocal in the way they manage contractions.
“Neither way is right or wrong and ever woman will respond differently, there is strength in both the quiet and the roaring labouring woman!”
The Excited Mum
Megan says: “These are the mums who attend appointments and in labour… excited!
“The majority of mums are of course excited to meet their babies but more often than not the excitement is clouded with fear, discomfort and anxieties which is completely normal.
“But occasionally we see mums arrive who are just madly excited and are unphased by the thought of labour and birth!
“These mums usually arrive appears laid back, relaxed and calm about what is to come.
“As midwives, we always talk about the importance of being relaxed in labour and how it helps with the release of oxytocin.
“More oxytocin results in more efficient contractions.”
The ‘don’t touch me’ mum
Megan says: “These are the mums who are in the zone.
“Their way of coping is to concentrate and focus on what they are doing.
“Occasionally, they can be hypnobirthing or using breathing techniques to stay driven.
“Everyone has their own way of coping. Often these mums don’t like to be disturbed whether that be in conversation or physically touched.
“These are the mums you may find shouting at their birth partners to back off!
“As midwives we quickly recognise these mums and just adjust our approach to suit their preferences whilst still providing the necessary safe care.”
The ‘give me all the drugs’ mum
Megan says: “These mums are the mums that are more than happy to accept all the possible offered analgesias!
“On attendance, these mums make it known that they are willing to have it all as soon as they can… and that’s ok!
“Everyone copes differently and some need the strong stuff to do so.
“It is important to do your research, attend antenatal classes to learn about the different options so you know what choices you have when it comes to it.”
The nervous mum
Megan says: “The nervous mum often arrives quite stressed, tense, and anxious.
“These mums will seem caught up on timings and appear nervous when machines start beeping.
“If the mum is acting nervous or anxious, it can influence the birth partners to feel the same way and send the room into panic.
“It is important to have someone with you who will encourage a more calming approach.
“If you are a worrier or a panicker it is important you do your research and speak to your midwives so they can support you sufficiently.
“Bump, Birth and Beyond offer award winning antenatal classes you can attend with your partner with the added bonus of an optional hypnobirthing course.
“These classes are well suited to those who may feel nervous or anxious.”
The Calm mum
Finally, Pip says: “Many women, especially those who have done quality antenatal education and learnt how to breathe for birth will manage their labour with a calm confidence knowing their bodies capabilities, their options and how to cope.
“Breathing in labour and creating a calm environment suppresses adrenaline and cortisol hormones and allows oxytocin to be the dominant hormone which is responsible for contractions happening.
“The way we breathe and an ability to allow our neocortex part of our brains to be quiet during labour helps us to feel safe and calm.”
The Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event is returning to Birmingham’s NEC 12-14th May, hosting UK’s leading baby and parenting experts and guest speakers.