Birthing Options: Leboyer Birthing Method

In today’s society, women have the ability to have some influence in how they want their labor and delivery experience to be. We are no longer strapped to a table for hours and sedated do that we forget the entire thing. Nor, are we forced to be alone, with just ourselves, God, and the hospital staff praying for it to be over and the baby to be okay. We can choose what type of setting we want to be in, who we want to be with us, what kind of pain control we want, etc. As long as you have an open mind, and your baby’s health top priority, you can have a great influence on the entire labor and delivery event.

Many mothers to be opt to use the Leboyer method of birthing. The Leboyer method came to be during the 1970’s, and was first developed by a French obstetrician named Frederick Leboyer. At the time, other physicians in his field did not agree with his methods, and it was not a widely used method until recently. The idea is to limit the trauma and stress on the baby during labor and birth. The effect of babies has yet to be proven, but it does seem to be very beneficial to the birthing mother.

Mothers who use this method choose to give birth in a quiet, peaceful room with dim lighting, and little or no medical intervention. The obstetrician doesn’t pull or rotate the baby’s head, instead letting the mother, baby, and nature get the job done. Once delivered, the baby will be placed on the mother’s abdomen, where she will massage the newborn, to begin to develop the bonding process. The umbilical cord is not cut until it stops pulsing, giving the baby time to breathe on it’s own, rather than forcing it to. Then, as soon as possible, the baby is placed into a warm bath, simulating life in the womb, to ease the stress of delivery.

It may not possible to have all of this in your birthing plan, but if you are interested in a calm, natural delivery, be sure to talk to your medical provider. You can discuss what you would like beforehand, and compromise as needed. As long as the health of both you and your newborn is first in mind, you should be able to have some say in what you prefer. There are many resources that go into further detail on this method, both in your library, and online. Research all the different options, so you can make a well informed plan to discuss with your practitioner and hospital staff.