Childbirth Videos That Are Helpful (Even When You're Pregnant)
Childbirth videos can be both beautiful and educational - or just plain frightening.
Here I have collected a number of birth videos that I think are both educational in different ways and completely fine to look at whether you're pregnant or not. They are all showing natural childbirths in one way or the other. Not because I have anything at all against pain relief, but because since these women have often taken a decision to practice and execute natural pain-relief they tend to be more relaxed and more of an inspiration than the "lying-on-your-back-with-lots-of-medication" clips.
Instructions: When watching the video clips, start the videos by clicking the small arrow down to the left, not the large one in the middle of the screen. If you're using Internet Explorer as your browser and the video doesn't start, try clicking twice on the small arrow. (You just have to be at least 18 years old, according to Youtube.)
The first two video clips are animated and teaches you what happens inside your body when giving birth. I think this is a good way to understand the labor process.
This first video shows the baby's way through the birth canal.
This second video clip explains the different stations of presentation that the baby passes on its way to be born.
The next two giving birth video clips are of water births at home and in hospital. While this is not a very common way to give birth, it is certainly a way to help mom relax and cope with the pain. As you can see in both videos, the woman giving birth is quite relaxed.
The first video is from a homebirth...
And the second is from a waterbirth in hospital...
If you're curious on how it works to use a birthing stool as well as giving birth in an upright position, check this video. Also see how the dad-to-be supports the woman giving birth.
The next video clip I added simply because the woman is so amazingly relaxed. She actually laughs! While most women probably don't feel much like laughing while pushing, being relaxed and using breathing as a tool to focus really helps!
Finally a close up on a slow delivery of a baby. It is a very calm process and you can also see the midwife using a clean towel to support the perineum to avoid tearing.
