18. Being in a Hospital Is Unnecessary
While home births are possible, they’re not always the best — or safest — option. Sure, women were giving births in their homes for years, but the infant mortality rate was also higher back then. Things can go wrong, and if they do you want to be surrounded by professionals who can help.
“Let’s not forget how much higher the global maternal and neonatal mortality rates are in places that don’t have the degree of access to prenatal and labor and delivery care that we have in the U.S.,” Agueh says. “It’s vital not to underestimate the value of expert in-hospital care.”
19. Breastfeeding Is Easy
“For many new mothers, breastfeeding is perhaps one of the most challenging things they have to do,” Agueh warns. “Though it can come naturally for some, it can be a struggle, so it’s important to be understanding of this beforehand, and to be kind to yourself.”
20. You Will Be Able to Resume Normal Activity at 6 Weeks
“People think this magic happens at the six-week mark,” Crouch says, “because that’s when women are often cleared for exercise and sex. However, most women are not ready to do what they did before pregnancy at six weeks, or at least not at the same level of intensity. The vagina and stomach muscles need to go through rehab, just like any other muscle in the body would after an event such as delivery.
“This myth that you can bounce back right away is damaging and a testament to how we’re treating post-partum women. We’re too dismissive,” she concludes.
Birthing Myths — Sources
Marcy Crouch, PT, DPT, CLT, WCS., Owner/Founder of Restorative Pelvic Physical Therapy, INC, @thedowntheredoc
Modupe Agueh, MD, MPH, FACOG, OB/GYN Hospitalist, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC, trained doula, and International board certified Lactation Consultant,
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