I have a client who is an anesthesiologist and she's looking to have a natural birth. I'm finding myself at a loss during our prenatal meetings... She knows so much about birth (this is her second child even) and I was wondering if anyone had tips on how I can specifically help her.

She is a lovely woman and she's basically curious about natural childbirth and wants to give it a try BUT she's delivering in the hospital she works at which I think is a bit of a hindrance in her case. I know she'll need to be shielded from her colleagues and their off topic banter and I'm very comfortable supporting her during the birth but I have one more prenatal do go with her and I really don't feel like I have much more info/wisdom to offer!

Advice?

I feel like a lot w/ 2nd time moms, like they've btdt so there's not much I can offer. I just try and get to know them so they are comfortable w/ me being there. I ask them about their plans after the birth, delayed clamping, bfing, Vit K shots, Hep B shots, where baby is to have a bath etc. She might be knowledgable medically but might not know much about what happens after baby is born. Maybe talk more about what your role will be. Is she ok w/ you stepping to tell people to get lost while she is laboring? My job isn't to educate, at least I don't think so, I bring up topics the parents should at least know some things about and answer any questions I can but my main job is to support them and I think you'll be fine.

Is what she knows about birth NORMAL birth knowledge, or "normal" by today's standards? I would still work on education, education of interventions, when they're useful when they're not. I would work on "Intuitive" birth stuff, listen to her ideal birth experience. Listen to the stories of births she's attended.

It won't be easy. I do have to say though, my most rewarding students were the physician couple I taught earlier this year. They were both stunned by the commonality and useless ness of many interventions. When she started my class she said "Well, we had been considering just a scheduled c/s....but we've been able to observe some and well...I'd just rather not do that unless it's necessary"

By the end of the series they were planning on laboring at home as long as possible, hiring a doula, and their goal was a normal, natural birth. I can't wait to hear the outcome (they're a few states a way), I'm so excited for them. I hope they get the birth of their dreams.

I wish you the best with these clients!!