Helpful Birth Insights from a Mom and Newborn Photographer in Oceanside, California
Hey there, mama-to-be!
First off, congratulations on this amazing journey you’re on! I’m Heather, a mom of two wild and wonderful boys and a newborn photographer here in North County, San Diego. Between capturing those sweet, sleepy newborn moments and surviving the chaos of boy-mom life (why do they always climb everything?), I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to bring a baby into the world.
When I was pregnant, I felt like I read all the books and asked all the questions—and yet there were still so many surprises when the big day came. So, I thought I’d share a few things your doctor might not tell you about giving birth that could help other moms in our area feel more prepared. Think of this as the big-sister advice I wish someone had given me, sprinkled with a little honesty and a lot of love.
1. Birthing positions can change everything.
Did you know you don’t have to stay flat on your back to give birth? Many women find other positions—like squatting, hands and knees, or even side-lying—help make labor easier and more comfortable. The position you choose can even help your baby navigate the birth canal more effectively.
When I had my youngest, I discovered that being upright and leaning on my partner helped me feel more in control and made contractions a bit more bearable. (Though let’s be real, nothing about labor feels easy—but you’ve got this!)
Ask your doctor: “What positions are you comfortable supporting me in during delivery?”
Pro Tip: For a deeper dive into birthing positions, check out Evidence-Based Birth.
2. You don’t have to give birth in a hospital.
Feeling like the sterile environment of a hospital isn’t for you? Home births or birthing centers might offer the more personal, relaxed experience you’re looking for. These options are especially popular among moms with low-risk pregnancies.
Locally, check out Best Start Birth Center in San Diego, one of California’s longest-running licensed birth centers. Their midwives are highly experienced and offer personalized care.
Ask your doctor: “Would you support me if I decided to explore a home or birth center delivery?”
3. You can eat and drink during labor.
Gone are the days when laboring women were told they couldn’t eat or drink. Light snacks and hydration can keep your energy up, especially during a long labor. (Because, let’s face it, giving birth is like running a marathon!)
Ask your care provider: “Are there specific situations where eating or drinking during labor wouldn’t be allowed?”
4. Doulas are a game-changer.
A doula isn’t just a luxury—they’re an incredible support for both you and your partner during labor and postpartum. Doulas offer emotional and physical support, help with pain management, and advocate for your birth plan.
Locally, check out Oceanside Birth Doula Services or San Diego Birth Network for top-rated doulas who can guide you through this transformative time.
Ask your doctor: “Do you work with doulas? Do you have any recommendations?”
5. The power of water: birthing pools and showers.
Water can work wonders for labor! Warm showers or birthing pools ease discomfort, help you relax, and let you move more freely. Even if you don’t plan to give birth in water, spending part of your labor in it can make a huge difference.
Ask your provider: “Does the hospital or birth center offer water labor options like birthing pools?”
6. Epidurals aren’t the only pain relief option.
Epidurals are popular, but they’re not the only option for managing labor pain. Other choices include nitrous oxide, spinal blocks, or even non-medical options like hypnobirthing, acupuncture, or massage.
Ask your doctor: “What pain management options do you recommend for someone hoping to go natural but staying open to an epidural?”
7. Visualization and relaxation techniques can be transformative.
Labor isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Techniques like hypnobirthing, guided visualization, and even yoga breathing can help you stay calm, focused, and in tune with your body.
A great local resource is Carlsbad Village Yoga, which offers prenatal classes and mindfulness workshops tailored for expecting moms.
Ask your doctor: “Are there any relaxation techniques or classes you recommend?”
8. You can bring your own playlist to the delivery room.
Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a tool to create calm and focus during labor. Whether you’re into soothing instrumentals, nature sounds, or your favorite throwback playlist, it’s your choice.
Pro Tip: Check out Spotify’s Labor and Delivery Playlists for inspiration or create your own!
9. Cesarean sections aren’t as scary as they seem.
Yes, it’s surgery, but c-sections can also be life-saving and beautifully controlled. If you end up needing one, know that your medical team will guide you through every step to ensure you and your baby are safe.
Ask your doctor: “What situations would lead to a planned or emergency c-section in your practice?”
So, there you have it, mama! I hope these tips make you feel more confident and excited about meeting your little one. And while you’re here, check out my Oceanside California Newborn Photography Portfolio to see how I can help you capture those precious first moments.
Now, just a quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nurse, or any kind of health professional. I’m simply a mom and a newborn photographer who loves babies and has a big heart for mamas because we all share so much in common on this incredible journey. None of this information should be taken as law or set-in-stone advice—it’s just my own opinions and experiences. So, take it with a grain of salt and always trust your own gut.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a parent, it’s this: listening to your own heart should always come first. You’ve got this, mama!
Planning your own photos? Lets chat!
