Thinking about having your animals in your birth space?
Animals in birth spaces are my favorite!! Seriously, I LOVE trying to incorporate them into your birth story.
Whenever I am at a client’s house prenatally and they have animals whether it’s a cat or dog, I always ask what their plans are for them. Is their animal going to be watched away from the house by someone trusted? Are they going to kennel their dog somewhere in the house during labor/birth? Or do they want their animal to be a part of the labor/birth process?
Once I find out their plan, I always bring up some pros and cons to having their animal with them as they labor (specifically as they labor). And then we also go over some cons or variables that may or may not happen so that they can make the most informed decision for them.
Because at the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re most comfortable with 💕
pros
Petting your animal produces oxytocin.
Crazy right!? Yes petting your animals produces oxytocin in both your brain and your animals brain. And what does labor need????? OXYTOCIN! 🙌🏻
I think this is the biggest reason I’m all for having animals be a part of your laboring process specifically. They provide comfort and a stress relief as well as an oxytocin boost.
They’re stress relievers.
As long as they’re not crazy and barking at everyone. If they’re chill and just want to love on everyone, they can be great stress relievers. Especially if they’re tuned into their owner’s. Having a strong surge, many times animals will stay close by to keep an eye on you and make sure you’re ok. They love you and want to help you.
Comic relief.
I don’t know about your animals, but many of mine are complete goofballs. They provide entertainment and again, laughing and enjoying yourself produces oxytocin.
cons
Some become over protective.
When animals want to support us and protect us, this can be a problem in labor. If they think someone is hurting you while you’re having a surge, or even while you’re pushing or baby is being born, it can be a problem.
I’ve only ever heard from one midwife who had issues with a dog as baby was being born. The dog wouldn’t let her get close to the birthing person because he thought the midwife was going to hurt his owner so he went into full protection mode. But that’s literally the ONLY case I’ve ever heard of something like this happening. Most of the time you see animals being totally supportive and just following their owner’s around and staying close to keep an eye on them.
Some get severe anxiety.
When an animal becomes scared, accident’s can happen. Many times when an animal bites, it stems from fear. Not that the person was doing something wrong necessarily. But this is something that people need to watch out for in the event the animal starts having really and anxiety with all the people/noises/things that are happening in the birth space.
They worry you.
If you’re going to be worried about them or what they’re doing, that will hinder your labor. And that’s not what we want to have happen.
If you’re so focused on making sure they’re ok and are handling labor and everyone there ok, they’re taking you out of labor land, and interrupting the hormone process for labor to progress. They should be helping you, not worrying you.
At the end of the day
It’s really what you feel is best for your animals and your mind set for your birthing day. If you plan to just have someone watch them or kennel them in the house somewhere that’s totally fine.
If you want them to be a part of your birth space and birth process, make sure to have a back up plan if they become protective or anxious. Have a room set up for them just in case that removes them from the situation and keeps them and everyone safe. Keep toys and food/treats in there. If it’s early in the process, delegate someone they trust to check in on them every now and then and give them some love and attention.
They will be ready and waiting for you on the other side of your journey and excited (hopefully 🤞🏻) to meet the new addition.