debating about trying natural birth

foreverapartofme

During my last pregnancy, I gave birth to DD in the hospital and I had an overall great experience.  However, I did opt for an epidural but my blood pressure dropped significantly low and they had to give me adrenaline to get my blood pressure back up. Long story short, the epidural only worked on one side and it wore off while I was in transition! I was able to push my DD out in 30 minutes and it felt like a lot of pressure but pain was not horrible with Lamaze breathing techniques.

The majority of my labor I walked around, climbed stairs, sat on a birthing ball, and DH gave me massages when I wanted them. I was actually feeling very good overall before I decided I wanted the epidural.  I'm thinking that given my previous issue with the epidural that this time I would just do it good old natural way.  Just curious what your experience was with natural birth?  Any methods of breathing that you used or other ideas for pain management?  Thanks! 

JessaPrimate

I think a lot of it is mind over matter. You have to commit and know that you can do this (and have a strong partner for moments of weakness). I didn't have any breathing techniques; I think you really have to practice those so you naturally use them and it's nms.

I just listened to my body and wound up making a humming vocalization during cx. Position wise, it was whatever my body wanted, which was leaning on a birthing ball and hanging onto the back of a raised hospital bed.

spicysurro

I agree with PP about making a commitment. I don't think its something you can't "consider" doing and just see how it goes. I really think you have to mentally prepare and stick with. You also need a good team of people around you who support your decision to go natural. Wether it be your OB or a midwife and, of course, your partner. 

I am 3 days past due date and have seen a midwife through out my pregnancy and plan on having a home birth. I used Hypnobabies through out my pregnancy and over all its been amazing. Its helped my mind set and helped me stay calm and confident about my decision to do a natural home birth. Im normally a very anxious and like to be in control of every situation, but Hypnobabies helped me keep relaxed and confident. I can't say anything for the labor part since it hasn't happened yet but I expect it to help me along. 

Good luck! 

aylafsu88

It really is mind over matter. I did not do any special breathing techniques even though we learned a few in the Bradley class. Basically I just tried to breathe through the contractions especially in the first 30-45 seconds when they were the most intense. The breaks between contractions were a huge help. You get time to relax, regroup, and get ready for the next one. For me my position was the most important thing for dealing with them. I did not want to walk much in labor. Instead I wanted to be in the tub or on the toilet. I found that hands and knees in the tub really helped with my back labor and helped me cope with the intensity of contractions. I had my H/doula pour hot water on my back which helped as well.

LimaD

I agree that commitment is key.  I think most people who "think they'll try" end up getting an epidural because they aren't mentally prepared.  I think the benefit of breathing techniques is to focus on something while getting through the contraction so that you aren't fully focused on the pain.  I did breathing techniques when I was reminded to by my DH or mom who were both there for support.
I tried reading about the Bradley Method and stuff while I was pregnant but I just felt like it was making me way over-think it.  In the end I decided to just educate myself about the birthing process, including transition, and learn a few techniques to help with the pain.  I took a birthing class at the hospital that was specifically for pain management during natural labor, so I'd look into that if I were you. 
What helped for one contraction didn't always help with the next! Listen to your body and you will naturally know what will work best in that situation (whether it's leaning over a ball, standing and swaying while holding onto your SO, etc).  These things won't necessarily help reduce pain, but will help you get through the contraction. Focus on one contraction at a time Our bodies were made for this, you can do it!!

MommyAtty

Fear of the epidural not working was one reason I went natural last time! I also just did a one-day course and read up on the subject. I just did a refresher taught by a doula group in my area (3 hrs) and thought it was great. Good luck!

sschwege

I had a great experience with Hypnobirthing!

JonandJennifer

Its all about determination and having a support system.  It also helps finding how to manage your pain.  Start by asking yourself what you do when you are in pain.  Do you clinch your jaw or sleep it off or do you have another method?. Finding how to manage your pain is half the battle. We tend to clinch and lock up when we are in pain that it normally makes things 10 times worse. Learning to relax and proper breathing methods can help. Once you have that method its all about you and your partner and being on the same page. He/she can't cave, you both committ to it. You tell him, no matter what I say to stick with my preference, even when I say otherwise. Encouragement and positive words are what's key. My pain threshold is very low and I did fantastically based on my husbands opinion. The pride in his eyes when we held our vernix covered sweet baby girl is something I'll never forget. He just kept on and kept on.  He'll never realize how much that meant to me!

foreverapartofme

Thank you so much for your advice and input!  Definitely some good insight and I definitely feel ready to commit to going natural.  I'm easy going by nature and tend not to be a big planner but I think in this case my plan will be to figure out what pain management works best for me.  DH is very supportive and will help me through too so I know my support is right in place too.  Thanks again!