Natural Childbirth (?!)

CustomKicks

Any moms that have opted for a natural birth in the past want to share some motivation/inspiration?! Or any other ftm's planning on a natural experience, for whatever reason, want to share what they're reading/doing to prepare?!

*my husband and I initially planned on hiring a doula but, well, that didn't go as planned!!*

Scarlettg

What do you mean by natural birth?  Just no pain medication?  

donnamartingraduates93

CustomKicks said:

Any moms that have opted for a natural birth in the past want to share some motivation/inspiration?! Or any other ftm's planning on a natural experience, for whatever reason, want to share what they're reading/doing to prepare?!

*my husband and I initially planned on hiring a doula but, well, that didn't go as planned!!*

Qfp. I just have a feeling.

miahbelle

Do you mean unmedicated? I had a "natural" birth. It was hard, extremely painful, long and complicated. But my birth center was amazing. They were supportive, I was allowed to labor with minimal disruptions and I could eat, drink, move around, labor the way I wanted to. I also had my amazing mother and husband there. And my absolutely wonderful doula. She was perfect, all of us were so glad she was there.

Eta: I did have a shot of pitocin after the baby was born to help with bleeding and I had some localized numbing to sew up where I had an episotomy and second degree tearing. Thank you @AussieLuv12‌ for reminding me about this. I rarely think about that part...

knitfastdiewarm

If by natural birth, you mean planning to go med-free, then yes: there are several of us here who are doing so. I try to stick to the term med-free because saying "natural birth" can be inflammatory to moms who opt for an epidural or who are having a c-section.

I'm a FTM, so I can't offer you support or inspiration as I haven't gone through birth yet, but I suggest taking a birth class or reading med-free birth stories (there are several great books available) to get the inspiration you seek. GL

ETA: My iPhone is dumb

AussieLuv12

I had my daughter with no medication of any kind using the Bradley method. That said, I implore you to do a lot of reading and hopefully take the Bradley class. "Natural birth" can be a very loaded/ambiguous term. The Bradley class is about birthing with the least amount of medical intervention necessary. Sometimes pain meds, pitocin, c-section, etc are the least intervention necessary. Getting those interventions doesn't mean a mother has failed or didn't have a "natural birth" it just means the interventions were medically indicated and carefully considered. I'm very supportive of women who want to set a goal of having minimal interventions. But don't set yourself up for disappointment or even danger by making the goal to be completely med free. And please please please respect your doctor's medical training and advice. If there's anything you're unsure of or disagree about, ask questions and discuss it with your doctor. You're on the same team. I notice way too many natural birthers who are suspicious of any and all medicine and are dead set on a "me against you" mentality with their doctor. Anyway, that's my two cents on "natural birth"...

As far as my personal experience, I was very fortunate that I didn't have any complications and was able to give birth with no interventions. I did need some pitocin after the birth to control some bleeding. I also had a second degree tear which they gave me some lidocaine before they stitched me up. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to doing it again. The Bradley class really helped me cope during some tough moments of self doubt. If I'm being honest, the part I feared the worst was the actual birth. But the labor was so much more painful than the birth. The only painful part of birthing my baby was when she crowned and that only lasted a couple minutes and it just stung really bad. I had no idea I tore until they told me. I will tell you there is no way in hell I could have made it through labor without pain meds if I hadn't taken the Bradley class.

Rowsdower85

I had a med-free delivery. If you intend to go medication free, I'd suggest reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Very empowering.

Also, I gotta agree with pp's about the term "natural birth." Pretty sure it's all natural, unless you're birthing out of your nose.

missab

I'm a FTM hoping for a "natural" med-free birth. I have read "Birthing from Within" (was not a fan) and have a few more on the list, then we are taking Hypnobirthing classes starting in January. I'm having a hospital birth, but my doctor is of the opinion that women have been doing this naturally for many years (older doc, very old school), and that he'll follow my lead.

That all said, I am not going to beat myself up if my natural birth plans don't pan out; I know there's only so much that's within my control.

Edit to say I also agree with PPs who have said all births are natural.

CustomKicks

So sorry I didn't clarify unmedicated!! I am not a veteran at this; learning as I go!!
I've heard a lot about the Ina May book so I will for sure look into that. We start our birthing class in a couple weeks which is Bradley centered. Just curious overall if anyone had something particular that helped.
The closest birthing center to us is about an hour away, so in particular if anyone has tips on unmedicated births in a hospital setting.

Scarlettg

Thanks PPs who have said that all childbirth is natural.  I plan on getting an epidural, and while I'm hoping for a vaginal birth, as long as this LO is healthy I don't really care how s/he gets here.  To those planning on the unmedicated route: more power to you!  But as for me, I'll take the meds.

miahbelle

CustomKicks said:

So sorry I didn't clarify unmedicated!! I am not a veteran at this; learning as I go!!
I've heard a lot about the Ina May book so I will for sure look into that. We start our birthing class in a couple weeks which is Bradley centered. Just curious overall if anyone had something particular that helped.
The closest birthing center to us is about an hour away, so in particular if anyone has tips on unmedicated births in a hospital setting.

My birthing center is almost 2 hrs away. It was worth it. I don't have any hospital setting tips.

AussieLuv12

rsaj0807 said:

CS mom here, and I wanted to give a shout out to @AussieLuv12‌. Thank you for acknowledging csection mommas in the way that you did. Creepy Internet hugs to you.

Aw yeay! *internet hugs* haha

redheaded14

FTM hoping for an unmedicated birth. We're taking Bradley method classes starting Jan or Feb. Right now I have a low lying placenta and not sure how that may affect our plans. Fx that my u/s in Feb gives us good news!

taahira

My second delivery was unmediated water birth. My birthing centre was an hour away, but well worth the drive. My hospital did not allow delivery in the water, it was only available during the labor. The warmth of the water really helped ease the pain.

jk3610

Scarlettg said:

Thanks PPs who have said that all childbirth is natural.  I plan on getting an epidural, and while I'm hoping for a vaginal birth, as long as this LO is healthy I don't really care how s/he gets here.  To those planning on the unmedicated route: more power to you!  But as for me, I'll take the meds.

Agreed.  I have a very low pain tolerance.  Like I stub my toe and I'm almost in tears.  Yep, doing this medicated.  That being said, people who do it unmedicated rock, too.  We're all giving birth to beautiful babies and that's what matters!

Rowsdower85

CustomKicks said:

So sorry I didn't clarify unmedicated!! I am not a veteran at this; learning as I go!!
I've heard a lot about the Ina May book so I will for sure look into that. We start our birthing class in a couple weeks which is Bradley centered. Just curious overall if anyone had something particular that helped.
The closest birthing center to us is about an hour away, so in particular if anyone has tips on unmedicated births in a hospital setting.

I delivered med-free in a hospital. I had a Doula, and she was a great advocate for me. The nurses just kind of rolled their eyes when I said I didn't want any pain medication, but as soon as the contractions started and they saw I was still serious about not having pain meds, they became super supportive! They only asked that once I was admitted that I get an IV site put in, just in case. I agreed to that.

My best advice is to go into this with an open mind. Anything can happen. Be prepared for a lot of pain, but just know that once you reach your breaking point, you'll be pushing in no time. Pushing was the best part for me, I was so motivated. My adrenaline was pumping at that point, so I didn't feel a lot of pain. I'm genuinely look forward to having another med-free hospital birth. It was the best day of my life. Good luck

lilann2011

I had an Unmedicated birth with my son in the hospital. I went into the birth just feeling like let me see how it is going to be and if I can't handle it then I will go from there. Well by the time I was at that point I was already 9cm I believe, so it was time to go! It was very painful but i made it through
I would just recommend going in with an open mind. If you go in with a birth plan that you aren't willing to bend a little you may be disappointed because you never know what will happen or how you will feel!
This time around I'm going in with the same attitude of let me see how I feel when I'm there. Good luck!

Cliffhaven

AussieLuv12 said:

I had my daughter with no medication of any kind using the Bradley method. That said, I implore you to do a lot of reading and hopefully take the Bradley class. "Natural birth" can be a very loaded/ambiguous term. The Bradley class is about birthing with the least amount of medical intervention necessary. Sometimes pain meds, pitocin, c-section, etc are the least intervention necessary. Getting those interventions doesn't mean a mother has failed or didn't have a "natural birth" it just means the interventions were medically indicated and carefully considered. I'm very supportive of women who want to set a goal of having minimal interventions. But don't set yourself up for disappointment or even danger by making the goal to be completely med free. And please please please respect your doctor's medical training and advice. If there's anything you're unsure of or disagree about, ask questions and discuss it with your doctor. You're on the same team. I notice way too many natural birthers who are suspicious of any and all medicine and are dead set on a "me against you" mentality with their doctor. Anyway, that's my two cents on "natural birth"...

As far as my personal experience, I was very fortunate that I didn't have any complications and was able to give birth with no interventions. I did need some pitocin after the birth to control some bleeding. I also had a second degree tear which they gave me some lidocaine before they stitched me up. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to doing it again. The Bradley class really helped me cope during some tough moments of self doubt. If I'm being honest, the part I feared the worst was the actual birth. But the labor was so much more painful than the birth. The only painful part of birthing my baby was when she crowned and that only lasted a couple minutes and it just stung really bad. I had no idea I tore until they told me. I will tell you there is no way in hell I could have made it through labor without pain meds if I hadn't taken the Bradley class.

This was an awesome post!! So many great points and such a balanced perspective! Thank you!!

Critter015

I had both of my kids without pain meds. I really didn't ever feel like I needed them. I think I am one of a lucky few who have relatively quick and easy labors. After each of them were born I felt like super woman and I felt like my recoveries went very smoothly too. I didn't even take birthing classes, but I did focus on the words of my grandma to help me through labor. She said that I needed to focus on relaxing my body through the pain and not let it tense up. She said to get a relaxing image in my mind and focus on that and to just breathe slowly and try to relax. She must have known what she was saying after 5 kids because it really did help me. It is also important to make sure you are very familiar with the stages of labor and the whole process of birth. It really helped me to know that the pain was going to end very soon and I had a beautiful baby to look forward to.

I did give birth in a hospital, so I had the standard shot of pitosin after delivery and also was given local anesthetic when they stitched up my second degree tear after my first delivery. Thankfully I didn't tear the second time. I will say that I didn't go in set on having a natural birth, I just wanted to try for it, particularly because I was more afraid of the unknown numb feeling that comes with an epidural than I was afraid of the pain that I knew would end as soon as the baby was delivered. I always kept the options open for myself just in case I needed them, and because I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment if I needed a C-Section or something.

The only thing I really recommend staying away from is an induction if at all possible, since pitosin contractions are much harder than natural ones. Just before I delivered my first I had a friend who had an induction gone horribly wrong and she and her baby are both very lucky they survived, so I have that at the top of my mind whenever I think about them. I believe that if your body is going to be able to deliver your baby, it will choose the right time to do it.

mombod

FTM but planning for as little intervention as medically safe. I will give birth at a birth center attached to the hospital about 45 minutes from home. It was more important to me to be in a birth center than to be five minutes from a hospital (personal preference). I have the option of water birth but my MW recommends not getting too set or focused on a very specific birth plan so that you aren't disappointed if it doesn't work that way.
I've read the Ina may gaskin book and we are taking child birth classes similar to Bradley method. I recommend reading a lot of birth stories, watching YouTube videos, and checking out the board. I feel more comfortable bc I feel like I am educating myself. I'm less likely to freak out if I know what is going on.
Also I too dislike the term natural. If my unmedicated/low intervention birth doesn't work out I do not believe that's unnatural.

Rowsdower85

MOtownMama said:

I had an unmedicated birth with my son and plan to with this one. My SPD puts me at higher risks of separating my pubic bones. Epidural can increase this risk.

We used the B.A.N.I method. The hypno/self-meditation really helped. I was able to mostly "check out" through most of the labor. The whirlpool at the hospital really helped. After transition, though, I didn't want to do anything but lie in the bed until the baby was out of me.

Oh yes! Once transition began, I didn't want to move. My Doula kept asking if I wanted to try different positions, but the only thing I wanted to do was lay in bed with a wet cloth on my face. I don't know why people even bother talking to you after that point, I just wanted to focus.

ElleB*

Another med-free birth, in a hospital with a dr who has a reputation for c-sections and episiotomies.

My suggestions are:

Educate yourself ahead of time (we loved our Bradley class with a nurse/midwife and I loved Ina May).

Find the best setup for delivery for you: we went with the hospital because I *personally* know enough people who have needed it, and a dr who may not have been "ideal" because I trusted him.

Have only supportive people: we didn't have a doula, but one of my close friends is a nurse at the hospital where we delivered and very pro med-free, so she was my labor buddy. I told my husband that I would kick him out if he was doubting/second guessing me (he was awesome, but was being stubborn when we started the labor class).

Communicate clearly ahead of time with your doctor/nurse/midwife/hospital: Mine knew what I was hoping for from early 3rd trimester, because I started talking about it.

and on that note... Be willing to compromise! It was awesome to be med-free but many of the interventions are there because sometimes they are absolutely necessary. Decide what is the most important thing to you and keep that at the forefront of your considerations.  For me, that was healthy baby and I'd willing end up with any delivery experience to make sure that this outcome is as likely as possible.

Scarlettg

jk3610 said:

Scarlettg said:

Thanks PPs who have said that all childbirth is natural.  I plan on getting an epidural, and while I'm hoping for a vaginal birth, as long as this LO is healthy I don't really care how s/he gets here.  To those planning on the unmedicated route: more power to you!  But as for me, I'll take the meds.

Agreed.  I have a very low pain tolerance.  Like I stub my toe and I'm almost in tears.  Yep, doing this medicated.  That being said, people who do it unmedicated rock, too.  We're all giving birth to beautiful babies and that's what matters!

Actually, I have a pretty high pain tolerance, which is now making me feel guilty.  Also, I've had the honor of being "the girl with the biggest kidney stone anyone's ever seen" at the hospital and so I know severe pain.  I've heard that childbirth is the same as a kidney stone, that it's worse, and that it's better, so I don't know how that stacks up but the comparison is there.  Frankly, I'm just petrified of labor and I think I will be less stressed and afraid if I have an epidural.  Also, there's probably less chance of me freaking out at DH that way.  My thoughts are along the lines of: "what if I can't handle it and then it's too late for the epidural and I have to go through all that pain when I could have been medicated and not felt it?"  Again, like I said, now I'm feeling guilty. 

lexyraejay

With my DD, I wanted to wait as long as I could before asking for an epidural. In the end, I waited so long that it was too late for an epi and I was happy how it turned out. This time, I really hope to go med-free. We're taking the Hypnobabies course starting in January. I have 2 tips. 1) have a well-researched, but simple birth plan (think ten items or less, for sure no more than one page), but realize that nothing may go as you planned and that's OK & 2) discuss your hopes for a med-free birth with your doc/MW and inquire about your hospital's policies so that everyone is on the same page and you know what to expect as things develop during labor.

EmmaSF

With DS I was hoping to go pain-med free, but I had to change that plan after 10 hours of labour and ultimately had a CS. It was traumatic for me that nothing went according to my "plan" so I urge you to remember that things happen and sometimes you need to think about what is best for you and the baby. By all means have a plan, but don't be rigid. As previous posts have stated, all birth is "natural"!

lilann2011

@scarlettg I also had a kidney stone before! I had my son (Unmedicated) after I experienced that, they are both very painful but almost a different kind of pain. I remember the kidney stone being more dull but super painful and constant. At least with contractions at the beginning you get some breaks Also with child birth you have something to look forward to coming out haha not just a rock lol

alie78_80

I was induced with DS since I was 41 weeks 5 days with citotec, but after that I didn't have any other medication.  We was delivered at a hospital.  The hospital has one room that has a tub in it, I highly recommend getting in water for part of labor if you want to go med-free.  The warm water helped me relax.

If you plan on going med-free you need to be prepared.  We also did the Bradley classes and loved them, we are doing going back for a few refreshers this time as well.  We had a doula, who was also our Bradley teacher, and she will be our doula again.  I think the more you know what to expect the better you are to deal with it.  Bradley focuses on relaxing and not tensing up and letting the muscles do what they are meant to do. 

It's not easy but I was so proud that I was able to do it.  I plan on going not using pain-medication again, I don't know if I'll have to be induced again, I hope not.  But, as others have said things happen in labor that you didn't plan on.

kurban627

My best advice is be flexible with your plan. Things rarely go perfectly and you can't beat yourself up about it. I planned for unmedicated, at 11 days past due I ended up getting induced. There is nothing "natural" about pitocin. For hours I labored with no medication and I also was not dilating. I ended up having to get the epidural and I waited so long that by the time I asked for it I was throwing up from the pain. My midwife asked the doctor to run. I almost needed an emergency c section because her head got stuck coming out, but after hours of pushing I finally did it. For a while I felt like a failure because I didn't succeed in going unmedicated and even now when I consider trying it with my second, I'm scared.

The ultimate goal is a healthy baby and whatever method gets your little one in your arms is a success.

kuchick1

MOtownMama said:

Rowsdower85 said:

MOtownMama said:

I had an unmedicated birth with my son and plan to with this one. My SPD puts me at higher risks of separating my pubic bones. Epidural can increase this risk.

We used the B.A.N.I method. The hypno/self-meditation really helped. I was able to mostly "check out" through most of the labor. The whirlpool at the hospital really helped. After transition, though, I didn't want to do anything but lie in the bed until the baby was out of me.

Oh yes! Once transition began, I didn't want to move. My Doula kept asking if I wanted to try different positions, but the only thing I wanted to do was lay in bed with a wet cloth on my face. I don't know why people even bother talking to you after that point, I just wanted to focus.

Totally! I had all these grand ideas of giving birth while squating. Nope. Traditional on my back so I like could relax as many muscles as possible.

Also, I had my meditation tracks on my ipod. If they wanted to tell or ask me something, they had to scream it at me.

I'm really interested in squatting, and I want to avoid both pitocin and an episiotomy.

Can you share more about your experience? What were you doing ore-transition? Did you try squatting at all?

27boo

I was induced at 40w 4d with pitocin due to high bp. I had an epidural and looking back, I think I asked for it because I was afraid of how painful it might be and not because of the pain I was in. Not that it didn't suck. I ended up pushing for 2.5 hrs and the epi wore off sometime during that. DD got stuck and I ended up with an episiotomy and vacuum assist. She was born healthy, but the nurses and doctor were worried several times and I almost ended up in a c-section. I wonder if I had been able to push more effectively at first without the epi if things would have been different. I don't know. I'm going into this with a goal to hopefully go into labor on my own as long as DS is healthy and safe and make it as long as I can without other interventions. I think I am more nervous for delivery this time, but really just want to come home with a healthy baby.

kurban627

kuchick1 said:

MOtownMama said:

Rowsdower85 said:

MOtownMama said:

I had an unmedicated birth with my son and plan to with this one. My SPD puts me at higher risks of separating my pubic bones. Epidural can increase this risk.

We used the B.A.N.I method. The hypno/self-meditation really helped. I was able to mostly "check out" through most of the labor. The whirlpool at the hospital really helped. After transition, though, I didn't want to do anything but lie in the bed until the baby was out of me.

Oh yes! Once transition began, I didn't want to move. My Doula kept asking if I wanted to try different positions, but the only thing I wanted to do was lay in bed with a wet cloth on my face. I don't know why people even bother talking to you after that point, I just wanted to focus.

Totally! I had all these grand ideas of giving birth while squating. Nope. Traditional on my back so I like could relax as many muscles as possible.

Also, I had my meditation tracks on my ipod. If they wanted to tell or ask me something, they had to scream it at me.

I'm really interested in squatting, and I want to avoid both pitocin and an episiotomy.

Can you share more about your experience? What were you doing ore-transition? Did you try squatting at all?

Pitocin is hard to avoid if you don't go into labor on your own. Once you are nearing 2 weeks past due, your risk of having a still born baby dramatically increases. Every practice with induce at a certain point. I did avoid an episiotomy, but I tore badly. I don't know which is worse.......

FX that you start labor on time and on your own so you get the birth you want. My first was 10 lbs 2.4 oz.....I won't be going 11 days past due again. I'll get induced on my due date if I haven't gone into labor on my own by then.

I can't say much about the squatting except my midwives really hated when people did it because it put them in a very uncomfortable/awkward position for catching the baby. Also some positions make it more difficult for them to discreetly clean up when you are pooping while giving birth. .....

xuxachi

kurban627 said:

My best advice is be flexible with your plan. Things rarely go perfectly and you can't beat yourself up about it. I planned for unmedicated, at 11 days past due I ended up getting induced. There is nothing "natural" about pitocin. For hours I labored with no medication and I also was not dilating. I ended up having to get the epidural and I waited so long that by the time I asked for it I was throwing up from the pain. My midwife asked the doctor to run. I almost needed an emergency c section because her head got stuck coming out, but after hours of pushing I finally did it. For a while I felt like a failure because I didn't succeed in going unmedicated and even now when I consider trying it with my second, I'm scared.

The ultimate goal is a healthy baby and whatever method gets your little one in your arms is a success.

I second (or third or fourth) the flexibility comments. I wanted the least amount of intervention possible with my first and had to be induced at 42 weeks. I went into that feeling very disappointed. I was given cervadill, foley bulb then petocin and labored for hours and hours with no epidural and non-stop contractions, constant vomiting and very little progress. I finally got the epidural and that helped me, but LO did not tolerate laboring (erratic heartbeat), had still not dropped/engaged, thus I wasn't dialating and we ended up in CS. Even with the help of a doula, birthing class, yoga, reading Ina May, etc. etc, I had the opposite experience that I wanted and that weighed on me heavily. I am glad I pushed back as much as I could and prepared a lot which made me believe I did as much as I could. However, I have come to believe that the outcome is the most important part and how you got there doesn't matter so much.

kuchick1

kurban627 said:

kuchick1 said:

MOtownMama said:

Rowsdower85 said:

MOtownMama said:

I had an unmedicated birth with my son and plan to with this one. My SPD puts me at higher risks of separating my pubic bones. Epidural can increase this risk.

We used the B.A.N.I method. The hypno/self-meditation really helped. I was able to mostly "check out" through most of the labor. The whirlpool at the hospital really helped. After transition, though, I didn't want to do anything but lie in the bed until the baby was out of me.

Oh yes! Once transition began, I didn't want to move. My Doula kept asking if I wanted to try different positions, but the only thing I wanted to do was lay in bed with a wet cloth on my face. I don't know why people even bother talking to you after that point, I just wanted to focus.

Totally! I had all these grand ideas of giving birth while squating. Nope. Traditional on my back so I like could relax as many muscles as possible.

Also, I had my meditation tracks on my ipod. If they wanted to tell or ask me something, they had to scream it at me.

I'm really interested in squatting, and I want to avoid both pitocin and an episiotomy.

Can you share more about your experience? What were you doing ore-transition? Did you try squatting at all?

Pitocin is hard to avoid if you don't go into labor on your own. Once you are nearing 2 weeks past due, your risk of having a still born baby dramatically increases. Every practice with induce at a certain point. I did avoid an episiotomy, but I tore badly. I don't know which is worse.......

FX that you start labor on time and on your own so you get the birth you want. My first was 10 lbs 2.4 oz.....I won't be going 11 days past due again. I'll get induced on my due date if I haven't gone into labor on my own by then.

I can't say much about the squatting except my midwives really hated when people did it because it put them in a very uncomfortable/awkward position for catching the baby. Also some positions make it more difficult for them to discreetly clean up when you are pooping while giving birth. .....

Thanks! This is helpful. I'm not super concerned about the midwife and/or doula being comfortable. I care more about the safest and best method for me, but it's food for thought!

miahbelle

kurban627 said:

kuchick1 said:

MOtownMama said:

Rowsdower85 said:

MOtownMama said:

I had an unmedicated birth with my son and plan to with this one. My SPD puts me at higher risks of separating my pubic bones. Epidural can increase this risk.

We used the B.A.N.I method. The hypno/self-meditation really helped. I was able to mostly "check out" through most of the labor. The whirlpool at the hospital really helped. After transition, though, I didn't want to do anything but lie in the bed until the baby was out of me.

Oh yes! Once transition began, I didn't want to move. My Doula kept asking if I wanted to try different positions, but the only thing I wanted to do was lay in bed with a wet cloth on my face. I don't know why people even bother talking to you after that point, I just wanted to focus.

Totally! I had all these grand ideas of giving birth while squating. Nope. Traditional on my back so I like could relax as many muscles as possible.

Also, I had my meditation tracks on my ipod. If they wanted to tell or ask me something, they had to scream it at me.

I'm really interested in squatting, and I want to avoid both pitocin and an episiotomy.

Can you share more about your experience? What were you doing ore-transition? Did you try squatting at all?

Pitocin is hard to avoid if you don't go into labor on your own. Once you are nearing 2 weeks past due, your risk of having a still born baby dramatically increases. Every practice with induce at a certain point. I did avoid an episiotomy, but I tore badly. I don't know which is worse.......

FX that you start labor on time and on your own so you get the birth you want. My first was 10 lbs 2.4 oz.....I won't be going 11 days past due again. I'll get induced on my due date if I haven't gone into labor on my own by then.

I can't say much about the squatting except my midwives really hated when people did it because it put them in a very uncomfortable/awkward position for catching the baby. Also some positions make it more difficult for them to discreetly clean up when you are pooping while giving birth. .....

I tried squatting and found that I hated it. It was hard to worry about squatting and pushing and the fact that I was super nauseous. Maybe a birthing chair would be a better option? I think I may try that next time.

As for the episiotomy, I had one and tore still with DS. They felt the same to me, honestly. But my suggestion is to be flexible. My DS was larger than they anticipated he didn't fit. He went started going into distress and they cut the episiotomy to make more room for him. It hurt and I tore afterward, but of course it was worth it.

Rowsdower85

kuchick1 said:

MOtownMama said:

Rowsdower85 said:

MOtownMama said:

I had an unmedicated birth with my son and plan to with this one. My SPD puts me at higher risks of separating my pubic bones. Epidural can increase this risk.

We used the B.A.N.I method. The hypno/self-meditation really helped. I was able to mostly "check out" through most of the labor. The whirlpool at the hospital really helped. After transition, though, I didn't want to do anything but lie in the bed until the baby was out of me.

Oh yes! Once transition began, I didn't want to move. My Doula kept asking if I wanted to try different positions, but the only thing I wanted to do was lay in bed with a wet cloth on my face. I don't know why people even bother talking to you after that point, I just wanted to focus.

Totally! I had all these grand ideas of giving birth while squating. Nope. Traditional on my back so I like could relax as many muscles as possible.

Also, I had my meditation tracks on my ipod. If they wanted to tell or ask me something, they had to scream it at me.

I'm really interested in squatting, and I want to avoid both pitocin and an episiotomy.

Can you share more about your experience? What were you doing ore-transition? Did you try squatting at all?

I had big plans to try squatting and other positions. But it was so uncomfortable. Pushing takes a lot of strength and focus, I can't imagine holding myself in a squat position, while managing to push. It definitely works for some women, but it didn't feel right for me.

kuchick1

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look into the birthing chair option as was suggested above to see if it might be a better fit. I hate doing squats at the gym, so sustaining the position through labor may be dicey!

hmerunka

When I had my daughter we originally didn't want any meds at all..however once the first 10-15 hours pasted and my dilation stopped at a five they had to give me pitocin which hurts!!!! So they told me it was either epidural or c-section so we opted for epidural..best decision I ever made..for the last 11 hours (yes i was in labor for 26 hours) Iwas able to rest and even got some sleep before it was time to push she came out healthy I was well rested for her arrival and my overall experience was wonderful..my point for this long reply..Anything can happen do not rule anything out..take things slow see howitgoes then make dedecisions based on how you feel in the moment.

imamurphy

I was dead set against an epidural with my first...the idea of needles in my spine completely freaked me out! We were fortunate to have an awesome doula. We delivered in a conventional hospital and some things that worked well for us were...
Labor at home as long as possible, more time on your terms and in your comfort zone. And something our doula said that really made sense to me was that you can always ask for a minute...if the doctor's reccomend a specific intervention ask them why, and if you can take a minute to think about it. If they say OK, then you can gather your thoughts and make a decision with less panic. If they say no, then you know its a more imminent issue! That and trust your instincts!

Good Luck!

Bluetiff

I'm planning a med-free birth, in a hospital, with a nurse-midwife and a doula. I'm doing the Hypnobabies home study course (there isn't a class available in my area), I'll also be taking a natural birth class.

I recommend reading and preparing yourself as much as possible! If at all possible, hire a doula. Ina May's books are wonderful (I've met her- she's amazing!), and I really love the book The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer.

stephaniejfree

I had an unmediated hospital birth with my ds and we are planning for a home birth with this lo. I definitely recommend taking some out of hospital birth classes if you can and/or read some books. Getting on the same page with your partner so you are both educated about what's happening to your body and feeling as prepared (as possible ha!) is key imo. Good luck!