Med-free Childbirth Resources

MeridethKimble

Hi All. I'm on the hunt for books, blogs, websites, etc, that discuss childbirth and prep for delivering without medication. I'm coming up to the third trimester of my third (and last) pregnancy. I've had two easy, medicated deliveries and for some reason, I'm feeling very much pulled toward delivering without an epidural and as little medical intervention as necessary.

Since my "birth plan" on the first two was (1) get to hospital, where there are doctors; and (2) get an epidural; then, (3) follow directions of those doctors... I could use some new input.

Any advice, or advice on where to find advice would be appreciated!

lyse01

@MeridethKimble I’m always a fan of Evidence Based Birth, which presents pros/cons/evidence on a myriad of childbirth decision points. There are several articles that deal directly with medication (and therefore lack of medication). 

wizzybear

Congratulations on being so close to the finish line! I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and it really helped me solidify my decision to go with a natural birth. I got it from my local library and loved it so much I ended up buying it from eBay for $7. Best of luck to you in your delivery :-)

wildcosmiclove

Natural Hospital Birth
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
I'm slowly going through the Mama Natural Guide to pregnancy & childbirth now.

For this pregnancy I'm mostly focusing on hypnobirthing stuff and mindfulness to help me with the mental aspect. 

catherineclaire78

I read Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth every time (this is my 4th) and also hypnobirthing. I use the Marie Mongan method. I found both to be helpful in having all three Med-Free births. Good luck!

midway_mouse

Those who do hypnobirthing- did you take a class or self-study? Thanks!

wildcosmiclove

I'm doing self study, but I also don't have a class local to me. 

angelob88

I listen to "The Birth Hour" podcast, that has a good mix of all sorts of birth stories, I also listen to "Doing it at Home" but that's more focused on just home birth but there are good resources. I am reading Ina May's book for the second time as well as ordering "Hypno-birthing" to do at home study and also ordered "Birthing from Within."

saraleigh2

I had a low risk first pregnancy and had a Med free birth center birth with my first: I love the books: ‘Ina May’s guide to child birth’ and  
‘Birthing from within’ we also attended Bradley method classes and I was diligently with eating healthy and consuming 90-100g of protein per day. I’ve also read orgasmic birth which is pretty good but feel the other 2 books are more important depending on how much time you have. 

For baby care and nursing read: ‘the womanly art of breastfeeding’

most importantly be informed and be open minded!!! Commit to being aware and making the best decision you can given the circumstances of your birth. 

catherineclaire78

@midway_mouse with my First I took a hypnobirthing class, for the subsequent babies I just do self study.

dobbs1989

I wish I had advice or recommendations. I went into my first pregnancy planning to do natural and at 9 cm dialated I figured out how to channel all my pain to one leg so I could be still enough to get the epidural. I’m going to try for natural pregnancy again this time. The doctor said it should be easier because labor shouldn’t last 20 hours. Here’s for hoping! I’ll try my best to be mentally strong! Good luck!! 

MeridethKimble

Thanks, everyone! I'm researching and reading. Going to discuss with the NP the next time I see her - I will still be delivering at a hospital, and need to find out what resources they have there, too. It's a new hospital and supposed to be up to date with all of the options. We shall see how it goes!