Crash course?

renee&jeff'06

Hello!  I don't normally post here, but thought you all might be able to help me out.

I had an epidural with my first baby and hated it... it wore off in the middle of pushing and that is when I felt I was finally in control of how to push.  Granted it wasn't easy, I think I would have been better off having that feeling the whole way through.

Anyway, with this one, I don't want to have the epidural, but haven't really done any "prep classes" or reading.   Terrible with procrastination... Being that I am only 7 weeks away, I  was wondering what my best way to prepare for a drug free childbirth would be?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!! TIA!!

[Deleted User]

Even though it isn't really directed toward you per se, The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin was the most helpful book I read.  It has lots of information on the actual work of getting through labor, as well as on the pros and cons of different interventions.  I felt much more prepared after I read it.

tokenhoser

Hire a doula. If you've got the money, or if you can find one in training that will work for free, that's the best crash course ever.

Check out the FAQ (link in siggy).

I also loved "The Birth Partner" for really concrete "do this" advice.

I think the most important part is to have confidence that your body was made to birth a baby. Confidence lets you relax and just work with your body. Assuming everything is normal, it knows what to do.

redheadinlove

I say try to jump into a birthing class as soon as possible? Even if it's just a one day class, it may give you just enough support to give you more confidence