Pep talk

MEG Mama 2012

I am 38 weeks and want to give birth naturally, I really do. However I feel like nowadays people and drs assume you want to get an epidural, etc. Don't get me wrong, I am going to go in with an open mind and do what I need to do, but I would like to do it drug free. I watched the movie The Business of Being Born and found it so inspirational. I also read Ina Mays book and now Childbirth without Fear. I REALLY wish I chose a midwife but it is too late in the game. I trust my docs, although I barely know them is since I just started at the practice at 31 weeks since we moved. I just feel like they don't take the time to just talk to me about the process and labor. I have to pull I info out of them and they just breeze through the appointments. I even got scolded for drinking red raspberry tea! Then she told me that if I like the taste I can drink it...um, ok?! Anyway, I don't think I am going to get the support I think I need from my docs in terms of natural delivery, so I am relying on my husband to be there and be supportive. My Mom also have birth naturally to 4 kids, so I know it is possible. She is super positive. I tend to overreact and stress out easily, so I am worried that will overcome me during labor and I will lose focus. With all that said, can anyone give me any adviice? Encouragement? Am I crazy over thinking all of it? 

annabelle.27

you can do it My first pregnancy was much the same- I was seeing a group practice, none of the doctors were very encouraging. Every appointment was in and out. I don't think most doctors care too much to research unmanaged, natural birth, or at least that's the impression I had (only one doctor in the practice seemed supportive of natural birth, and unfortunately he wasn't the one on call when I went into labour).

But there is so much information out there. I did my own research. I think the big thing is changing your expectations, as sad as that is to say (it shouldn't be too much to ask for your care providers to be very positive and supportive, but it sometimes seems that it is). If you really can't switch this late in the game, then start thinking of your partner being your support team, and possibly a doula or a friend/your mom as additional support when in labour, and as the care providers there only in case something goes wrong. You can do this; you don't need them to hold your hand and provide that support. Your body is built and designed for this. It's an "unknown" for you as a first time mom and so of course you're a bit apprehensive, but your body knows what to do, even if you aren't consciously aware of it. Make sure your husband knows what you want and how best to support you.

Good luck with everything!

FyreFlyeRush

With my first, I went in with a wait and see attitude. In the end, I didn't get to the hospital with enough time to wait and see. I had her about 15 minutes after I got there. Check in time: 10:15a birth time 9:42a, lol. They didn't even bother checking me in. I loved that experience, and I can't see having a baby any other way.

Because of that, I want to have this one naturally, too. Since DD's birth was a total fluke, I've had TWO ppl willing to question every move the hospital makes since I found out. After calling me crazy and telling me there's no way she could do it, my sister has ALSO come around and said if my mom or bff can't be there, she WILL make sure no one approaches me with an epidural and question medications, etc. (She's a soldier, so she had to get special permission to carry her phone and leave early if need be, that's why she's a backup.)

Remember, you can refuse anything. I'd recommend a heplock if you don't want an IV and laboring at home as much as possible. I'd also like PP said look into hiring a doula. If my mother, sister and BFF weren't in town, I'd definitely be hiring one. Research it. Watch child birth videos. Read birth stories. Don't fear the pain. Learn some basic meditation techniques. The breathing totally saved me. Look at a focal point. For me, it's "Pipeline" by The Chantays and as corney as it is, the Lord's Prayer. I have no idea why, but reciting it mentally while breathing through pain for stress always zens me out.  GL!

jessandandy09

you can do it!  Don't worry about the doctors it sucks that you don't know them well and that they are not being as informational and supportive as you need, but you really don't even need them there.  I like to refer to them as my "catchers"  since that was all they really ever did for me!  LOL, I guess they also gave me my stitches since I tore a little bit. 

Child birth is part of what our bodies were naturally meant to do, and it is wonderful.  I had both of my first two children ( an 8 pounder and a 9 pounder)  all natural.    Both experiences were wonderful (it is of course hard, there is no denying that) but it is really exciting when you do it med free. Breathing techniques and a focus point or meditation chant is really helpful, plus just knowing that any minute you will have your baby in your arms is the way to make it through!  I agree with FFR, try to labor at home as much as possible, it is more comfortable and I liked standing in the shower during labor it is realxing