What are you reading/doing to prepare?

Embracetheday

I'm hoping I'm not too far along to really prepare myself for a natural birth.  I apologize if this question is asked a lot, but what are you reading/doing to prepare for a natural birth. 

We took the regular hospital classes for our first delivery and I was thoroughly disappointed.  I hope I can find enough time to mentally and physically prepare for a natural birth this time!

TIA! 

SWBs Wifey

I researched facilities before choosing a health care provider this time.  This alone, I think, will make the biggest difference for us.  We chose the providers with the lowest C-sec rate and midwives that are anti-unecessary-interventions.  I fully believe that if there are any interventions in our delivery, it will be because it is necessary, not because its convenient.  

Upon choosing this practice, we agreed to attend 1) an Open House at the Midwifery Center, 2) a Natural Birth class that was approved/recommended by the midwives and 3) a "3rd Trimester Class" that discusses specific expectations/routines of the center.  We have already attended all three.  The Natural Birthing class we took was FREAKING AMAZING. We learned A TON and we've already had a child before, so I think that says a lot.  I haven't done a lot of book reading because I think it would actually make me more anxious about it, but I have been talking to other NB mamas.  We also hired a student doula (we had a doula for DS1's birth too, but circumstances were SOOOO different!) 

hamiltks10

I've read "Your Best Birth" and "The Complete Idiots Guide to Natural Childbirth".  I also watched (with my husband) "The Business of Being Born".  All were great.  They gave me a ton of confidence that my body can birth a baby without interventions and drugs. 

I'm signed up for Hypnobirthing classes starting in July, but I already have the book and CD's and I'm just getting started on using those.

Hope this helps!  We are also hiring a doula.

seraphiclust

With DD I did the Hypnobabies home Study course (bought second hand from ebay) starting around 20-25 weeks. Plan on starting it again with this one around that time. Might be worth checking into since you can just do it at home!

mb314

I am taking a Bradley Method course and I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.  I'm not sure if I'll do any more.  I will probably watch the "Business of Being Born" at some point.

ABeautifulMind

H and I took a Birthing From Within class.  That is about it.  I did pre-natal yoga (but had done yoga for many, many years prior to that).  Compared to other people, I really didn't do too much.  I trusted in my body and knew a med-free, natural birth was non-negotiable to me.