New to learning about my options for natural birth

sonaliagrawal

Hello ladies! I am 19 weeks pregnant and just beginning to research all my options for natural birth and various choices at various stages of labor and birth. I have started reading a book on bradley method, but beyond that I am just googling around on the web. 

 What resources do you recommend to get more educated about natural birth - why natural birth, and what my various choices/options are ? 

 

Your input will greatly help a FTM looking do best for myself and the baby! 

MommyLuvsMe1210

1. Go on YouTube and watch "the business of being born"
2. while on YouTube, look at what natural births look like, what they entail, and what different routes you can take on your natural birth path.
   
3. read up on anything and everything you can find about natural birth
   
4. research birth centers/midwives/doulas in your area and do some tours/interviews
5. talk to your significant other about what you both think is best for your family.

I'm also a FTM and that's how I started. The ladies on this board are really supportive, and have a lot of great advice to give!

KateLouise

i haven't read it but lots of people recommend ina may gaskin's book.

there are lots of things to consider through labour, the actual birthing, and immediately after delivery, but the ladies here have lots of knowledge and support to offer.

i've had 2 natural births and loved it. 

sonaliagrawal

Thank you so much for all the input! I just finished watching the youtube video for business of being born, how very educational!

 Any good books to read? 

tokenhoser

There's a reading list in the unofficial FAQ  in my siggy.

I liked "Your Best Birth" by Ricki Lake for a general overview.

RockyMtnMama

Congrats on the pregnancy - you're taking good first steps to learning about natural birth.

My list of 3 books that will help you understand the mechanics and beauty of birth are the following:

1. Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth
2. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way (good for the stages of labor breakdown)
3. Birthing from Within

These will all help you get started thinking about what knowlege will work with your personality to aid in a natural birth for you.  I would also suggest looking at some hypnobirths on you tube or online to get an idea if that technique is good for you. 

Good luck.

 

pdilly2b

Through my Brio class, we read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer and also Ina May's book.  The first was great for knowing different options.  The second is great for inspiration/support.