Feeling Unprepared

cedenton

So, I'm hoping for a natural birth, but am open to an epidural if it will help me progress.  I did hire a doula to help DH and I navigate things at the hospital.

Our childbirth class is this coming Saturday and it goes over possible medical interventions as well as comfort and relaxation methods.

Other than that, I haven't done much of anything.  I'm thinking I'm going to email my doula and ask for some book recommendations and if she has any other suggestions for getting prepared. 

In the meantime, any suggestions? I probably should have done this prior to 34.5 weeks.  

perplexed59

I really like Ina May Gaskin's Guilde to Childbirth. Good luck, you still have lots of time. The biggest thing that helped me was trying to focus on not freaking out. I did whatever I needed to do to stay calm and just focus on each contraction as they came. 

valeriej6

I'm reading Natural Hospital Birth by Cynthia Gabriel. I'm only on pg 80/250 but I'll get there! It's great at giving you the self confidence needed when you don't know what to expect with pain. GL!!

cedenton

Thanks, ladies! I put a bunch of books on hold at the library.  I guess I've gotta get busy.

drpayne

I'm a bit confused as to why you think an epidural will help you progress?  It can do just the opposite...

The books PP mentioned are good.  Also, I think reading lots of natural birth stories (and maybe watching videos) can be helpful.

I think it's helpful to understand your own reasons for wanting a natural birth.  You kind of need to convince yourself ahead of time   Good luck!

jenikas

drpayne:

I'm a bit confused as to why you think an epidural will help you progress?  It can do just the opposite...

The books PP mentioned are good.  Also, I think reading lots of natural birth stories (and maybe watching videos) can be helpful.

I think it's helpful to understand your own reasons for wanting a natural birth.  You kind of need to convince yourself ahead of time   Good luck!

for some women, they get so stressed out and tired after all the contractions, they are holding so much tension that it actually prevents them from progressing....once given an epidural, they relax and their body can do it's thing! it's obviously different for everyone.