Resources for Natural/Active birth

cattlebride

I'm currently 8 weeks pregnant and new to this board.

I'm an RN and have seen the corruption and bad things that happen behind the scenes in a hospital. For example a Dr that turns the pit drip up on a mom so he can "get out for lunch with his wife" when the labouring woman was progressing normally. Because of these experiences I'm leaning towards an active/natural birth. Due to me being in a rural area I do not have access to a midwife so will give birth in a hospital with an ob doc.

Are there good resources, books, movies, that you ladies know of also any advice that you who have done this before have? Thanks!

SamanthaPo

Down the thread there is a post called "I'm thinking of going natural" or something along those lines. Also, if your interested in movies The Business of Being Born and its sequel are excellent.

tokenhoser

Consider a family doctor rather than an OB if any deliver in your area. I adore my family doctor.

I really like "The Birth Partner" for both me and DH (book).

Prenatal yoga is my prep of choice. If there aren't classes local to you, DVDs and podcasts can fill that gap - I really like the prenatal stuff on yogadownload.com . I used both some yoga poses last time and just the mindfulness/conscious relaxation part. 

kirkie2023

I read The Thinking Woman's Guide to Better Birth which was recommended by my cousin who is a Birthing Bootcamp Instuctor. I recommend watching The Business of Being Born. I felt that it was really informational and gave me and DH piece of mind about going with a natural birth at a birthing center.

Haley.Beth

I know you said you're rural, but still look around, you might be surprised, especially if you're willing to travel a bit. I live in a rural area and thought it was out of the question, but after doing some hard research I found a couple midwives within driving distance. I drive an hour to see my midwife, and she will be delivering my baby at my home. 

aylafsu88

kirkie2023:

I read The Thinking Woman's Guide to Better Birth

I read this book as well and really liked it.  I highly recommend any book by Ina May as well.  I live in a small town which has only 1 small birth center and 1 MW who will do home births.  I had to deliver in the hospital and was worried I would not get the birth I wanted.  My biggest recommendation is to find a provider who supports natural birth.  I had an OB and he was wonderful.  I also surrounded myself with supportive people.  My H and doula were positive, encouraging and strong the entire time. 

AmyRI

I'll also add that you can look for a midwife that delivers at the hospital. I go to a practice of CNMs that deliver only at one local hospital, they don't do home births.