Anyone planning on no pain meds and you didn't take a class???

camrah16 · April 2009

I couldn't get into a Bradley class and I hear the childbirth prep class at my hospital is a waste of $100 sooo... just wondering if I'm setting myself up for doom?

MidwestTexan · April 2009

I want to go natural and I'm not taking any classes. I'm confident everything will be just fine! I'm on the "no plan" plan.

robbie3982 · April 2009

I'm sure it can be done, it'll just be harder than if you'd taken a class and practiced. Have you looked into having a doula?

michelle marilyn · April 2009

I'm not going to take a class and I'm planning on going natural. I may pick up a book regarding this though, who knows. My real motivation is knowing that my big sis, my mother, and my aunt all were able to do it natural. If they can do it, I can do it!!

rebus82 · April 2009

I'm taking the basic prep class at my hospital, but frankly I'm not expecting much in regards to non-medicated labor info. I'm going to do some research on my own at home, for breathing and relaxation techniques. If it helps, awesome. If it doesn't, well, I'm no worse off than going in with nothing.?

chels0120 · April 2009

I'm not taking any classes and plan on going natural! Just remember what you want, read a few books, and stay calm. That's my plan!

Josey_Lynn_00@hotmail.com · April 2009

I'm not taking a class either... I'm sure I'll forget everything they teach when I'm in labor anyways... Plus I waited too long to sign up!!! DH said he'd teach me what I needed to know...(as a joke) Hows that for setting yourself up for doom!?! HA!

DoubleDiamond · April 2009

::shrugs:: What do I know? I've never done this before. But I'm not taking a class and I'm *hoping* to go natural. I read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and Birthing from Within (by another author whose name is escaping me) and taking yoga (with both my MWs who, by chance, are in my class) I feel okay about my preparation. I've also been in close communication with my MWs about everything. Not everyone prepares in the same way.

rebbieW · April 2009

I don't think you're setting yourself up. If the principal is important to you and the risks involved with medication significant enough to you, you can do it naturally. I didn't take classes - just read a Bradley method book and Ina May Gaskin's book on natural childbirth (like, a thousand times) for inspiration and ideas. Now that it's my third time around, I'm reading them all over again.

rbidi · April 2009

You'll be fine. I hold out as long as I can, but medication is always an option for me. But when you get to the hospital, the nurses will give you a "crash course" in breathing, so you'll be fine. I have never taken classes, and my labors have always went well. The nurses always say that I'm good with the breathing. I'm like, it's not rocket science..

iris427 · April 2009

Well until about 100 years ago, everyone delivered without pain meds, survived and went on to do it again usually.

What makes it hard is to stay committed when you know you could have an epidural at any time.

I don't think you need a class--honestly, mine was no help. But you should talk to your husband about how he can help support you, and prepare in some way. Have you read any books on delivering without drugs?

Sweetgurl6630@yahoo.com · April 2009

I am not taking any classes either. I was just not comfortable with them and plan on just doing some research instead and making sure DH knows what's going on to help me.

volleydiva · April 2009

I am taking the basic class at the hospital, but not taking the Bradley class, I am currently reading more books about it and making my DH practice the techniques with me. I am more worried about him being supportive correctly than me being about to concentrate. I cannot afford one of the classes so just reading 3 different books to get the info I think we need.

Nelliep32507 · April 2009

ok here you go. I didn't take any classes and I wanted to go natural. "I'll just wing it" I said. Here's some tips:

1. Stay calm
2. Focus, Focus Focus (if the smell of a wet clean washcloth makes you calm, have one handy to smell- which is my calming method- weird I know)
3. as my nurse put it: Breath deep--In like you are smelling 100 roses, hold for a secondor two then out like you are blowing out 100 candles on a cake. 4. Don't panic. The pain is intense if you have pitocin, prob not as bad if you are all natural no pitocin and it comes on slowly.
5. Don't Panic.
6. Stay Calm
7. Focus
8. Be prepared.

Like I said, I didn't think the pain would be that bad and come on as fast (they put me on pitocin) but it was just there and took me by surprise. It will hurt. But if you do the above 1-8 you should be fine. I however, ended up with an epidural because I paniced, panicked- panic'd (how the hell do you spell that?). anyway I took the drugs. :0/

chickiesha · April 2009

I took a class at the hospital and I plan on going natural as well. The class gave us loads of info on pains meds and epidurdals more than a natural birth. The nurse didn't spend too much time on the breathing /relaxation techniques so I guess I'm just as good as not having done a class

massdreams · April 2009

I planned on going natural and not taking a class. I figured I'd read some books and be able to tough it out. Wrong. it is different for everyone, but for me I was in labor for about 20 hours, only 4 centimeters dilated and hadn't slept in about 48 hours. I was just too exhausted and not close to being done and got the epi because I needed a break. I think if I'd had more things/techniques to fall back on, I might have held out for longer. Or I'd do the same thing again. But the main thing is just do your best, and if you get the epi, don't feel bad or like you failed. I knew so many people who went natural and figured I could too, but everyone is different. And honestly, I know already I'll go ahead and get the epi with baby #2.

MissViolet · April 2009

Ina May Gaskin was my mother?s midwife for all 4 of her natural home births, we were born on The Farm. I am going to read her inspiring book.

I took a couple stress reduction classes at school last term and I learned some amazing breathing exercises that I can do on my own or have Shane walk me though.

camrah16 · April 2009

Thanks ladies, I have been reading books so I will just stick with that and prayer! Smile

A doula isn't in our budget and from what I hear the hospital I will be delivering at is all about epi's... so the class mentions nothing much on going natural and the nurses are quick to offer them in labor so I will save my $100 from the class and go with the flow. Good luck to all you ladies, I'm hoping we all triumph! Stick out tongue

el25 · April 2009

Just to let you know, there really is no planning. I wanted a totally drug full birth, yet I had no time, and had to do it au natural, and I certainly didn't take a class to get me through it. I took a plain old childbirth class, but ultimately my labor nurse had to reteach me everything.

Corinneallyson · April 2009

That's where I'm at - and I'm going to read the hypnobirthing book and listen to hynobabies CDs day-of. I will also be doing a waterbirth.

You'll be fine...women all around the world have babies in the corner of a grass hut and are just fine...I didn't want to spend the money and I've heard they are a waste of time too. My Dr. told me to just be "well read" and "be flexible."

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