Ladies who are planning or had a natural delivery

Re: Ladies who are planning or had a natural delivery

• dbee86

  May 2009

  I'm taking a Bradley class and plan to deliver natural with no meds.  I would suggest getting a copy of the Bradley book to look at and it will give you a good idea about the philosophy and techniques.  You can go to the Bradley website to get more info.  I know if feel much more informed and confident in my ability to deliver naturally since reading the book and taking the classes.  Good Luck!

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• third_place

  May 2009

  I second Bradley.  The classes at the hospital teach you to be a good consumer of hospital services, not really a natural birther, IMHO.  I would recommend Bradley over most other locally-available classes. Good, solid "folk" advice from midwives and/or doulas that have several years under their belts is also a good way to add to your birthing "arsenal."

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• mammamayI

  May 2009

  I third out of hospital classes.  There are several great teachers in the area, let me know if you'd like some recommendations, depending on where you are.  Too, the class you take may depend on what kind of person you are.  If you are already VERY educated about natural birth and relax really well, Hypnobirthing would be a great class for you.  There are two good instructors in the area off of the top of my head.  Bradley is great, too, though, as with any class, the teacher you land with could make a big difference in the material you see...Bradley only sanctions "their" stuff, which is actually quite dated (stats as well as movies), so any Bradley teacher with "courage" will buck the system, so to speak, and give you more up to date info as well as the typical Bradley schtick.  Lastly, there are some WONDERFUL independant teachers out there, who combine the best of the best and give you great up to date info, tailored to the area and the hospitals/practitioners, and their clients' needs.  Also, I would strongly recommend paying close attention to who you choose to attend your birth, and at which hospital you choose to birth.  There are three hospitals in particular with nearly a 50% cesarean rate, and many many doctors whose practices contribute to that.

  I would start reading.  "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer is number one.  Then "The Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Sheila Kitzinger.  Next would be "Active Birth" by Janet Balaskas, and then, quite important for you AND your partner to read is "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin.

  I am, so to speak, a Natural Birth "geek", and would be happy to help you find any info you might be interested in.

  I would absolutely, positively, without a doubt, if you are planning a hospital birth, hire a doula.  She will be priceless.  She will not take your husband's place, but WILL make the experience more pleasant for both of you.  I can also give you a list of really great doulas in the area.  They can book up fast, so calling now is a good idea.

  Statistically, couples spend more time reading about what car or camera to buy than they do reading and preparing for childbirth, which is one of the reasons that women who say they'll "try" a natural birth often fail.    Have fun preparing!

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• e_anna

  May 2009

  I have used the Bradley Method for all of them with much success.

  With my first I tried a bit of the Lamaze but it just made me dizzy, then I switched over to the Bradley Method techniques I learned and just relaxed completely into it all.

  I have had 6 babies using this and they have all been born in the posterior postion ( face up), this means a lot of back labor, but I was able to deal with it effectively by walking and swaying and then when pushing doing it on left side with right leg pulled up to my shoulder ( like in a jack knife position). Note: this is where doing your stretching excercises while pregnant come in handy...squatting whenever you can while doing work around the house and garden with feet flat on the floor and knees spread wide, sitting on the floor indian style, etc...

   Wishing you a beautiful blessed birth,

  Elisabeth

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