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3rd Trimester
NewToNJBride
member
Anyone planning to have a natural childbirth? Advice?
NewToNJBride
member
Let me start off by saying I always thought I would probably get an epidural until recently when I finally got brave enough to start reading the labor chapters in my books. The more I read about the epidural and the limitations that go with it (IV, monitoring, confined to the bed), the less inclined I am to go that route. We had our childbirth/lamaze class this past weekend, and that only reinforced my belief that I'd like to avoid the epidural unless I absolutely can't stand the pain.
I've been an exercise fanatic throughout this pregnancy so I'd like to think that I am in pretty good shape which should make labor somewhat easier. I am curious if any of you are planning to go natural and what you've been doing to prepare. I was reading up on the Bradley Method but it looks like most classes are 12 weeks long - oops, too late for that. I may get one of the Bradley books and read it this weekend...If you have plans to go natural or have done it, do you have any other advice you'd like to share?
TIA!
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Re: Anyone planning to have a natural childbirth? Advice?
I don't plan on getting an epidural. There are other things that they can give you other than the epidural for the pain. The epidural just scares me way to much.
First, talk to your doctor and hospital about non-medicated births in general. Be prepared to ask questions about their policies regarding medications, what happens if your water breaks, how long they will let you go over your due date before they induce, if you can eat/drink while in labor, etc. I planned on having an unmedicated birth with my first daughter, until my water broke and nothing happened for 12 hours. They put me on pitocin because they didn't want me to get an infection. Then, all plans of an unmedicated, epi-free birth went out the window.
Understand that unless you are giving birth at home or at a birth center, your doctor will probably be inclined to give you some of "intervention" (monitoring, IV, etc.) that could interfere with you going med-free. I was not prepared for that portion of the birth the first time around, and it really messed me up. If you are aware of all of the general scenarios (I'm not talking emergency c-section either), then you are better prepared to go unmedicated.
Best to be informed about the practices where you are - it is a lot harder to "fight" with the doc/hospital when you are in labor. If you find the answers they give hard to swallow, then you should consider switching to a midwife/birth center.
Good Luck!
::dead::
We also ran out of time for long-term classes so in addition to reading some books (Birthing From Within has been highly recommended), we are working with a doula. She has a lot of knowledge that will help get us though the pain, and she'll be better equipped to recommend different things at different points of the process.
Also, I've talked a lot to people who have gone epi-free and listened to what they have to say. They all say to stay as relaxed as you can, and to keep in mind that it's not 100% pain 100% of the time. Also, there's an end in sight. I don't know...some stories posted here do seem like it's pain all the time, but I'm still going to give it a shot.
twitter: @aliciamariel
We took a Bradley Method Course. I shorter version (6 weeks) it was great to learn from her experiences and it really help DH and I get on the same page about labor.
It really helps to have a coach that supports your decision to go natural and understands on how to get you completely relaxed. Hopefully this is your DH..if you don't think he is up for this role then you may want to look into a Doula...
Also watching and reading about natural birth experiences help you get in the good mind set and prepared as well. I recommend watching the Business of Being born and Orgasmic Birth. These may help you see why a Epi isn't the best of options out there..and really it's about all interventions that can cause your birth to not be what you really want.
I am going natural, and I'm not getting an epidural unless it's for a C-section. It scares me too much. It might make the whole experience more comfortable for me, but it can slow labor and make it more difficult to push the baby out, causing stress in the baby, and my first priority is making birth as easy as possible for my baby, not for myself.
I hated my BF class and hospital tour because I can't stand it when people don't pay attention and then ask stupid questions that have already been answered if they had been paying attention, and DH works really hard all day and I don't want to make him go to classes at night when he's tired.
I read both of Ina May Gaskin's books. I also read The Birth Partner. My mother is an L&D nurse, will be with me, and has also read all those books. I made my husband a small guide to what I might need/want from him during labor/delivery/PP, with page references to The Birth Partner. I am planning to practice relaxation and massage techniques with him when I get to 35 weeks. I also had him read the section in WTE about L&D, so that he knows what will be happening to my body as I go through each stage of labor.
I guess my advice would be to read Ina May Gaskin's books, hire a doula if you don't have someone like my Mom to be with you (if you contact a doula training program, you can get one cheap or free), read The Birth Partner and make a cheat sheet for your husband, or have him read the parts you like (I wouldn't have him read the whole thing - there were some things in there that I know I wouldn't want done to me during birth), and watch the movie The Business of Being Born.
One more thing: While I exercise, I listen to loud rock music and envision myself giving birth like a champ. It's really building my confidence!
Good Luck!
We are planning on it and have read Dr. Sears Birth Book, Ina Mays Guide to Natural Childbirth, and The Husband-Coached Childbirth. We also discussed it with my doctor and have made up a birth plan to follow (that also allows for interventions due to emergencies).
We have been studying each stage of labor and what we can do to ease pain during that stage etc... and if I do end up with an epidural when to get it etc...
We have yet to do our birthing class so I'm looking forward to that. Good luck your delivery!!
Natural M/c 12/13/08 at 8w5d
This is all really good advice. I ended up leaving my OB practice recently because I just was not happy with what they were willing to/not to compromise on. They strongly suggested that if I stayed, I hired a doula to advocate for me. I ended up switching to MWs at a birthing center which is all covered by my insurance, instead of paying a doula out of pocket.
I am also taking a hypnobirthing class with Dh - 6 wk program, the book & CD by Marie Mongan can be bought and read on your own though.
I would also suggest the "Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer for all kinds of good info.
I would like to have a natural birth. We just met with a doula last night. I think having her present for labor and delivery will be a big help. I like that she will keep us informed of our options and discuss the pros and cons of what the doctor is suggesting to do. I also like that she will be able to help with suggesting different positions to try and assist with breathing techniques.
I've been taking yoga and I think that will be helpful with the breathing/relaxation part of things.
I just started reading Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way last night. Our doula recommended it.
Active Birth : The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally by Janet Balaskas is a terrific book that has completely taken the fear out of labor for me. I'm excited. Amazon has it for $10 (or less for a used copy).
You can do it! Good Luck!