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How to make a hospital birth more natural?

DeAnna&DavidRyderDeAnna&DavidRyder member
in Natural Birth

I wish i could deliver at home but for this pregnancy a midwife isn't the greatest route. We need to deliver in a hospital just in case. due to some family history of major problems. anyways...

My ob is super supportive and we are trying to do things as much like a home birth as possible. 

I have just learned about not cutting the umbilical cord for several minutes and I would like other similar tips.

Things like keeping the umbilical cord attached, and other lesser known ideas for a less invasive approach.

things like, don't get induced, don't have a c section etc. are obvious... what are some out of the box ideas? 

 

thanks girls!

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Re: How to make a hospital birth more natural?

  • drakeedrakee

    Is a birth center that is attached to a hospital a possibility?  That may be your best route.

    Also, find out about your hospital's policies.  For instance, some hospitals will allow you to eat or drink while you labor, while others won't.  What are the policies on monitoring?  Is telemetry available if continuous monitoring is required.

    Hire a doula to help you deal with doctors and help provide you with labor support. 

    Bring your own clothing and music.

    I've heard of people getting permission from their hospital to bring birthing tubs into their rooms.  I think it's a tricky process, but it can be done.

    If you live near the hospital, labor at home for as long as you are comfortable.  

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  • MamiMooreMamiMoore

    This has been my staple site since I've been pregnant. You don't have to follow everything she says, but it's good to be informed and know your options. www.givingbirthnaturally.com

    Definitely look into different positions for relieving pain. And also massages and pressure points.

    This pregnancy was a surprise blessing, so when I found out I didn't even think of trying to get a midwife or doula. And with it being our first one, I know DH would have been uncomfortable having her at home. So I've had to improvise a bit. I'm going to do as much laboring at home as possible. I don't want to go to the hospital until I get the urge to push. A lot of people start feeling that pain and they are like,  it's time to go and then get to the hospital and are only 3 cm and then have to be bombarded with nurses if they stay at hospital. Not I, said that cat. I'm not going until I feel like I want to push. We'll be no more than 15mins from the hospital so I'm not worried about that either. I probably will labor in the bath tub while I'm home as well. I plan on taking some music with me to the hospital to help me relax and focus and pray.

     A lot of people say they want a natural birth but then don't prepare their minds or bodies for it. I'm going to get my act together now. A good way to practice is with the Braxton Hicks. Mine are somewhat painful (but nothing ridiculous) and that's when I take the time to practice breathing and focusing and finding good positions.

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  • carpozicarpozi member
    One thing that comes to mind is finding out if your hospital does mandatory IV's, pitocin for the placenta delivery, or limits what you can eat or drink.  I'd fight all of those as well as the monitoring device because it keeps you immobile.  If your OB is cool, then maybe she'll let you use a doppler or something mobile to measure the heartrate.  IVs make you not as mobile and if you don't plan on getting meds, you don't need one.  And if you can eat/drink to keep up your stamina then you really don't need one. 
    Lilypie - (YBLf)

    Lilypie - (Cfah)
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  • DeAnna&DavidRyderDeAnna&DavidRyder member

    Thanks so much! this was  a big help, keep em comin ladies!!

     unfortunately we live in a pretty rural area and its either a home birth or a hospital birth. no birthing centers near. :( maybe next time :) we'll be hopeful!

     

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  • kelleylkkelleylk

    I would suggest you hire a Doula.  Ours has been VERY helpful in tips/info on the best way to deliver med-free in a hospital.  She will be with you every step of the way.  My DH said that he even feels more confident because of her.  :)

    GL and stay positive...you can do it!

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  • ~adamwife~~adamwife~ member

    Is your OB willing to let you go without monitoring and IVs for a while?  I had my last two in a hospital and not being tied to the bed helped things progress faster and helped it be less painful.  I was able to move freely through the halls, go to the bathroom without waiting for a nurse to unhook me and get in all sorts of different positions to help with the pain.

    My other advice is to hire a doula.  They can serve as your advocate with the hospital staff, keeping them from trying to get you to do things you don't want to do.  Plus, they are worth every penny because they make the pain go away ;)

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  • TiffanyTheMomTiffanyTheMom member

    You can bring your own music. Bring and iPod and some little speakers. When you go in, talk immediately to the OB/nurses that will be handling you and let them know you want as little medical intervention as possible. They'll still try to push things on you, but have your DH firmly stand your ground if you're unable to.

    Second, bring wash cloths. Have your DH keep at least a few cool and damp on hand to wipe the sweat from your brow, cool off your belly/back, etc. It'll help you handle the sensations of contractions better. (Don't think of it as pain otherwise your body will react as if there;s something wrong. Think os it as sensations. This will help you mentally stay calmer.)

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  • wendic22wendic22
    no iv and labor at home AS LONG AS POSSIBLE :) if they want to induce look up youtube for pressure points to go into labor, the back pressure point worked for me
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  • MrsTiaraMrsTiara
    For after the birth you want to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby ASAP, and try to breastfeed immediately, too.  This will also help with delivering the placenta.  You will want to decide whether or not to have certain things done to your baby such as eye drops, Vit. K shot, a bath, etc.
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  • etessleretessler

    I am delivering in a hospital with a natural birth.  Here are a few of the other things the hospital is allowing me to include in my birth plan:

    Heplock instead of an IV

    Intermittent (versus constant) fetal monitoring - only require 15 minutes out of every hour

    Hold off on all tests/procedures for one hour after birth to allow skin-to-skin time and breastfeeding

    Lights will be lowered, bringing own music, guests are limited

    I have options to be in positions other than my back to deliver (side, squatting, etc.)

    LO will be exclusively breastfed and will not be given water, formula, etc.

    LO will be bathed and evaluated in our presence

    hth!

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