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Natural Birth
Mamas: what advice would you give
...to someone hoping for or interested in natural birth? I thought it might be nice to have a thread from people who have experienced what was helpful to them for those who haven't yet gone through it and are perhaps a little intimidated.
Mine:
- Read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". That was my biggest inspiration!
- Make sure you are working with a provider who will support you and who you are comfortable voicing concerns to
- Don't let naysayers sway you! If they have never experienced it, then they don't really know what they are talking about. I think running a marathon seems God awful, but I've never wanted to, nor tried to, so I am not going to give advice about it! :P
- Educate yourself! If you know what is happening to your body at the time, it is a lot less scary.
"Get your facts first. Then you can distort them as you please."
~ Mark Twain
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Mamas: what advice would you give
nice idea & I totally agree with your points!
- when you're in labor surround yourself with supportive people & don't feel bad about kicking out anyone you are not 100% comfortable with.
- birth where ever you are most comfortable - whether this is at home, a birth center, or hospital - it makes all the difference to feel at ease with your surroundings
- eat when you are in early labor and stay hydrated - it's hard work & you'll need your energy
- Just remember that your body was designed to do this and you can do it! When things get really tough it just means you are getting closer to meeting your LO!
- Watch "the Business of Being Born."
- Don't let your insurance persuade you that they don't cover midwives or doulas. My midwives work in an OB practice and bill through the OBs (who are covered).
- Go to birth circle meetings (if you can't find them, try asking your local La Leche League)
- Pick your childbirth classes carefully, and make sure to pick one that will work for you. Ask your provider for recommendations, they (should) know you well enough to suggest some good ones.
- Don't underestimate the power of breathing.
- Make it easy on yourself. For me, this means going to a birthing center where pain meds are NOT available. If I decide I want some, I have to be wheeled out of the beautiful room with the queen-sized bed and into the cold, sterile L&D! So for me, it's easier to convince myself that they are just not available.
- Know your reasons for choosing a natural birth. Write them down, memorize them, make sure your birthing coaches know them so when things get tough, they can remind you.
I haven't experienced my natural childbirth yet, but here is what i am trying to do
First of all, I loved the idea of a midwife birth but the home birth idea wasn't as comfy in my mind. It took some time to admit, but I finally realized I wouldn't be able to relax as much at home even though I have done so much research about the safety. This being said, there are no birthing centers anywhere near me. haha that was long but my point is to be REALLY really sure you will be the most relaxed where you are giving birth! at home, birthing center, hospital etc.
Also, I started talking to my hubby about it a lot and got him way on board. this was I know he's going to be completely supportive and on the same page as me so that he can make sure I'm making decisions the way I normally would come time. (such as refusing pitocin at any cost. even if i deliver the damn kid in the hall way on my way out the door haha)
ugh... now i'm tired of typing hahaha. anyways. basically i think just TRUST you body! it knows itself better than you do! stay calm, and have someone there you trust to keep you on track!
Take a class aimed at pain management such as HypnoBabies (what I recommend), Hypnobirthing, Bradley, or Birthing From Within. Childbirth is PAINFUL! I know that goes without saying, but I wasn't prepared for just how painful it really is and even though I got though it completely unmedicated, it would have been a much more peaceful and empowering experience if I had been more prepared for that aspect of childbirth.
Get a midwife. The extra attention and support you will receive vs a standard OB is priceless.
Hypnobabies rocks.
(worked for me, maybe not for you) Don't forget that childbirth can be sexual. If you can, try to translate some of the pain feelings you have into "intense" feelings.
Go with the flow. I needed pitocin. It sucked. I still got the experience I wanted in the end.