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Natural Birth
Just needed a boost!
My S.O and I have discussed and decided that natural birth is the best plan for us. I am obviously leaving options open in case of complications and unforseen circumstances.
The idea of having an epidural or narcotics makes me feel uncomfortable and stressed out, not only for myself, but also for my baby. Based on that, I don't think I want to go into the hospital shaking with fear and trying to deal with contractions. So, I am going in for an all natural and hopefully relaxed labor.
Many family and friends have been less then supportive of this decision however. Many people are saying "Why would you do that? Don't be a hero!" or "You honestly can't handle pain at all, you won't be able to do this!"
I just need to hear a little advice from some people who "survived" the apparently appalling idea of natural labor and tell me my decision is a positive one!
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Re: Just needed a boost!
My advice is whenever possible don't discuss your birth plan. You will hear this negativity constantly! People still tell me I'm crazy, and my DD is 7 months old! I think sometimes women who choose to have an epi are threatened by women who choose not to get one. It kind of makes me sad, like women feel the need to defend their decision, when in the end we are all just doing what is best for us and our babies, regardless of whether we choose a med-free birth or not.
As far as 'surviving', I more than just survived. Giving birth to my daughter was the most exciting, empowering, and beautiful experience of my life. There is not a day that goes by that I don't reflect on my DD's birth. Was it hard? Yes, but well worth the effort.
Here are some practical suggestions for you:
-Educate yourself, read books and do research on what it means to have a med-free birth, and remind yourself of why it is important to you.
-Look into taking a class. A lot of girls on here like Bradley and I had a great experience with Hypnobirthing.
-Try to find someone who went med-free that you can talk to and think of when you are in labor. I called these people my "inspirational people."
Women all over the world are having med-free births right now, and so can you!
Hi.. I just had my first baby on March 12... and I did it all natural.. Go with what you feel you can do! DON"T listen to other people. We took the Bradley Method class and learned so much about the positive to delivering this way. My doctor was very supportive and helped keep us on track. We got lucky that she was on call .. not all the doctors in the practice felt that way!
It is a nerve racking experience because it is unknown to us.. but if I could do it again tomorrow I would push her out all over and be even better at it! It was hard and it hurt but it was so worth it. She is more alert and more awake then babies that have had drugs. I also healed much much faster. Make sure you have good support in the room with you... you need someone who will encourage you to do and stick to your plan!! Good Luck!
your decision is absolutely a positive one! and from experience, it's best to just keep your birth plan to yourself. just think of a broad response that keeps people from putting in their (potentially offensive) two cents. you definitely do not need the stress that other people can inadvertently bring on. in the meantime, though, try and read positive natural birth stories and concentrate on getting prepared for it and feeling confident about your decision. i had a wonderful experience and would really recommend having a natural birth!
www.mommieswithoutmommies.com
You can do it! I just don't talk to people about my birth plan. Even if they ask, I tend to brush it off, because all I come by is negativity. Even in the beginning, when I was planning on going with an epi, I ran into people saying it was going to be the toughest, most painful thing to do.
I have since read Hypnobirthing and completely changed my opinion on how I wan't my birth experience to go. It is hard to block out negativity sent your way, so I think it is best to avoid it. Women gave birth without medicine for hundreds of years and you can do it with a calm, relaxed demeanor, to ease your discomfort. My husband is also supportive, but thinks the baby is just going to shoot out when she is ready.
Stay positive and educate yourself. It's hard not to be nervous when you haven't experienced it before. I surely have had my fair share of nerves, but it will all turn out ok if you stay positive and prepare.