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Have a friend who is considering med free birth...tips?

star173star173 member
in Natural Birth

If you don't mind, share any "this is how I got through transition" type of tips, or any advice for someone who is interested in going natural. She only has 5w left and all of her fb friends are saying "take the drugs" (which is fine if that's what she wants, but she's asking for info on med free). Anyway, I shared my story with her and gave her some tips, but she said she would love any info I could get her. I know they have books and classes, but is there any online resource for birth techniques? It's been a while since I"ve done any research on the subject as my youngest is  about to turn one ::cries::.

Anything you have to offer will be appreciated. :)

 

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Re: Have a friend who is considering med free birth...tips?

  • monkeyqueenmonkeyqueen

    Transition for me was on route to hospital (1 hour) last time.   So,  deep vocalization, panting (to keep myself from pushing), and counting really  helped for that.

     

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  • Jason'swifeJason'swife

    Transition is definitely a challenge. I was in the car on the way to the birth center and felt like it was one constant contraction. 

    Tell her to read "The Bradley Method". As counter-intuitive as it sounds total relaxation really does make contractions a lot more tolerable. If she's on the fence, she should watch "the business of being born". It'll push her over the edge for natural birth. :) 

    image Don't argue with idiots, they bring you down to their level then beat you with experience. - Mrs. G
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  • Jason'swifeJason'swife
    PS. Your kids are adorable!
    image Don't argue with idiots, they bring you down to their level then beat you with experience. - Mrs. G
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  • laurasuzanne2006laurasuzanne2006 member

    Best thing i could think of is waiting to go to the hospital.  As both PPs mentioned they were en route while transitioning.

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  • Temp76535187505890Temp76535187505890
    The only coping mechanism I used to stay relaxed was vocalizing through each contraction. I was totally skeptical that just moaning would do anything at all but to my surprise it was all I needed.
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  • wifeofadamwifeofadam member

    Vocalizations and water.  I'd try to talk her into a waterbirth.  Also, having a doula is a good idea too!

     

    Your kids are adorable, BTW.  I haven't seen you posting on here in a while and this haven't seen pictures of your babies.  I hope all is well with you and your family!

        
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  • star173star173 member
    image+adamwife+:

    Vocalizations and water.  I'd try to talk her into a waterbirth.  Also, having a doula is a good idea too!

     

    Your kids are adorable, BTW.  I haven't seen you posting on here in a while and this haven't seen pictures of your babies.  I hope all is well with you and your family!

    Thank you! You have a GIRL! How exciting! Such an adorable siggy picture. Do you have her birth story posted anywhere? I know what you mean about water- I would've totally had my kid in the tub if I could have....i was too chicken for a HB.

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  • cyprissacyprissa member
    The three things that helped me get through it were deep vocalizations, cold compresses and back rubbing. The only time things got really, really bad was when DH and the midwife both stepped away from me and then I felt really unmoored and started doubting. So, support is also important!
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  • Mom of SeanMom of Sean

    A couple of tips:

    • She could ask for an oxygen mask asap (Technically it is a medicine, but I think they pretty much give it to you anyway. It was forced on me after my first push even though I wasn't having any trouble.)
    • Count or sing
    • Have a conversation with someone in the room

    The most important thing that made me go natural was I met someone who is still (after 4 years) suffering from back problems caused by the epidural.

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  • chinadoll531chinadoll531
    I was really worried going into it that I would break down and want the drugs. I had a nicely laid out plan of how I wanted things to go, all the things I was going to do in labor, all the childbirth classes i was going to take, etc... I didn't. I didn't do or use any of it. I never even took the classes. I focused on keeping my breathing steady and deep. I asked everyone with me to stay as quite as possible because I found it hard to focus. and my DH just sat with me and rubbed my back, brushed my hair out of my eyes, gave me water, etc... and we got through it just fine. The birth ball was my life saver. I never would have got off of it if my MW hadn't insisted I change positions to move things along. Sounds silly, but all i did was breathe deeply and sway for 30 hours (12 at the hospital).
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  • CheriCOCheriCO

    I found that what used to work for me to cope with horrible menstrual cramps in my teens was what worked in labor.  I needed cold compresses, not hot and I spent a lot of time on the bathroom floor with cool tile on my tummy (as much as I could with a huge belly). I zoned out and just focused on relaxing my body - I found a focal point on the wall and just went to another place mentally.

    DH helped me get through transition by reminding me that that's what it was...we were almost done and to take it one contraction at a time.

    I agree with pps, one of the keys to NB in a hospital is to stay at home as long as possible.

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