Community› The Bump Message Boards› Natural Birth
Natural Birth
New Discussion

Putting my birthplan together~ Intro

lilmissdoelilmissdoe member
in Natural Birth

So, I just started the third trimester and have been thinking about the big day a lot now! I want to try to go natural.. but I am nervous and would like some suggestions.

A little background:

28yo

primagravida (first baby and pregnancy)

No complications and no major health concerns

Baby is growing perfectly :)

I have chose to use a midwife (in a hospital setting)

My mother had natural childbirths no complications. So far my pregnancy is very similar to hers (not sure if there is a correlation?)

I just graduated nursing school, studing for my boards, work full time and recently moved an hour from my job/hospital where I plan to give birth. Needless to say I am super busy and have not had a childbirth class.

 

My reason for going natural:

I like it old school. Even though the medications out there are perfectly safe I want to be able to feel when to push.. and walk around if I want, etc. We are also not finding out the babies sex... I just want to keep this simple. :)

 

So, I absolutely do not want an epidural. As a student I saw a woman receive one and have been terrified ever since. I know there are options for IV medications to take the edge off and have a feeling I will opt for those if things get too intense.  I guess my questions are how am I really going to prepare for this!? Any suggestions from women who have had IV medications and SE or comments on them? Also there is a jacuzzi tub available in the labor rooms.. I think this will be one of my main go-tos to relax because I enjoy baths so much now and use them frequently to wind down from a crazy day.  Can I use the bath throughout most of the labor or only parts?  Any other suggestions on calming and relaxing ideas are welcome. It will just be my fiance and I in the room. I want to be able to focus on this little one!

BabyFetus Ticker
Report Reply to Post

Re: Putting my birthplan together~ Intro

  • KateLouiseKateLouise member

    I didn't have IV meds with my labours but with DD1 I did have nitrous oxide gas. Not sure if it's an option where you are but I found it good for taking the edge off, and I could control my intake, using it as I wanted.

    With DD2 I accidentally delivered her on the bathroom floor (that's a whole other story), so completely drug free for me and I didn't miss the drugs at all.

    Having said that, I think it's the exhaustion that makes it hard rather than the actual pain itself, so with a short labour you have more energy reserves to help yourself manage the pain.

    For that reason try and keep yourself hydrated and nourished especially in early labour. Have easily digestable snacks and juice on hand. 

    I LOVE the shower. It allows me to squat and bend through the contractions (the most comfortable thing for me) but gives me the relaxation of the warm water.

    Good luck with your upcoming birth. The ladies here are a wealth of information and experiences. 

    image
    Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
    image


    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • laoch101laoch101

    I've heard baths are wonderful for managing pain. My hospital doesn't have one but I'm ok with that. They have a shower. My Bradley instructor told us with the tub you can't get in too early cause it can actually cause you to slow down labor. She suggested at 6-7. When the pain got intense, like where someone would ask for meds. Also don't labor on your back at all! If you need to lay down to rest, which is completely fine, lay on your side or on your back with head elevated at 45 degrees and your feet elevated too. Try to think of things that relax you and allow your mind to drift, you will need it. 

    Good luck with your birth! We are planning a natural birth also.  

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"