Hi and how to get started!

clariknittist · June 2012

I just wanted to say "hi" to you natural birth moms. I'm a FTM due 1/3/13, so I still have a ways to go yet, but I was wondering what advice you might have for how I can get started trying to prepare? DH and I signed up for the basic birth class through our hospital, and they offer one more course after that called "Advanced Birth Techniques" which is a one-day offering for what they refer to as "less-medicated" births...I don't think I want ANY medication though, starting with pitocin. We have pretty erratic schedules and can't really do a 7-week Lamaze course (our other option through the hospital). I've talked to my mom who delivered all 3 of us without any meds whatsoever, and she didn't do any prepwork at all. She said you just deal with it. Have times changed and we have better techniques that have been tried and tested available to us now?? Thanks in advance!!

sschwege · June 2012

Welcome and Congrats!

This is just my personal opinion, but I think if you are really after a natural childbirth class I would steer clear of the ones taught by the hospital. I've heard them referred to as 'teaching you to be a good patient class.' Are there exceptions, sure. But what you have to keep in mind is most women get an epi and typically other interventions as well, so to appeal to the masses they gear the classes toward them. Could you look into maybe Hypnobirthing, that's only a 4-5 week course or Hypnobabies is a home-study course.

To answer your question are classes necessary, no. But for me they really helped me to have a calm and comfortable birth, I never felt like I had to 'just deal with it.' I think classes are particularly helpful if you are having a hospital birth. The meds are there the interventions are there, you need to come armed with the tools to avoid them, if that's the route you choose to go.

I would say your first step is to make sure your provider is going to be supportive of med-free births. Next I would say start researching what you can on your own. The first thing DH and I did was to watch, "The Business of Being Born." It's one-sided as I think most documentaries are and not perfect by any means, but I think it's a good starting point. Some good books to read are, "The Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth" and "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." As your baby's birthday starts to get closer take some time to read about different relaxation techniques and natural forms of pain relief, it's also a good idea to write up a birth plan.

Hope this gives you some ideas or things to think about

queenaag · June 2012

I went in with the mindset of wanting a natural med-free birth, but that things can change and to just go with the flow. Well, I ended up with my wish of med-free. We didn't take any classes, but I did walk three miles a good 4 days a week so I think that helped prepare my mind and body. You can do it if you want to! Everyone's experience is different, but I was very empowered by my outcome and not 5 minutes after birth I told my husband "that wasn't so bad, I'd do it again!"

clariknittist · June 2012

sschwege:
Welcome and Congrats!
This is just my personal opinion, but I think if you are really after a natural childbirth class I would steer clear of the ones taught by the hospital. I've heard them referred to as 'teaching you to be a good patient class.' Are there exceptions, sure. But what you have to keep in mind is most women get an epi and typically other interventions as well, so to appeal to the masses they gear the classes toward them. Could you look into maybe Hypnobirthing, that's only a 4-5 week course or Hypnobabies is a home-study course.
To answer your question are classes necessary, no. But for me they really helped me to have a calm and comfortable birth, I never felt like I had to 'just deal with it.' I think classes are particularly helpful if you are having a hospital birth. The meds are there the interventions are there, you need to come armed with the tools to avoid them, if that's the route you choose to go.
I would say your first step is to make sure your provider is going to be supportive of med-free births. Next I would say start researching what you can on your own. The first thing DH and I did was to watch, "The Business of Being Born." It's one-sided as I think most documentaries are and not perfect by any means, but I think it's a good starting point. Some good books to read are, "The Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth" and "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." As your baby's birthday starts to get closer take some time to read about different relaxation techniques and natural forms of pain relief, it's also a good idea to write up a birth plan.
Hope this gives you some ideas or things to think about

Super helpful, thanks for the tips! I'm going to check out the books you mentioned, and I don't know a lot about Hypnobabies so that's another one for me to look into more. Thank you!!

footnotegirl · June 2012

The only class my DH and I took was a one day childbirth, nursing, and infant care class held at our local parent center. It was a good day and we learned a lot and more importantly, opened up a lot of discussions.

The number one most important part of my/our preparation for natural childbirth was working through things with my husband. With him understanding my responses to pain and distraction techniques he was able to work both as my coach and as my advocate with the staff at the hospital even when I couldn't because I was not entirely in my right mind. (Transition, it sucks)

Remember that you are probably more capable than you think you are. That pain is temporary (you will, seriously, forget the pain very swiftly after giving birth). That just because everything doesn't go to plan doesn't mean that you've failed or that the birth was 'ruined'.

clariknittist · June 2012

Thanks, ladies! This is a great start, DH and I are headed to the bookstore now actually!!

phq2011 · June 2012

My list thus far:

Dr. Bradley: The Husband-Coached Childbirth

Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg: Natural Birth the Bradley Way

Pam England: Birthing From Within

Ina May Gaskin: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and pretty much any interview, etc with her.

keeshiap · June 2012

I simply say stay focused. I did not attend any birthing classes for my son's delivery and was able to maintain composure and complete my goal of a vaginal pain med free delivery. I think that if you go in knowing that you will experience horrific pain, with breaks in between with and outcome of the most beautiful thing you have ever seen, you can do it.

clariknittist · June 2012

phq2011:
My list thus far:
Dr. Bradley: The Husband-Coached Childbirth
Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg: Natural Birth the Bradley Way
Pam England: Birthing From Within
Ina May Gaskin: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and pretty much any interview, etc with her.

Great, thank you! I found the first two last night on the shelf, and didn't even think about looking for it on my e-reader - I found the 2nd two just now and they're cheaper than the hard copy! My local library has a long list of hold requests and I'm too impatient to start learning...

phq2011 · July 2012

clariknittist:
phq2011:
My list thus far:
Dr. Bradley: The Husband-Coached Childbirth
Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg: Natural Birth the Bradley Way
Pam England: Birthing From Within
Ina May Gaskin: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and pretty much any interview, etc with her.

Great, thank you! I found the first two last night on the shelf, and didn't even think about looking for it on my e-reader - I found the 2nd two just now and they're cheaper than the hard copy! My local library has a long list of hold requests and I'm too impatient to start learning...

Hey that's great that you found them. Feel free to PM me or whatever with questions. I love to research this stuff and found a lot of great resources.

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