Late decision to try natural birth?

sdb421 · September 2012

I'm not 100% committed to a natural birth, but just recently I've been considering giving it a shot. I know that this type of attitude probably sets me up for a much higher likelihood to fail and receive meds, but I'm okay with that. I just sort of feel like it's something that our bodies should be able to do, so I'd like to give it my best effort.

That being said, I'm 34 weeks and haven't taken any classes and my only knowledge of natural birth is from reading this board. I most likely don't have any time in my scheduled at this point to take any classes, as I have 3 year old twins at home, etc. Is is still possible to give birth naturally, without being that educated on the process?

I had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with my twins, but had an epidural and delivered in the OR, in case an emergency C-section was required. So, I have given birth before, but it was in a highly monitored and stationary (in bed) environment.

I have a very knowledgeable and supportive OB, but I'm assuming he won't be around much during labor (he was around a lot during my previous delivery, since it was high risk/twins) and therefore won't be much help.

What are your best tips, suggestions, recommendations for successful natural birth? Positions for laboring and delivering? Thank you for any comments and advice!

WearingRed · September 2012

Read read read...... You don't have to take a class to become educated. But look for any and all info you can find to help you.

Also know that most likely when you get to the point of caving you are almost done and should try to press on a little longer.

vintagejjane · September 2012

Like PP said, read as much as you can. I didn't take any birthing classes and had a fantastic home birth. Make sure you take in as much information as you can. I would also recommend learning positive affirmations for you and your S/O to learn to help you though.

RissKay · September 2012

WearingRed:
Read read read...... You don't have to take a class to become educated. But look for any and all info you can find to help you. Also know that most likely when you get to the point of caving you are almost done and should try to press on a little longer.

This! I'm going for a completely natural birth in a hospital, and I'm really committed to it! No one except my DH believes that I can do it, but he's the support I'll have with me, so we're good! I would definitely say to have a good support with you, whether it be someone you know, or find a doula (I know, though, that it's late in the game.) We aren't taking a class or anything, but we will do a hospital tour (private) and ask lots of questions about how the hospital works. DH and I have done a lot of reading on other ways to manage pain, and a lot of that included suggestions for positions/etc. Good luck!!

BeachBabe22 · September 2012

I am planning on having a natural birth and did not take any classes either. I read Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way and feel like i'm prepared for a natural birth. My sister took the Bradley Method classes and said she felt as though she could have done with just reading the book. I have researched it quite a bit, wrote out a birth plan, and discussed it with my midwife. I am a week away from my due date so we will see how I do once I'm actually in labor but I feel like I am as prepared as I could be.

ReichleyMama · September 2012

It is never too late. I've done it twice and never took a class. I read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth," by Ina May Gaskin, "The Bradley Method" and a few others. I mostly read natural birth stories. No one believed I could do it but my husband. I gave birth in a hospital both times. I pushed lying on my back, just like those who choose to get epidurals. I mostly listened to my OB and my body, although they didn't always agree... I would negotiate... " I will lay down after I go through 2 more contractions.." ... etc. It worked. I felt safe being in a hospital. I'll have my 3rd natural birth in Janurary. After going through it twice I feel completely excited to be in labor. It's nice feeling all the things your body goes through... even as intense as it is. Try to relax and enjoy your baby's birth. Be prepared for unexpected things... like having a baby sunny side up, or a 9 1/2 pounder (same baby, ha!). All of those little unexpected things add to your birth story and make that baby's birth unique and special. Go with the flow, trust your body and do your best! No one can expect anything more from you. Best of luck to you!

mom2be0912 · September 2012

If you feel like your time is limited, I would highly suggest reading as much of Ina May's Guide to Childbirth as you can! You can skip most of the birth stories that make up almost half the book. The rest of the information is very helpful to someone like you who is considering going natural.

lindsay.lou · September 2012

Most people I know IRL who have successful pain-med-free births don't take classes. They just read and research on their own.

Good luck!

Hyaline · September 2012

Read all you can--I liked Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn because it did go over common interventions and had a pretty balanced approach (so it's not a "natural childbirth bible" like Ina May but it exposes you to what standard medical care will include, and potential risks of those interventions, so you're informed on choices). Then tour your LD ward, even if you've been there already, and ask tons of questions. Know what you're comfortable with being given/what interventions you'll accept readily and which you won't. Be prepared like a girl scout

Your OB can be very helpful by noting things on your record for you even if he won't be around as much--if you don't want an IV, for instance, ask him to make a note so that the nursing staff is aware that this is your wish and he supports it.

fellinginlove · September 2012

1. Most important read : " Ina Mays guide to childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin. Awesome book

2. Hire a Doula to help you and your SO during labor.

3. Think positive

ChristineMZ · September 2012

I highly recommend hiring a doula. I did the hypnobabies home study and it helped me in early labor, but eventually I got to a point where it wasn't working for me anymore and it was really my doula who got me (and DH) through. It really helps to have someone there who is completely on your side and has the experience to know what's going on and encourage you to keep going. You can also request having an L&D nurse that has experience with natural birth... They're really the ones with you most of the time and the OB just comes in to catch.

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