- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Natural Birth
Spapeggy
member
Nervous about natural birth
Spapeggy
member
I have a 2 year old ds that I had a bad labor with. I was induced due to bad preeclampsia after being on bedrest for 3 weeks. So at exactuly 37 weeks I went in for my appt and dr decided it was time to induce. I went in at 10 am. Knew I was getting an epi, it's what I wanted. So after my pitocin and all that jazz was done, I had an epi when I was at a 4. When I was at a 7 all the pain came rushing. My epi was still being administered but wasn't working. So I was just in extreme pain I hadn't prepared for at all. Dr came in and added a shot in my back at an 8. SO all was good till time to push. The 2 hours and the 2 cuts I felt everything. My labor was 17 hours.
This baby I know I don't want an epi. I want to fully prepare myself for natural birth, at the hospital. I am calling tomorrow to see about birthing tub areas and if they have them. I just need some tips on anything to read, how did you prepare yourself mentally? I want to be able to walk and do whatever and not be tied to a bed. Just wanting ladies advice on how you prepared and what helped you stay med free. Dh is on board and knows I need his support. Thanks in advance
Warning
No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Nervous about natural birth
Your story sounds a lot like mine. I didn't even consider an NB with my first. Just had a pain med free birth with my second.
For me, the biggest help preparation wise was stalking this board, reading the Hypnobirthing book by Mongan, and doing lots of research on the benefits of NB. Really I think the key is not letting fear take over, and either finding the strength from within or having a coach who helps you work with your body instead of against it. I am cheap though and didn't want to pay for a doula or Bradley/Hypnobirthing classes. A lot of ladies do have success with those options though. Just depends on your personality and how determined you are to go pain med free. If you think you might cave in the heat of the moment a doula might be a good option. If you're more of a person who needs to be in control and has a lot of self-control you might like something more like what I did.
Congrats and good luck to you!
I feel like im in a similar boat as you. I had my dd with an epi although mine was great and I had no pain...just guilt because I really wanted to prove to myself I could handle the pain. This time Im going to try once again to go natural. To prepare myself I have read the book, Natural Hospital Birth. It was great and covered all of my concerns. After reading that book I actually switched hospitals. (I was around 27 weeks) The old hospital had an epidural rate of 80%+ and my new hospital is at an amazing 18%. And they are very much into helping woman acheive their goal of birthing naturally. The book helped me make an awesome birth plan and gave me a few ideas... for one I am going to ask to limit the amount of times I am checked for dialation. Last time I got discouraged trying to see my progress and I don't want that to happen again. It also brought out the importance of your support people and making sure that they are on the same page as you. I will be making a birth plan for them as well. Other books I am reading at Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth, and Birthing from Within. Hope this helps:)
Educate yourself via books, websites like this one and there are also some great documentaries, and if it is possible, hire a doula (this would be my number 1 suggestion, especially if you are planning a natural birth in the hospital). For me, natural childbirth was hugely mental so getting yourself prepared mentally and emotionally is going to help you a great deal. GL and you CAN do it!
Books:
Birthing from Within
Ina May Gaskin Guide to Childbirth
Hypnobirthing
Videos:
The Business of Being Born
More The Business of Being Born (episodes 1-4
I highly recommend reading Spiritual Midwifery by the oh so wonderful Ina May Gaskin along with her guide to childbirth. Also I'm reading birthing from within right now and know people who facilitate a prenatal class based on the book. The book seems to talk about the psychological factors of giving birth and how to learn about your own possible mental blockages and how to work past them through birth art and discussion.
You can do it! you are woman!