Any moms out there to lend some advice??

Schell2013 · December 2012

So I had really thought originally I would you know have the epidural and stuff like that, but now that I have learnt more I really think I want to go natural completely. Our hospital doesn't offer water birth so I was wondering if there is anyone out there that's done it not via water birth but still natural. I would really love to have a water birth, it looks so much nicer and more relaxed but isn't going to happen for me. It's my first baby, I just know I don't want a C-section, the thought of someone cutting me open while I am still awake absolutely terrifies me.

Is there anything you did to help yourself get through?

RMS112611 · December 2012

Being able to move and in general NOT lying on your back are things that will help with the pain. A couple books I would reccommend are "The Birth Book" By Dr. Sears, and Ina May's guide to childbirth... both should give suggestions and helpful info.

ReichleyMama · December 2012

Hi and welcome to the club!

My best advice is to read 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin. As well as anything else you can get your hands on. I don't like to read in general, but this one was a quick read and enjoyable. Every piece of advice I'd give is from this book. I've had 2 natural hospital labors and never set foot in a tub. Absolutely doable.

mel1987 · December 2012

I've had two pain-med free hospital births, no tub. The thing that helped me the best was to tell myself that I was not going to get an epi. If you even have that thought in your mind that you might, you are way more likely to cave. (I'm not saying that getting an epi is bad or anything.)

My labors were short 6 hours and 4 hours. Being in a kneeling position with my arms resting on the head of the bed ( the bed in the upright position, like a chair) felt the best while someone massaged my lower back. GL!

beany02 · December 2012

I had a natural hospital birth. I wanted to get in the tub but wasnt allowed since my water had already broken. wasnt too happy about that but i found the best position for my was on the birthing ball, leaning over the side of the bed. laying on my back in the bed was unbearable so i did not labor like that at all. You definitely can do it, you were born able to do it! good luck

superned · December 2012

I was able to use the tub during my first labor, but I actually found the shower to work better to help me get through contractions, especially during transition. I just couldn't get comfortable in the tub.

My second labor only lasted 78 minutes, so I was barely able to get undressed before delivering, never mind get in the tub. : )

Amanda&EricB · December 2012

I had a natural birth, not in a tub. I was not able to get up, as my son's heartrate would crash every time I did. But I labored for 20 hours in bed, with no meds.

Do a lot of research, and have support.

bripratt2 · December 2012

Definitely sign up for a birthing class but make sure its legit! where Im from the ones offered in hospitals arent usually legit they just teach to do what the hospital likes but DONA or CAPPA certified lamaze instructors are what you should look for. Its great to get together with a bunch of other normal birthing moms and youll get the best information that way.

ilovehouses · December 2012

I went med free without water. I thought to myself while I was in between contractions that water would be nice.

1. I really wanted to make sure I didn't get a c-section. Natural med free birth lessened my chances.

2. There are other side effects to epi's and the such that people don't talk about. My sister was pretty miserable with hers, and my cousin ended up with spinal headaches.

3. I knew the pain would end. I had contractions for a few days which were like bad period cramps. Those got old because they lasted for a so long, but the truly mind boggling contractions only lasted 4 hours. Now here's the thing, that 4 hours felt like 1 while I was in it. Transition sucks, I'm not going to lie. But it ended. It was like a blip in the day after it was all said and done. C-section recovery not so fast. I prepped myself knowing that even though I would be in pain, that it would end. It would end. During each contraction rest, I just told myself, "with this push, your that much closer to ending the pain". It would give me the stregnth to get through the next contraction.

Good luck.

alphahelix · December 2012

I had a natural hospital birth but not a water birth. I did get in the tub for a bit while I was in labor, but for me it wasn't the huge relief that it is for some women. It all just really depends on what you like.

As far as tips to help you have a successful med-free birth - do your research! Prepare! Be mentally committed to your birth plan. I also recommend reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Natural Hospital Birth. Another book that was key for me was The Birth Partner. If you have a support person who is totally on board with your desires that will make it easier too.

The number one thing that helped me during labor was to repeat in my head - the pain is not because I'm injured, it's my body working to bring my baby out. I'm safe, I'm not in danger, and every contraction is my body working the exact way it should be and soon I will meet my baby. I had a great experience and I hope you have the same! GL!

sthomas1222 · December 2012

The biggest thing for me is to not go to the hospital as soon as contractions start. You can't get drugs at home and you'll be able to utilize your shower and bath if that's what you really want. Lots of moms do natural without having a water birth, they don't go hand in hand. We don't have access to a birthing center my insurance will pay for and it definitely will not pay for a home birth. And the hospital doesn't do water births. In fact their tubs were just shut down for construction! So I will definitely be at home as long as possible. You're more likely to be relaxed and progress quicker at home than at a hospital. Also, don't call everyone you know as soon as labor starts. Just let it be you and SO and maybe one other support person. Too many people can slow labor, especially if they bring a "bad vibe" with them. If it's available in your area, do the Bradley Method for your birthing class!

JuneBug86 · December 2012

allierhiana1:
RMS112611:
Being able to move and in general NOT lying on your back are things that will help with the pain.
This actually wasn't true for me. My doula had me try to get up and move around, but I couldn't. The pain was more intense. Lying on my back was actually the least painful.

Me too.

I went into labor thinking I wanted to try everything (tub, different positions, ball...), move around lots, etc. When I was actually in labor all I wanted to do was lay in the bed and not move. It is different for everyone.

footnotegirl · December 2012

I did not birth in water and I also had to be induced with pitocin, and still managed to have unmedicated vaginal birth.

What made it work for me was having a very supportive doctor, perinatologist, and most importantly, husband who all wanted this to go without an epidural or any other interventions. The hospital I was in was very supportive as well, providing a birthing ball, squatting bar, and getting me into a tub for transition even though they did not allow water births. Here's my suggestions:

Move as much as possible for as long as possible. When laboring and giving birth naturally, lying flat on your back is probably your worst position. I did a LOT of squatting and leaning on surfaces and bouncing on the birthing ball. (edited to add, clearly this is not true for everyone! Grain of salt with all advice. )

Hip massage did wonders for me, especially having my husband press in on my upper hips to push the lower hips outwards.

At all times remember that the pain WILL PASS and that it will not last forever.

Of course, for me the fear of not being able to stand or move my legs, or having a NEEDLE go into my SPINE were also great motivators. I'd suffer almost any level of excruciating pain to not have my movement restricted and to keep a needle away from my spine.

shellybelly216 · December 2012

I had a medicated-free natural birth in the hospital, largely in thanks to The Bradley Method. I recommend finding a class or at least buying the book "Husband Coached Childbirth" for your labor partner and you to read. The things that helped me most were

1) not going to the hospital too early. We walked in the mall for hours, went home for a quick change and some rest, and I was 7 cm dilated when I walked into the hospital. The mall kept me distracted and during contractions I would just lean onto and hug DH, swaying, breathing through it.

2) freedom of movement at the hospital. I was able to get into whatever position I wanted to despite the nurse doing constant fetal monitoring since I showed up at 7 cm. I leaned over the bed with my arms/head on pillows and then when I got into transition I was side-lying in the bed.

3) counter-pressure by my DH on my lower back and hips during the later contractions

4) hydration. They gave me a hep-lock just in case but I didn't need to be hooked up to an IV.

5) pushing with all your might even though it hurts. During the "ring of fire" sensation when DD was crowning it actually did help to push harder and it blanched some of the pain. I had a 2nd degree laceration but it was tolerable.

6) educate yourself about the risks/dangers associated with labor drugs and it will be motivation enough to stay away!!!!

Good luck! And even if you can't go naturally, don't beat yourself up. What is most important is that YOU and BABY are healthy and that you end up with a beautiful bundle afterwards.

emibat85 · December 2012

allierhiana1:
RMS112611:
Being able to move and in general NOT lying on your back are things that will help with the pain.
This actually wasn't true for me. My doula had me try to get up and move around, but I couldn't. The pain was more intense. Lying on my back was actually the least painful.

Same for me. Lying on my back was by far the most comfortable!

luvmyducks · December 2012

allierhiana1:
RMS112611:
Being able to move and in general NOT lying on your back are things that will help with the pain.
This actually wasn't true for me. My doula had me try to get up and move around, but I couldn't. The pain was more intense. Lying on my back was actually the least painful.

Same here.

kathleen02 · December 2012

allierhiana1:
RMS112611:
Being able to move and in general NOT lying on your back are things that will help with the pain.
This actually wasn't true for me. My doula had me try to get up and move around, but I couldn't. The pain was more intense. Lying on my back was actually the least painful.

Thank you! I see this all the time but SOME people feel comfortable being in a certain position. It's not an absolute for everyone.

MrsBigTime · January 2013

I loved the idea of laboring in the water, but when the time came, I hated being in the tub! I also thought I would hate to be on my back, but while laboring I found myself on my back or side, clinging to the side rails of the bed because that is what felt good. I also never imagined I'd actually give birth standing up, but I was wrong about that too because my little miss made her grand entrance while I was squatting and my DH was holding me up

If you want a natural birth, you can totally do it, but do your research, trust your body and have a partner to help you through. In my case, it was my DH (who was absolutely amazing the entire time), my midwife and our awesome L&D nurse (which I did not count on, but she was such a blessing!).

NoeliaV · January 2013

I found this book ( https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hospital-Birth-Best-Worlds/dp/1558327185 ) helpful, as well as our Bradley classes.

Our hospital did not/does not offer a water birth, but you can use the showers during labor with the wireless/portable monitoring system.

For me, being able to be in whatever position I felt best in was the most important factor in being able to birth naturally. Second would be the support of my H (he was the advocate for my wishes with the medical staff) and third would be the support of our doctor.

It's 100% possible to do it. Good luck :-)

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