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Natural birth prep

katiewvbkatiewvb member
in Natural Birth
Hello all,

I am looking for an exercise program that will help me to get ready for my first birth. In have signed up for birthing classes though my hospital which has a birth center within it that i will be using. I also plan to continue yoga as long as I can. I did some research on Bradley method and just don't think it will be for me. I love and adore my husband but he just will not be the best coach.

Do you have recommendations for DVDs that could help me to be better prepared physically and/or have pain management techniques.

Thanks!
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Re: Natural birth prep

  • tokenhosertokenhoser member

    Personally, that was yoga. Last time I just did my regular class (vinyasa flow) for most of my pregnancy and then supplemented near the end with some prenatal podcasts. This time, I've been in prenatal since early on (I was in worse shape at the start of this pregnancy, so not up to a higher energy class). yogadownload.com has excellent prenatal classes.

    We also hired a doula last time and again this time. We're more of a "give me expert support at the moment I need it" as opposed to a "let's give up 3 months of Saturdays and hope we retain what we need" kind of people. She was helpful in providing me with physical support and pain relief (especially hip compression and back counterpressure), and in showing DH how to be amazing.

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  • Learntoswim18Learntoswim18 member

    FTM here but for me I've  just been attending my regular yoga class (with pregnancy modifications) but will start prenatal yoga soon.

    Swimming is a great pregnancy exercise and I've been doing sets of squats daily to help build strength as squatting is a great position for delivery. Walking is great also and I'm  planning on using walking as a pain management technique during labor too.

    other than that my philosophy is to stay healthy and active so my body can handle the stress of labor.  

     We've also hired a doula - I think my husband will be a great support but think its important to have someone with experience to support and guide him as to how to support me best. 

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  • aylafsu88aylafsu88 member

    I did lots of walking and made sure to stay active.  There was not pre-natal yoga in my area but I heard it is great.  I know you are not a fan of the Bradley method but the exercises he suggests are great for L&D.  He recommends squatting, butterflies, pelvic tilts etc.  I did them religiously and think they were a hug help to get everything opened up down there and toned for labor.

    ETA: Like PPs I had a doula and loved her.  I highly recommend one. 

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  • SidraJediSidraJedi member

    Yoga, walking, kegels

    Also, maintain good posture for optimal baby positioning (see spinningbabies.com)

     A good midwife or doula is good for helping you to cope with /get through the pain.

    Basically just echoing PP

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  • katiewvbkatiewvb member
    Thanks guys. I am super lucky to be at a birthing center that has volunteer doulas on call all the time. I would never be able to afford one in my own. I will keep up the yoga and other exercises in the meantime.

    Thanks!
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  • abell77abell77 member
    Even if you don't plan to follow Bradley method, the exercises (outlined in mcCutcheon book) are still good physical preparation.
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