Crash Course in Med Free Delivery

Jalee85 · October 2013

At my Dr appointment today, I was told because I am on heparin an epidural may not be an option. This is if I end up in labor naturally before being induced. Up to this point I haven't really read up on med-free techniques or anything, I was just going to go with the flow.

However, now knowing that an Epi may not be a choice. I am thinking that I should read up on some med free techniques. Any suggested reading material that won't overwhelm me, and scare me into keeping the baby inside of me forever?

I would take a class but there are none available I can take, before my due date.

TIA

CousinVicki · October 2013

i would read a book ASAP! bradley method maybe?

would you be able to get any another form of pain med during labor? maybe thsi would be easier to take mentally hah

tmccord21 · October 2013

Read up on the Bradley Method.

I read this book and it was very helpful.

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594

Its all about relaxing, positioning, etc

acethebase · October 2013

Is something like Demerol an option or no? It's not an epi but it works wonders for a little bit...... Sometimes it's hard to stay strong if your one of those ladies that's in labor for 36 hours and stuff...... So did they give you any other pain reliever options?

Pickle123 · October 2013

That was me last time! A major mind f$&@ huh? Good luck! This time I'm reading hypnobirthing bc I most likely can't get the epi again.

ClaireOtoms · October 2013

Start here:

https://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/comfort-in-labor-simkin.pdf

Practice the techniques. and then branch out to everything else on Penny Simkin's website.

Buy a copy of The Birth Partner and read the chapters on comfort measures in labor first, then read as much of the rest as you can before labor starts.

Ajoyd · October 2013

I am reading "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" (or similar title) by Ina May Gaskins. It was recommended by a friend who has gone med-free with her three babies.

Jalee85 · October 2013

CousinVicki said:

i would read a book ASAP! bradley method maybe?

would you be able to get any another form of pain med during labor? maybe thsi would be easier to take mentally hah

Wow, I didn't even think to ask about other forms of pain meds. I kind of had an anxiety attak when she said "no epidural" ...lol My whole pregnancy I thought they said they could reverse the medication.. Well they can, but she said they do not do it for labor... dur dur dur

tmccord21 · October 2013

Ajoyd said:

I am reading "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" (or similar title) by Ina May Gaskins. It was recommended by a friend who has gone med-free with her three babies.

@ajoyd I have that book and haven't opened it yet. I fail.

sledchick04 · October 2013

I am also reading Ina May's guide to childbirth.... the first half is all med free stories of people that survived!!! I am not sure if i'm going med free or not this time, but after reading as much as i have it is a bit more tempting to trust my body and try it med free! (but also scary)

Jalee85 · October 2013

That was me last time! A major mind f$&@ huh? Good luck! This time I'm reading hypnobirthing bc I most likely can't get the epi again.

Yes, Major! I was really taken aback by the news. Needless to say I scheduled and induction, but we are doing it just 2 days before my due date.

Jalee85 · October 2013

crunchymama11 said:

tmccord21 said:

Read up on the Bradley Method.

I read this book and it was very helpful.

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594

Its all about relaxing, positioning, etc

I read this one- I recommend it!

This isn't the one that scared your Mom 1/2 to death is it...lol? (I think that was you)

Pickle123 · October 2013

Do you have to have an induction? I'd stay far away from that if possible!

Jalee85 · October 2013

Do you have to have an induction? I'd stay far away from that if possible!

It's the only way to guarantee that I can have an epidural. Plus. They don't want me going past 40 weeks anyways because of my blood clotting disorder. So it's necessary unless I go on my own before 40 weeks. If I get the induction I can get an epidural though, because I can just not take my Heparin the night before. To where if I go naturally it's all taken out of my hands as far as choices.

OrangeGrove · October 2013

ClaireOtoms said:

Start here:

https://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/comfort-in-labor-simkin.pdf

Practice the techniques. and then branch out to everything else on Penny Simkin's website.

Buy a copy of The Birth Partner and read the chapters on comfort measures in labor first, then read as much of the rest as you can before labor starts.

Thanks for those resources!

chuicafina · October 2013

I would read the Bradley method book recommended above. I've read Ina May's book now twice (once during each pregnancy) and I loved it, but it's VERY crunchy and may be a bit much for someone who hadn't intended on going natural. FWIW, I think it's a good idea for all pregnant mamas to read up on natural birth. I've had quite a few friends get the epi and have it not work for them.

Good luck!

Mmhodges07 · October 2013

Bradley method! As @tmccord21 said, has a lot to do with relaxation and positions that work in your favor!

cassey910 · October 2013

I have read the Bradley Method and Inna May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. I liked both of them! They definitely will help prepare you. Hope all goes great for you.

Jalee85 · October 2013

chuicafina said:
I would read the Bradley method book recommended above. I've read Ina May's book now twice (once during each pregnancy) and I loved it, but it's VERY crunchy and may be a bit much for someone who hadn't intended on going natural. FWIW, I think it's a good idea for all pregnant mamas to read up on natural birth. I've had quite a few friends get the epi and have it not work for them.

Good luck!

Originally, I thought I would get some tips and tricks from the prepared delivery class. Then the schedule didn't work out for me to be able to go to one. I've been through so many medical procedures an epidural never really bugged me, but at the same time I wouldn't get one unless I needed it.

roxtar16 · October 2013

My hospital doesn't offer epi for labor but my doctor did switch me from lovenox to heparin so that I could at least have an intrathecal injection. Maybe could ask your doctor about that as a possibility.

Jalee85 · October 2013

Has anyone gotten the Bradley Method as a digital book vs paper back! I wasn't seeing that option on Amazon. Good thing I have prime and free 2 day shipping.

SnoopyLuv · October 2013

I would read Childbirth without Fear, peruse some natural birthing boards (mothering.com has a good forum) and get the Bradley book.

Ajoyd · October 2013

tmccord21 said:

Ajoyd said:

I am reading "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" (or similar title) by Ina May Gaskins. It was recommended by a friend who has gone med-free with her three babies.

@ajoyd I have that book and haven't opened it yet. I fail.

@tmccord21 I just started reading it when I couldn't sleep on Sunday night, so if you started soon you wouldn't be far behind me

blathnat · October 2013

Anything by Penny Simpkin. You may also want to read Hypnobirthing- The Mongan Method. You can also find the mp3 tracks online.

blueeyedrose86 · October 2013

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is amazing! After you finish it, you'll be like LET'S DO THIS!! It's very empowering and gives many many good examples of how our bodies were made for this and birth outcomes are better for mom and baby the fewer the interventions. I read it around 30 weeks and it put me at total ease. I'm thinking of picking it up again and perusing it for a confidence booster now that I could go any day.

MegN423 · October 2013

I have low platelets with each pregnancy so i'm in the same boat. The shower, changing positions and controlled breathing helped tremendously each time. I also like reading: https://birthwithoutfearblog.com/ . Best of luck!

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