GTKY / Natural Birth Board Roll Call

catsinawindow · February 2014

It's been a while since we had one of these. While I know some of the names/faces that frequent this board, I certainly don't know everyone! Thought it might be nice to see who-all is hanging around here :-)

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

I look forward to learning more about everyone here!

catsinawindow · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Yes, 23 weeks, Team Pink

Do you have any children already? How old are they? I have a son, almost 3 years old. He was not an unmedicated birth.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I am using a MW group (CNM) and (hopefully) will be birthing at a freestanding birth center

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? I'm finding prenatal yoga to be very beneficial in learning to control breathing and concentration. I'm also taking a childbirth refresher course offered at my birth center. It's a Lamaze based course, but geared towards unmedicated birth at the birth center.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? My mom had 4 natural births (3 with a MW) so it was always something that I considered. When I got PG with DS, I did a lot of research on interventions during birth, and decided to go for an unmedicated birth. However, I needed to be induced due to pre-eclampsia and ended up having a very difficult, very medicalized birth experience instead. My main reason for going natural with this one is to avoid a repeat of the experience I had with DS.

lavendergiraffes · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?
Yes, 27 weeks tomorrow, team pink

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Nope, ftm!

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?
As of now I have an OB but I'm not happy with her and I'm strongly considering switching to a MW that my doula suggested. We will be delivering at a hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth?Doing any specific classes or methods?
As of now I'm just doing a lot of reading. I'm working on Ina Mays book which is amazing and then I'm going to read up on the Bradley Method. We have hired a doula who we love and I am going to start prenatal yoga. I'm mostly searching for good methods - anything I can use!

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
A friend experienced it and told us all about her doula and what an amazing experience it is if you do it the way God intended. So I started researching!

sheislisamarie · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Yes! 34 weeks today, due on March 29th, and on team blue.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? No, this is my first.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I'm using a CPM team with a birth assistant and a doula. I will be giving birth at a birth center in Seattle, WA.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? I've taken birth center classes with Penny Simkin and will be utilizing birth tubs at my birth center.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I was already using a naturopath for my primary care physician, so it made sense to take a similar holistic approach to child birth. I had originally been with a team of 12 OBs and hated my experience with them. Once I transitioned to using midwives, I felt much more at peace with my decision to go natural. I had also seen "The Business of Being Born" while TTC, which made a tremendous impact on having an out-of-hospital birth.

spicysurro · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

Yes, she is two days old!

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

I used a midwife throughout my entire pregnancy. My birth location was my living room in my house!

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

I used hypnobabies, it didnt help me through my labor but I had an unusually difficult labor and my body didnt want to progress normally. However, hypnobabies prepared me for labor and kept me relaxed during my pregnancy and I feel that is just as important and anything else in labor and pregnancy.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

I watched the Business of Being Born and it helped me realize that I had a choice in my birth and I wanted it to be as intimate and special as possible

FrodaBaggins · February 2014

Fun! I've been frequenting this board for a few weeks now but I don't think I've posted anything yet.

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Yes! Just about 15 weeks and we won't find the sex out until March 26th.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Nope, this is our first.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I decided to go with the same OBGYN I've had for seven years. I thought very seriously about finding a provider who is well known for being open and supportive of going natural, but in the end decided I felt more comfortable with someone who knows me and my history so well. And she's certainly not anti-natural birth. The hospital I'll be delivering at is 5 minutes from our house and has amazing birthing suites with hot tubs, showers, birthing balls, etc. You're allowed to bring flameless candles in, dim the lights and have your own food/water. They also recently had a change in nursing staff and I've read that the new head nurse and staff are much more receptive to natural/unmedicated births than the staff that was there before. I've also hired a doula.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? I'm still figuring this out. I train martial arts, kung fu to be specific, and I've started taking tai chi classes and learning all the chi kung breathing practices.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? My sister in law is very educated on the topic and I watched The Business of Being Born. That film didn't convince me to go for a home water birth, but it did change the way I view childbirth and I did my own research on epidurals, induction, etc. I'm not ruling anything out and will do whatever I feel is best for the baby's health and my own in that moment, but it's important to me to at least be going into it with the intention of having a natural/unmedicated birth.

momofmanyinthemitten · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

31wks, team green

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

3 y/o daughter, 12 m/o son

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

OB/GYN for all 3, hospital for all 3

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

hypnobabies home study

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
I had bad experiences with my c/s and VBAC, so I'm doing everything in my power to make this a better experience. I'm doing hypnobabies and have hired doula who is very successful with smaller women who have bigger babies (like me!).

aylafsu88 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? No. We are considering starting to try again for #2.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Yes, an 18 month old D.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I used an OB and had a doula. I delivered in a hospital with no interventions and no medication.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? We did the Bradley classes and loved them. They really educated my H on childbirth and prepared him to be a great coach. We also had a doula which was a huge help. My LO was OP so she was essential with positions and keeping me positive.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I was afraid of a CS and needles. I have had surgeries in the past and I know how hard they can be. I wanted to avoid that at all cost. I found that interventions usually lead to a cascade of things and can result in a CS. I also know that my body was designed to give birth and women have been doing it for thousands of years. That gave me the confidence to do it.

Chichigo · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?no
Do you have any children already? How old are they? My son is 2 months old.
Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I went with a natural birth friendly OB practice/hospital birth.they were still surprised that I didn't request pain meds.
What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? We took Bradley classes. My husband was a fantastic coach. I also practiced meditation throughout pregnancy. The guided meditation for labor was excellent- it reminded me to trust in the skilled hands of my care provider. I actually ended up praying through contractions.
How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?I generally avoid medication if possible, and take the most natural/lowest dose possible when needed. I will absolutely avoid needles whenever possible. I also believe that my body was designed to nurture and deliver my baby. I disliked the idea of severing communication with my body by numbing it.

hlm184 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Yep! Almost 34 weeks, team blue.

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

No, this is my first.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

I have a group practice that is mostly CNMs with a few OBs. Will birth at the hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

A lot of reading plus Bradley classes.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

You know, I'm not sure. I think as I just started researching pregnancy and childbirth, it kept popping up.

CLLDLL · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Nope, we are NTNP for a few more months. Then we'll be TTC #3. We were team green with DS2 and I loved it. We'll probably do that again with #3.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? DS1 is 8 DS2 is 16 months

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I used the same OB with both my boys. DH is an awesome support person so I never used a doula. DS1 was a surprise early birth at 35 weeks in a hospital with an epi. It wasn't a bad experience, but I didn't love it. DS2 was born in a NB friendly hospital, and I LOVED it. Will do the same with #3 if we are lucky enough to conceive again.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? Read the Hypnobirthing book, watched BOBB, and read lots of positive NB stories on here and other blogs/boards.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? With DS1's birth I felt like it just wasn't as special or connected between DS and I. So when I found out I was KU with DS2 I did a lot of research. I eventually ended up here & was able to have a birth much more like I wanted with DS2.

I look forward to learning more about everyone here!

barista411 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?
-No

Do you have any children already? How old are they?
-DD - will be 3 in March
-DS- 2.5 months

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?
-With both I had a group of MWs (all CNMs) and have birth in a hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?
-With my first I didn't do anything. With my second I practiced affirmations and yoga.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
-I have always been more interested in homeopathic remedies, allowing my body to do what it designed to do, and avoiding medicine if at all possible and wanted a birth that reflected that.

sschwege · February 2014

lisagde said:

It's been a while since we had one of these. While I know some of the names/faces that frequent this board, I certainly don't know everyone! Thought it might be nice to see who-all is hanging around here :-)

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Not currently pregnant, though DH and I will probably start trying for baby #3 in September. We are always Team Green

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Yes, we have a 3 1/2 year old DD and DS who is 13 months

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? It was a team of 8 CNMs in a hospital

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? Hypnobirthing

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? Long before I was pregnant I saw a Baby Story episode where the woman was doing Hypnobirthing and it just seemed awesome! I kind of filed that away for a decade or so until I became pregnant.

I look forward to learning more about everyone here!

Nikgoss11 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Yes, 36 almost 37 weeks. Team Pink

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

Yes, two step sons aged 17 and 13 and toe of my own ages 5 and 3.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

Using and OB at a hospital

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

Just doing a lot of research into breathing and pain tolerance

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

My first two I had an epi and this is my last so I want to try natural.

kalmte214 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?
Currently 33w4d & Team Blue!

Do you have any children already? How old are they?
no other children--this is our first

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?
I have an OB and plan to deliver at the local hospital

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?
We took hypnobirthing classes and I hired a doula

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
My mom had all unmedicated births, and after doing some research, it seemed to be beneficial for myself and baby to have a natural birth.

rubylovebug · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant, Team Pink.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Nope, FTM.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? Using an OB with a doula, delivering at a hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? I'm prepping with HypnoBabies Home Study (although not having as much success as I would like) & reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (I'm really enjoying the natural birth stories).

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I've always thought it would be empowering to go natural, & after a surgery where my body reacted terribly to the anesthesia & that just solidified my desire to go natural.

alphahelix · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

31 weeks, team blue

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

One daughter - she is 19 months old

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

We will have a hospital birth with an OB, same as the first.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

We did lots of reading - Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Natural Hospital Birth, and The Birth Partner were my favorites. I also spent a lot of time on birthwithoutfearblog.com reading birth stories, etc., but we didn't follow any specific method.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

After doing the research about the risks and drawbacks to many of the interventions used in labor, it was clear to me that I wanted to avoid any unnecessary medical interventions, especially because I did not want to have a c-section. I'm glad I made that decision with my first and I plan to follow the same path with this pregnancy, labor and delivery.

nosoup4u · February 2014

I'm not currently pg, but have been a part of this board since it started. I have two sons, 6 and 3.

I went to hospital-based MW groups for both pg. I went med-free for both, though my first labor turned into an unplanned c-section after many hours of pushing (I got stuck in the hospital way too early, and he was OP). My second son was a med-free VBAC.

I chose to go med-free with both my kids bc the evidence out there supports it. Active, upright labor and birth are best practices, plain and simple. Also because bad ass. (Seriously, tho, my older sisters both had crappy first birth experiences, which made me want to have as little intervention so as not to repeat what they went through. My mom gave birth five times without meds, so I had a lot of support for my decision).

lajohnso1982 · February 2014

Hi All!

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Yes! I am 33 weeks. Team Blue!

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

FTM

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

My DH and I are planning the birth at a hospital. The practice we are using is both Midwives and OBGYNs. We are on the midwife path and will only have a OBGYN attend if medically needed.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

We are taking Hypnobirthing - the Mongan Method. It is a 5 week class plus lots of practice at home. Also, we are trying out the perineal massage.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

I randomly decided to take the Hypnobirthing class at our hospital to see what it was all about. I loved it and decided to go all natural after attending the first class. Hoping for the best!

headgear03 · February 2014

Hello!
Are you currently PG? nope , no more kids for me.

Do you have any children already? yes I have a 6 year old, 4 year old, 2 year old and 7 month old.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? I used a midwife for all four of my pregnancies. My midwife attended three of my births but because of another person birthing at her birth center i had to deliver at the hospital with the only OB that i dislike that delivers. What is your planned (or actual) birth location? My first three were at a free standing birth center and my fourth was at the hospital .

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? I took a bradley method class when i was pregnant with my first however most of what I did was try to prepare myself mentally . With my following deliveries I just tried not to think about everything since I knew that once labor started my body would take over and would handle everything without me having to think about it .

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I have actually known my midwife for 14 years so when I got pregnant I right away wanted to go with someone I already knew. Once I decided I went out and researched everything and came to the conclusion that baring any medical needs I was going to do this natural. There was just to much risk with the other methods. I can honestly say it never crossed my mind to get drugs during labor .

PrincessPeach13 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? 36 weeks, team green

Do you have any children already? How old are they? One boy, 2 years

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? We are using a midwife and planning a homebirth.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? We are doing Bradley Method. I like the idea of DH being an active participant and I feel a lot more secure knowing that he is prepared this time.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I didn't enjoy my experience at the hospital with DS. I could never relax and feel comfortable in my environment there, I didn't like my nurse for part of it, so I was even more tense, and then I had several bad reactions to the epidural, which I want to avoid this time.

robyn2201 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Nope

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

DD1: 3.5 years old

DD2: 14 months

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

I used an OB with both pregnancies. Two different hospitals. My second OB/hospital was much more natural birth friendly. I would love to have a home birth though if we have a third.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

We did the Bradley method while pregnant with DD1 and had a doula at both births.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

We watched TBBB on a whim while in the 1st trimester with DD1, and I immediately decided that I wanted a NB. I wanted to avoid a c-section and after much research it evolved into really wanting a birth that was an empowering experience.

iris427 · February 2014

Stuck in the gray

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?
20 weeks pregnant--it's a boy!

Do you have any children already? How old are they?
I have a 5 year old girl and a boy that is turning 3 in April. My daughter was a c/s, my son was a med-free VBAC.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?
I'm using a family practice physician and planning on delivering in a hospital this time.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?
I'm not doing much at the moment. I'll probably hire a doula again.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
I took a women's health class in college and my professor was a CPM/anthropologist. I did an independent study project on doulas and later became a doula myself for a year. Then when I had my first child and had a bad experience with an epidural and then a c-section, I decided I really wanted to try to go med-free for my next delivery.

terraignota · February 2014

Hi , I'm a lurker. L&D/newborn/postpartum nurse who has grown to dislike the "medicalization" of birth. No kids yet.

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? --- Not pregnant. Team green when we do get KU :-P

Do you have any children already? How old are they? -- No children, 1 MC

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? -- Hope to use a midwife when we do have children

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? -- N/A

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? --- One of the most influential things to me has been working in L&D in a very medical & intervention filled hospital. I was interested in natural birth before.... but working in this field has confirmed how I feel about it.

lnvane00 · February 2014

Lurker coming out!

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? 36/5 weeks pregnant with our first child and its a boy due March 12

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I am using a midwife and going to a freestanding birth center

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? We have been going to Birth Boot Camp a 10 week course once a week for two hours! I have loved it! I hired a Doula. I have researched natural birth like a crazy person and have grown to be so passionate about it! I plan on using relaxation and visualization. Believing in my body and mind! Reading a ton of natural birth stories for inspiration and I have probably watched every natural birth video you can find on Youtube to try to prepare myself. Watched TBBB and MBBB. Reading Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I think it was a snowball effect.. For starters, I never wanted to have kids because I am extremely terrified of hospitals and needles. And all I knew about pregnancy was that you have to be around needles all.the.time. (I felt that way as a young teen and adult)

But me and my husband knew we wanted a family. Well when we finally got pregnant, I was going to my OB for the first 13 weeks. When I approached him about natural birth and not wanting any IV or heplock when I got to the hospital, his demeanor totally turned me away from him. I knew there HAD to be other options out there.

So I started looking up midwives in my area and literally just followed my gut and my heart. I started going to a midwife in a birth center and have loved it! I am obsessed with the natural birth process and I'm such an advocate for it. I love talking about it and the benefits of doing your research as a woman and mom to be. Its just SO important that woman educate themselves in their options with their prenatal care and birthing options.

SidraJedi · February 2014

I hang out here but I am not currently pregnant. I only read spiritual midwifery to prepare for my HB that I had 11 months ago. So far we just have the one baby, but we want more. I was a HB baby and I used to look at all of my mom's HB books as I grew up.

vintagejjane · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? We will be TTC soon

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Yep. just about 21 months.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? My first was a Homebirth and whenever we have #2, that will be a homebirth as well

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? A lot of research and reading. I attended some homebirths previously

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I never wanted to have a medicated birth. I always knew I wanted to go natural.

jewely24 · February 2014

I've been lurking here for awhile, so I thought I'd use this as my sort of intro. So much great info from you ladies so far. We just started TTC, so I plan to hang out and soak even more knowledge up for awhile! Also, the support will be nice. While my husband is incredibly supportive and wants me to do whatever will make me comfortable, my nurse MIL is beside herself that I don't have a doctor and never fails to make her opinion known and I get lots of "you must be crazy" and "you'll change your mind" from "well meaning" friends and family....

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? No, not yet, just started TTC in January

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Nope

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I just met with a new midwife who I really love so far. Currently my plan is to give birth at a hospital in their natural friendly birth wing.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? Yes, I absolutely plan on taking a class (not sure which one yet) and being as prepared as possible. Not having a plan makes me anxious (even if that plan changes, I want to learn as much as I possibly can so I know what I can possibly expect)...

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I get anxious in hospitals and being tied to a bed by IV's and monitors and not being able to feel anything, I feel like would make it worse. I want to be able to move around and do what I need to do to be "comfortable".

Rogue237 · February 2014

I'm mostly a lurker and part time commenter

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Yes, almost 32 weeks. Pretty sure we're Team Pink, but baby has been modest and not at all forthcoming with the crotch shots.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Nope! FTM

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? MW! I'll be delivering at the U of M hospital birthing center with the UM Midwives.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? DH and I have been reading Bradley Method - he's very into being involved and coach is a good role for him. I've also read Ina May and a couple of other books. We have a birthing/newborn class this upcoming weekend as well, but it's just a one day thing.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? DH and I are a little crunchy to begin with. We live in Ann Arbor and that's just kind of the vibe. I've had some medical issues growing up, so I like to avoid meds if possible, because I know they all come with risks and side effects. I think natural/unmedicated birth is totally doable, so that's what I'm "training" for. I hope all of the other factors work out for it.

AmyRI · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?
Not currently PG, alternating on whether or not we'll ever try for a 3rd. We were team green both times.

Do you have any children already? How old are they?
DS will be 3 in May and DD turned 1 in January

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?
DS: OB in a hospital was planned and actual.
DD: Started with same OB, transfered to MW at 34 weeks, went into labor and discovered DD was breech, so I was transferred to a different OB and delivered her vaginally. Also planned and happened in the same hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?
Honestly I didn't do a whole lot to prepare. We took a general childbirth class at the hospital, I did a decent bit of reading online, and the awful "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book. Prenatal yoga did help. I didn't use any specific method.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
I hate needles, so the thought of an epi needle in my spine was too much for me. The pain never got bad enough that I thought that needle was worth the relief. After experiencing the awesome emotional and physical rush of NB with my DS, I knew I wanted to do it again.

FunSizeGrl · February 2014

I've been mostly lurking for the past few months

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

28 weeks and expecting a little girl

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

This is our first.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

I am seeing an OB at a Naval Hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

We've hired a doula and I've been doing a lot of reading. I won't be able to take any classes in person so I'm trying to learn as much as I can from online and books.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

It just fits in with my way of thinking. I love what the body is capable of! I'm also quite fearful of the snowball effect of interventions. I'm happy to have them when they are necessary but I'd rather not if things are going as they should.

IdyllicPursuit · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? 37w1d, team blue!

Do you have any children already? How old are they?yes, ages 8 and 5

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? using a CNM, home water birth (provided our pipes aren't frozen--might be another week before they can be fixed!)

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? I've got a doula and a birth assistant in addition to my husband and a friend. i love anything Ina May:)

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I had a horrible birth experience the first time, which led to another medicated birth the second. I knew I always wanted a natural birth, just didn't have the support the first few times!

natalie202 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?
Nope!

Do you have any children already? How old are they?
Two boys, almost 3 years and 4 months.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?
1st birth was a CNM attended water birth at a hospital.
2nd birth was a CNM attended water birth at a freestanding birth center.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?
Read Penny Simkin stuff and used her Comfort Measures for Childbirth DVD to practice skills with the hubby.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?
My mom had all of her kids naturally, so I grew up thinking that was the norm. Then, as I listened to friends talk about their intervention heavy birth stories, I realized that's not the kind of birth I wanted to have if it could be avoided. I wanted a story more like the ones my mom told. So I started researching how to achieve that, and the more research I did, the more compelled I felt to go for the natural birth.

Verstej2 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? Yes, 24 weeks. Team Green

Do you have any children already? How old are they? Yes, DD is 4 and DS is 2.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? Same midwife I had the last time (first birth was med free in hospital with an OB and second was a HB) and we will have a second HB if everything goes as planned.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? With my first I did two birthing classes, one was slightly more natural birth oriented. But I grew up thinking natural birth was a normal part of life and witnessing women go through it. I didn't feel I needed a special technique, I just tried to educate myself on all the different techniques and choose things that appealed to me. I used yoga, water, meditation, and vocalizations. I should mention that because of my childhood experiences I lacked the extreme fear that seems to accompany most birthing experiences and stories in our society. I think this made it really easy to just get to work and let the birth happen.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? As mentioned I grew up in a community where natural birth was a normal part of life. My Mom was very active in the birthing community and was passionate about natural birth. I was her only medicated birth, being her first, and I ended up being delivered via c-section which set her on a passionate journey to learn about natural birth and to fight for a VBAC which helped to shape my early impressions of birth. I was lucky enough to witness a few natural births as a child and to learn at a young age about both the biology of birth and the beautiful emotionally journey it is. So basically there has never been a question that, barring any medical issues, my children would be birthed naturally.

JACKIE_RS88 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team?

Yes, 27 weeks. Team Blue again!

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

DS turned 1 year old a week ago.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location?

Using OB and doula. Hospital birth.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods?

We did Bradley before DS1 was born so it's semi fresh. Reviewing the material again and reading Ina May's book again. Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method was also a great resource last time.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth?

I knew I didn't want an epi if I could help it. Already have back problems and I just didn't want to go down that route. Seeing all the benefits and embracing labor instead of fearing it semed like the right plan for me.

rmm17 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? 13 weeks PG, will find out April 9th the sex of the baby.

Do you have any children already? How old are they? my son just turned 3

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? hospital birth with a very natural birth friendly OB

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? Taking a live hypnobabies course, hiring a hypno-doula, reading positive birth stories.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I did not have a positive first birth. Then I became involved with La Leche League and got to know a lot of birth professionals through LLL and my Attachment Parenting Group.

mrsblueeyes · February 2014

Are you currently PG? If so, how many weeks? Team? No

Do you have any children already? How old are they?

DS1 6, DD 3, and DS2 4 months!

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? Had an OB, delivered at a hospital with a doula

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? Most important for me was hiring our doula, I also prepared with hypnobirthing and lots and lots of reading. It was important for me to not let the fear of pain and childbirth take over, I love the BBB, Ina May, Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering, and Birthing without fear. I also really enjoyed reading and watching positive medfree birth stories.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? I had 2 vaginal births with an epidural which were perfectly fine, but I was looking for a different experience without interventions and the sense of fear and panic which can go along with medicalized birth

margaritachikita · February 2014

Hello!! I am a birth doula, looking forward to my second baby in June. I have a 20 month old daughter at home. I had a doula attend my first birth (unmedicated hospital birth with a family practice doctor), and it inspired me to become a doula myself. During my first pregnancy, I took Bradley method classes, and did some prenatal yoga, along with daily walks, which I believe helped me to achieve an unmedicated birth (along with my doula of course!). While I had a decent hospital experience, I am looking forward to a home birth with a midwife this time around. I first became interested in unmedicated birth after watching The Business of Being Born, and realizing how scary and messed up our current maternal care system is. If you see me on the board talking a lot about doulas, it is because I truly believe that EVERY momma should have a doula with her during labor and delivery, no matter what type of birth she desires. Doulas help moms have happier and healthier births!

wifeofadam · February 2014

Not pregnant.

Four kids - 6, 5, almost 3, and almost 1

I've used MWs for all of my births. First two were CNMs in the hospital. Last two were CPMs at home.

I've never done any classes outside of the traditional hospital birth class. Before my births I usually try to read some books, watch some documentaries, and watch a lot of birth videos on youtube for inspiration.

I'm very into natural healing/alternative health in general, so this is just an extension of my lifestyle.

jfletcher3113 · February 2014

Are you currently PG? 28 weeks, team blue! This is actually my first post ever on this board although I've been lurking a bit. I'm active on my monthly board, May 2014.

Do you have any children already? This is my first.

Who are you using/did you use as a care provider (ie. OB or MW)? What is your planned (or actual) birth location? I see an OB but will have a midwife during labor and birth. I plan to birth at my hospital.

What are you doing/did you do to prepare for natural/unmedicated birth? Doing any specific classes or methods? Taking classes, taking yoga, reading lots and lots of books and practicing my breathing.

How did you become interested in natural/unmedicated birth? Before getting pregnant I always said I would happily accept drugs. That was until I read what these drugs were all about and their impact on the labor and birth process, myself and the baby! After reading many things I did not like I knew the best option for me would be natural labor.

Aurora_Borealis · February 2014

Hi everyone! I was semi-active on this board when I was pregnant and have recently started lurking & posting again.

-Not currently pregnant. DH & I are one-and-done.

-DD is 2

-I had a med-free hospital birth attended by a midwife. My prenatal care was through the hospital's midwife group in a Centering program, which I highly recommend!

-DH & I took a birth class based on Mongan Method Hypnobirthing.

-Med-free birth interested me because I felt it was a way to get out of the loop of one size fits none, non-evidence-based pregnancy care.

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