Feeling super nervous

Soymami2 · July 2014

I know this is my second pregnancy, but I just can't help myself from feeling nervous.
My first experience wasnt very pleasant in regards to getting an epi inserted. I was pressured into getting one at 6cm, when I was managing pains with no problems.

I'm really hoping not to have an epi this time around. I'm actually going to a new hosptial this time.

If any ladies have gone through labor naturally could you please share some tips?

MandMLeona · July 2014

I've had 2 all natural births. However, I've never had to deal with people offering medication. I've never felt like I wanted any medication, either. Freedom of movement is key. Move as much as possible. Get in positions that allow gravity to help you and your baby move through the steps of this dance together. For me, I hate interactions with people during labor...others lean on other people. Figure out works best for you this time...each birth is different. The positions that worked well the first time were not the right ones for the second birth. You have to listen to what your body and baby are telling you and be able to move accordingly.

Good Luck!

courtniko · July 2014

I am a FTM, so you can take this with a grain of salt, but I hope to give birth with no pain medication. I have taken a natural birth class, read books, hired a doula and done a lot of research. I think that all of these things will help me achieve my goal as long as there are no medical issues that come about, at which point I will do whatever the doctor recommends to deliver a healthy baby.

One good tip that I have been given by my doula is to specifically ask if any of the nurses on duty when I am admitted like to work with women who plan to go unmediated. I have discussed my hopes with my doctors, and they told me to arrive at L&D with a birth plan, to help remind them of my wishes since things can get crazy and they are often dealing with numerous patients.

Good luck!

lexxctpx · July 2014

FTM, but I'll be doing it! Hypnobabies has been wonderful at getting me in the right mindset that birth is a beautiful, natural process.

The human body is programmed to know exactly what to do when it comes time to birth your baby. A key aspect of childbirth hypnosis is relaxation. If you stay loose and breathe, you will be working along with your body, not against it.

It sucks you got pressured into an epi, though. Sounds like you were doing great. It's definitely not too late to start looking at options to help you out and boost your confidence!

kcm3 · July 2014

I had a similar experience. I was given an epidural for my first delivery under pressure from hospital staff, and regretted it. My second labor was completely different from the first. It was a healing experience, and my biggest piece of advice would be to not let what happened the last time cloud what can happen this time. Second labors tend to be much faster and now you know more of what to expect. I hope you have a supportive partner and practitioner to help you. Reading some of Ina May Gaskin's works I also found helpful and empowering. Wishing you the best!

Nuclearcupcake · July 2014

Sitting in a warm bath helped me a bunch. Moving around, doing what feels right, having a good support system is all key. I made it clear I was going med free and not to offer drugs unless I asked.

Venus04 · July 2014

funnibunni80 said:

I've attemped it three times. Meditation, slow breathing to a count and rocking always helped me. But I've given into IV drugs every time. One thing I've never had was a supportive partner encouraging me. Hoping I make it this time!

I think it's cool that you tried though. My doc and doula both agree that even if you get an epi, it's best to labor as long as you can beforehand. So...job well done?

99frontier · July 2014

I'm sorry you were pressured into the epi for your first birth experience. I agree with the others that a support partner is key. I had my husband and mom there - both knew I wanted all natural and when I reached a tipping point, they gently helped keep me on track (I had HORRIBLE back labor and almost caved).

As for research and methods, I only read a couple of books and websites with suggestions - no classes or anything. But I was honestly so exhausted from being up all day and night that I probably wouldn't have been able to remember anything anyways. Like the others have said, MOVE if you can. I tried an exercise ball. Hated it. Got in a labor tub. LOVED it. Stayed there until my body began pushing on its own. Thought I wanted to get in a shower but instead made a B-line to the bed. Ended up in a scissor position for the back labor. Just move however helps.

And definitely keep in mind that your body is made for this. You CAN do it. Good luck to you!! I hope you get the au-natural delivery you want

Soymami2 · July 2014

Thanks ladies! I've been watching alot of youtube videos lately, hopefully some of these tips can help me.

SarahLee&Joe · July 2014

Soymami2 you're going to do great! >:D<

[Deleted User] · July 2014

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shevaCC · July 2014

I hired a doula who helped me by applying counter pressure during contractions. I focused inwardly and counted through contractions. I stayed as calm as I could when one coping mechanism or position was no longer working until we found one that did. And my DH was awesomely supportive. Unfortunately my nurse was pretty mediocre but everything else made up for her. I did a lot of walking and used a bunch of positions involving the hospital bed (leaning on it, not sitting in it), a yoga ball, a chair, the floor, and the tub.

Soymami2 · July 2014

Thanks for all the wonderful tips.

happylady07 · July 2014

I had a pain med free, Pitocin induced labor with my first where I was confined to the bed the entire time. Without support, never would have happened, and although my labor was far from ideal, I was happy that I stuck with at least that part of my plan and did it without pain meds. It definitely wasn't a great experience though (by a long shot), and I'm really looking forward to having a different labor this time, preferably going on my own, laboring at home where I am more comfortable, having freedom of movement, etc. However, it's amazing what you can do, especially with the right support to get you there (my husband and mom were amazing) and your own determination.

Spurtee · July 2014

I had a natural birth with the first one plan on it again I am nervous but my mind set is it's a labor of love your body knows what to do I haven't ever taken classes or read any books get your mind in right state for labor

Shiva14 · July 2014

I'm sorry you felt pressured the last time around! Maybe if you type out a birth plan and bring it with you the hospital would be less likely to try and persuade you to get the epi?

I hope to have a pain med-free birth too! I've talked to my doctors about it and the staff at the hospital I am delivering at, and whilst the hospital is VERY supportive of going med-free, one of the doctors at my clinic thinks it is madness to try and that it doesn't make sense. I'm really hoping she is not the one on call when I go into labour!

However, she is pregnant with her first and has never given birth, and a small part of me wants to prove to her that it can be done, lol. Probably not the best time and place to prove your point...especially since I haven't done it before either! Aaand I'm sure she has seen people go med-free and maybe that is her reasoning, but I still want to try!

shutaff · July 2014

Assuming I don't have to have a c-section for placenta previa (find out on Monday), I am hoping to go natural as well. I know my mom thinks it's crazy (she tries not to be judgmental, but I can tell), and my husband definitely did at first, but after our childbirth class and some research I showed him, he is on board. He will be the only one in the delivery room with me. The L&D nurse who taught our class had much of the same attitude as @theteno 's doctor: If your labor progresses naturally, it's a great thing to do, but if it is very long or complicated, you may want to give in to the pain meds. She was all about moving around and different positions to work with gravity, something that really appeals to me, as well the labor tub. I hope her attitude is reflective of the rest of the staff.

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