Natural Birthing Methods

ThePax89 · June 2016

With my first labor and delivery, I was horribly unprepared, and opted for an epidural. I would really like to go natural this time. My issue is this: anxiety and fear.

I started reading hypnobirthing, and I'm not sure its for me.

Any by other natural methods worth exploring? Preferably one based in science (science comforts me).

ceclarlinetlo · June 2016

What do you think about nitrous oxide (laughing gas)?

susykat77 · June 2016

I haven't done a ton of research yet but I've also heard of the Bradley Method.

ChaoticWolf · June 2016

I'm not sure if this is the answer you're looking for, but aromatherapy, massage and chiropractors, nitrous oxide, and water birth are all available at the birth center I'll be going to, so I'll be using all of them. Also try looking up some birth props and stools, like yoga balls and such. Supposedly birth stools and birth balls help take the pressure off your pelvis and help gravity pull the baby along.

OfficialBillie · June 2016

I can ask my cousin for more info on what she did. She just gave birth about a month ago at home. I know it was a water birth. She said for her meditation, breathing and the water all really helped.

stumptownmama · June 2016

@PaukMeKiande your birth center sounds amazing! I need a chiropractor to attend this next birth. I had tailbone trauma with my last and am so afraid it will happen again. I'm 20 months post partum and it is still so painful.

@ThePax89 honestly, what I did was a lot of research. I wanted to know what to expect at every stage. I didn't want surprises. I did read the Bradley Method Book and others like Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth to feel empowered, knowledgeable and capable. We attended a birthing class through the hospital that I wanted to take purely for my husband's sake. I wanted him to learn how to support me, different labor positions and to be involved. I made a rough plan to labor in water, use a birthing ball, massage and aroma therapy. But I also wanted to be realistic and flexible if I needed to have meds. My water broke at home at 1 pm, arrived at the hospital 30 min later at 10cm and DD was born at 3:00. There wasn't time for anything I had planned. We didn't even bring our bags in. I felt terrified but trusted my body was able to do it. I think that is a huge part. However, I know I didn't have to endure a long arduous labor. If I had, I may have chosen to use meds. I won't know unless I'm in that situation.

ThePax89 · June 2016

I don't know if nitrous oxide is administered at my hospital. I'll find out. I told DH that Ativan could really come in handy. Kidding of course.

zdmd_14 · June 2016

With DD1, i read the Bradley method book and some related YouTube videos. (They actually have Bradley classes in many areas too, so you could look into that).
With DD2, I reviewed the Bradley stuff and got the hypnobirthing self study course. I'm not sure hypnobirthing is totally for me either (I am a little to analytical and stuck in my head to let go and meditate the way I've seen some women do in hypnobirths) but it was still helpful. FWIW, DD2s birth was super easy and I was more positive during it that DD1.
I think the Bradley book is essential pregnancy reading though--even if a woman is planning on potentially getting pain relief at some point. I found that how it breakdowns different stages of labor and how you feel internally during those stages was very helpful. I literally remember thinking "I'm going to die--I can't do this anymore" and then realizing "oh. This is what the book said would happen. I'm probably in transition now, which means pushing will come soon." That was so reassuring (and reassuring for your partner to know too) because you don't spin into the "I'm going to die--give me every intervention ever" mindset, especially if that's not the direction you're wanting to go.

zdmd_14 · June 2016

Also there is a podcast called "birth, baby, and life". The author is a little....far out there. So you've got to take the more extreme stuff and disregard it. But if you specifically look through her archives for suggestions on pain management in labor, those episodes are very helpful

stumptownmama · June 2016

@zdmd_14 yes this is exactly what I meant by being prepared for every stage so I didn't freak out.

katesmama0706 · June 2016

Read up as much as you can (and if you can find a class even better) on all the stages of labor. I opted for an epidural at the end because my baby was face up and they suspected had her hands over her face so I knew my odds of tearing were high and wanted no part of feeling that. But during labor it was super nice to be able to think back to what I had read and know exactly what my body was doing, what my baby was doing and why. I'm an anxious person by default and I had zero anxiety going into labor and delivery because I felt so prepared

Briala · June 2016

Have you considered using a Doula or Midwife? They would have a lot of resources on natural birthing methods and could help as a labor coach during delivery as well. It also can be really helpful to have an advocate working with you at the hospital to make sure everything goes smoothly and naturally since that's how you want it. We considered a Doula this time around, but I am not eligible for a VBAC, or it is not a good option for me so we are 95% going to have a RCS. I wish I would have had one for DS I think things would have gone a lot smoother during the labor process, the outcome would probably have been the same but it would have been comforting.

ThePax89 · June 2016

@Briala yes. Definitely to a midwife. Dd was a hospital birth with a midwife. Our practice is an OB/midwife hybrid. I'd love a doula! Strongly considering looking into that. How are you feeling about a RCS?

zdmd_14 · June 2016

@briala you could still look into a doula for a RCS. Especially if the first experience was upsetting for you, they can be a great support source.

Vivi20 · June 2016

I was very unprepared with my first, too. I feel that had we gone through childbirth classes it would've helped. I remember going through contractions and needing my midwife's help at breathing and getting through it because in my mind I began to panic and not know what to do. I ended up getting an epidural. I would love to go all natural this time, but I'm terrified I couldn't do it. The frustrating part is that as much as I want to go through Bradley classes this time around, my husband works such long hours, there's no way he would be able to join me.

ThePax89 · June 2016

@jlea05 that's similar to what happened to me. I didn't know they were contractions, I thought it was just cramping...and then a nurse said I was in labor and I FREAKED out. I panicked and refused to breathe or even attempt to settle down. I'm also concerned about DH being able to come with me to classes. We won't have anyone to watch our toddler!

Vivi20 · June 2016

@ThePax89 Yep, that's the other issue, too. The only person near us that I trust to leave our daughter with is my sister, and so there's so guarantee that she'd be able to watch her while we're at class. This time around I'm going to try to find some good videos on youtube about the Bradley method.

Briala · June 2016

@ThePax89 honestly I am panicking a little at the birth process I am super scared I just want things to go better then they did last time. I had a pretty traumatic experience last time in the c-section and because of that I feel like I missed the first hours of DS life. I don't want that to happen again I dealt with a bit of birth regret afterwards, and am trying to be realistic of what to expect this time. I wanted to attempt VBAC to avoid the c-section but since I'm not really eligible I don't have much a choice. I am still thinking doula for my RCS so that is definitely not off the table.

sweetyjenj · June 2016

Watch Business of Being Born on Netflix. It talks about the difference between using a midwife and going through OB only. Although we're still using the hospital, it was super informative.

Teach123 · June 2016

Briala said:

@ThePax89 honestly I am panicking a little at the birth process I am super scared I just want things to go better then they did last time. I had a pretty traumatic experience last time in the c-section and because of that I feel like I missed the first hours of DS life. I don't want that to happen again I dealt with a bit of birth regret afterwards, and am trying to be realistic of what to expect this time. I wanted to attempt VBAC to avoid the c-section but since I'm not really eligible I don't have much a choice. I am still thinking doula for my RCS so that is definitely not off the table.

I also had a traumatic c-section. I understand how you're feeling. It took me months to heal completely, and I'm terrified of going under the knife again. I haven't ruled out a VBAC, but the stars would have to align just right for it to even be a possibility. I also would have to switch OBs towards the end because there is only one hospital near me that even will consider a VBAC.

newyearsbaby5 · September 2016

Bringing this thread back. Would a STM who did natural labor without a doula or midwife recommend attending a natural childbirth class? I know I could read about it all day long, but it's more for my husband who I know I will need there to be my support. (just to add--i'm fully open to the fact that I may change my mind and/or won't have a choice in the labor and that is totally fine--health is #1 priority!). A full-day class indoors on a beautiful November day sounds like a waste of time, but I'd love to hear if they are really worthwhile (my gut tells me that it will be--I always like to know as much information as possible, labor being no exception). In summary: are the classes worth it?

lydia-deetz · September 2016

newyearsbaby5 said:

Bringing this thread back. Would a STM who did natural labor without a doula or midwife recommend attending a natural childbirth class? I know I could read about it all day long, but it's more for my husband who I know I will need there to be my support. (just to add--i'm fully open to the fact that I may change my mind and/or won't have a choice in the labor and that is totally fine--health is #1 priority!). A full-day class indoors on a beautiful November day sounds like a waste of time, but I'd love to hear if they are really worthwhile (my gut tells me that it will be--I always like to know as much information as possible, labor being no exception). In summary: are the classes worth it?

I took a day-long course for kid 1, and yes, I do feel like it was kind of a waste of time. There wasn't anything involved that I didn't already know from simple Googling. But I think you nailed it that the classes really can be very beneficial for your partner as your support system. I'd love to do the Bradley classes this time around. However, they are a 12-week committment, so if you're interested, I'd look into it sooner rather than later!

KRB22 · September 2016

I'm glad this thread got revived! I think I missed this earlier in the summer and there's some really helpful info in here.

I'm planning to deliver with a midwife at a hospital that is very "natural birth friendly," and am really hoping I succeed at going med free.

We also hired a doula, because the whole MW/unmedicated birth thing is new to for DH and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to be my main support during labor. We did watch the Business of Being Born, and it really helped him understand why I want to go this route.

My midwives' office offers a 2-day birth class, and we're doing that in a couple of weeks. I do think this will mostly benefit him, but I also think it'll be good for us to have sat through the class together and have the same frame of reference, basic information, etc. I think the class takes some elements from Bradley, but isn't as intensive.

By the time I looked into Bradley classes there wasn't going to be anything that would work with our schedule between now and January. 12 weeks is definitely a big commitment.

ThePax89 · September 2016

I spoke with my friend/ibclc who teaches a natural labor class. She felt it would be helpful to attend even though I've already given birth.

stumptownmama · September 2016

@ThePax89 I think that's a good idea. For me, I had to be mentally strong and be able to overcome the pain. My husband was a huge help because he knew my goals and took a birth class with me so he was prepared for the phases I would go through. Just telling myself there wasn't another option and that my body was made to do this was huge for me. When I took my birth class, there was a fourth time mom there. She wanted a refresher.

MrsRahl · September 2016

I am glad I took my class despite when the time came, it did absolutely nothing for me lol. But I was glad of the knowledge and confidence it gave me up to labor. When labor hit, it all went out the window for me. Maybe a specific method class would have been better for me.

MrsRahl · September 2016

I plan to try hypnobirthing this time around as those actually worked for me in trial, but I didn't spend enough time on them prior to birth. Basically I started too late.

hayhay2501 · September 2016

So glad this thread's been revived. I missed it over the summer as well. I REALLY want to give birth in my hospitals midwife led birthing unit (hoping to labor in a pool) but you can't have an epidural there. I have no idea how to start preparing for an Unmedicated birth.

Interestingly only 26% of women in the UK (where I live) have an epidural. I think they have a much different approach to birth here. So let's see if I can stay in the majority...

TexasGal24 · September 2016

I'm a FTM and I've opted to have my baby at a birthing center with a midwife and nurse attending, as well as my husband. The birthing center requires each woman to attend a birthing class and my midwife spoke very highly of the Bradley Method. She also told me that if I wanted to take the Bradley Method course that it is 12 weeks long so its better to look early for classes in the area. I just found one that starts in October and the class was basically full so I'm lucky to have gotten in.

FWIW - my sister had 3 children before she decided to opt for a natural birth. She read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (amazing read) and did some other research (hypnobirthing). I was with her when she was laboring with her 4th and she did a great job. We were actually walking around her property talking and laughing and snacking before she decided it was time to go to the birthing center. When she arrived 30 minutes later, she was already at 8cm. She had a water delivery at the center and was really happy about her birthing experience.

newyearsbaby5 · September 2016

Everyone keeps referencing Ina May's book, so I just ordered it. Thanks, ladies! Looking forward to learning more.

Carly79 · September 2016

@newyearsbaby5 Yes, definitely recommend any courses you can take. We took Bradley method classes. It was a 12 class program (1 class for 12 weeks for us). It was great because it talked about every stage of labor, the science behind each of them, nutrition to assist with a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and a lot of relaxation techniques to practice. Also, a lot of positions for both labor and delivery that we practiced. My husband got a lot out of it and it's very focused on including the support person and them learning as much as the person actually giving birth. If there are classes in your area I definitely recommend those in addition to the book. The other book that I enjoyed was "Natural Birth for the Mainstream Mama" It focuses on natural births in a hospital settings. Talks through decisions you will have to make and also some great stories. Very short, easy read. Also, check out the blog/site for Birth Without Fear. It's very empowering and really supports whatever you decide. Stories about VBACs, C-Sections (for all reasons), natural birth, epidurals...really focuses on a woman getting to make the decision that's right for her. Some amazing birth stories if you are in to that kind of thing. I will add, we looked in to having a Doula and I think they are amazing resources in a birth setting but we opted to not go with one. We felt we were prepared with all the classes and other things we had done. I probably wouldn't change this decision but do know that we had an amazing labor nurse that was very on board with our birth plan and did a lot of advocating for us. Had we not had her, our story may have been different.

susykat77 · September 2016

We are signed up for a Hypnobirthing class and my doula is the teacher. This way even if I forget, she'll be there to guide me and my husband.

ThePax89 · September 2016

I am so overwhelmed. With my daughter's pregnancy, we decided to wing it and decided to take classes as needed for future children. Here I am, with said future children, and no time to take the classes and I'm mega struggling with spending $400 on Hypnobirthing/Bradley classes when I'm so aware of the costs of children.

@underthesea did you take classes? Or sheer will? (Ps. You are awesome, and I'm jealous)

KRB22 · September 2016

@ThePax89 if you can find a good class (maybe get some recs or references?) it's probably worth it.

My mom had 6 home births and my parents took a Bradley class before the 1st, and then again as a refresher before the 2nd.

I am kind of regretting not planning better and finding a Bradley class sooner, but I'm also relying heavily on my doula filling in any gaps if necessary.

Also, when I was researching doulas I found several in my area who offer their own childbirth classes. The cost and length of the classes seemed to vary, so that might be another way to search for some more options.

stumptownmama · September 2016

@ThePax89 haha thanks! we took a class through the hospital. It was like three or four Saturdays and pretty cheap. It wasn't focused on natural methods but gave us the chance to think through our preferences. What was most helpful to me was just understanding what to expect and ways I could get through it b

zdmd_14 · September 2016

hayhay87 said:

So glad this thread's been revived. I missed it over the summer as well. I REALLY want to give birth in my hospitals midwife led birthing unit (hoping to labor in a pool) but you can't have an epidural there. I have no idea how to start preparing for an Unmedicated birth.

Interestingly only 26% of women in the UK (where I live) have an epidural. I think they have a much different approach to birth here. So let's see if I can stay in the majority...

I haven't read Ina Mays book but lots of people are all about it.
With my first birth, I started by reading Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. With my second, I reviewed that and did a little bit of hypnobabies. I didn't really use the hypobabies techniques in labor but I think it did help in eliminating some anxiety I would have otherwise had.

The Birth Baby and Life podcast also has some helpful practical tips if you search through the episode lists. But the host is waaaaaaaay crunchy--you have to be ready to disregard the stuff you don't agree with/need.

Carly79 · September 2016

@ThePax89 Our area had one Bradley instructor (and only charged $200) but she moved away recently. I actually know someone that wanted to become licensed as a Bradley instructor but the training session was costly and didn't coordinate well. Her and a friend of hers (who is a doula and does placenta encapsulating) started teaching a natural childbirth class that pulled in a lot of the Bradley concepts but other things too. They only do 5 sessions instead of 12 and the cost is much more manageable. Maybe see if there is anything similar around your area? A lot of baby boutique/specialty stores often times will advertise for these types of classes or provide them.

ETA: If one of these classes isn't an option, take the one's from the hospital and then do some reading to expand on what you learn. I think knowing the process and having a good idea of what to expect is very helpful regardless of the type of delivery you are going to have and then you can supplement with that.

hayhay2501 · September 2016

@zdmd_14 thanks for the tips! Definitely going to pick up that book and the ina may one. I'm signed up for a childbirth/ parenting class that everyone recommends here but I'm not sure I can afford a hypno birth course on top of it so I'll def get started with books and podcasts!

cjs260 · September 2016

Does it bother anyone else that the Bradley Method was made by a man? I'm definitely giving it a read, but I'm having a hard time with that, haha.

shlecks · September 2016

Why is the Natural Birth for the Mainstream Mama book $100????

lydia-deetz · September 2016

shlecka said:

Why is the Natural Birth for the Mainstream Mama book $100????

That's nuts. I looked when I saw this because I thought maybe it was some kind of textbook or something and that why, but it's not! It's not even that long, 140 pages, and it's not written by anybody with any kind of credentials or medical/birth knowledge other than the fact that she herself gave birth, twice. So yeah, I dunno. Not cool!

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