Hi all - fairly new here, but as I'm coming up on my third trimester I've started thinking more about my birth plan (as I'm sure everyone else has too!). I'm committed to a natural birth at a birthing center, mostly because I'm terrified of hospitals and needles and so want to limit all medical interventions. I'm wondering if any other mamas out there are planning on an unmedicated birth, and what you are doing to prepare!
More about me... I'm a FTM, EDD is 10/3, it's a girl! I live in Boston and work full-time as a product manager, my husband works full-time as a software developer, and we have 2 adorable cockapoos!
Here are a few resources I've found recently that may be helpful for others:
Re: Natural Birth - Advice & Tips?
As for which thread exactly, lol cant really remember as this subject was often brought up. Maybe you could try typing key words such as "unmedicated" in the search bar and scroll through the offered posts/threads.
(im at hospital waiting for apointment, TB mobile is a pain...)
Topic disclaimer: the ultimate goal is to have a baby safely and there is no right or wrong way. HOWEVER your babies are born, October mamas,
Hokay, so.
What books are on your bookshelf or reading list to help you prep for natural birth?
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
Anything else?
Questions?
(eta Any others to add??)
ntnp #2 . summer 2018
*siggy warning*
ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017
What books are on your bookshelf or reading list to help you prep for natural birth?
-Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth
-Childbirth Without Fear (this came highly recommended but I'm still a bit intimidated by it!)
-The Birth Partner
-the documentary The Business of Being Born was really my intro to this and I plan to watch it again for another little boost of encouragement before baby gets here.
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
My local hospital's childbirth prep class actually has some natural laboring and pain control strategies that a friend thought were really helpful. I was really interested in the Lamaze and Birth Boot Camp (and one other I can't remember) but the cost and time commitment of the classes were pretty deterring factors for us. I'm going to ask my midwife this week if she thinks what's covered at the hospital course will be enough for me.
Anything else?
I'll also be looking to hire a doula. Also, natural labor and delivery scares me.
Questions?
Any STMs skip the natural birthing classes and wish you hadn't?
STMs, were any books/classes/resources more helpful for you than others?
STMs, what were your biggest obstacles when you faced natural birth?
ntnp #2 . summer 2018
*siggy warning*
ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017
My husband read The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin and he really liked it. I am not reading any books about pregnancy at this time; I read them all before TTC because I am a mega loser keener type person. I watched The Business of Being Born but its main points do not really apply to the kind of medical care I am getting in Toronto specifically. I appreciate its points, though and it made me feel more empowered to choose unmedicated.
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
I am doing a Hypnobabies home course, starting today. It's super in depth and requires practice every day until birth.
Anything else?
We hired a doula. She's super pro "whatever is best", so will support us through labour, delivery and post-partum no matter which way things go.
I am pretty scared of needles, (though *tw* loss really helped clear some of that up end tw*) and narcotic pain medicine is processed differently by people with red hair (the genetic mutation that causes it affects other bodily processes) so I want to go in as prepared as possible to handle this without meds/ in the event meds aren't cutting it. My hospital and the group of family doctors I am working with has amazing policies in place that also support women in their birth choices; I feel so well taken care.
Hypnobabies is a liiiiiiiiiiitle (ok A LOT) on the crunchy side for me but I am trying with all my might to embrace the ideas (and discard some of the more unsavoury, unscientific and quite frankly shamey bits) that might help me labour as I am hoping to. I am a first timer, though, so I am 100% ready to throw everything out the window and am not against letting the power of nature humble me into whatever happens.
Questions?
Not at the moment!
TTC 09/15
*TW Loss mentioned*
BFP 12/15/15 EDD: 08/26/16
MMC discovered 1/25/16 at 9 +3
TTCAL 3/2016
Acupuncture 11/16
Dx December 2016: unexplained
January 2017: 50 mg Clomid + TI =
BFP #2 01/30/17 Please be a sticky baby!
EDD: 10/15/17 Measuring ahead! 10/12/17
Ambrose born on his due date!
I havent read anything on the subjet, ive mostly just watched video conferences on the matter. I found this awesome midwife who does them, Stephanie Le Maistre, unfortunately most of them are in french and not translated.
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
Im only taking prenatal classes. Dont even think they help out much on the subject but H and I will still attend. They start at the end of this month. I guess we'll see. All the video conferences ive watched, i feel, taught me a lot on how your body (and mind) operate and what helps you make an ideal setting for a natural birth... So naively maybe im feemling very confident. I also have faith in God's plan, so even if i am not able to reach my goal of giving birth naturally, despite all my efforts in doing so, i know whatevers meant to be will be, and I wont be sad just as long as baby is healthy
Questions? Not at the moment either!
To your list I'll also add Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Mama. I'm eating it up - her experiences and opinions really resonate with me. Our MW told us about Ina May's books as well.
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
We didn't take any classes in natural birth, per se, but our local hospital apparently fosters a "whatever the mom wants, the mom gets" kind of environment. Last weekend we did a two-day prenatal boot camp that touched on this a bit, but our next MW appointment isn't until next week, so we haven't had a chance to discuss any specifics with her yet. I'm only 23 weeks along (today, actually!) so we also haven't drafted any kind of birth plan, so I should probably get on that.
Anything else?
I think a natural birth will probably look different for every mama. Sadly our hospital doesn't feature birthing pools, so I plan to labor at home with our MW for as long as possible, so I can try to relax, have a bath, indulge in some aromatherapy with my diffuser and a massage, etc. I know for certain that once I'm in the delivery ward, I want low lights and to have things kept as quiet as possible.
Questions?
None so far!
I'm almost through Ina Mays Guide which is fabulous, and our Bradley teacher is letting me borrow Husband Coached Childbirth
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
Taking Bradley classes right now (for the next 11 weeks) and that's pretty intense too. Like Hypno, it's practicing and specific exercises every day. Interested to see how much I retain in labor, lol.
Anything else?
I'm over the comments from everyone. I don't judge anyone for scheduling a csec or induction or having your baby hanging from the ceiling if you wanted to, so what's the big fuss about no meds? I just don't get it.
Questions?
I'd also love to hear any STM's experiences. I had an em-csec with my first so trying everything in my power to avoid that again, hence the no meds, etc.
TTC 09/15
*TW Loss mentioned*
BFP 12/15/15 EDD: 08/26/16
MMC discovered 1/25/16 at 9 +3
TTCAL 3/2016
Acupuncture 11/16
Dx December 2016: unexplained
January 2017: 50 mg Clomid + TI =
BFP #2 01/30/17 Please be a sticky baby!
EDD: 10/15/17 Measuring ahead! 10/12/17
Ambrose born on his due date!
You likely won't be able to focus on much else, especially if you are hoping to go med-free. It's worth it (I did mostly med-free last go around, with a few doses of fentanyl that were supposed to take the edge off and actually did nothing), but it's also an overwhelming experience.
I heart YNAB
---------
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
I heart YNAB
---------
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
@keiraanne Right?? DH was telling me about all his plans to help me out and I totally felt pangs of unfounded guilt. It's not as though he hasn't done everything for me in this pregnancy, so I wish I could let it go. I feel you!
I started my course this afternoon and promptly panicked when the recording kept telling me to relax deeper, so this is gonna be an adventure.
TTC 09/15
*TW Loss mentioned*
BFP 12/15/15 EDD: 08/26/16
MMC discovered 1/25/16 at 9 +3
TTCAL 3/2016
Acupuncture 11/16
Dx December 2016: unexplained
January 2017: 50 mg Clomid + TI =
BFP #2 01/30/17 Please be a sticky baby!
EDD: 10/15/17 Measuring ahead! 10/12/17
Ambrose born on his due date!
TTC 09/15
*TW Loss mentioned*
BFP 12/15/15 EDD: 08/26/16
MMC discovered 1/25/16 at 9 +3
TTCAL 3/2016
Acupuncture 11/16
Dx December 2016: unexplained
January 2017: 50 mg Clomid + TI =
BFP #2 01/30/17 Please be a sticky baby!
EDD: 10/15/17 Measuring ahead! 10/12/17
Ambrose born on his due date!
Yes that level headedness is more what I was talking about. I have often felt similar during intense workouts, or when I have to give a speech. Lol, I have crazy stage fright. I kind of had the same feeling during my wedding. Obviously child birth is a much bigger deal. I do have to say the sense of accomplishment I felt after giving birth was the most satisfying feeling I have ever experienced. You will do great mama, you got this!!!
Ina May's guide to childbirth
Mindful birthing
Active birth
The other resource that has been HUGELY valuable to me, even before getting pregnant, has been a podcast called The Birth Hour. It is 2 birth stories a week told by mothers. The births are from all ends of the spectrum from spiritual home births to unplanned c-sections to breech, etc. I highly recommend it as it's neither scary nor too idealistic.
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
I have been taking community "classes" or group appointments through my midwives group but I hope to take a class after I move to SF. If I can't find something quickly enough, I will probably do hypnobabies home study.
Anything else?
I'm considering a home birth but I'm getting some super judgey and fear-based comments from family. It makes me nervous to hear it but also I know the statistics show that home birth is as safe or safer than being in a hospital for low risk moms. I wish I had almost kept it a secret.
Questions?
Not that I can currently think of!
I'm just starting the natural birth research process, so I don't have any resources yet. But I plan to get Ina May's book!
I'm taking a generic class through my OB office. I'll probably also see what I can learn on my own online.
Question: Has anyone used or heard of using evening primrose oil to soften the cervix or red raspberry tea to strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles?
What books are on your bookshelf or reading list to help you prep for natural birth?
I've read:
- Husband Coached Childbirth
- a Hypnobirthing book ( can't think of the name)
I've started on:
- The Birth Partner
- Mama Natural week by week guide
- What to Expect when You're Expecting
What classes, if any, are you planning to take to help prep for going natural?
DH and I are taking a Bradley Method class starting in August. Although he doesn't really know it, yet.
I plan in having a doula (actually the one teaching the class), so I figure DH can do what he's comfortable with and she can take over everything else.
Anything else?
I like that some of you said you aren't sharing your birth plan. I may go that route. We'll see!! I know my brother in law is all for whatever meds you can get and it will be a debate. And my mom will have something to say no matter what I want to do.
Questions?
Tea- My midwife says that you would have to drink 5-6 cups a day from about 30 weeks to the end for it to have any effect. I don't know about y'all but I can't brew tea all day or go to the bathroom that much in a regular work day! I may still do some just for the psychological effect of thinking I'm strong and ready!
Oil- It can help, but also your cervix will ripen naturally, so "why not just let your body do it on its own?"
Just one professional's take on it but I thought I'd share!
I thought it was really helpful to hear and just wanted to pass that encouragement/insight on ❤
ntnp #2 . summer 2018
*siggy warning*
ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017
This is my 2nd pregnancy and the first was an unmediated VBAC. My MIL who gave birth 8 times told me many times how important it is to relax during contractions. I tried it and it does significantly reduce the amount of pain I was experiencing. Hypnobirthing is kind of popular so as I looked it up I found out it was based on the teachings from the book Childbirth Without Fear. The author emphasizes how tension and fear ultimately lead to, or increase pain in childbirth. He opened my mind to the fact that it is physically possible to have a pain free unmedicated birth, which surprised me as I was under the impression that everyone experiences at least some amount of pain.
My MIL said her VBAC deliveries were nearly painless and I'm wondering if that has to do with the fact that she was able to relax herself and really enjoy what she was going through because of what it would result in.
ntnp #2 . summer 2018
*siggy warning*
ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017
ntnp #2 . summer 2018
*siggy warning*
ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017
ntnp #2 . summer 2018
*siggy warning*
ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017
Hypnobabies is going pretty well! DH and I do the meditations together before bed and they're helping me, lifelong insomniac that I am, sleep better. No idea how any of this will play out during my "birthing time" but I'm finding value in the process which is good enough.
TTC 09/15
*TW Loss mentioned*
BFP 12/15/15 EDD: 08/26/16
MMC discovered 1/25/16 at 9 +3
TTCAL 3/2016
Acupuncture 11/16
Dx December 2016: unexplained
January 2017: 50 mg Clomid + TI =
BFP #2 01/30/17 Please be a sticky baby!
EDD: 10/15/17 Measuring ahead! 10/12/17
Ambrose born on his due date!