Unmedicated Birth Advice

sbl0609 · July 2017

Wondering if anyone has advice or preparations for an unmedicated birth. I have so much respect for all of you who have done this or are planning to, but it was not in my original birth plan. I have a blood condition that may not allow me to have an epidural. Along with a few doctors, we've been trying to keep my platelets above the acceptable level, but they are quickly going down.

I realize I need a plan now and was hoping you all could point me to some labor/delivery tactics.

tiki8286 · July 2017

I had an unmedicated birth with my 2nd baby and it was so not my plan. BUT it has made me want an unmedicated birth this time around. I did a lot of laboring at home and once I got to the hospital, I gave birth 15 min later so no time for even an IV. I had no plan going in, I just let natural instincts take over and listened to the nurses when needed.

Just breath in and out in a rhythmic pattern and remembering not to hold my breath during contractions helped tremendously.

Don't be afraid to suggest laying a different way if you feel an intense desire to. For some reason, my body wanted/NEEDED to lay on my side. (I almost delivered that way but happened to lay on my back seconds before I pushed her out.)

Don't be afraid to be vocal about anything - whether it's questioning what is happening or just yelling like a banshee (my inner cave woman came out for sure!)

Yea delivering without meds was intense but I was able to walk myself from the delivery bed to wheelchair (I gave birth in Triage haha). I was NOT able do to so, without help, when I had an epidural birth. My recovery was pretty easy and smooth.

Each birth is different and no matter how much you plan, it might go in the complete opposite direction. My suggestion is rather than plan, is to just be open to anything. An open mind and not dead-set on something specific not only helps your anxiety go down, but it also prevents you from feeling let down or discouraged when your "plan" doesn't come to fruition. Less expectations = less things to worry about during or after. Ultimate goal: have a baby! Haha

Rhubarb7216 · July 2017

FTM here and my original plan was to try for an unmedicated birth. I now have to be induced at 37 weeks, so I know with an induction it could be more challenging to do unmedicated, but I'll still try. Some things that I have done to prepare are: read a book called mindful birthing and practice the meditation/breathing/pain management exercises in it, taken a general childbirth class and practiced the breathing/pain management exercises we learned in it, and watched online videos of unmedicated births to see some of the techniques in action. I would also ask your OB what other pain mgmt they offer that might still be ok with your platelets issue (e.g., my hospital offers Nubain and laughing gas as alternatives to epidurals or for use before you get an epidural).

sbl0609 · July 2017

Thank you @tiki8286, you're so right the goal is to have a baby. I'm sure in the moment that's the goal. Its the anxiety and anticipation that is freaking me out.

ColoradoHiker · July 2017

I had an (unplanned) unmedicated birth with my DS. I wanted an epidural, but circumstances just were that it didn't happen that way. My best advice is to do some research on various birthing techniques that are generally used during unmedicated births- like the Bradley or Lamaze methods. While in labor, I remembered from my birthing class that using visualization was supposed to be helpful in early labor, and I was able to use that and breathing through about the transition stage. As the PP mentioned, pain management is also helpful, especially if your labor is longer.

Going into labor with an open mind, like @tiki8286 mentioned, is really key. Be prepared, but accept that anything is possible. Ultimately, the goal is just a healthy baby and momma!

Maksim's Mom · July 2017

*lurking from another BMB* I'm a STM and had my first DS with pitocin induction, unmedicated. I have an epidural anxiety (something about feeling paralyzed and not able to move...aaagh!) so I knew I would not agree to that unless it was medically necessary. After all, the most important thing is healthy baby and mom. I labored for 12 hours with the most severe pain imaginable but the whole time it was a mind over body type of thing. I learned from a birth class that the trick is to learn the difference between 'pain' and 'suffering.' I felt extreme pain but got through it without letting my mind suffer. So remember, you can do it, we are capable of anything. Just focus on your goal but as others have said, be open to other possibilities for this miraculous process!

tfrangul · July 2017

I've had 2 unmedicated births and plan to do the same with this one. My first was all natural every thing but my second was pitocin induced contractions due to my water breaking and not having contractions. Holy shit are those contractions so much more intense but I made it through. Like others have said it off most important to go in with an open mind. I was freaking out at first with my second because "that was not how it was supposed to go". Now I'm like ok anything can happen and all that matters is that my baby arrives safe and healthy!

coastalmomma2 · July 2017

I had an unmedicated birth with DS, and will likely have one again. Strategies that I used during labor which were helpful for me: Finding a focal point to stare down during contractions, reciting a mantra during contractions to remind myself to breathe so I wouldn't panic (I'm breathing in, I know I'm breathing in, I'm breathing out, I know I'm breathing out). Also, taking a moment of appreciation for the rest between each contraction so I didn't feel like I was in pain the whole time. I tried to relax the rest of my body as much as I could as well --ie, keeping my jaw relaxed. Any pleasant distractions in early labor also helped -- music, walking, rocking, shoulder massages from DH.

Best wishes for a smooth delivery to you.

jessieR358 · August 2017

I'm planning on an unmedicated birth also. I didnt with my first. I had hired a doula for this one and I'm kind of doing hypnobabies. A friend just had hers in a birth center and she gave the same advice to have something to focus on or say during the contractions. She said it was hard work but well worth it!

Breath_Easy92 · August 2017

@jessieR358 my grandma swears by hyponobabies! She had 8 babies and started it with the 4th. She says it makes it much better.

sbl0609 · August 2017

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to work on mental preparations over the next few weeks and all will be ok.

lilpoots · August 2017

@sbl0609 have you asked your doctor about other forms of pain management? There are opiods for early labor and some US hospitals now offer nitrous oxide. You may also want to look into a tens machine.

mrsvp614 · August 2017

FTM here. I'm holding out hope for an unmedicated birth. I'm not sure if it'll happen, because I had high blood pressure previous to pregnancy. I haven't heard otherwise yet, but I have a fear that I'll have to be induced. I really want to go into labor on my own. I wish my hospital offered nitrous oxide, but it doesn't.

coastalmomma2 · August 2017

@MrsVP614, I was also considering nitrous oxide, but I was told by my OB that there is only one hospital in California that offers it as an option. I wonder if it is more widely available in other states, or if it isn't as available in the United States in general?

JNR6510 · August 2017

coastalmomma-2 said:

@MrsVP614, I was also considering nitrous oxide, but I was told by my OB that there is only one hospital in California that offers it as an option. I wonder if it is more widely available in other states, or if it isn't as available in the United States in general?

It isn't offered at the hospitals in my area either. My hospital only offers birthing balls or communal showers (for women prior to entering active labor only) as their alternative pain management to the epidural.

Rhubarb7216 · August 2017

My hospital only recently started offering nitrous oxide, so I think maybe it's a new thing in the U.S.?

Breath_Easy92 · August 2017

My hospital has nitrous oxide, I'd like to look more into it. Does anyone have any good resources? My doctor said that it's still pretty new so she's still getting used to it basically.

Carebella · August 2017

My midwifery center in CO had only recently started offering it when I gave birth in N14. Its been used for awhile in Europe I believe, started getting used in birth centers, and is slowly being adopted in hospitals.

wannabeamongoose · August 2017

I used nitrous at a birth center in 2015 but the local hospital that I would transfer to if I became high risk or in the case of an emergency did not have it available at the time. I'm not sure whether they have it now or not. I also think it's more common in Europe, but I think epidurals are also less common in Europe so maybe there is a correlation. Here are the resources my birth center recommends to learn more about nitrous:

https://www.porterinstrument.com/~porterin/dentalcontent/app/webroot/files/datasheets/Safety-and-Risks-of-Nitrous-Oxide-Labor-Analgesia-JMWH-%5b2011%5d.pdf

https://www.porterinstrument.com/~porterin/dentalcontent/app/webroot/files/datasheets/ACNM-statement-on-N2O-during-labor.pdf

https://www.porterinstrument.com/dentalcontent/files/datasheets/Nitrous-Oxide-as-Labor-Analgesia-Clinical-Implications-for-Nurses.pdf

https://www.porterinstrument.com/dentalcontent/files/datasheets/Collins-Starr-Baysinger-Bishop-publication-on-nitrous.pdf

Cats*in*space · August 2017

@coastalmomma-2 I'm up near Sacramento and my hospital is supposed to be getting nitrous at the end of August! Ask if it's on their radar - I asked about it specifically at my birthing class.

msashley2010-2 · August 2017

I wanted to have an unmedicated birth with DD and I went 14 out of 15 hours without the epidural but decided to get one. I loved the pain relief but was not a fan of having to wait several hours to walk on my own. I was also very bored in labor and had nothing to entertain me besides very boring hospital cable tv lol.

This time around I plan on bringing more to amuse me at the hospital. Music, reading material, etc. I'll also make sure to do the breathing exercises I was taught and so forth. My hospital does offer nitrous oxide. I've heard from others that have used it that it doesn't manage the pain per se, but gives you a distraction from it and makes you care less about it. I'd like to go that route first if I can!

Breath_Easy92 · August 2017

@wannabeamongoose thanks!

coastalmomma2 · August 2017

@Cats*in*space, I grew up in Sacramento. We're considering moving back since the cost of living here in Southern California is so high. I doubt our hospital has it in mind for the immediate future. The hospital in which I will be delivering is closing in January, so from what I've heard, resources aren't exactly plentiful. But, perhaps if more women begin to request other options, they'll consider it in the future.

jessieR358 · August 2017

My hospital has nitrous oxide but I was told I couldn't have it early on, even though I was being induced and was having horrible contractions. I don't think I would like it anyways. I don't like feeling out of control and I'd hate to feel all loopy in labor.

MyNamesTaken · August 2017

Start drinking raspberry leaf tea now if you haven't already. Also eat dates. Both help ease labour for medicated and non-medicated birth. The tea tones your uterus so your contractions are more efficient and you don't need to work so hard at pushing. The dates work like oxytocin to help your body go into labour spontaneously and can ease the first phase of labour.

I got the epi so I don't have much advice, but even for me I had to find different positions and breathing measures during early labour before I got the drugs. Read up on as many options as you can because what you think will be comfortable might not be and you may need to switch it up. Good luck!

Cats*in*space · August 2017

@coastalmomma-2 I think we've had this convo before... we've swapped locations! i grew up in southern CA (Pasadena) I really like the Sacramento area, I've been living here for ~10 years. It's affordable, has great restaurants, breweries, local wineries, outdoor activities are huge.... it does get HOT, but we're close enough to drive to the coast or Tahoe. SoCal has wayyyy too many people for me.

lilpoots · August 2017

Cats*in*space said:

@coastalmomma-2 I think we've had this convo before... we've swapped locations! i grew up in southern CA (Pasadena) I really like the Sacramento area, I've been living here for ~10 years. It's affordable, has great restaurants, breweries, local wineries, outdoor activities are huge.... it does get HOT, but we're close enough to drive to the coast or Tahoe. SoCal has wayyyy too many people for me.

SoCal is beautiful, but the traffic is beyond horrible. I'm on the edge of the SF Bay Area and the SJ Delta. Traffic is bad enough here, I can't imagine dealing with SoCal congestion every day.

coastalmomma2 · August 2017

@Cats*in*space @lilpoots , We're in Ventura county, so congestion isn't as bad as it would be further south, but it seems to be getting worse. I'm also fortunate in that I work about a mile and a half from home, so I don't have to deal with freeway traffic often. We've also thought about relocating to the bay since it would be easy for DH to get an engineering job there, but it is not my first choice either.

jenn622-2 · August 2017

coastalmomma-2 said:

@MrsVP614, I was also considering nitrous oxide, but I was told by my OB that there is only one hospital in California that offers it as an option. I wonder if it is more widely available in other states, or if it isn't as available in the United States in general?

I'm not sure how many hospitals in CA offer nitrous but I know St Johns in Santa Monica does. When I asked my OB about it as an option he said he doesn't recommend it... he said it doesn't do much for pain management and is better for just reducing anxiety associated with labor.

I thought about going unmedicated but I have a heart arrhythmia and my cardiologist recommended I get an epidural since when you are in pain your heart rate spikes and that can put unnecessary strain on the body. It wasn't something I had even thought about since my arrhythmia has never been an issue and I'm perfectly healthy... just a reminder to others to be sure your OB is aware of ALL your medical history, even things you think don't matter, because they just might!

Sugargirl1019 · August 2017

I just now opened this thread because I'm being induced and am afraid to death of pitocin contractions so kinda gave up on unmedicated.. but in addition to distraction and visualizing a relaxing happy place during contractions, my general prepared childbirth class also put DH to work. Rubbing a tennis ball into your lower back, or pushing very hard into a sore muscle (especially for back labor). Massage massage massage. Always in a downward motion, not up the back, up the leg, or up the arm. Down. They also recommended the "he-he-he-ho" patterned breath where the he's are inspiration and the ho is a drawn out expiration. Also a deep cleansing breath in and out at the start and end of each contraction. Rock your hips back and forth side to side as you're able to stand, and bending over forward to lean on something, while on your knees, can be a comfortable position in addition to laying on your side.

lialakacz · August 2017

wow, this is so reassuring. thank you

ailynk · August 2017

I had my first baby in Australia ~ nitrous oxide is always recommended as an alternative to an epidural. Not just because it doesn't pass on to the baby like other pain management options, but also because the Government doesn't want to pay extra for the epidural and after care haha. Costs $0 for child birth there. People with vitamin B12 deficiency shouldn't take nitrous oxide though FYI. Nitrous oxide just takes the edge off when you're at the point of "gimme some drugs!!!"

k8ywags · August 2017

In Aus and UK nitrous oxide is the standard pain relief to try before anything else. I just assumed that was the case everywhere! It's self administered and the effects stop as soon as you stop breathing it in, so if you're starting to feel loopy or out of control you just take the mouthpiece away (that's what I've been told anyway, as a FTM I haven't experienced it myself yet!)

ETA @ailynk also definitely agree it's a cost thing as both countries are public health systems

wannabeamongoose · August 2017

k8ywags said:

In Aus and UK nitrous oxide is the standard pain relief to try before anything else. I just assumed that was the case everywhere! It's self administered and the effects stop as soon as you stop breathing it in, so if you're starting to feel loopy or out of control you just take the mouthpiece away (that's what I've been told anyway, as a FTM I haven't experienced it myself yet!)

ETA @ailynk also definitely agree it's a cost thing as both countries are public health systems

^^This is absolutely true. The effects of nitrous wear off almost immediately and you are completely in control. So when I was laboring, I might use it for a couple contractions to take my mind off things, and then not use it for a few contractions because I felt like I was able to handle things on my own.

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