Advice on natural childbirth?
ByIm pregnant with my first child. I am only in my first trimester but I know I would like to have a natural childbirth. I know its still early but if any moms out there could give me some advice I would greatly appreciate it.
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7 Comments
February 9th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Get a Doula. You’re gonna need the extra emotional support if you’re really going for this. And make sure to take a Lamaze class in your 7th or 8th month.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:03 am
im the same way. i actually asked my dr about it since i hear all the horror stories and people pushing epis on me saying they are awesome. theres too many risks involved for me so i chose natural as well. im 20 weeks now, but giving birth is mental. yes it hurts but its all on how you put it into perspective. alot of people have pain free natural births because they work with their bodies. i want a water birth as water is just like an epidural. it speeds up labor and helps you relax and usually requires little to no pushing. if you know how to work with your body and you keep a positive attitude and dont fight the process it will all go ok.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:25 am
Take a class. (Bradley is best if you can find one. Otherwise, Lamaze).
Hire a doula.
Read a lot of books about labor and natural childbirth.
Consider a home birth with a midwife if you have no complications.
Otherwise, a midwife in a hospital or birthing center. If you have a choice of hospitals, look for one that encourages free movement during labor and has showers or tubs and, in general, has a good number of women ’succeeding’ at unmedicated birth.
Write a birth plan in which you state clearly that you are NOT to be offered drugs.(It can be tough to succeed if the nurses are coming in every 10 minutes asking you if you’re SURE you dont’ want that epidural now … and there’s no reason to be a martyr, you know.) Similarly, if you have friends/relatives who think you’re nuts …. don’t let them come visit you while you’re in labor.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:22 am
Take a child birth class, your hospital probably offers one and your insurance may even pay for it. It isn’t just about breathing, but what to expect in each stage of labor, what to expect after birth, natural pain relief techniques (such as breathing, use of labor balls, etc), we had a tour of the labor and deliver suites as well and the post partum suites. The best way to stick with your birth plan is to not be afraid, to know what to expect with your body. My class even offered a breastfeeding segment, including what is normal/not normal and the role of your spouse. Good luck
February 9th, 2010 at 7:00 am
I had a natural birth with my first son. I’m planning on doing it again with my second(38 weeks 2 days) so, anytime now. It is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. It made me feel so good after. I’ve never felt more proud of myself…It’s definitely a mental thing though. You really have to want to do it. I just rocked back and forth while standing up and ‘howled’ as some people called it. Labor definitely is painful but, if you put your mind to it you can do it! Congrats on the pregnancy! Hope this helps.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Take a Bradley class. (much better than Lamaze) The Bradley method walks you through everything, from the beginning of pregnancy, through labor, and after labor. It’s very thorough and if you are really committed to a natural childbirth, Bradley women have a 90% success rate (that’s MUCH higher than Lamaze). The average class is a 12 week program so start looking for classes and reserve a spot now.
Also start reading these books:
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth- by Henci Goer
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth- by Ina May Gaskin
Creating Your Birth Plan- by Marsden Wagner
Natural Childbirth, the Bradley Way- by Susan McCutcheon
Other good books to have and read are
The Pregnancy Book- by Dr Sears
The Baby Book- by Dr Sears
And good luck! Remember, as a woman, your body was specifically designed to handle childbirth. Don’t let anyone (especially Dr’s) treat your pregnancy like a medical condition- its not. It’s a natural process.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Get informed. Take classes and yes–get a doula. It will make a huge difference. Most of the pain stems from fear–if you aren’t scared it won’t be nearly as painful. I had a natural birth and I will tell you the ‘pain’ wasn’t bad at all. It just felt like an intense pressure that came in waves so you have a break in between. And you will hear a hundred people telling you not to be a martyr…just try not to kill them. That’s the hardest part.