Comments on: Tips for a Natural Childbirth?

By: Abbey E

Abbey E — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:02:34 +0000

I have 3 children and with my last two I had natural births at home. Anyway, I took Bradley classes when I was pregnant with my second and they were awesome! I am a doula so here is what I would reccommend:
1.) Get in a Bradley Class (you can find a instructor in your area via the website http://www.bradleybirth.com/)
2.) Hire a birth doula (you could ask your midwife or the bradley instructor if they know of one or go to dona.org or cappa.net)
3.) Be confident in yourself! You can do it!!

By: Boppysgirl

Boppysgirl — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:28:54 +0000

I have yet to have my natural birth, but am currently planning one…Sometime in the next 5 weeks!!!

I am planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and cannot be induced, etc…as that makes VBAC more risky, so I decided the more natural the better.

I have been researching birth for the last 2 years, for myself as well as to become (in the near future) a childbirth educator and doula…Here is what I have learned in 2 year…well all of what applies to you.

Consider one of these methods:
Bradley: http://www.bradleybirth.com/
Hypnobirth: http://www.hypnobirthing.com/ or
Birthing From Within: http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/ …

Personally I am a fan of Birthing From Within, I feel it really embraces the fact that all labors are different and that all laboring women are different and that it teaches you to do what you need, instead of feeling like if you don’t adhere strictly to the plan, than it wont work…This is a plan that you make work for you. The book was a wonderful read, and they have a companion journal, that is fun, practicle and will make a good gift to your child one day.

I would also recomend going with a midwife, one that clear supports the midwifery model of care:

http://cfmidwifery.org/mmoc/define.aspx

And consider homebirth…BUT if homebirth is too extreme, or makes you uncomfortable after reading about the bennifits:

http://www.compleatmother.com/homebirth/hb_safety.htm

If you decide to stay with an OB or Midwife in a hospital setting I would say that a Doula (professional birth assistant) is priceless. They are not only trained in normal natural labor & delivery, but can help you navigate the medical world to ensure you are not being pressured or scared into a certain proceedure or intervention.

http://www.dona.org/mothers/why_use_a_doula.php

Get lots of exercise, especially walking and or prenatal yoga or pilates. Oh and invest in a yoga ball to sit on…it helps the baby get into a good position prior to birth, facilitating the birth process, in theory…

Drink red raspberrry leaf tea…It is a uterine tonic, it will strengthen and tone your uterus, making contractions more efficient when you are in labor…Most people go by the rule 1 cup for first trimester, 2 for the second, & 3 for the third…though my midwife said 1-3 cups a day as I liked from day 1…

Some great books I read were:
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley and Keppler

Birth: A Suprising History of How We are Born by Tina Cassidy

I also recomend seeing the documentary:
The Business of Being Born: http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/

I think that covers the most of everything. Congrats and have a safe happy birth!

By: Diva In New York

Diva In New York — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:01:05 +0000

cold water splashed in my face during a contraction and i mean cold. took edge off.
also walking, back rub and honestly yelling.

By: Nurse Susan

Nurse Susan — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:56:01 +0000

1] be sure to have an excellent coach!
2] take a refresher course in labor relaxation techniques – and PRACTICE them! This helps so much!
3] depending on how long ago you had the first, you could be in labor from about 2/3 to 1/2 half the time you were with first one.[ ex: first labor 12 hours - second maybe 6 to 8 hours ].
Unless of course you were induced or augmented with pitocin – much more efficient [ works faster ].
4] ask if you can get up and walk, sit up, lie on side, squat if you want to, etc.
5] effleurage [ light massage of the abdomen ] helps some people a lot; also a warm compress [ hot wet towel in plastic bag, covered with chux ] over lower abdomen offers some relief.

By: Denise G

Denise G — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:19:18 +0000

Sad that you aren’t getting any responses to this question! I also want to try and do it as natural as possible. Too much intervention, inducement, c-sections these days!

Have you tried contacting a midwife?

By: Candece R

Candece R — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:09:31 +0000

Well I haven’t had a drug free childbirth. But I’m due the second week of June and I’m shooting for all natural this time around. From my research the best intervention for pain is distraction. Also showering frequently helps with the back pain. I’ve also learned that counter-pressure works. for example….Have your partner press firmly against your lower back when you have a contraction. It’s supposed to counter-act the pain. Good Luck!

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:46:56 +0000

What worked for me was walking around while contracting. The pain was too much for me to bear lying down so I had to get up and walk, and lean on something at each peak of a contraction. Sometimes during a contraction I would have to get on all fours or lean on a bed. Also breathing is key. I tensed up during contractions and held my breath in and it made the pain stronger.

As for pushing I found it to be the worst part, but the good thing about it is that it doesn’t last that long and you will see your baby soon.

That’s about it. You know yourself best, so you will find your own way to deal with pain. Also you can take birthing classes as well as coaching classes for your partner, or get a midwife or a doula.

Congrats and best of luck.

By: littletricky

littletricky — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:38:38 +0000

I wish I were that bold….I have no desire at all to experience the pain of birth. Not even a little. Not even in the deepest depths of my soul do I care to do it without an epidural. You guys are brave.

By: Kandi_Corn

Kandi_Corn — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:40:29 +0000

wish i could help, but i havent got anything. Im in kinda the same boat, this is our 1st and i would love to try the natural. I got 2 or 3 diffrent books over the subject and just been reading up on options and ways to promote a great natural childbirth, all else fails get a book, good luck!