Natural Birth Advice

The Bradley Method (well, bits and pieces of it) worked for me with my last 3 births. I didn't take classes, but I read up on it quite a bit.

I've had two natural births. The first was a suprise water birth at home (alone)in the bath tub, the second was a speedy delivery at the hospital.

Water is your friend! After the birth of my first child in the bath tub I vowed to only have water births. They are so relaxing!
If your hospital doesn't have a birthing pool I would suggest getting in the shower. I did the shower with my second and it helped to relax me!

Both times I just listened to my body. If you are in tune with yourself and focusing on yourself your body will tell you when to push and when to release. Worse case scenario? Have them give you a small dose to take the edge off.

The most painful part for me were the contractions. Pushing was the easy part and when I started it eased the pain of contractions.

My next child I'm getting the drugs! I would love to see what all the fuss is about ; )

Just remember if you can't go natural there isn't an award or special prize for people that do. Nobody gets a t-shirt that says "I had my baby naturally and all I got was this stupid shirt" So don't beat yourself up about it.

You spell your name just like my friend does,,,,so rare.

I had a natural birth the second time and honestly i think its easier during and after. It takes less time because you can connect to your muscles and your baby to do the work more efficiently. As far as the pain, yes there is pain but your body releases endorphins and adrenaline that help you through it. The baby will be a lot less tired too and will breastfeed easier.

Im preggs with #3 now and im looking into a home birth type place too, havent decided about the water but i think squatting will help.....why does anyone think laying down is a good idea?

You will get a lot of people, including people in the medical community, who will try to talk you into interventions and even pressure/threaten you into them. If you want a natural birth, you may need to advocate for yourself. The best way to do that is to get yourself all the help, support, and education that you can. My two biggest pieces of advice are to get a doula (ABSOLUTELY) who is experienced and educated and to seriously consider getting a midwife. There are lots of midwives who deliver at hospitals.
We took Bradley classes and loved them. The education is great, but it also makes you and your partner connect and work towards a common goal. It was especially nice for us since we had an older child. It gave us a time once a week where we could focus on us and the new little one.
Also, you will probably hear people say that there is no medal for delivering naturally. That's a total lie. There is a medal. It's big and shiny and gold and sparkly. You want one :)

I loved my water birth. However if I am not mistaken many hospitals will not actually let you push in the water. You can labor in the tub but will need to get out for second stage. I also spent about 2 hours in the shower near the end of my labor. There was a detachable shower head and my husband just kept moving the spray over my stomach and back over and over it was wonderful. I would definitely check the policies of the hospital where you will be delivering.

We took a bradley class to prepare for the birth and I found it so informative. I am not sure that I would have had the confidence to have a natural birth if it wasn't for our wonderful teacher. I think the statistic is that 80% of bradley graduates go on to have a natural birth. I would look into the numbers of the teachers in your area.

I would continue to do your research but also make sure that your OB is on board. I have heard many stories of people who were pressured into things that they did not want during labor because their OB's were not as open minded as they had hoped. Personally I love midwifes. Good luck in your journey.

Lastly I would recommend watching the business of being born. It touches on the fact that hospitals want you in and out. Unfortunately our bodies can feel this unconscious pressure and if you feel like you are being rushed the opposite effect can happen. Essentially setting you up for the cascade of interventions such as pitocin, epidural, fetal distress, c-section.

I hope this helps
A.

just because the hospital tells you that they have a jacuzzi tub birth option, doesnt mean that they will ALLOW you to use that option. our baby was born in our bathroom, no doctor, no stitches, no complications, just so very shocked emts, her father delivered her
K. h.

Don't do it!! Just kidding. I will probably be smited for saying this but there is little difference between natural and drugs if you are already dealing with the pain. I have no idea what the latest term is for breathing, focusing, and such. I had my third naturally because by the time I needed the drugs he was ready to be born. My fourth when I asked I still had time to go though they did a very small dose. It was more about getting the line in before it was too late.

About the only difference I saw was not for me but the kids. The less time I was on the drugs the more alert they were right after birth. By the time they were 6 hours old there was no difference at all.

With my second they nicked my spinal membrane which caused a massive headache for a couple weeks. Not fun but you deal, ya know?

I guess my best birth advice is don't corner yourself into one idea or another. Leave yourself the room to do it naturally if you can but if you are in over your head don't feel bad cause you reached for the drugs.

I have done it al la natural 2 times at the hospital bc I can't tolerate the epidural (had a botched one the first time, still birthed natural but had a massive migraine bc they injured me trying to put it in my back) Anyway, I never took any birthing classes but one thing I did do the second time around was read a bit online and I read about groaning. So I tried it and it was very helpful for me as things got more intense. I would just let out a slow, low groan and it did kind of help me keep things in a bit more control in my own mind at least! Also I laid pretty much exclusively on one side or the other which speeds up the process as well. I also took more control, I brought cds to play softly that were soothing and I did not allow the TV on at all. So those are some things you can try if you like. The jacuzzi sounds awesome, I should check if my hospital has that option bc I am due with #3 in November! Good luck :D

I had a natural child birth in the hospital, not a problem.. Glad I was there, our child was 3 weeks early and became distressed. They were able to monitor her and did everything they could so she could be born natural. They mention C section at one point, I told them I would try anything they suggested to avoid the C section, but I also wanted her to be safe. Any and all suggestions I did as instructed. I really felt like I had a team with all of us with my goal.

Pick a good OBGYN that is on your side with your choices. Explain exactly what you want and ask her if she can support your choices. Then ask her if the Hospital or hospitals she works for are on the same boat.

I found the delivery nurses where awesome. They gave us suggestions, they encouraged and complimented my husband and me through the whole process.

Yes, it can be done. Emotionally, I did not know if I was really going to be able to handle the pain and discomfort. I just kept telling myself, "no one ever died from the pain, and there is a good ending to all of this hard work.."

My husband HATES hospitals, so I took that into consideration. I made sure he liked the one we would give birth at. He and I had long discussions about what I would need during the birth and I gave him permission to leave the room if he could not handle it. Of course he was an awesome help. We had spoken so much about situations that could arise and he was perfect.

You can do it. Just be very honest about what you want and keep your mind open to the help that is offered,. Congratulations on your new baby!

I had all 3 vaginal births at our hospital with an OBGYN they weren't mine just the one's who were on call from the same office I was never pressured to recieve any pain meds it was in my birth plan not to have any they asked how I was doing if I wanted to consider my response was no so they proceeded onto my progress.I labored at home as long as I could my first 2 water broke during resting at night my first labor was 6 hrs pushed him out in 3 pushes they weren't worried that he wound't come they told me I had plaenty of time to have him that day they never did say anything about a c-section,second water broke went to L&D she was here 30 min. after settling in at the hospital so there was no time to receive any pain meds if I wanted them,my third water didn't break at home but I went into active labor after having my bloody show & throwing up the OB walked in checked me I was an 8 said my membranes to my water was thick asked if I wanted her to pop my bags I agreed she slipped right out.I couldn't imagine for myself to of had a controlled birth under medications I was in control my body knew how to handle the responses to pain it was a very lovely experience I can still remeber the aches & pains I went through & that is what I enjoy to look back on.I know things happen during child birth & how they can go from one extreme to the next i'm greatful that none of those happened to me or my babies.If my third had stayed breech I would of had a c-section I had an appt. scheduled to go over all the details.The thoughts that filled my mind was dreadful,but in the end if that was the way I had to bring my baby into this world safely I would of.
I remember being offered to sit in the jacuzzi tub but didn't,the birthing ball,squatting but I was so comfortable laying on my sides in the bed with pillows.
You can have a midwife there are several to choose from @ my OB's office I was comfortable with an OB instead,but now after 3 & if I were to have another I would consider a midwife a home birth would be great but i'm afraid to go that route there's way to many what if's to consider.
Good Luck with your choices there are your choices not ours & certianly not your OB's or midwife.

B.,
Look in to hypnobirthing. I have done all four of mine natural and love it! I have had midwifes and doctors, and as long as you interview your doc and set up with him/her what you would like to see happen,what they feel comfortable doing, and make a birthplan (with three copies, one for you to take on your hospital stay, one to give the hospital staff and one for your Doc office) it should all go pretty smoothly.
Take the hypnobirthing class or at least get the book and cd's and practice practice, practice!
The best thing about my labors is I have never had an IV, can eat and drink, walk around freely, and they are very peaceful. If you would like to see a copy of my birthplan, send me a message.
good luck finding what works best for you.
E.
P.S. My first birth was in Rexburg, I had a midwife, Helene Reusser but she worked under Dr. Lovell and she just happened to be out of town when I went into labor. So Dr.Lovell was the one that delivered. He was supportive and all went well:)
Both midwifes in that office are great. (Targhee womens center)

I wish I had been more thoughtful about my two natural births in researching methods- LOL! It was a coupling of economics (I didn't want to pay for an epidural) and 2. watching one being performed - creeped me out that persuaded me.
My advice a lot of walking - try to move, move, move as much as possible while laboring, don't get into the birthing bed until absolutely necessary. Birthing bars/squatting are a great option if you have enough support (read people holding you up) and leg strength. I used one with my second because he just wouldn't budge and thank goodness i had kept up with my squats - LOL! (but seriously- take a lot of leg strength).
Also whatever "method" of putting your mind right - I run/ran a lot before and between pregnancies and you hit this moment where you are so exhausted, but you just keep going and it takes a visualization of sorts - do that:) Also, as you know, be flexible.
Good luck and congrats on #3:)

The most important thing would be to have a doctor (or midwife) who is supportive and won't push you to be induced or have an epidural. Midwives are trained in maternal care and child birth, often more than OBGYNs (as they are trained surgeons), so I urge you to consider that option.
The second thing is a method to prepare yourself and to stay relaxed and work with the contractions. Bradley, Hypnobirth, Hypnobabies are all options. But you also need to practice at home, not just go to the classes.
Third, you definitely need a good support person - husband, partner, mother, doula, whatever.

I had my first baby last year, all natural with a midwife. My midwife and DH were great! I chose a birth in a birthcenter, not the hospital, so didn't feel I needed a doula, but we definitely would have gotten one if we had gone the hospital route.

Good luck!

Hi--
I've done natural birth twice. I did Bradley first time, and learned about hypnobirthing the second time. I liked both, but if I had to choose one I'd say hypnobirthing. The MOST important part of natural birth is deciding that you are going to do it. There was no way in hell they were getting that super large needle anywhere near my spine, so for me deciding before I was in there was huge!! They tried to talk me into an epidural and I refused it because I didn't want to let myself down---I made a plan and I stuck to it. (And I was soooo happy that I did!! It was very empowering)

Also, I, too, would recommend a midwife. OBGYN's as a rule treat birth as a medical practice vs a natural process. They are more likely to use medical intervention. Often they do not let you eat during labor. If you were going to run a marathon you'd eat--same thing with birth. Often labor stalls because Mom doesn't have enough energy. Midwives as a rule are more likely to know how to help you get through the process and are more likely to allow nature to take its course. It's also very important that you feel comfortable in the environment you are in. I gave birth at the hospital the first time and I hated it. I did it at home the second time and it's was amazing. My second even got stuck at the shoulder--but it was no problem at all. The jacuzzi tub is fantastic and helps a great deal. Standing up to push makes the whole process much easier. Having calm music was very helpful to me. Make sure the staff knows who is allowed in the room and who isn't. At the hospital people just walked into my room without my permission and it made things much more difficult and distracting. The recovery after a natural birth is easier because it is easier to listen to your body. It's also important that you and baby are skin to skin for awhile right after birth. At the hospital they went to rush the baby to the warmer and wrap them tight---however, your skin to skin contact is the best thing to keep baby warm and to assist in the bonding process. It's even good for the baby's immune system. I recommend you learn more about the period just after the birth, too. Why nursing right away is important. Why it's a bad idea to let the hospital suction the baby's stomach (babies swallow amniotic fluid to keep their blood sugar stable until Mom's milk comes in. It is common practice at hospitals to suction the baby's stomach and then they lose weight too quickly). Allowing the baby to co-sleep is huge. Etc. Be happy to talk about this further if you are interested.

Congrats on the new little one and good luck!!
J.

I had an epidural with my first labor and 2 natural labors after that. For me, the book Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz was the best resource I found. I wanted to take a class that uses that method but there were none available in my area. The one stupid class that I took during my first pregnancy was a waste of time, very dumbed down and not really about coping with labor, just general childbirth “education” so I am not a big believer in classes anyway. I was not really interested in the Bradley method because it is all about having your husband "coach" you through labor, which makes no sense to me since he has never given birth and to be honest I don't like my husband telling me what to do! ;) I used a shower and a Jacuzzi tub during my labors (although I didn't have a water birth) and those were wonderful for helping me cope with the pain. It is painful, but it is by no means the WORST pain ever, like many people say. I have had gallstones that hurt WAY worse than labor. I had a CNM (certified nurse midwife) care for me during my last two pregnancies and deliveries and she was wonderful! WAY better than the OB that I had with my first baby. My CNM was very friendly and kind and never "talked down" to me, she was great during all my appointments and she stayed with me for my whole labor, acting like a doula for me. I think it is much easier to have a natural delivery with a good midwife rather than a OB who just shows up to catch the baby at the end of your labor, and who never really takes the time to get to know you during your appointments (maybe not all OBs are like that, but that was my experience with a highly recommended OB). I think the most important thing to remember is that there is no one "right" way to cope with your labor; you need to feel free to do what works for you. Complicated breathing patterns may work for some people, but not me. I like being in warm water, but not everyone does. Walking and sitting on a birth ball were great for me, lying down was terrible, but maybe for another person lying down feels better. The hard part is that you really don't KNOW until you are in labor! So it helps to try to prepare yourself as much as possible, but be ready to let go of an idea if it just doesn't feel right when you're in labor. Good luck to you!

I did a natural birth with my 4th pregnancy and it was a great expierence to be more active in my delivery! Not everything went according to plan though. I got scared into an induction, because they told me the baby's head was measuring too small. I had to have a pitocin drip (they messed up the I-V, so the pitocin wasn't going in my vein but in my skin instead.) Once they fixed the I-V (5 hours later, with a arm swollen 3 times the normal size) I was able to walk, use the birthing ball and tub. Being in the water was what made me feel the best and I stayed in there until it was time to push. Also, I did have to wear monitors on my belly because of the pitocin, but was allowed in the water with them. Even with all the craziness, I really loved doing it natural. I would recommend a doula. I hired one and it was very helpful.

Good luck getting the natural birth with an OB at a hospital. The hospitals may LOOK natural birthing friendly... but with all the brow beating for pain meds, pushing for epidurals and pitocin, the required IV lock for 'just in case', and the issues with their time restraints for labor to occur - so they can give you a surgical birth.

I had an OB with my first, never again - had a normal pregnancy but ended up with a failed induction cesarean. I went with a Birthing Center Midwife practice whom offer home births. Due to FL laws, I must have my VBAC either at home or the hospital. I work in hospitals and medical care facilities and would not choose to have my baby there - so at home it is!! Should be this week or next!!

I had both my babies with hypnobirthing. If you want to have a natural childbirth, then you need to prepare with some form or method to relax through and work with contractions instead of fighting them. That's primarily what I got out of hypnobirthing. The exercises I practiced made it possible for me to relax and really enjoy my children's births.
And it is possible to be induced and do it (I was induced with my first because he was way overdue and I didn't need drugs with him).
The best advice I can give you is to have someone really reliable and 100% supportive of wanting to be natural to coach you. If you know your hubby can do it, then go with him. For me it was my mom (She delivered 5 babies naturally so she knew it could be done), but it could be an aunt, cousin, sister, or doula. They just have to be there, be someone you can trust, and be 100% on the same page with you.
Good luck with your pregnancy and new baby!

I would definitely look into having a midwife (many deliver at hospitals, at least in my state) if you are interested in a natural birth. I wanted a natural birth with both of mine but ended up being induced both times due to blood pressure. But midwives are much more accommodating in meeting your needs and wishes even under those circumstances. My experiences with each child were completely different however, and I believe it was the nurses I had at the hospital that made the difference. Make sure your hospital is open to your wishes and can allow you to walk around and have options during labor, even if you are on the monitors. And when you are there- if your nurse isnt on board, get a different one. My first birth the nurse in the hospital laughed at me when I said I didnt want drugs, she also forced me to stay in bed and when I turned from side to side during contractions she would come in and complain that I was messing up the monitors. I ended up having an epidural because I found it impossible to manage the pain of having contractions while laying still in bed.
With my second baby, the nurses let me use a birthing ball, move around, sit up, sit in a rocking chair, be on hands and knees- whatever made me comfortable. They dealt with the monitors as necessary- readjusted them or found alternatives to stay on top of how my labor was going. I was not able to use the tub, but it sounds like some hospitals will allow that even on monitors, so check on that when you decide where to give birth. For me, being able to move physically and manage my labor my way made all the difference in dealing with the pain. Even with the pitocin, my labor was much less painful the 2nd time, and pushing was much easier. I also felt great after and could get up immediately and walk around, and my baby was more alert. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had asked for a different nurse so my first experience would have gone better. I also used hypnobabies- did not help the first time, but the techniques did help the 2nd time.

Hope this helps!