Wanting to Do Natural Labor....

I had a doula who was worth EVERY penny. We also took Bradley childbirth classes. You are a little close to delivery for the whole set of classes, but get the workbook and find out if you can join a Bradley class that is in progress.

I am due in 2 weeks. I also want to go completely natural this time. I hated the epidural, I hated the pitocin, and my first experience was awful. I was in labor for 20 hours complained THE ENTIRE time that I was in pain. I had pain in the groin muscle area that was like a sharp stabbing pain. The nurses blew me off because I was a "first timer" and told me repeatedly that the pain was called "contractions" like I was stupid. I started panicking that something was wrong with the baby. I argued that I know what the contractions are, thank you, but this was different. They said I wasn't progressing after many hours, so they turned up my pitocin and off my epidural. Finally, another nurse came from down the hall after I was screaming from pain for hours, she said can I check you? YES, second opinion, please. She said that the baby was positioned wrong and that was what causing my pain. She had me get in many different positions and the baby moved, success!!! Labor/contractions were nothing compared to that pain. 5 minutes later, it took me 3 pushes to get her out.
Now that I know it was positional and I could have controlled the experience better (without those unhelpful nurses) I have researched, online and in some books, positions for childbirth. Alot of books say labor and delivery is in our head. You need to remain positive, focused, and as long as nothing unexpected happens that needs medical attention YOU CONTROL THE WHOLE THING. Women have been doing this for centuries completely natural at home, we can do it. Don't allow the previous experience to scare you, or run you off track. Play the mental game. Google "natural child birth" or "positions for labor" and read up. STAY POSITIVE AND GOOD LUCK!

Hi Kate – just remember that even if you have a low pain tolerance you can still do it! It’s going to seem like it will never end, but (as you know), it WILL!! I just kept telling myself that through my natural labor/delivery with my 14 month old. My husband’s cousin is not good with any kind of pain at all and she did both of her kids naturally. She was an inspiration for me to do mine natural.
My biggest recommendation is that you go into saying “I will absolutely NOT get an epidural”. So many women go into it giving themselves the option and if the option for ‘no pain’ is there, most women would take it!
I watched a video called “Laugh and Learn with Childbirth” – the lady that does the video is really funny and explains everything in an easy way. You can probably find it at the library and try to get the newest version.
‘Lord I pray that you will be with Kate and her baby and their family. Keep everyone safe and healthy and keep Kate’s spirits high. Help her to connect with you through this birth and help her husband to be supportive. Amen’
Congrats!

It might be too late, but please try to contact Amy Chavez, at Bhakti house in Yellow Springs. She is a doula and has a ton of great resources for a natural birth. I had a natural birth with her as my doula and Dr. Stephen Guy at Miami Valley, and my baby was breech, so this was a big deal. Amy helped me so much. Worth giving her a call!

Hi Kate!
My second daughter is 12 weeks old. I had a 13.5 hour natural labor. I did a water birth and i recommend it. I also highly recommend hiring a doula. A doula is a birth coach. I had a doula for my first daughter as well, natural labor and delivery with a little nubain. That doula moved to another state so we did lots of interviewing and ended up with an incredible doula. Check out dona.org. We paid $300 for Stephanie's services and she was worth every penny!

I went natural with all three of my kids. I am not a person that likes to medicate. I don't even like taking something for a headache!
Anyway, my first one was the longest in terms of labor and delivery. I was eleven hours with 2 1/2 hours of pushing. My second one, my water broke at home and as soon as we got to the hospital I was ready to deliver. That one was only 2 1/2 hours labor and delivery. My third one was about 5 hours. When I got to the hospital all they had to do was break my water and I could start pushing. But they all pretty much felt the same way with the contractions being the worst right before I was to start pushing. As soon as you start pushing, the contractions don't hurt as much, it is more pressure than anything else.
Every woman is different and everybody has a different thresh hold of pain I guess. Breathing through it does help alot. But if it is going to be a long road, I don't condone asking for medication. With my first one, if it had been any longer, I probably would have asked for something to take the edge off! Not necessarily being an epidural.
All I can say it Good Luck and hope you can do it without any meds.

I did 2 births the natural way. Truly what helped with the first was to move a lot. I did most of my labor at home and by the time I got to the hospital I was 9 cm dilated. Moving around really helped me deal with the pain. The other thing I did with the second baby was to try to stay distracted. My husband and I spent a lot of time playing games and talking about other things. If you want to go naturally, then you can do it. My best advice is to do what your body needs you to do. Listen to it. If you don't expect to get the epidural then that will also help you. Good luck to you!!

A.

I haven't read all the responses so sorry if this is a repeat! I recommmend Hypnobirthing, and a water birth. I used both and had an AMAZING natural labor/birth! Good luck!

All I can say is I can TOTALLY understand (and I applaud you for your bravery) wanting to go natural through labor because I experienced some hard labor with my son and wanted to keep going a little bit when the anesthesiologist prematurely had the time to place my epidural, so it was a "now or not for a long time" scenario. Granted, I knew I wanted an epidural, but I was braving through it and hoping to get to 7 or 8 centimeters (I was about 6 when he was available to place my catheter). Regardless of this, and 2 children (girls) later, I've went with the epidural as soon as I was dilated enough. Thinking of the few hours I went through of hard labor with my son and the difference following the epidural made me think "Why would I want to go through the unpleasant parts when it can be pleasant through the whole process?" My take reflecting back on my experiences is I wouldn't do it differently now that I had such pleasant experiences with child birth and I'm glad I got to experience some hard labor to really appreciate the benefits of an epidural.

A friend of mine was in labor for almost 2 full days trying to do the natural thing and finally gave in to the epidural, THEN things went smoothly. She's pregnant again and is going for an epidural as soon as possible so she doesn't have another bad experience like that. One downfall of the epidural is that some women's labor slows down from it and pushing can take longer if you can't feel the pushing but if the doctors do things correctly, they should be slowing the epidural toward the end so pushing is more productive. My total labor time was 10 hours, 6 hours, and 4 hours, respectively, so I didn't have this issue and I truly believe that because I was so relaxed, the epidural may have actually helped things speed up for me...I guess it can go either way. Another possible downfall is blood pressure issues in women and occasional slowing of the heart in the baby. Both of these things are monitored heavily during labor, so in those events, things can be done to remedy these situations. I, fortunately, didn't have these things happen to me or else I may be sending you another response.

The take home message is...why put yourself through that when you can have a pleasant experience through the whole process? It seems as though some women are so set on going the natural route (like my friend), that it's almost more of a dare to themselves and in the mindset of "the work is worth it for the baby," and I'm sure it is, but why not enjoy this process with little pain and exhaustion? Lord knows we all know what is to come following with sleepless nights, etc with a newborn and that is all worth it for the baby. The birth process doesn't have to be such a hurtful experience...what's at the end with both scenarios is your new baby, that's the important part.

Sorry for the preaching and I hope I haven't offended you. You specifically said for people to give you tips on the natural route and I haven't exactly done that. I've just offered the opposite side, take it for what it's worth. Regardless, I hope you have a very wonderful experience bringing your little bundle of joy into this world. Take care. :)

You have a lot of great responses but I also wanted to add a tip you haven't recieved and that is to try and do as much yoga as you can between now and then - for the stretching and opening of the pelvis but also for the breathing technique - which I used exclusively during my labor (pitocen but no epidural - 10 hrs). Also a meditation seminar really helped me out and helped me learn how to focus and stay calm.

I agree about getting a doula and it also helps to have a partner who is just as on board with the natural thing as well as a doctor/midwife who agrees with your approach and SUPPORTS it.

Best of luck to you

I also had an epidural with my first child, wish I hadn't, and decided to go natural the second time around. My daughter was born in June and I was able to get her here without any pain meds.
My husband and I practiced breathing before the birth, and I think that helped some, mainly just patterned breathing to give you something to think about. Walking helped during the easier contractions. Sitting on a birthing ball with my husband sitting behind me for support really helped to. I think for me the main thing was having something to concentrate on during the tough contractions. I ended up counting cars going by on the highway I could see out the window.
I do want to say that it was still painful, but I was lucky that it went fairly quickly (I think partially because of no epidural). Good luck!

This woman come highly recommended from anyone I have ever known to take her classes.

I would contact her as soon as possible since you are so close to your due date.

Good luck!

C.

http://www.bradleybirth.com/ndweb.asp?ID=H346

I did Hypnobirthing and it worked great.

I did natural with both my girls. First, I suggest that you might want to take a refresher course on the breathing techniques. (I'm thinking about doing this for our 3rd due in a couple of months.) Those techniques helped me a lot to get through the intense contractions. I also found that walking/standing during labor helped me a lot! It just seemed to help relieve the pain a bit. When I had a contraction, I'd lean on my husband and we'd sway through the contraction. Like everyone else has said, labor is different for everyone and this might not work for you, but it's all about trying different things until you find something that works. Good luck!

Hi Kate,

I had a natural child birth in January. I think what worked best for me was moving. After I was monitored and given my antibiotic (for strep b), I walked about an hour. After that i sat on the ball 45 minutes - 1 hour until it was time to push. Let gravity help you! I had read several books to help me prepare. One of them suggested this mantra that I couldn't remember, but during transition I kept telling myself that my baby was coming to remind me that there was a purpose to what I was feeling.

Breathing techniques to try - deep breathing through your stomach and back (using your diaphram like in yoga). You'll know if your doing it right because your shoulders shouldn't move up. Your husband can help remind you by putting his hand on your lower back and having you 'breath into his hand' (i.e. move it). He can also try counter pressure with the heel of his hand or tennis balls when your having a contraction - for me this intensified the contraction. I thought I would want to sit in the shower, but by the time I hit transition, I was so hot and didn't want water.

Other things they talked about in the classes I took were music and visualization. They also suggested being on your hands and knees, or leaning over a bed or ball if your baby is face up to help them turn.

I think another thing that really helped me was to remind myself that my body was meant to do this. In one of my classes they said 30% of people who get epidurals will need a c-section, where as only 5% of natural births will end with a c-section.

Best of luck!

Get yourself a Doula who knows how to help you through every phase of labor and delivery.
Ask your Doctor and/or hospital to recommend one.
They charge a fee, but it will be worth it.

Hello. Something that I could not have labored w/o was a exersize ball. I laid on it through most of the 2nd stage of labor.

I did not want my husband to touch me at all, so I don't have any massage tips.

Some great crash course reading would be Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition (Paperback)
by Susan McCutcheon.

It is a great book to learn and understand the process of what your body is going through, I don't know if I could've done it w/o studying this book.

I would just skip to the end where they show you all the stages breakdowns.

I also didn't use any breathing techniques...I just took it one contraction at a time.

It was exhilirating when it was all over! Hope that hepls you out at least a little! Good luck!

I had the epidural with all of my babies so as far as helping you with going natural, I'm not really the one. I just wanted to say that I hope everything goes the way you want it to. But, don't feel bad if you decide to get the pain reliever again. I really do think it's great that some moms go all natural, it's totally awesome and technically we don't need it. The baby will come out one way or another right! I've just had too many moms rub it in my face and talk about how aweful it is to get the epidural and how you can't feel when to push. I for one could feel every push (obviously toned down). The longest pushing I did was like 40 mins. So, whatever you decide to do I hope you feel great about it. I think going all natural is the best way, but I don't regret getting the epidural either. I suppose I'm a wimp lol!

one of the other respondents attached the link for the Bradley Method. Definitely check into it. I did Bradley with both of my kids and had two awesome natural births. Also, find a doula. Their knowledge is so amazing, and will be an asset to helping you get through labor naturally.

Good luck!!

get a doula ours was amazing....30hours completely natural. the bradley books help and look for a book on visualizing by jaun somebody thats what really helped me. good luck!

Hire a doula. It can be expensive, but worth every penny. You don't have time to take another birthing class unless you can find a natural class that is shorter. Here in Indy, one of the hospitals has a 1-night "natural birth technique" class that women take in addition to other classes. A doula has been through it all over and over so she remembers all the different things to try and to ask the hospital for that you forget when in labor. You might be able to find one in training who will do it at a reduced rate or even free because she needs the experience before she can be certified.
Stay home as long as possible. You will always be more comfortable at home than in the hospital (which is why homebirth generally is faster than hospital birth). You can spend lots of time in your bath tub or watching a funny movie that keeps your mind off the contractions. Get an exercise or birthing ball and sit or bounce on that. You can even take it to the hospital with you if the hospital doesn't provide them.
Insist on eating and drinking when you feel you need it, you need your energy and you need to be hydrated. Also, please know that you have the ultimate right to demand or refuse anything. So, if the IV/hep-lock is uncomfortable, tell them you'll sign a waiver to not get it (they will claim "hospital policy", tell them you don't care). If you want to give birth standing up or on your hands on knees (both hurt less than on your back or sitting up) then do it, they can't physically move you to the bed or flip you over!

I also suggest reading "Birthing from Within". Just remember that every birth is different, and subsequent births are usually shorter than first births, so you may be surprised at how quickly it can go. The birth tub really helped me, the shower did as well. Good Luck! :)

Hi Kate,

Congratulations to you & your family on your pregnancy!

Good support people are very important during your labor. Your husband is a very important part of your labor. You are comfortable with him, he loves you & knows you better then anyone else. But for him it maybe difficult to see you so uncomfortable, he may feel helpless, Doesn't know what to say or do to make you feel better even though he wants to do something.

It is important to relax during labor & focus on anything except the contractions! Your body will take care of that. Focus on breathing, a focal point, position changes, movement. Your husband can massage you during & or in between contractions if that feels good to you.

I would suggest hiring a birth doula to assist you with your labor. She would not be there to take your husband's place but to enable his involvement to his comfort. She would help give physical,informational & emotional support to you & everyone there to help you which allows your husband to enjoy the birth of your baby.

Check DONA.org it will have information on doulas & will have a list of doulas in your area. Even if their prices are too high ask if they would accept less. Some will & others won't, it's worth a try.

If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me.

I wish you & your family the best in your labor, delivery & future with your baby!

K.

My situation sounds similar. With my first I got the epidural after 24 hours of labor and I was 9 cm but not progressing. I was very upset about having to get one. But it was fine. For my second, who is 5 months, I was more open-minded about trying to go with the flow. Well, he flowed much faster. I went to the hosp after 3 hours of labor and I was 6cm, I delivered 3 hours after arriving at the hosp. Needless to say I was very happy and relieved it didn't go as long. The best thing for me was sitting in the shower at the hosp. I asked for the tub, but was told by the time they got it set up, I would be ready to go. So I sat under the hot shower with the water hitting my lower back. Then when I did get back to the bed I was 9 cm and starting to really feel the pain. Kneeling on all fours, or leaning over the back of the bed really helped as did visualizing my little one back home.

Hope all goes well!

I went all natural with both deliveries and LOVED it (sounds crazy, I know, but seriously -- giving birth was so cool!)
Couple of suggestions:
1) Get this book: "Prepared Childbirth: The Family Way" by Debby Amis & Jeanne Green" SOOOO many helpful ways to make the process go well for before, during, and after labor. There are massage techniques, breathing, and the one that most ppl miss: birthing positions! Our bodies aren't made to fight against gravity and have our bottoms up in the air while giving birth. This book talks about how to get in different positions that help things go quicker and smoother. I had a Dr. the first delivery and he was 'uncomfortable' about different positions vs the traditional "feet up in straps laying on a bed." Those beds actually are designed to move so that your body can be more natural...the midwife that delivered my 2nd (SUCH a better experience) made suggestions and baby was born in 1-2 pushes after a short labor :)

2) There's a safe, natural product that my company has called "Provantage". While it's best to use the essential nutrition to give your body and the baby everything it needs, I also added Provantage b/c it is designed for muscles and takes lactic acid out of the muscles, speeds recovery, and more. Moms who've had births w/o and with say there's a huge difference (including myself! I used it the 2nd preg. and had NO more charlie horses at night when I started, and such a great delivery!)
Let me know if you want more info on all of that I we can chat.

You can do it, just get some education under your belt and know that your body was designed to birth this baby...they didn't even have epidurals back in the day ;)
Best Wishes!

I too am due with my second in about 6 weeks, I went natural with my first, but felt that I was really fighting my body, and not working with the contractions. I have read a book on hypnobirthing that instructs you on how to work with your surges (contractions) to help with labor, a lot of women report that they don't have pain, just a lot of pressure. I am excited that this labor will go much better than the last. I found a copy of the book on amazon, I think it is really worth it. Google hypnobirthing to read stories of women who have hypnobirthed, you can even go to u-tube and see videos of women who birthed with hypnobirthing.