Advice from a 2x Natural Birth Mama on How to Achieve a Natual Birth

For those of you planning a natural birth by oflower1:

Most of the women in my life who know about my birth experiences often ask about how I was able to do it without drugs. Here is what I tell them.

1. Education. I attended classes, read books, and tried to become as familiar as possible with the birth process and also my choices and rights as a L&D patient.

2. Support. I chose caregivers that were passionate about natural childbirth. We didn't even really review my birth plan because I knew that they were already supportive of my wishes.

3. No fear. This is really important. The less you are afraid of the process, the easier it will be. Most times when you are afraid, you tense up. Being tense can slow labor (this is why sometimes an epidural will speed things up - because it helps you relax). This is especially hard for a 1st time mother since you don't know what to expect. But try to relax and trust your body to do what it's meant to do. Your classes, books, etc. should hopefully give you the confidence you need.

4. Practice. DH and I practiced various birth scenarios in the months leading up to the birth. He knew what to suggest if I was nauseous, had back pain, needed to reposition the baby, etc. We were committed to this together and it also helped DH feel like he was a real part of the birth experience.

5. Push through the pain. Delivering a baby is pretty painful. The good news is, if it really burns and hurts, you're about finished! Not pushing through the pain is just going to prolong the inevitable :-) Hopefully your caregiver is doing a perineal massage or using warm compresses during this point to help you not tear. But really - it will be over soon!

6. Ignore all of the negative comments leading up to the birth. If I had a dollar for every "you'll be begging for the epidural" comment I received going into my 1st birth, I'd be rich. Every woman, body, and birth is different. If you are really passionate about giving it a go without meds, that is your choice and you really can do it. Don't let other women scare you. Every birth is unique. Some choose to get the epidural and some don't - the beauty of it is that it's your choice!

Good luck!