April 12 Monday Check-in

QOTP: During your pregnancy have you sought any relief from symptoms from a chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, or other "body work" provider skilled in working with pregnant women? Why or why not? What did you think of it?

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!

Questions from the Week!

Thursday: April 8, 2010

QOTP: Let's talk about our birth attendants. Who among you chose an OB/Certified Professional Midwife/Certified Nurse Midwife and why? How many have hired doulas? How much do you think your choice of attendant TYPE will affect the probability of having a truly natural birth experience?

http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/34656309.aspx

Monday: April 5, 2010

QOTP: What has been the reaction you have gotten from your decision to "go natural" from your health care providers and your families?

http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/34456200.aspx

Sunday: April 3, 2010

QOTP: What factors/concerns led you to seek out a natural birth?

http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/34399622.aspx



Monday: February 8, 2010

QOTD: Have you read any pregnancy related books? If so, which one? Have they helped to determine how you want your delivery to go? If so, how?

Link to Post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/31065731/ShowThread.aspx#31065731



Tuesday: February 9th, 2010

QOTD: Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster, not only of emotions but physically the things a woman endures throughout it. What have been the best endurements and what have been your worst?

Link to Post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/31128321.aspx



Wednesday: February 10th, 2010

QOTD: How has this pregnancy affected you mentally and/or spiritually? Do you think the change will help with your natural delivery?

Link to Post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/31211445.aspx



Thursday: February 11th, 2010

QOTD: What fears do you have about delivery and after LO's born? How do you think your going to cope with them? Do you think your DH/SO has any fears?

Link to Post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/31288318.aspx



Friday: February 12th, 2010

Friday Fun QOTD: What features of yourself do you want your LO to have and what features of your DH/SO do you want your LO to have?

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/31375664.aspx

Monday: February 1st, 2010

QOTD: What is your perception of a natural childbirth?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/30596582.aspx



Tuesday: February 2nd, 2010

QOTD: What has been your favorite part of the pregnancy so far? Whether it be decorating or something about the pregnancy itself.

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/30663504.aspx



Wednesday: February 3rd, 2010

*QOTD by lesalia217*

QOTD: What made you choose your birthing situation?
1. hospital - with an OB/Midwife/doula?
2. birth center - midwife
3. home birth - midwife

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/30741354/ShowThread.aspx#30741354

Thursday: February 4th, 2010

*QOTD by lesalia217*

QOTD: Are you studying a particular method? Which one and why? Any success stories from previous AuNatural births?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/30835735.aspx


Friday: February 5th, 2010

QOTD: What plans do you have this weekend?


Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/30899283/ShowThread.aspx#30899283

Questions from the Week!

Monday--January 25, 2010

QOTD: What are your motivators for having a natural birth?

Link to post:



http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/30203285/ShowThread.aspx#30203285





Tuesday--January 26, 2010

QOTD: What goals do you have for the rest of your pregnancy and your birth?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/30202500.aspx




Wednesday--January 27,2010

QOTD: What do you think will be the most rewarding part of your natural labor and delivery?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/30252820.aspx




Thursday--January 28,2010

QOTD: Do you feel this has brought you and your DH or s/o closer together by making the decision to have a natural birth? Do you think it will make your bond as a family after the birth, closer as well?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/30352501/ShowThread.aspx#30352501




Friday--January 29, 2010

QOTD: What is one thing that your excited to do with LO when he/she gets here? Either now or in the future?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/30436321.aspx

*~*AuNaturals Friday Check-In*~*

Friday Fun QOTD: What are your plans this weekend? Anything fun or relaxing?


Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/29966672.aspx

*~*AuNaturals Thursday Check-In*~*

QOTD: Do you think you've bonded with your baby? If so, in what way. If not, why do you think you haven't?

Link to post:

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/29886023.aspx