Advice for a natural, drug free birth?

Question

I am almost 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have decided that I would really like to go natural and drug free. I understand sometimes issues arise that may hinder my plan (like a c section) but I would really like to try. I was just wondering if there are any mamas out there who had drug free births that are willing to share their experiences. How did you get through it? Did you ever ask for drugs when it got really bad or were you able to stick with your plan? This is something that is really important to me. I have my heart set on it, so I'm not worried about changing my mind, but I am concerned that maybe the pain will be too much and I'll be unable to stay calm. Thanks in advance!

Answer

This was what I wanted when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had no idea if I could do it or not but honestly it went better than I imagined. I laboured at home for as long as I could- I phoned the hospital when my contractions were 3/4 minutes apart. If I sat down at all it easnoh my yoga ball, I stood and walked around in between the contractions which I think helps. Don't just lay down because it will slow everything down and make it seem more painful. I headed to the hospital at 10pm and slowly walked to the birthing centre- refused the wheelchair lol. She checked me and I was 5cm. I continued to walk around and went to pee like a thousand times (so much pressure!) at midnight I couldn't stand any more- my legs were buckling under me from the pressure of the contractions so I laid down, shortly after my water broke and I needed to push, I pushed for 25 mins and she was born. My midwife did offer me paracetamol and gas and air- I refused both. I breathed through the contractions and gripped on to anything to get through the pain. But once a contractions finishes you have some time to relax before the next one comes. Try not too stress:) I'm due to give birth again in May and really hoping for a similar birth. Good luck!

Answer

Don't let them strap you down to a bed (with IV and monitors, etc).  Keep moving as you feel the need to, your body will know to bend or squat or kneel or lean, these positions will allow your body to move baby down and out without unnecessary additional pain.
I also used essential oils, zen music, and a hot tub.  I only had to push 3 times. 
Good luck!

Answer

What really helped instil the confidence in me, was watching videos labeled "easy, natural birth" or anything like that.  Most are in a tub, some are on the floor or over a toilet (😖) and there was even a French woman who gave birth out on the lawn under the stars with her husband's assistance. 
Watching other women handle the pain with focus and confidence showed me that it can be done and not be so bad. 
Whatever you do, DO NOT fear the pain.  Fear produce stress and stress increases pain!  Not all women even have a painful birth, I've read stories right here on this app about women who claim it wasn't worse than period cramps.  Don't expect it to get worse, just get through one contraction at a time...

I HAVE had an intervened epidural experience and it was a NIGHTMARE.  I was determined last time to avoid that, and I did, and it was a perfect experience 💖
Good luck!

Answer

Following. I'm 30 weeks and feel the same way. I've been trying to visualize birth/labor everyday and focus on what to tell myself when I'm in pain. And telling my husband what to tell me when I'm too out of it to remember.

Answer

I'm having my fourth and have had 3 drug free births with big babies too. No tears, no episiotomy and was walking around an hour later and home 12 hours later. I never allowed negative 'what if i can't?' thoughts to entertain my mind. Yes you can, your body is engineered to do this. The pain WILL be over and you WILL meet your baby. Imagine the contractions like waves crashing on a beach. It will hurt a lot, don't allow negativity around you. Put your scream into your push (this will make sense when your in the moment) and the pain is over afterwards, recovery is swift and the shower after birth is amazing.

Answer

Labor at home as much as possible! That is my plan as a ftm. Less temptation to get drugs unless medically needed.

Answer

We wrote out a birth plan that included basic tips on what non-interventions I wanted and printed this out and handed it to the nurses right away.  We stayed at home as long as possible and didn't go to the hospital until I had to push....then had him an hour after we got there so no time for intervention.  But by far the biggest help was that we hired a doula!  She was by my side every moment and really just helped everything go according to plan.

Answer

Following ! I'm a FTM and 32 weeks and the more I feel baby girl dropping . The more im thinking about my birth plan and what is really important. I want to be as drug free and unrestricted as possible

Answer

Also, highly recommend listening to birth affirmation or hypno birthing audio tracks before bed every night for a month before you give birth.  There are free ones on YouTube.

Answer

I'm doing hypnobirthing and reading about the Bradley method.

Advice for a natural, drug free birth?

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