Advice for labor?

Question

Any advice on things you guys did to make it a bit easier and did they help?
I'm due in 7 weeks so I'm sorta freaking out..
I want to try my best at delivering all natural but if I really need pain meds I will definetly get an epidural...

Answer

Don't be stuck on the idea that you need a birth plan. When you're in labor the pain is so unreal you won't even be able to think straight. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and the nurses kept telling me how calm I was but in reality i wanted to rip my baby out myself just to stop the pain. Epidurals are a god sent. I got to enjoy the experience after my epidural and I couldn't be happier with the choice I made at that moment. One of the nurses there told me something that completely changed my mind about not getting it. She said "it's not a contest. you still get the same end result as a woman who went all natural. You just get to enjoy it a little more".

Answer

Honey sticks were really energizing (like a straw filled with honey). They have all the electrolytes and are considered a clear liquid. If you want all-natural, focus on that instead of a possible epidural. You can do anything one minute at a time!

Answer

Best advice I got from a nurse while I was in labor (forever thankful for her) was relax through every contraction. I was induced and the pitocin gave me some really strong contractions that I would tense up during each one. She walk in the room to check on me and baby as I was having one and I was in tears. She got on her knees and said softly "sweetie, I'm gonna help you. Relax your head.......Good. now relax your shoulders.....good. now your arms.....you've got this now your back and hips. There you go momma. Now your legs. Almost done. Now your feet and toes. There you go you made it through that one. Keep doing that through each one and by time you get to your toes the contraction is over. " that advice helped me so much. It help me go longer without the epidural.  When I finally got to the point I couldn't focus anymore to relax I asked to the epidural.

Answer

It's scary, it sucks, and it's painful! Once you accept those facts it's not so bad. What works best to get you through a really long day at work? If it's music make sure you have that. It it's daydreaming make sure you have visual aids. If it's chatting with your BFF bring her. Labor is like a really loooong painful day at the office. But you will never get such a reward at work as you will when you give birth :)

Answer

Hipnobirthing, meditation, positive affirmations, yoga.

Answer

(My comment was too long)
...Remember that your body is built for this and it knows what it's doing! You'll want the hormones that your body produces to help guide you mentally and physically through birth. (Drugs will slow down the production of those hormones because you won't feel the surges of labor)
I also agree with the comment for meditation and yoga practice.  Tell yourself everyday how strong you are and how powerful your body is for being able to make this wonderful life inside you. Meditate on those powerful and positive thoughts. 
Good luck!!!

Answer

Read as much as you can about the birth process. Knowledge is power and you will be more comfortable and confident if you know what your body is going through. 
I'm reading a book called the birth partner, it's really supposed to be for the partner, but I find it very educational as it goes through all the stages of labor and what you should expect from them.
If you go in with the mindset that you're okay with an epidural you'll probably have one. When your body is going through labor and you know the drugs are around the corner your going to choose drugs for relief. However, if you're strongly wanting a natural childbirth - again, doing all the research you can will be very helpful.

Answer

Breath!!!

Answer

Stay completely calm and breath thru every contraction once u fight it or loose ur focus it will automatically become more instence and worse then it needS to be me staying completely quite eyes closed and taking deep breaths in and out help so much and the whole time I'm thinking ok that contraction hit its peak it's gonna stay now it's going down ahhh 1 down maybe not so much more to go and having people there who no exactly how u feel and how to keep u calm and ur Significant other let's be real yes there great in trying there best to get u thru it but they have no idea the pain ur going thru so maybe ur mom or someone ur really lose with who has been thru it will help ALOT!

Answer

I was induced for both my labours (really trying not to this time around we'll see) and it's said to bring on harder and stronger labour. You can be scared of it all you want, it's totally natural. For me, the moment it came time for everything, I wasn't so worried. I sat on the birthing ball and rocked, started to hum when they got stronger as being vocal can help release tension, and then had my SO and mother start to apply counter pressure on/in my hips with every contraction. Listen to your body and don't be afraid to speak up. If you think a back massage will help, ask for one. My older sister had her mom squeeze her butt so hard she left bruises (so the story goes ;) ). You'll figure it out when you get there, and there is no shame in needing pain medication. Every woman, every pregnancy and every labour is different. :) best of luck

Advice for labor?

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