Any advice on natural birth and breastfeeding?

Question

Currently 32 weeks and I plan to have a natural birth and want so much to also go I medicated. Is there any advice you mommy’s could give me. I’m a ftm and don’t know what to expect and don’t have that many women i could talk to. Also I plan to breastfeed any advice?

Answer

I would recommend a midwife, as they are a lot more likely to encourage you in your goal of a natural birth. Doctors tend to be a lot more inclined to treat your birth like just another medical procedure, and place their convenience, over your experience. 
Don't get me wrong, there are times when unfortunately, medical intervention is necessary for safety reasons, but a lot of doctors push for things like IVs, epidurals, and fetal monitoring, for the simple fact that it makes their job easier. 
Walking is one of the best ways to help you progress your labor naturally. The best way I've ever found to naturally deal with birthing pain, is a warm bath or shower. If you've gotten to the point where water is no longer helping you with pain, then odds are you are getting close to the big finish.
When it comes to actual delivery, the best way I have found to make it as quick and painless as possible, is to not let them put you in a sitting position or on your back. I know it's what everyone sees in movies, but they are the two most unnatural birthing positions that there are(short of standing on your head). 
Literally every other position, from kneeling to crouching to standing, is not only less painful, but will actually help baby in their journey through the birth canal. You will also be much less likely to tear, or have a long drawn out delivery, if you are in one of these positions. Doctors don't like them, because they have an easier view if you are laying or sitting, and it also means they can plant their butts in a convenient chair while you do all the work.
This is the advice of a mother of three, who has had a hospital delivery with doctors, a home birth with a midwife, and a hospital birth with a midwife.

Answer

Highly recommend reading Ina May’s books. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding.
It’s harder to have a natural unmedicated birth in a hospital setting with an OB, but not impossible. I’ve had two natural, unmedicated hospital births so far and planning my third this month. If you can afford to hire a doula to advocate for you during birth that will be a big help. So will taking some natural birth classes on various methods (like Lamaze, hypnobirthing, Bradley, etc) though if that’s not possible you can research online too.
Breastfeeding is alllll about supply and demand. The more baby is at breast the more you will produce. This is very discouraging and concerning for a lot of first time moms when their newborn feels like they’re nursing literally 24/7, but it’s how they build your supply. It gets much easier after about 6-8 weeks.
Best of luck to you!!

Answer

As a ftm who planned on going completely natural, don't be discouraged for changing your birth plan if other delivery methods are needed! I ended up having to get induced because of meconium and then the pain was unbearable with pitocin that I got an epidural then my babies heart rate couldn't handle so I had to get a c section.

Answer

GET A MIDWIFE 100% and read Ina May Gaskins guide to natural childbirth. Watch all the documentaries you can and YouTube bideos. Watch other women give birth unmedicated, get an idea how different things happen in different births but unmedicated is very possible. Know when intervention IS necessary and when it IS NOT. Good luck mama. 💕

Answer

Firstly, surround yourself with the right people. Don’t let anyone pressure you into being the room if you don’t want them there. Secondly, water. Any type of water. I went with a shower for basically my entire labour. But this time around I’m going to also try the bath. Keep reminding yourself that it is all over so quickly, one more breath closer to having your baby in your arms. I’m not great at advice but I had a completely unmedicated labour/ birth even after my daughter was born I had no panadol or any kind of pain medication even though they kept offering it to me. In my opinion, we’re made for this. I understand there are circumstances which can’t be avoided (possible emergency c-sections etc) as long as you go in open minded it should make things a lot easier for you, it did for me. It’s not as scary & traumatic as people make it out to be. It’s natural. Just listen to your body and you’ll be fine. Breastfeeding hurts like a bitch, to put it mildly, but there are so many ways to overcome that. Get a good lactation consultant and don’t give up if it’s what you truly want. I was at the point when breastfeeding my daughter at 3 days old where I was crying, sweating and shaking every time I fed her because it was so painful. I expressed and syringe/ bottle fed for a week giving my nipples a chance to heal then tried again. By 2 weeks old we were going strong and 14 months later we’re still going 💪🏼 you got this mumma 😁

Answer

I’m also a ftm wanting to go as natural as possible. I’ve found this great book I’m so excited about. It’s called mama natural. This lady has a YouTube channel and website but the book is a comprehensive week by week guide to pregnancy and childbirth and lays all the options out. I love it!

Answer

Watch "The business of being born"
If you can afford it hire a doula and if not be sure to have someone there that knows your desire and supports you
Write a detailed birth plan
With breastfeeding expect it to be hard at first but keep in mind that it does get easier and it is TOTALLY worth it. 
Work to develop a good latch and after feeds try to express a little milk spread over nipples and then let them air dry. I know that probably sounds weird but after bf three well over a year it is a life saver for raw nips. They will be sore at first but you will make it through. If you're determined to breastfeed then you will. When you get discouraged or tired look up all of the benefits of bf for yourself and your baby. That always helped encourage me to keep going. Kellymom.com is a good resource. Read about what to expect in the first few days. I never knew how much baby needed constant skin to skin and nursing the first few days until I was in the thick of it and felt overwhelmed. I think it would have been easier for me if I had known what to expect beforehand. Lastly listen to your instincts. Your baby was make to birth a baby and nourish it and you with instinctually know what's best.

Answer

Hello I’m 33.3weeks pregnant and it’s my #3 baby I had 2 Natural Births and without medication or pain relief, it’s painful when contractions are close enough but the most painful is pushing oh god! Soon again! 😨😨😨 but you can do it!!! I’m glad that you want to try natural birth not like all of this epidural oh god! Breastfeeding is also not an easy job! It hurts a lot in beginging use nipple cream best one is madela it will erase your pain and your nipples will not crack much like without! I highly recommend ! Don’t ever give up! 4-5 weeks will be hard :( but you can do it!!! Be strong!!!! Anyway Good Luck! You can do it!!!! 👌

Answer

You can do it! 
My advice on natural birth is to BE PREPARED. Take natural childbirth classes if can, read natural childbirth stories, watch birth videos, learn about the process so when you're in labor you understand what's happening and don't worry or freak out. Staying calm and relaxed really helps the process, while fear of pain and the unknown slows everything down and can cause complications. Being prepared leads to confidence and calmness, which typically leads to a smooth delivery.
On breastfeeding: the first few days hurt like hell and you will be tempted to give up, but if stick with it it will turn into one of the most wonderful and special things you will ever do. Nursing my 5.5-month-old is still my favorite thing to do every day.
Good luck! 😊

Answer

My biggest advice is to prepare your body for birth. Do you know Spinning Babies? optimal fetal positioning is the most important thing for easy labor. I saw a bodyworker who did massage that encourages baby to the best position throughout my last pregnancy. Do the 3 sisters of balance daily.  You also need to pay attention to your body's position when your sitting and resting too. never slouch. 
My second biggest thing would be to hire a Doula. I don't know how people do it without one. 
oh. and birth somewhere NUCB friendly. with a tub to birth in preferably.

Any advice on natural birth and breastfeeding?

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