Tips for Natural Birth?

Question

I already know that I want to deliver naturally if possible, if you’ve delivered naturally what did you do that helped you/kept you from getting an epidural/Pain meds?

Answer

Move as much as you can
Know you don’t have to labor on your back
Try a water birth or at least sit in a bath during the first phase of labor
Talk with someone about anything and everything 
Don’t tense during contractions, ride out the pain
Breath normally through contractions
Stay hydrated
Find something to stay focused on during the rough contractions
Bring an ultrasound picture to have a visual of what you’re doing all this for

Answer

Labor is mostly mental. You have to keep yourself calm and not tense up during the contractions. Tensing up makes them hurt more and makes them less effective. 
A birthing ball and moving around a lot during labor help me deal with the pain. Transition is the worst part, but it thankfully doesn’t last very long. 
I use the Bradley Method, and I LOVE the bonding and closeness with my husband during labor and birth. It’s just so special when I lean on him during contractions then he rubs my back and tells me it’s going to be okay❤️ 
My labors when all been 24 hours long or more. You can do it. You just have to control how you react to the pain. It helps to remember that it’s pain with a purpose. It’s bringing your beautiful baby in the world. I have never regretted having unmedicated births.

Answer

I super recommend either taking a Bradley method class or reading the book. Other than that know that you can do this and your body was made to do this. Remain mobile during your labor and don’t go to the hospital unless you can’t focus on anything except the contractions. Warm baths and exercise balls or birthing balls help a lot too!

Answer

Make sure you're drinking water at least every 30 mins and peeing every 30 mins. Assign someone to remind you if needed. 
Breathe deeply through your belly. 
Keep your noises low pitched to help you open. 
Keep your jaw and mouth relaxed and open to help you open. 
Chant to yourself that you will open "like a flower" or whatever chants you want to say. 
Listen to music and even singing can help you dilate 
Have your partner do back pressure or back massage and massage your thighs. 
Eat to maintain your energy and strength 
Bounce on birthing ball, walk around, stretch, "dance" with your partner, go in the tub, take a hot shower
Push it multiple positions. Try what feels natural 
Have your partner say encouraging phrases to you (Pinterest is a good place to find examples)

Answer

Honestly, I think the most important thing you can do is to choose providers who are oriented toward natural birth. A lot of OBs will say that they’ll respect your wishes, but when it comes down to it, they’re going to follow whatever process they’re comfortable with. If you want to have a hospital birth, think seriously about choosing a nurse midwife instead of an OB. Find out if any hospitals in your area have alternative birthing centers (the one where I’ve delivered twice doesn’t even have pain meds available, but it’s still right there attached to the normal hospital if a transfer is necessary), and definitely hire a doula.
I think being really committed to natural birth (if that’s the route you want to go) and making choices to support that is super important. If I had just gone in with my fingers crossed that it worked out to go natural, there are definitely moments in both of my deliveries where I would have gone a different route. But because I was surrounded by caregivers who were used to only dealing with natural birth, in an environment where natural birth was the norm, I was able to make it through without intervention.

Answer

So I had a very painful labor with my first and not with my second. Now part of that was just the way labor went but a big part was how I handled it. The other ladies are so right. I tensed with every contraction with my first and it was terrible. My second I made sure to breathe and I pictured Jesus (I'm a Christian) standing with me. My contractions were so much more bearable. I also made sure not to fight the contractions but focus on letting them do their job. I had no intentions of going natural either time but the second time I did and I'm glad I did. Don't be afraid to move around and find what is most comfortable for you. I know for me laying down was the worst. Standing was the best position. I would suggest looking up birthing techniques and finding a birth class. I didn't do birthing class or anything with my first and was unaware of what to expect. 
You will do great, your body knows what it is doing!

Answer

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Tips for Natural Birth?

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