Any advice on natural births?

Question

Hey ladies,
I'm currently 10w4d and I'm leaning more towards a natural birth, I have tons of time to think about it but I was wondering if you all can give me some advice or tips on how to prepare my body for a natural birth. It's my first pregnancy and I one does not know their pain level till the time comes so I'm open to getting an epidural if I absolutely can't stand it. I'm living in France now and the natural births drop significantly here than in US. So I know for sure I'll be met with judgment etc.. And it's said that inductions are pretty much the norm here and I feel like if I opt for natural it wouldn't be best to be induced. So ladies please share experiences and tips... Thank you!

Answer

Read Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, it’s so empowering! Find a midwife who supports your plan. Also ask your provider how long they’ll let you go before they want to induce. You should have 42 weeks, and first time mom’s tend to go past their due date, so if you hear 38-39, run and find someone else.

Answer

I recommend reading 'Childbirth without fear' by Grantly Dick-Read. It provides an OB/GYN's detailed perspective on natural childbirth and how to reduce/manage pain without drugs.

Answer

We’ve really enjoyed our Bradley childbirth class. Hypnobabies is another popular natural childbirth class. The classes teach you how to eat, exercise and relax to prepare yourself for childbirth. 
Drink lots of water (100oz a day), eat 70-100 grams of protein a day. 
Good exercises to prep your body: kegels, pelvic rocks, sitting on birthing ball/tailor sitting, squats and butterflies. Practicing relaxation and contractions are helpful too. 
You could join a natural birthing Facebook group for more support and resources. 
Book wise, Ina Mays books are good. Natural childbirth the Bradley way is good. Hypnobabies and hyponobirthing books as well.

Answer

I watched TONS of natural birth videos, and videos with moms talking about tips for a natural birth. My number one take away from any of them is that labor pain is different than other pain. Yes, it hurts. But if you think about any other event that would trigger that same/similar level of pain, like idk, getting hit by a car or breaking a bone, neither of those things benefit you in any way. There’s no purpose to you breaking your arm and no purpose for the pain it’ll cause you. Labor is different, because you’re in that pain for a reason, so you can meet your baby. Our bodies want to tense up when we’re in pain because that’s a natural response, because we don’t WANT to feel that pain. But if you can “train” your mind to accept that this is a “good” pain, that not tending up and letting the pain wash over you is the best and most effective way to meet your baby.

Answer

Grantly Dick-Reid is amazing. Also Marie Mongan - Hypnobirthing and Sacred pregnancy by Ani Daulter ❤️❤️❤️ I’m 6 wks with #4 - one emerg c-section and 2 HBACS after that. Would never deliver in a hospital ever again (unless there was a medical reason to do so, of course). Trust yourself and your child. You weee divinely created to birth your baby in your time in your way. Wishing you beautiful birthy vibes ❤️❤️

Answer

When you want to quit, you're almost done!!!

Answer

A natural birth isn't specifically a bad way to go, but it would still be a good idea to speak directly with an obgyn to understand the process, possibilities, the warning signs, and any complications that might impact your ability to maintain being able to plan for a natural birth. An unfortunate number of natural birthers don't do the appropriate research and think certain pains or waiting it out is okay, and sometimes, it's a dangerous mistake. Baby's health always comes first.
 I'm not certain why inductions would be the norm there specifically, but honestly, there's nothing wrong with them and I'm not sure why exactly they're frowned upon by some people either. I had to have one last minute by necessity and actually preferred it to guessing and waiting, so much so that I'm having a second one, by choice this time (on the due date). They eliminate a lot of labor related problems and unnecessary c-sections. I literally just learned how few women actually have their water break naturally, and that seems like a critical factor since you don't want baby to have their first bowel movement in utero.
If you have no complications and take all the proper precautions, more power to you for having a natural birth. Just please do it safely and educated.

Answer

Try to stay fit throughout your pregnancy because you will need the  endurance for labor. Laboring in water helped the pain a lot. Walking the hallways helped move things  along. Finally pushing felt so good! I also had an excellent nurse who coached me. See if you can get a coach or a doula.

Answer

If you like podcasts or have the time to listen to them, I’d recommend listening to Dr. Berlins Informed Pregnancy Podcast. I learned a lot about natural childbirth from him, his guests and doctors on the show. He is a chiropractor and a doula. I also like the podcast The Birth Hour - it’s birth stories of soooo many women and cool to hear all the different ways labor can go! I’d also recommend finding a doula.

Any advice on natural births?

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