What are you gonna try? (Coping with labor)

Question

I can't have an epidural, so I'm looking for alternative (natural) coping techniques before and during labor.
Ex: excersize, essential oils, birth ball, tub, heat pad, hypnosis, etc. 
I'm curious to know, what are you going to try?

Answer

Hey! I am going for natural as well! Mindful meditation is powerful! Visualization is key. When you have a contraction close your eyes and imagine you are in the ocean and the wave is going over you, and imagine your cervix opening like a flower is opening to bloom. Breath in counts like in 1,2,3,4 out  1,2,3,4 that way you know your baby is getting enough oxygen during contractions and counting helps keep your mind off the pain. Don’t look at a clock, and just ride the waves until it’s time to push. When it’s time to push let your body do it’s thang. Don’t like the doctors tell you to push super hard you will tear to your butt hole. Breath through them. No one tells you that a woman in a coma will birth a baby on her own. No pushing necessary, your body will do it for you. The feeling you get when a poop comes out on it’s own and it’s pressure, is what a baby should feel like coming out. You want to breath your baby our so you get optimal oxygen to the baby, don’t hold your breath and grunt your way though it. Just keep reminding yourself that women have been doing this for thousands of years, and your body was MADE for this! You CAN do it! Positive affirmation does very far!

Answer

Totally using a TENS machine for labor.  Used it with my second birth and def helped me cope.  Order one at babytens.com

Answer

Everything you suggested for sure. We have a doula who will help. Have your birth partner learn things like hip squeezes, applying counter pressure to your tailbone and more. You’ll probably rely a lot on other people, leaning on them (literally), holding them, squatting with them, etc. 
Try to remain calm when labor begins as adrenaline can stall labor. Just keep yourself busy in early labor if you can’t nap like cleaning or dishes or walking around your neighborhood. 
Remember that transition will be the hardest part but it’s also the shortest. Usually 10 minutes to a half an hour. That’s where you’ll want to give up. It’s really important in that time to use visualization, remember your baby and what you two are working towards, remember to breathe and focus on relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. 
If you feel the urge to push but can’t for some reason (not dilated fully, need to push slower to avoid tearing, etc.) “blow out a candle”. So chin up and small light blows like you’re blowing out a birthday candle. 
You’ve got this mama! You’re gonna do great.

Answer

Look at the website spinningbabies there are great suggestions there. :)

Answer

Have you tried looking into HypnoBubs online!? I've been listening to their tracks at night and it's really interesting! I think I plan on getting the epidural after I'm about 5-6cm and progressing well, but I think some of their techniques will really help me during earlier labor as the contractions ramp up. 💕

Answer

Recommend finding a labor coping class if possible, it was really useful for my first. Doing a refresher if that class only for baby 2. 
I found the best techniques were movement: pacing around, breathing, bath was great too.

Answer

Also going for a natural birth :)  I'm going to have a water birth which is supposed to help with contraction pain. I'm also reading a book on hypnobirthing which has a lot of great techniques for getting through labour. Also make sure you have a great support system behind you, if you are able to get a Doula that is another great option

Answer

In addition to the things you mentioned, I will also be spending time in the shower/ tub, and using nitrous oxide!

What are you gonna try? (Coping with labor)

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