Any tips for going natural?

Question

Hi mamas👋🏻
FTM here and I’m really leaning towards attempting a natural birth so do any of you have any helpful tips or hints on how to accomplish this?
*Before anyone says anything I am also going into the whole process with an open mind knowing that things may be out of my control and I may end up with medicated help or c-section.

Answer

Labor and birth are as much mental as they are physical. 
Here are a few things that helped me in my first labor:
- movement: move as much as you can during contractions to encourage baby to move down. Birthing balls are great for this, but you can walk, fo up and down stairs, lunge, etc. The one time I tried to lay during a contraction was the most painful.
- breathing pattern: I started a breathing pattern super early on when I first started feeling as though they were real. Four breaths in, four breaths out until the contraction was over. For me, the contractions came in a wave. Your uterus starts to tighten, right around 30 seconds in is when it will feel most intense, and then it slowly starts to release. Think of it as a hill...you just have to get over each one as it comes.
- think positive...you CAN do it. 
- warm water: I had a water birth, and warm water is ah-mazing, but if you’re able to get into a tub or shower with hot water, it will help a ton.
- Don’t “fight” the pain. Relax your body as much as possible during contractions to allow them to do what they’re supposed to do. The more you fight, the less things will progress.
-Stay hydrated and if you’re able to eat, eat small bits of things that will give you energy.
- listen to positive birth stories and watch positive birth videos. The Birth Hour Podcast, The Birthful Podcast and YouTube have many options. 
You’ve got this, mama! 💪🏼

Answer

Go into it knowing you can do it. That yes it hurts but it's meant to hurt, your body was made for this. Positive thoughts and feeling confident in your body can really help. Control your breathing and don't panic. A lot of it is mental, if you tell yourself you can't do it chances are you won't. My son's heartrate was dropping when I was in labour with him so I ended up having an assisted birth but I was able to remain calm and in control the whole time.

Answer

Look up Penny Simkin on YouTube. She's a midwife with tons of good info. She talks about the 3 Rs i found helpful: relaxation, rhythm, and ritual.

Answer

The Freya app. 
During active labor being able to go to a different place in your mind helps. 
Definitely support of those around you. Make sure whoever in the room knows your wishes and is supportive and gives positive affirmation. 
Work on deep breathing for a minute at a time now. Sounds silly but practicing and really visualizing things helps! 
If you have the option, water helps. Shower or bath.

Answer

Being patient because baby comes when baby comes. 40 weeks is the absolute best time to deliver if everyone is healthy. 
I do agree with what others are saying as well. 
Good luck 😉

Answer

For me, it really helped to keep moving during the whole labour - I couldn’t just lie on a bed! Lots of walking around the room, leaning on a wall/bed/partner during contractions. Accepting from the very start that yep, it’s going to be mother fucking sore, but every contraction brings you one step closer to baby. I only managed to get into the pool 10 mins before baby was born but my goodness the relief the water providing was Amazing - so if you can, get in water!

Any tips for going natural?

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