Moms who had a natural delivery...

I am expecting my second child in October! 🎉 My daughter is 4, and we are thrilled for a little boy this time. My daughter has a different bio father, so this will be my husbands first time going through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I was 19 when I had my daughter, so I went with the flow of things. I wanted to try natural, and when I got to 6-7 cm, opted for the epidural. That was a horrible experience and I was 9 cm before it ever went in and worked. (I had two epidurals because the first one only worked on my left hand side. I was stuck multiple times because they couldn’t get it to take. I passed out a few times in the process. I reacted horribly to the epidural- throwing up and body shakes. Back pain that lasted up until about a year ago)

Because of my bad experience with the epidural, I am focused on having a natural delivery. I have hired a doula to help me, as well as my husband, navigate natural child birth. I also have a friend who works in L&D who spoke with her boss, and she got the okay to be my nurse during labor, even if she’s scheduled off that day!

I’m excited and nervous. What helped you through your natural labor and delivery? My doula will be bringing a peanut ball and birthing ball, as well as essential oils. She uses a rebozo to help relieve pressure, massages, and also recommends a warm bath/shower when possible.

What other things can I look into to help when the time comes? Thank you!