Natural birth is not about being a hero; for many Moms it’s about what feels right, both emotionally and physically.
I’ve personally had two births with some pain medication, and two completely natural births with no pain medication (one was a hospital birth and one was a home birth.) I can honestly say that the natural births were MUCH more pleasant and less painful than when I had pain medication.
Arm yourself with resources
A great book that I found quite helpful is Having A Baby, Naturally. Seek out a natural birth and parenting group in your community. I found one in my area by asking around at a La Leche League meeting. Take a natural childbirth class like The Bradley Method. Learn about herbs and supplements that can be beneficial during pregnancy and birth.
Visit the hospital or birth center early for a tour, and get information about the routine procedures done to Mom and baby, and then know what your options are.
Have a birth plan
Make a list of everything you want to happen or not happen to you and baby during labor, delivery, and after baby is born.
Hire a doula
A doula is someone who offers knowledgeable wisdom, emotional, and physical support throughout your childbirth and delivery. She acts as your advocate while you focus on birthing your child.
Have a support system
Let your partner and family know your wishes regarding your pregnancy and birth. Don’t allow negative remarks or jokes about wanting a natural birth. I shared copies of The Business of Being Born with my family and had them watch it to have a better understanding of why it was important to me to have a natural birth experience.
Go with your gut
Don’t be pressured by doctors, nurses, or friends to do anything that goes against what your instincts are telling you.
Go with the flow
Something I share with everyone when I talk about my birth plan- at the bottom I wrote and highlighted: “I reserve to change my mind at anytime!”
While none of this can be a guarantee- as no one can predict exactly how labor and delivery will go- being prepared and understanding your options offers an excellent advantage to having the birth experience you desire.
photo credits: *superhoop* & massdistraction
Thanks so much for this, Steph! I am preparing to have my first, medication-free birth (I had an epidural with all three of my boys, and was induced with Pitocin with the littlest) and can use all the information and encouragement I can get
You’ve been one of my inspirations in this department, so I will definitely be checking out the resources you listed!
What do you know about home birth and VBACs? I know doctors advise against it…but then again, a lot of them advise against VBACs, period. I don’t think I’d ever consider a home birth for myself, being that I would be a VBAC AND I’m 25 minutes from a hospital. (-: But I’m curious as to any stories you have about home birth VBACs.
Deanna, I know of successful VBACs at home my local natural parenting group, and then aside from home births I know many people that recently had successful VBACs in the hospital- there are a few hospital midwives in our area that have had excellent success rates!
Steph
Steph, I love what an advocate you are. I’ve had three natural childbirths, and I plan to have my 4th in August. I love it, and I totally agree with the things you’ve suggested here.
I’ve had a few heart issues, so I’m not a good candidate for home birth, but I go to the hospital with a strong advocate, and with a mean face for loud nurses.
This time if they tell me I’m not allowed to push until the doc comes in, I’ll simply smile and push anyway. My body knows how to do this. I’m grateful for doctors who would be on backup just in case of emergency.
I really feel encouraged by women like you. I love you, Steph!
so glad you wrote this!
just found out i’m going to have baby #3 & have never felt completely at peace with the way my last two births have gone. i think more than anything, i have felt like my labor has been out of my control, and completely in the hospital staff’s control…when i feel like it should be the other way around.
i’m hoping this time to have a medication-free delivery & will be checking out the resources you recommended.
thank you!
@Lynsey, I think you really do have to be prepared, as @Steph says…read, read, read. I had so many books, websites, magazines, etc. that I referred to while I was pregnant. I used doula’s both times, really a great help! You also need to surround yourself with others that have had positive birth experiences (you might also look for a local ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) group, I joined one and found the support to be wonderful. But, most of all ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF! You as the patient have rights. You can refuse anything you don’t want. I refused the IV, the fetal monitor wasn’t strapped to my belly…only checked every hour. Make sure you get up and move around a lot, use a birthing ball, etc. GOOD LUCK! @Steph, I love to talk about this subject! I enjoyed your article.
Steph,
Great post. I’m still waiting to have this baby (due yesterday) but my plan is to probably go with drugs. But I loved this article because it just reminds everyone that it’s a personal choice and one that only we can make for ourselves.
Lisa
Great tips! I think also that even if you plan and prepare you need to be kind to yourself if it doesn’t end up working how you wanted it to.
Thanks a lot for this article Steph.
I am due in 3days and need this encouragement.
I have read so many articles and watched videos online. I think I really want a natural birth now.
I want to recover as fast as possible and also get to know my body better during this delivery.
Do u knw if honey helps induce labor?