Natural Childbirth?

Question

I have been put on bedrest and I had to miss my Lamaze/Childbirth classes. I need tips on how to handle labor and delivery without medication. Can anyone help?

This is my first child

Answer 1

When the nurse asked me if I wanted medication, I just told her YES, I do not welcome any pain.

Answer 2

I took those classes and they really didn't help much. The biggest thing is being mentally prepared to do it w/o meds. I had my first child emergency c section. My second was med. free totally natural. You have to get the book "Birthing From Within". It helped me so much. Also you must have a Doula. Look into that. It is very important. Be positive (well, read that book and it will make you mentally READY to do it drug free). Have a midwife or Dr. you trust and who complies withYOUR wishes. Make sure that you will be free to move around while in labor. You need to be able to walk around, stand, squat, and basically be in whatever postion you want to be in. Ask the Dr. or midwife about episiotomies. Do they favor them over tearing naturally? I tore and you really don't even know because hey, there is a head coming out of you. You can imagine the pressure down there. Anyway, ask a ton of questions and be informed before even asking. Don't let them tell you "this is how it is and theres no way we can..." You are the paying customer and they need to give you what you want. They are Doctors true, but if you stay on top of your healthcare you can know if what they are telling you is for your own good or for their conveiniece or "preference". You can probably tell I don't favor Dr.'s very much. I would go with a midwife if at all possible, most will deliver you at a hospital if you prefer.

Answer 3

Can a friend or relative go to the public library and bring home a video or DVD on Lamaze childbirth? Maybe then you can catch up on the info you missed.

Best wishes to you for an easy labor and delivery!

Answer 4

Well it all depends on your ability to handle pain. I had a natural childbirth with my first one and I will with this one too. I was in a very bad labor for many more hours than most. I had back labor which is something you should start praying to not have. But I still managed it with out major pain controll. It is best for you and the baby's recovery. Ya it hurts but the pain does end and you are more able to control your pushing which can help prevent you from tearing. My pre preg weight was 125 my baby weighed 9.5 and I didn't tear rip anything I think that it had something to do with the fact I could fell and control. I had a dr that did the perineal massage which I also strongly recomend

Answer 5

All the way through pregnancy I was very anxious about the birth, I would even have panic attacks some mornings thinking "Its got to come out!!!"
But you've probably heard it before but, I had my fist child 7 months ago, and I LLLLLOVED it, no drugs, nothing, I was down stairs trying to keep quiet, as I thought I was having braxton hicks (Practice contractions) and I wanted my byfriend to get some rest before I went into "labour" it all happened so quick for me though, I know some women have it really bad but I still question whether or not its like a man flu thing were women are supposed to milk it!
All I can say is, stay calm and go with it, don't tense up and scream, correct breathing techniques is what will get you through it, and with the know that there is drugs there for IF and WHEN you want them, and if you do, I believed that half dosages, will keep you going!! Its all mind over matter, and I remember when someone told me they loved and really enjoyed the whole thing when I was pregnant, It made me feel really good, and I thought "People can have good births and enjoy it!"
It would be nice if you can enjoy it, and IF you DON'T, enjoy your baby , whilst it lasts, they do grow extemely fast!!!!!!!
All the best
X

Answer 6

Books:
The Birth Book by Dr. Sears
The Birth Partner by Simkin
Birthing From Within by England
Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Bradley
Choosing Waterbirth by Bertram (sp?)

There is a video, I think it's called Gentle Birth Choices, that you could try to get from the library.

Find out if your caregiver has any books or movies that s/he lends out. My midwives had a lending library.

See if an independent childbirth instructor or maybe even a doula would do a one night "crash course" for you in your home.

Answer 7

First of all....do not be shy in asking for pain medication. Rent or by a video on Lamaze techniques...there are far too many things to list here.

Answer 8

i had both of my boys completely natural and i never took a lamaze class. it comes natural to you when your lying on that bed and all you can think of is how much you want to see your baby for the first time. it hurts believe me but its totally worth it in the end . its like the pain was never there once you hear your babies first cry. if i could do it at the age of 15 i'm sure your can do it . that is the only thing that makes us stronger then men. the love for our child and the strength to give them life. good luck on your new baby . i hope he/or she brings you great joy and the satisfaction of bringing him or her here naturaly. i would recommend it to every one

Answer 9

Read a book about the Bradley method of childbirth, "Birth without Fear".