Question for moms who gave birth nautrally?

Question

Hi--I am 38 weeks along and am trying to mentally prepare for labor. I'm already on certain medications and have decided to give birth naturally. Can anyone share their experiences on natural childbirth, or give any tips for coping with pain? I'm a first time mom and I don't know what to expect (I already had Lamaze classes but would like to hear personal experiences). Thank you!!

Answer 1

Well I think the fact that you took Lamaze is an awesome start. I too gave birth twice naturally. The pain may be more intense depending on the type of labor you have. Back labor is the worst. I had that with my first. However that being said...when the pain is at the absolute worse, it will be about the time for you to start pushing. Once you are actively participation by pushing it will help alleviate the pain some. Just remember when you get to that point that you really do not think you will be able to take it anymore it is about the time your baby will be born...you can handle it. If you have been keeping active the duration of your pregancy as in walking you will have already helped yourself out a bunch by preparing those muscles. Find a focal point. I do not know your pain tolerance, this is only my experience. Good luck! You will do fine...you will be doing yourself and your baby a favor by not taking the drugs. You will feel better after giving birth, not groggy. God bless!

Answer 2

I have had two natural births. I live 1.5-3hrs away from major medical centers where epidurals can be administered. The majority of women who live in my town (3000 people ) share my birth stories. It was an amazing experience. My first born was an 8 hour delivery 1.5 of pushing. I had back labor and also a strong resolve that women are made for birthing. I relaxed and listened to my trusted DR. I know from my second delivery that the first was much more intense. The second birth was 3.5 hours with 15 min pushing. No back labor I was so familiar with the sensations I relaxed very well and even joked and smiled during pushing. There was never an option to accept the major epidural.(save an emergency) so I put it out of my mind, believed in my abilities as a woman and focused on meeting the little one. Wow after the first I can't even express the feeling of empowerment! I DID IT> I literally felt I could take on the world. WOMEN ARE STRONG. Bless you. I also breast fed both of my kids for 2.5 years each...very natural momma and I LOVE IT ALL.

Answer 3

Hi and Congrats new Mom! I had my son naturally too, and was a young mom at the time (just shy of 23 years old). Even though the labor was long (about 20 hours)--and you can expect a long labor for your first one--I still had a really good experience. I had the assistance of a Doula for my first, which is a like a nurse midwife who helps you through the labor and delivery process by coaching you. We met up with her a few times prior to, and then when I finally went into labor she met us at the hospital. She was incredibly patient and soothing, and helped me breathe correctly and get through all the intense parts. I have two little ones, and even though my daughter's labor was only about 10 hours long, my son's labor was actually much easier and I had a better experience thanks to my Doula. You might check with the hospital where you are going to have your child, or even with your Lamaze class, and see if they have or know of any Doulas-in-training, which is what my angel was at the time. The great thing about getting one in-training is that they usually have to go through something like 50+ births to become an official "Doula", so often they will assist you for free or little charge. Mine did ours for free, was also going to nursing school at the time, and was working as an understudy to a certified Doula, so we knew that she was very qualified to help us. After it was all said and done we did buy her a very nice gift certificate for all her hard work (I mean, who else would volunteer to stay with you for 20 hours of labor!?). Good luck, Mom!

Answer 4

Be careful with the Lamaze lessons! they can actually make you hyper ventilate under the pain and pressure! (yes it is good in theory... but in all practicality not the greatest!) I did have somewhat natural childbirth. I did ask for pain medication when the pain to be too much.... unfortunately all three of mine came out before the meds had time to kick in! Try to relax yourself as much as possible, and don't worry about what is going on around you. Focus on the pain and what you need to help relieve it. I had back labor so my husband spent a lot of time giving me massages. Do WHATEVER makes you more comfortable, no matter now ridiculous you may think it is now... it may be your best frIEnd in labor! (ie squatting on birthing balls, getting up on hands and knees and rocking....) I won't lie... the pain is incredible, BUT holding that baby in your arms... you will forget it almost instantly! Good luck to you and congrats on the new baby!

Answer 5

You will be fine honey. Natural childbirth is just that...natural. I found focusing on a spot on the wall and using a type of self-hypnosis was helpful. If I had it to do over again I would have cleared everyone out and warned my husband beforehand to not ask me a lot of questions when I'm concentrating, I would communicate with him if necessary. When it was over, so was the pain (which is like the worst period you've ever had unless you have an epidural, then I hear you won't feel a thing). When you look into your new babys eyes you will forget all about the discomfort. If it was so awful, then everyone would be an only child, so take comfort in that and good luck to you all.

Answer 6

I had both my kids natural because I am deathly afraid of needles in the back. I found that the longer I stayed at home the better so that I wouldn't be tempted to ask for it. Once the pain gets so bad you don't think you can stand it, it is too late to get any medication. It hurts, but the hurt brings you closer to seeing your baby and to me makes it so worth it. I would not change having them natural for anything it made me so happy that I could handle the pain and wasn't giving my baby drugs. If I have more children I will do it the same. Don't get me wrong I don't look down upon anyone that has to have it done. If you are in labor for 20 hours then by all means do what works, but if you really want it then go for it. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

Answer 7

I'm 38 weeks along with my 3rd and my plan is to have him natural also.

I think it's great you took Lamaze and I hope you can use it during delivery.

My labors were fast and painful but in the end, well worth it because I was able to hold my beautiful baby. I prefer to have my eyes closed the whole time just concentrating on my breathing and pushing. I also needed the room to be very quite and my nurses were very helpful. It was in my birthing plan so they were already aware that I didn't want any one yelling at me to "Push".

Did you submit a birthing plan to your OB?

Good Luck to you!!!

Answer 8

Yes as I'm about to birth my 3rd child naturally, it's not really that hard. When you start labor, if you start labor and don't need induced, it's just like strong strong cramping in your stomach and sometimes your back. I found that a good relaxation cd and breathing with your eyes closed has helped. I never did take birthing classes or lamaze. When it's time to push you just stay calm and concentrate on pushing don't scream this will just make it harder for you. But pushing is like having to take a serious BM. You'll know and they'll tell you to NOT push and you will try hard to not push yet but you just can't NOT push. It's really not that bad but it depends on the person honestly. I've had to be induced before too. That sucks. Pitocin makes contractions hurt 1000 times worse.

Answer 9

this is tough cause no one's labor is the same. For me, it was painful, but something I could cope with. If you keep in mind "don't fight it" it'll be much easier. The more you fight and tighten/tense up, the worse it's going to be. Try breaths that work for you. A lot of women will say "take short quick ones" others will say "take long slow ones". You know what? Do what works AT THE TIME for you. I switched back and forth a few times. Remember that you have breaks in between contractions. So, when it hurts really bad, remind yourself, "this will be over in about a minute". Good luck :)

Answer 10

Hello I am a mother of one, and I had a natural birth. I am not going to lie, it does hurt, but you will be just fine. You don't need the meds......Just be sure to breathe through your contractions and the nurses will be at your side coaching you all the way...my nurses were great, they helped greatly...so did my husband and my mom. I did end up having to wear an oxygen mask for a while because the babies heart rate was dropping, other than that nothing else. I actually didn't hurt that bad "after wards" just for a few days or so. So, best of luck to you and hang in there, it will be worth the work!