What are some great things to do and practice for labor if you want to go drug-free???

Answer 1

Take Lamaze or Bradley childbirth classes? Heres a link to some relaxation techniques as well

http://www.transitiontoparenthood.com/ttp/birthed/relaxation.htm

Answer 2

Exercise a lot. Take a Lamaze class - that really helped me. It taught me ways to overcome this and that, and what to expect, and what to do about something if it happened.
Learn breathing techniques, maybe meditate. Bring a 'focal point' with you - something that you can stare at while giving birth - something that has meaning to it, maybe something a family member once owned, or a teddy bear for your baby. It's not as bad with some people to go it alone - without the drugs/medicines.

Just remember, it doesn't make you any lesser of a person to go about the epidural way - or other types of medicine. PLUS...if you decide after some hard pushing, and hours of labor that you do in fact want the medicine, it is better later in the labor/delivery, because it has less of a chance to get into the baby's blood stream.

I didn't want anything because I had heard it drugs the baby, too, and I didn't want that to happen.

With mine - I went natural, however, couldn't take it after 20 + hours of labor, and asked for the epidural. By the time the epidural kicked in - he was out! So - the epidural helped me not feel as much as the pain afterwards.

Good luck, and remember - it's there if you need it, and you will not be any lesser person to use it. Ask your doctor, or a nurse. You really don't want EVERYONE'S advice from here - do you? :)

Answer 3

There are many different things that you can do to try and go drug-free. Usually your hospital will offer a childbirth class that reviews the different techniques so you can find one you like. Also search around on the internet. Babycenter.com has a lot of great info. I think the biggest thing is to listen to your body while in you're in labor, because you might train to do one thing, but when you're in labor you'll want to do another.

I also want to say that if something happens during labor and you end up in surgery or getting drugs, don't feel guilty. I wanted to go natural too, but ended up with horrible back labor that was completely taking all my energy and strength, so I had an epidural. I also had a friend that wanted to go natural but ended up with a c-section since her baby was breech, and she felt so guilty afterwards. So by all means plan for what you'd like, but during labor and delivery all kinds of things can happen, so don't be disappointed if your plan doesn't take place. As long as you and the baby are both healthy afterwards, that's what matters!

Answer 4

The breathing techniques really, really do work! That is why they teach them in the labor and delivery classes. I used them during my first birth (very long, painful labor) and they really helped so much! It's important to have a labor coach practice them with you. Once the real thing hits, you don't want to be referring to your notes going "OK. How did those work again?" Make sure you practice them before you go to the hospital!

Also, different laboring positions, like bending over a birthing ball really help too. I held onto that ball for dear life!

I also had back labor, so my husband would push against both of my hips as hard as he could, sort of squeezing my hips (which seems contrary to what would make you feel better) but that was the only way I would get any pain relief.

Also, practice and read about pushing. You don't want to push with your face. This will make sense once you are doing it, but listen to this advice! If you push in your face, you will break blood vessels and you can get a black eye! Learn to push constructively, and when to hold back from pushing.

Believe me, pushing is the best part! But you want to do it right. I pushed a lot in my face, which does nothing to help deliver the baby, and I ended up with two black eyes (not serious, but I could see it.)

Answer 5

breath breath breath, and focus on anything but the pain. Don't lay on your back! move around as much as you can. I found it best to be on my hands and knees with my belly hanging down taking the pressure off my back. Also know what you want and don't be afraid to tell the nurses! they usually suggest the drugs because it makes you an easier patient. Insist on a progress exam before you get the drugs, I gave in and got them with my last baby and she was born less than 5 minutes later, I was so mad they didn't tell me I was almost done, they made it seem like I had hours left! I had my first baby drug free, the labor is the worst part, pushing is a release.

Answer 6

Look into taking a Bradley method class---they focus on natural births, pain management, etc etc. It's a 12 week class, so sign up early.

What advice was given to me was to focus on relaxation and breathing. When your body tenses up, it fights against the contractions and makes it more painful. If you're relaxed, your body works WITH the contractions, making labor more productive.

And don't listen to the women who tell you that you're crazy for wanting to go all natural. You'll get a lot of those, and just ignore them. Going all natural is commendable and generally the best choice for you and your baby b/c no drugs will be passing through the placenta (and eventually the baby)---and YES, epidurals do pass through the placenta.

Answer 7

I didn't take the classes at the hospital to learn the breathing techniques, but I think it would help out alot. Being able to concentrate on your breathing during labor helps out alot, when I didn't I freaked out and was almost hyperventalating. There are also some drugs you could request that the effects are short lived, so it is better for the baby.

Answer 8

HAHAHAHAHA

Screw breathing, yoga, and all that other crap. PRAY, just PRAY because lord it's going to hurt. OK...sorry I should stop joking. I'm not sure because I didn't do the whole natural thing but i commend you for trying it. My labor was only 7 1/2 hours but 2 hours into it, I had horrible back labor which no one really told me about and at 3 hours I got an epidural. However, that totally sped up my progress and I was ready to push 4 hours later. Best of luck!! Congrats!!

For all of you who gave me a thumbs down, get a life. It was a joke people, get over it....I'm not looking for the best answer or anything. I was just telling her good luck....pshh

Answer 9

hi this may seem a bit harsh but my mum always told me exactly what to expect throughout labour, it is very painfull and the worst pain u could ever experience she told me so by telling me this i expected the worst but because i expected the worst it was much easyer for me and i myself had no pain relife whatsoever not even gas and air, and because of this i was able to leave the hospital 2 hours after my daughter was born which was great for me as i hate hospitals. so the only advise i can give u is expect the worst and things will seem better for you during labour, sorry to be so harsh but this defenetly worked for me. also stick woth the fact that u do not want any pain relife and just belive in yourself you can do it. i cannot understand people who decide what pain relif they are going to have months before they even go into labour. give it a try. i went shopping for baby clothes whilst i was in labour and found this helped to take my mind of of the whole this except when i had a contraction lol i was in hospital for about 4 hours althogether but found that for me being mobile was the best option i wish you all the luck during labour and with you new born baby

Answer 10

Keep in mind that this is something that can be either very painful or not at all depending on what you do to prepare yourself...Practice your breathing..Walk alot..Go swimming..and i think the number 1 would be learn to relaxe...if u are relaxed you will dialate faster and it wont hurt as much.