Natural pregnancy and birth?

Question

I'm pregnant with my second baby and worried because my first time around went so bad. I had morning sickness all day long until my eight month or so, premature labor, then I went 3 weeks overdue with an aged placenta, and had an entirely preventable 'emergency' c-section. I also had little support and no one listened to me. What are ways to make this one go smoother? I want a natural, drug free pregnancy, I want to use relaxation and meditation techniques, and other then that...I dont know what to do differently this time. Help please!

Becuase of law in my state, I cant have a midwife because I have had a c-section. =(
Would a doula still be able to help?
And what about disagreeing with hospital policy? At the hospital I was at, you HAD to have an IV and constant monitoring! Hopefully they wont at the next hospital, but I'm still woried!

Answer 1

Wow... that's horrible! How far along are you? Aside from your morning sickness and aged placenta.. I went through something similar. I went 2 weeks "overdue" but I still tried to have a natural birth. I labored for over 48 hours and pushed for 6... ended up going to the hospital and having an "emergency" c-section too. I am pregnant with my second baby girl and am having trouble finding a hospital where they offer VBAC. I only have 4 months left to find someone and it sucks because nobody here supports it except for this one midwife and she isn't returning my calls. My family does NOT support my decision to have a vbac, they want me to go to a doctor and do what he or she says. The only one who supports my decision is my husband and that's all I really need.

I'm sorry I rambled and am asking questions back.. where do you live? Maybe I can help you look for a midwife in your area. If your family doesn't support your decision to have a natural birth.. sorry but.. screw them! It is YOUR body, it is YOUR baby and there are studies saying that a vbac is safer than a repeat c-section.

Edit: Oops.. I was typing this when you stated you cannot have a midwife... maybe you can find a doctor who supports vbac.

Answer 2

You need to be strong in your wishes and let those around you know that this is YOUR body, YOUR baby and YOUR show. No ifs ands or butts.

And one of the most important things is that you have an OB or midwife that's supportive of your decisions. They are your frontline in the hospital and often when you can't talk for yourself (such as in labor). If they are not supportive, it will not work.

I had an emergency cesarean with my first daughter and went on to have two wonderful natural vaginal births with my sons through midwives. I had a lot of naysayers but it was what I wanted. Don't let people shake you from it. It's entirely possible and hundreds if not thousands of women do it every year.

Read as much as you can. If you can back up yourself (and their detractions) with educated information, they're more likely to listen to you, over simply "Well I want..."

http://www.babycenter.ca/pregnancy/labourandbirth/labourcomplications/vbac/
http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/mambo/

Answer 3

I would see a midwife rather than a physician - usually (but not always) they tend to approach pregnancy and childbirth in a more holistic, natural, intervention-free way whenever possible. Not to say ALL doctors aren't supportive of those same goals, but I find in my practice where I work the midwives tend to be more like that, advocating for as little interventions as possible, and respecting the wishes of their patients so long as mom and baby are safe.

Don't let any hospital tell you that you "must" have something - you are free to not give consent to any procedure at all, including IVs, etc. You have the right to autonomously make your care decisions based upon the knowledge of all risks and benefits of the procedures they propose. Don't let them bully you, but at the same time, try to trust that they are wanting what is best for the well being of you and the baby.

And I think a doula is a wonderful support mechanism to help communicate your desires for a natural birth. Absolutely hire one if you can! www.dona.org can help you find one who is certified locally.

Answer 4

A doula will definately help during labor! My sister had a successful VBAC, here in New Mexico, I can't believe you're having such a hard time finding a practitioner who supports it! There's plenty of evidence that VBAC is safer than a second c-section. I took a hypnobirth class when I had my daughter. It was quite effective in having a drug free birth. Maybe your medical insurance carrier can help you find a provider. They're usually a good resource to try.

Answer 5

Every pregnancy, just like every child, is different. You may not have any nausea at all this time around. You may have only minor nausea. You may wind up having the baby early, rather than 3 weeks overdue (where was your doctor in this? I wasn't allowed to go more than two weeks).

The relaxation/meditation stuff is good. Walking and other gentle exercise is good. Eating right is good. Finding a support system is good (ask your doctor for suggestions).

Congrats!

Answer 6

They will give you an iv, although it's up to you if they put any drugs in it or not. I have had 3 natural and expecting another in 4 month and will be natural too. You are right, just listen to what yousaid above, it takes relaxation and meditation more than anything. You have to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth and relax during contractions because there is always another one coming. It's really hard to tell since your last delivery, this one could be totally different. Jennifer

Answer 7

let your doctor know what you want. as long as its feasible i am sure they will accommodate you had a c- section so that may be an issue alot will depend on who your cut inside you made be only allowed c-sections

to the second answer she cant use a mid wife shes considered high risk because of the previous c- section

a doula is just a coach they cannot do anything in the actual delivery all a doula does is sit and support you

Answer 8

Doctors that I went to see about natural child birth were rude and suggested that I was "crazy" for not wanting drugs. You know who supported me from the get-go? My midwife. I highly suggest midwifes because they are all women (they understand EXACTLY what is going on), they are highly trained (they must have an RN and go on for midwifery training- DO NOT go to a "direct entry" midwife), and they DO NOT pressure you to do anything you don't want to.

I was allowed to birth my daughter in a better position than on my back in stirrups (I gave birth vertically- gravity is such a big help) and I was not pressured into getting an epidural or any other drugs. My midwife was the best, she massaged my feet when big contractions came and was very helpful in keeping me focused on my goals. (She was even a bigger help than my husband......)

Look for OB/GYN offices that contain midwifes or that can refer you to a god midwife.

They sound so old-fashioned, but it's nice to be able to take hold of something that's important to you- something that's hard to do these days with modern doctors (for them, it's all about the money. Midwifes care about you and your baby first an foremost.)

Congratulations and I hope this go around is better for you!

: )

Answer 9

Not all hospitals insist on IV's. Can you find a birth center? I suggest you use the Bradley method. Look for the book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. I had four births with no medication, no ultrasound, no routine episiotomy, no IV, and I was allowed to eat during labor.

Answer 10

interview many OB's and let them know what you want. find one that agrees with you!