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Just 5 and a half short weeks separate me from meeting Baby #3. And, though I’ve been in disbelief for most of this pregnancy, it’s all starting to get real. Really real.
See, I know that in order to meet this beautiful new baby, I first have to endure childbirth. Beautiful, terrifying, childbirth.
For those who are new around here, you may not know that I prepared myself for an unmedicated childbirth 6 years ago with our son. I took Bradley Method birthing classes (12 weeks of intensive classes) and readied myself accordingly; but after 24-hours of awful labor, I finally gave in to an epidural.
With our daughter, just 2 years ago, I felt much more prepared — having been through labor before, but also knowing things they just can’t teach in childbirth classes — and I labored without medication and delivered Remy just a few hours later.
But I’m still nervous about the prospect of childbirth. There’s always the fear of the unknown — of not knowing how this labor will progress; when this labor will begin; and what state I’ll be in.
1. Educate yourself.
I’m going to be honest — I have a passion for self-education. But what fueled that fire even more? Taking a birthing class. As mentioned above, I chose the Bradley Method birthing course because of its focus on natural, unmedicated, birthing education. It was 12-weeks of classes. Twelve very intensive weeks. I learned so much and it opened up my eyes to so much.
2. Have a plan.
… a birth plan, that is. Know exactly what you will and will not do when it’s go-time. My main points to be noted for my nurses and my doctors is that I would prefer (a) to only have a Hep-Lock (or a Saline Lock), which is basically an IV catheter, and (b) having intermittent monitoring versus constant monitoring.
Basically, to state this at the beginning of admittance is saying “Here, nurses + doctors: The IV is ready if needed and I will monitor as you see fit; but that also means that I can get up and labor out of bed, without restrictions.”
Know what you want your restrictions to be and write them down. Yes, write them down, type them out, or have a list on your phone of things you want done. Whatever you do, be prepared to communicate with your team!
3. Have a support system.
My husband sat through every second of those 12 weeks of childbirth classes. It not only helped us to be on the same page with what we wanted our labor and delivery experience to be; but it helped him to become more comfortable with the fact that he would be seeing me in a tremendous amount of pain.
Sure, later, he admitted that it was incredibly difficult to watch me and be unable to make the pain stop; but he did exactly what I needed him to do in those moments.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
I cannot say this enough. I think the downfall of my first delivery was that I started laboring while dehydrated (turns out iced coffee doesn’t boast excellent hydration…). And, from there, the dehydration sort of snowballed. And the cramping was excruciating because my body just couldn’t keep up.
When I felt the beginning contractions with baby number 2, I immediately kicked up my water intake. I was already drinking lots and lots of water; but I just started drinking even more of it! And to NOT be battling dehydration while laboring was a HUGE benefit. I swear that this is what helped me make my way through contractions.
5. Be prepared.
Make sure your hospital bag is packed — and packed with the items that will help you. I feel immensely more weak when I am nauseous; knowing this, I packed several essential oils that helped ease my nausea. Between lavender and peppermint oil, I would stick a couple of drops in my hands and just sniff them when I got hit with a wave of nausea.
I also found music that was comforting to me. I didn’t know what that music would be before my contractions started; but once I found a few songs that helped me to focus, I played them on repeat. (Unrelated: To this day, those songs make me incredibly emotional, just bringing back thoughts of those final moments before I met her.)
6. Know that you are capable.
I still think back on both of my experiences and am so proud for what I accomplished — bringing a new life into this world is no easy feat! I know that if I hadn’t been so sick with my first labor, I could have done it without that epidural; but actually doing it the second time around? Was life-changing. I felt so strong and so powerful.
If you’ve been through childbirth,
what would you recommend doing to support
an unmedicated labor and delivery?
This is a wonderful post to read! You have a lot of wonderful suggestions. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
You’re amazing! I wanted ALL the drugs! I had a nice epidural and then I wasn’t pushing good… so they turned it off!
Great tips! I can’t believe it’s just 5 weeks away already!
These are great tips! I tried for an unmedicated VBAC and wound up with a repeat c-section but these are all fantastic!
You’re incredible! These are great tips!
Going into labor being prepared and educated is definitely something I’d recommend! I think you feel so much more relaxed and ready to take on everything that’s about to be thrown at you!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
These are really great tips. And a great reminder that no matter how prepared birthing a baby is totally unpredictable.
I’ve heard a doula or midwife is helpful, too! There’s nothing wrong with getting an epidural if you need it though, it doesn’t make you weak 😉
Those unknowns really are tough. I remember having calming music too. Best of wishes. xoxo
All great tips for an expected mama!
These are great suggestions!!
What an informative post about unmedicated childbirth! I must admit that my hubby and I took Lamaze classes before our first child was born. I read all the books and felt prepared, but then 20 hours into back labor when the doctor said I’d have to get an epidural or have an emergency c-section I opted for the epidural.
Then when our other 3 children were born I had to be induced each time and opted for the epidural. It’s great to have options.
I love this post and think it’s important for women to realize that whatever childbirth route they choose to take, to treasure that precious baby. Thanks!
This is a great list and a wonderful way for moms to be prepared. I think it’s important to consider all options though. I was planning to do a natural, but due to unexpected complications had a c-section. So planning is important so we know what we want when things take a detour. Great post!
The same thing happened during my first delivery. I went un-medicated as long as I could but would not dilate at all and finally gave in to an epidural.
Wow! You’re getting so close and I’m sure this labor and delivery process will be beautiful for you!!
This happened to me with my first (26 years ago!) I took Bradley classes but it was a rough birth and I had to get some help. I never wanted to try again after that! I know so much more now about proper breathing techniques & other strategies.
Great tips! I read up on all this stuff before giving birth! All about the mindset going into it! ?
These are all wonderful suggestions for mommas to be!
these are awesome tips! I wish I read this before I had Izzy
Good for you!!! I’m sure I could do it without but not planning on it! So impressed by your strength.
xo
Taylor
http://www.reeseshardwear.com
I delivered 2 out of my 3 naturally and I couldn’t agree anymore with the tips and advice you gave! It is sooo important to educate yourself, AND your support system/team. My husband was fully on board with an all natural birth because he was also educated!
Beware. As a physician I can tell you those who have the most detailed birth plans usually have the most complicated childbirths. Your plan (which sounds like it has a lot of room for “adjustment based on what is going on”) is a good one. Whether medicated or unmedicated, the goal needs to be healthy baby, healthy mama!
I only know one person who has had birth without medicine. Everyone else that I know that wanted to, ended up having an emergency c-section. I think it’s great that resources like this are out there as long as you keep in mind that at the end you have to do what is best for the baby.
Very true. There also is a lot of information regarding c sections in the Bradley method birthing course too. 🙂