Natural Birth

[proudparent88]

So I found out that I will have to have a natural birth for the third time. It doesn't bother me I just need ways to handle things better this time than I did last time. My first labor wasn't that bad. My second was a nightmare. They induced me three weeks before my due date and the pain was 10 times worse than with my first. All my pain was right in my pubic bone. I need ways to learn how to cope with the pain easier. I am unable to have an epidural because of severe back pain. Does anyone have any tips?

 

[goddess25]

Not really. I just did it for the 3rd time, I was dreading it because I knew what was coming but it was ok. For me I can cope with it because my labours are very fast. this one was 2 hours.

I would say just embrace the pain and try to visualize what is happening. Breathe through it, it does work. I would also try and refuse an induction if possible, they do say the pain is way worse as you don't build up naturally.

good luck.

 

[sasha2014]

I can REALLY recommend a Lazy Daisy birthing class. Getting in the right mental space in advance of the birth helped me massively. The Lazy Daisy approach is very flexible so should suit whatever type of natural birth you go for.
Getting rid of the fears and doubts that I had meant I went into the birth of my DD with excitement and positivity rather than the dread that I developed soon after getting pregnant.
I'd say good luck but you don't need it, you'll do fine ;-)

 

[joeyjo]

Decline induction if at all possible! I've had one induced and 1 spontaneous. I will not be induced again. I will not have a pitocin type drip

 

[MindUtopia]

Hypnobirthing. And avoid induction at all costs. I used hypnotherapy to prepare for my birth and it was great. I felt some pain, but the only parts I'd really describe as painful were the stupid cervical exam (just for them to tell me I was fully dilated, which I knew) and getting a few stitches. Otherwise, it was intense and uncomfortable sometimes, but rarely painful. I had a completely natural birth just using a TENS machine. I felt the hypnotherapy practice helped tremendously. I felt incredible calm and in control and even the midwives didn't believe I was in established labour until they saw I was fully dilated. Also, just avoid any meddling from doctors/nurses/midwives. Try to avoid being induced unless it's a medical necessity and keep away from the monitor and on your feet or upright and moving. If you can find a birth centre or would want a home birth, you'll find that makes a difference as well, but if you want to birth in hospital, just stay home in your own space as long as possible.

 

[BunnyN]

Staying active made a huge difference to me. Most of my labour was spent walking around. The few contractions I had on my back were 10x worse than when I was free to be in a position that felt right for my body.

 

[Take2]

Why were you induced? And why so early?

 

[Cyan]

Staying active made a huge difference to me. Most of my labour was spent walking around. The few contractions I had on my back were 10x worse than when I was free to be in a position that felt right for my body.

I entirely agree. The worst part of my labour was certainly while I was being monitored and had to sit down.

The other thing that really helped me was to focus on each contraction as progress (instead of pain) and remind myself each one I went through was one less to manage before meeting my baby.

Oh and staying calm. Before it all started I asked my OH to do two things during labour: tell me if I was doing well and not let me panic or be silly. It really worked.

My labour admittedly was very fast but I can honestly say I only really suffered through 3 or 4 contractions, the rest I coped with ok. I was even of sound enough mind to turn down diamorphine just as I was transitioning!

 

[greenpear]

I had all natural birth. I moved around alot and draped myself over yoga ball, and walked up and down the hall till I had to push. I will do this again the same way if all is good