Re: Natural Childbirth

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Hi Kimberly,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

You've got lots of time to research your options and there are many available to you. Do you have any books to read? I highly recommend The Pregnancy Book and The Birth Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears. Other good books are any of those written by Sheila Kitzinger. If you are looking for natural birth support, What to Expect When You are Expecting is not the book for you.

Personally, I have gone many routes (in 5 pregnancies) from a pitocin induced labor requiring an epidural for a c-section to two completely unmedicated VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) and I must say the unmedicated births were the most enjoyable by far - pain and all.

Labor is no walk in the park - it's hard work. When you consider what your body must do to get a baby out, it is really quite amazing!

There are things you can do to minimize the discomfort, as these books will describe in full detail. Keep upright and mobile as long as you can. Don't go to the hospital too early. Warm water, either a shower or a bath, can be relaxing and may help lessen the pain. Eat lightly in early labor so you have strength for later on. Keep well hydrated. Hire a doula (a professional labor support person) to help you work through your labor.

Of my two unmedicated VBACs, one labor and delivery was spent in bed, hooked up to monitors with delivery on my back. There was no real reason for this. It was so painful! I educated myself and made changes the next time around. My second VBAC labor was spent upright (either walking, standing and leaning over, or on the toilet - which is a GREAT place to labor!!) and I hopped into bed (laying on my left side) when it was time to push, about 10 minutes before my daughter was born. This labor and delivery was much easier than the previous one. Sure, the pain was there but the freedom to move around and get *comfortable* made all the difference. A half an hour after my daughter was born I told the doctor (who had just arrived and missed her birth!) I was ready to do it again! I am contemplating a midwife-assisted home birth for my next one and again, med-free.

As for what your midwife said (snipped above), meds may not be offered during labor but they are available. The keyword here is *offered*. Be sure to investigate the varieties of meds and the effects on mom and baby. Remember - this will affect you and your baby so don't accept flip remarks of "oh, it's safe". There are possible side effects to any medication. Your job is to weigh the risks and benefits.

I hope this was of some help. Feel free to email off-list if you like. :)

Sincerely,

--
Mary Shoup
Pregnancy & Birth Coordinator
mary.shoup@obgyn.net

• Next message: Christine: "Re: fear of epidural"
• Previous message: Danielle: "Level II ultrasound shows large gallbladder"
• Maybe in reply to: Tina: "Natural Childbirth"
• Next in thread: Valerie: "Re: Natural Childbirth"