natural birthing techniques - good ones that work

[dragonflyblu]

Hi everyone, we are due in about 5-6 weeks and plan to have a natural (no drugs, no intervetion at all) birthing. I have been practicing hynobirthing and do affirmations and meditations on the birth everyday.

I am curious to know how other couples have prepared for labour. f you are preparing now what are you doing to enusre a natural birth. If you have already birthed what techniques did you find the most helpful?

[KarniF00l]

I found that being upright worked the best. Using gravity to your own advantage. Walk most contractions off, this also helps you dilate alot quicker than laying down and when it comes to pushing being on all fours on on your knees helps alot. Birthing on your back is like pushing uphill.

Goodluck with the birth :D

[nut]

This will probably seem a bit useless, but I would just urge you to relax and follow your instincts. When you need to push, you push, when you want to roar, you roar.

Use gravity and trust in your body.

It sounds as if you've prepared very well, so just go ahead and enjoy the wonderful experience ahead of you.:hugs:

[melfunction]

This will probably seem a bit useless, but I would just urge you to relax and follow your instincts. When you need to push, you push, when you want to roar, you roar.

Use gravity and trust in your body.

It sounds as if you've prepared very well, so just go ahead and enjoy the wonderful experience ahead of you.:hugs:

Totally agree with this. I had absolutely no idea when I had my first baby. Now I know instincts played a huge role for me.

[pickles]

I used aromatherapy and homeopathics for both my pregnancies and birth. I went to a clinical aromatherapist who specialized in pregnancy / birth . she made up a whole heap of little vials for different things. i made sure that they had very specific instructions on when to be used so that my support people didnt get flustered. i also went to a natropath for all the homeopathics. I used the bath both times. The second time i also used the TENS machine which was great ( obviously not when i was in the bath ).

good luck

Pickles
DD 02/03 - 5 hour labour 7 pounds 10 oz
DS 03/05 - 1.5 hour labour 9 pounds

[CurlyG]

Hi! Good on you for getting so prepared! :thumbsup: For me, I just did pretty much what you're doing - meditation, affirmations, positive visualisation, etc.

And then during my labour, I stayed home in my comfort zone for 12 of my 15 hours and just listened to my body and I knew when it was time to go to the delivery suite. During contractions I swayed and held onto something - I found walking just too difficult. And stay on your feet for as long as possible. The transition contractions knocked me off my feet and I laid down on my side to give birth. It was actually a great position because I got heaps of rest during contractions and when it came time to push I lifted my leg up, braced my arm around the back of
my knee and PUSHED! She was out in only a few pushes :D

Also, have a detailed birth plan - ok, it's an unpredictable event, however if things are going according to plan it will let the midwives know what you want and they won't have to ask you when you're in the middle of it all, because you'll be fairly firmly entrenched in your "zone" if you're going natural :)

One more thing, if you're delivering in a hospital, have them cover up the equipment trolley while you're labouring. You do NOT need to be staring at those tools! Other than that....enjoy! Natural birthing is AMAZING and after you've given birth, you'll be stunned at how quickly you bounce back.

Carly.

[dragonflyblu]

good tips Carly, thanks. I have actually asked DH to cover up any medical equiptment, you are right dont really want to stare at that type of stuff right in the middle of birthing. Does anyone else out there have good techniques that have worked for them. Its one thing to prepare and look at books and stuff, but its great to hear of others experiences.

[AimeeB]

:wave: I stand by the gravity as well.All my kids so far have been birthed standing by the side of the bed.I haven't had time really with any of my 3 to have aromatherpy etc as my longest labour was the first and that was only 4 hrs start to finish,second birth was just under 4 hrs and last birth was 1 hr.To be honest I just go in there and focus on breathing.Everyone knows not to touch or talk to me(even DH)as to be honest I feel that I could do it just with me in the room.I don't care who's there just sit back and watch and don't talk:laughing: I have had no probs and birthed 3 larger babies with no probs,no stitches,tried gas with DS but it made me vomit.I also spent most of the time I was at the birthing unit in the warm shower,that was the best pain relief for me.I only came out once I knew the babies were about to be born.I just hope #4(due in March)gives me some time to get to hospital.

[eternalmaternal]

Hi,
I have always found water really effective both in the bath and shower.
I used the birth stool for my last two birth and found this position to support me and keep me upright.
Definately go with the flow of your body. Some good back rubs early on were good for me but later I just wanted my own space..lol.
My favourite tool was a wet face washer which I buried my head in during contractions and then wiped away the sweat.
GOODLUCK!!

[FinnsMama]

My experience is similar to everyone else - I remained upright, leaning slightly forward during contractions. I also let out a low groan with each contraction - they intensified as labour progressed until, towards the end of the first stage, I sounded like a bass opera singer belting out a long note! My yoga teacher recommended low groans rather than a high pitched scream to keep the energy "downwad flowing" so to speak, and to keep you feeling grounded.

For the last weeks of your pregnancy I would recommend keeping up some light exercise - walking, yoga, swimming - it will help your body prepare for labour.

You sound so well-prepared I am sure things will go well for you, I can't wait to hear how you go!

All the best :)

[Wish_Bear]

Wow I wish I had been upright for my labours. I was on my back for both and while they were quick it was bloody hard! I never got the chance for any aromatherapy etc as they just wanted out so I had 2 bitrhs completely drug free. But like everyone has said, listen to your body, you know what you need to do at the time. I told the midwife I wanted to push and she said i was being silly, so she had a look and then said "Oh your right better push then".

Good luck.

[Perth_Pony]

Hi there,

I too plan on having no intervention or drugs. Hopefully i can make it.

You have recieved some terrific advice on here, i would just like to add my bit on avoiding intervention.

Most Obs are C/S happy so please dont be bullied into having one as most mothers are, They prefer C/S as they are paid alot more money than a vaginal birth and also have more control over whats happening.

Unless your baby or yourself is in desperate need of intervention, trust your own instincs and get a second opinion. You can say "NO". :yes:

I would stay away from the hospy as long as possible as this decreses your chances of having someone cause more problems for you. (ie, they give you a syntocin drip, then it becomes more painful so you have an epi, then the baby goes into fetal distress as labour is slowed and your blood pressure drops).:rolleyes:

The best thing i can say is TRUST yourself and your instincs, they will tell you when something is not right. Good luck with everything :thumbsup:

[sweetsugardumplin']

Pre natal yoga.............:thumbsup:

Trust your body and keep your mouth open - open mouth - open pelvis.

Keep moving as much as possible during the early stages of labour, it's great for managing the contractions and keeps the first stage moving along.

Water is great for pain relief during contractions.

Trust your body, ride the contractions like waves - go with them.

Focus on you and your gorgeous bub

Thinking of you :hugs:

[becca74]

good tips Carly, thanks. I have actually asked DH to cover up any medical equiptment, you are right dont really want to stare at that type of stuff right in the middle of birthing. Does anyone else out there have good techniques that have worked for them. Its one thing to prepare and look at books and stuff, but its great to hear of others experiences.

To add to this, make sure you put on your birth plan that no one is to mention pain medication around you, and noone is to offer it to you.....you will ask for it yourself if you want it - and even then, have a clause which says something like you have to have asked for it 3-4 times before they give it to you. The one thing to watch for though, is that some women ask for pain relief when they hit transition, and transition usually lasts only about 10 contractions if you are remaining active, so although it can be excruciating, it is such a small part of the entire labour, you would do better with just recieving encouragement that all is happening normally, you arent doing yourself any damage, and that this is a sign that you will have your baby in your arms really soon. Most women find such motivation extremely helpful through this peak of labour. With my DS2 I screamed out for pethidine, and by the time they got it ready, I was ready to push him out - it was just transition after all.

I found that continual offering of pain meds during labour wore me down with DS3....I was labouring perfectly, but the constant barage of drug offers just confused me, got my adrenalin pumping, and caused me to feel like I needed it. Being offered pain meds is akin to being told that you are doing a bad job. I think it is up to the mum to decide when she has reached her endurance levels, not some careprovider who cant stand the sound of your birth roars any longer!

[NoMoreScuba]

Wow - this is a REALLY useful thread - thanks for all the info guys.

Keep it coming!!

One question - I want to do some yoga before I give birth but i'm still working at the moment and find it too hard to go after a full day at work. Is it too late for me to start going after I finish work (i'll be about 34 weeks) ? Meantime I'm trying to keep fit with the gym and swimming. I've done a fair bit of yoga before, so it won't be new, but obviously haven't done prenatal yoga before...

[Mummabear]

What a fantastic thread.

Unfortunately I didn't manage drug free with DS, but am hoping to do so this time around. Now that I know my body a bit better and know to avoid induction at all costs, lol.

I'm a fan of visulisation and tried this to get him to come out, but it didn't work. Someone gave me a good visulisation technique this week for the contractions. She pictured herself running up a hill during the contractions. At the peak of the contractions she reached the top and then she jogged down the hill and had a lovely stroll along the beach inbetween contractions. I'm going to try this one.

Keep the info coming girls - it's so great to hear all this stuff.

[dragonflyblu]

Mummabear, I am doing some visualisations as well but they are not really sticking. Funny thing is since I have been pregnant I have had this image of a horse being born (yeah I know very odd!) but you know how they are all slimy and just sort of slide out... if a horse can do it so easily... well anyway I also like the running one for contractions.

[dragonflyblu]

oh yeah I forgot to ask if anyone has used nipple stimulation for birthing (?) the placenta. I have read that the sooner the baby attaches to the nipple the quicker the placenta will come out, but I also read that you can do nipple stimulation :detective:

[SalTheGal]

Hi,

I agree with what many of the other girls have already said.....

Definitely stay at home for as long as you can. I stayed home for 7 of my 10hr labour and was so relaxed during that time I don't really count it as 'labour'

Staying upright and moving around is a big help too- when I arrived at the hosp they put me on a bed to monitor me for 20mins- it was HORRIBLE!!! I couldn't wait to get up again and get moving.

I agree with not letting anyone offer you pain meds- I didn't get offered them once and to be honest once I was in my 'zone' I didn't even think once about needing any pain relief.

Be insistent on when you feel the urge to push. I was lucky to have a middie who let me dictate my labour, and when I told her I needed to push she trusted my instincts and let me go with what my body was telling me- I have heard that often middies will not let you push when you feel the urge to because they don't think you would be ready at that time.

And when you push- put everything into it.....I pushed for 1.5hrs, which was a long time and excruciating. Unfortunetely I was paranoid about pooing (sorry TMI) which I believe in hindsight made me hold back a little for each push, which in turn probably prolonged my labour. Next time I will not be so concerned as 1. I realised it is a natural part of labour and the middies don't care anyway! 2. Things such as pooing will happen anyway no matter how much you fight it.

I had a completely natural birth, with a healthy 10lb bub who's shoulders didn't rotate. It is an awesome feeling to know you have achieved it, You can do it!!!!!! :yelclap:

[spiritedfamily]

Some fantastic advice here...

My methods in birth have been...when contractions first start....I find because its early stage...to carry on with normal household activities...I've even spent the morning last minute shopping in preparation, cooked everyone dinner and got them to bed...during this time the contractions have increased and I have had to stop during a contractions and allow it to come through my body....openess is so important, if any visualisation is possible...visualising yourself being open to your baby's entry to your world...I find if I focus on the fact the baby is your flesh and blood...a little human being coming into your life and allowing your vagina to open up carefully and gently in order for him to pass through...for that moment when you first meet...this kind of visualisation helps me..

I do rock my pelvis as I need to...I usually lean on something and groan low (not usually loud) During a contraction I close my eyes and focus on it coming over my body like waves...the thing I like about the nature of contractions is that they aren't constant pain, you get times of relief when there is no contraction... Overall quietness is so important from your birth attendants and support people...its important that no-one asks you a question right in the middle of a contraction...the brain can only focus on one thing properly at a time.

If its possible to make your lighting dim, do so...cause its natural to want to find a dark place...devoid of all distraction.

I found it extremely important that my dh was calm and helpful and listened to me and what I wanted or didn't want. He becomes the protector in whatever way that is. If I was in hospital I would rely on him abit to be my voice...so I could focus on the labour.

I birth at home in water...I usually end up in the tub close to transition and the water helps transition to come on..

I find my own home environment allows me to create the atmosphere I need to birth...without intrusion. We hire a midwife who is calm and non-intrusive.

[sweetsugardumplin']

[quote=NoMoreScuba;854834]Wow - this is a REALLY useful thread - thanks for all the info guys.

Keep it coming!!

One question - I want to do some yoga before I give birth but i'm still working at the moment and find it too hard to go after a full day at work. Is it too late for me to start going after I finish work (i'll be about 34 weeks) ?

Personally I don't it's ever too late to begin Yoga or any other type of birthing technique that will assit you. :)

A lot of Pre Natal Yoga classes are held on the weekend (usually sat. mornings) for the exact reason that you describe.

As for nipple stimulation - I think it's a great idea for not only helping the passing of the placenta but it's great for bubs and has positive implications for on going breast feeding. :yes: :thumbsup:

thinking of you darlin' :hugs:

mumma 2370

[alicesmum]

hi there

i haven't read all the posts so hope i'm not doubling up, but....

1. a Mantra. You need something to keep your mind focussed!

Mine were:

* "i am a fabulous birthing goddess!" which deteriorated to "fabulous birthing goddess" and then just "birthing goddess" :laughing: I imagined some voluptuous Greek woman birthing numerous babies in all her glory. (It helped. Seriously!)

and

* "trust the processes unfolding in your body" which deteriorated to "TRUST!" ;-)

2. VOCALISE. VOCALISE. VOCALISE.

DOn't hold back on those moans and groans!!! Scream like a banshee if you need to. It's your birth right as a birthing mamma!!!!!!!! Yes, it is "ALL ABOUT YOU"!

3. Gravity and moving around. Listening to your body.

4. Water (hot shower worked well for me first time. Second time not able to use shower due to monitoring :thumbsdown: )

All the very best for your birth.

Roar that baby out of your body. Go with your animal instincts. Oh, and DO trust the processes unfolding in your body. Remember, it's a productive pain, not a pain signaling that anything is wrong, but rather that everything is right!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup:

[Mummabear]

visualising yourself being open to your baby's entry to your world...I find if I focus on the fact the baby is your flesh and blood...a little human being coming into your life and allowing your vagina to open up carefully and gently in order for him to pass through...for that moment when you first meet...

This is beautiful. Hope you don't mind if I pinch this for my labour :idea:

[demeter]

a bit off topic:

"bear in the oven" :laughing: I LOVE IT!

[miss ani]

i just have to say all the info here has been incredibly helpful, as i am also looking to have a natural birth. it's a bit disconcerting when so many people i know keep saying "you just HAVE to have an epidural! you'll find you can't cope without one!".

my mum has been a real source of inspiration for natural birthing as well. she's a midwife, and has years of experience (as well as having 3 bubs of her own!). she's thoroughly recommended hypnobirthing and keeping upright throughout the labour - and will be there with me to make sure i'm keeping it together! :)

[iluvmeboyz]

i used a yoga ball cause my second son was face up prosterior and the ball worked alot and it was realy helpful and i would use it again to.

[dragonflyblu]

Okay, I have done it and wanted to give my feedback on what techniques I used for our natural birthing. The best thing for me was breathing into my abdomen and affirmations. The affirmations were really good when I felt a bit anxious, they immediately made me feel in control. Thanks for all the advice, there is alot to be said about not fighting contractions. At one point I just thought "oh I cant do this anymore" and the contraction came and it hurt less than the last one because I had just relaxed (given up!) and then I realised I just need to go with the flow and let my body just do its thing.:thumbsup:

[demeter]

That's such great news, thanks for coming back and sharing!
And CONGRATULATIONS
:hugs:

[youngbrismum]

MUSIC!

I loved having relaxing music playing when I was in labour and giving birth...it really helped me to shut out all external noise (difficult on a busy main road) and focus inwards.

[becca74]

Okay, I have done it and wanted to give my feedback on what techniques I used for our natural birthing. The best thing for me was breathing into my abdomen and affirmations. The affirmations were really good when I felt a bit anxious, they immediately made me feel in control. Thanks for all the advice, there is alot to be said about not fighting contractions. At one point I just thought "oh I cant do this anymore" and the contraction came and it hurt less than the last one because I had just relaxed (given up!) and then I realised I just need to go with the flow and let my body just do its thing.:thumbsup:

That is fantastic....CONGRATULATIONS!! :smiliedance:

[spiritedfamily]

Fantastic news:smiliedance: :smiliedance: :smiliedance: :smiliedance:

[NoMoreScuba]

Okay, I have done it and wanted to give my feedback on what techniques I used for our natural birthing. The best thing for me was breathing into my abdomen and affirmations. The affirmations were really good when I felt a bit anxious, they immediately made me feel in control. Thanks for all the advice, there is alot to be said about not fighting contractions. At one point I just thought "oh I cant do this anymore" and the contraction came and it hurt less than the last one because I had just relaxed (given up!) and then I realised I just need to go with the flow and let my body just do its thing.:thumbsup:

Well done :yelclap: I'm so pleased that it went well for you.

Me next! Me next!

[~V&M~]

there is alot to be said about not fighting contractions

Couldn't agree more! There were a few times I fought them but didn't realise and I heard my doula's voice saying 'just breathe, don't fight it' and 'you're fighting it now, you need to breathe' and when I focused more on my breathing I focused less on the contraction and they weren't anywhere as near as bad! I also firmly believe that you just need to let your body do its thing! Our bodies just know what to do, even if we don't, so just let your body birth- it truly is amazing!

[118]

I found being on all fours like a dog was the best for me for my 2nd baby. :thumbsup: In my case my 2nd birth was almost 100% natural aside from episitomy. I didn't open up well. I'm glad I had her naturally + no undue surgical /medical intervention pain post birth. For my son (#1 baby) it was the works - vaccum extraction + trial meds (I was a guinny pig for some drug that I can't remember what I signed for cause I was young /20 & super silly). That went ok but had jelly legs fom the stirup job.

Bottom line when you are in pain you'll get the merternity crew to do the best they can - you might even end up with an epi + pethadine etc. Don't be disapointed or feel stupid for getting help. As my midwife said why make the experince horible. It's a joy to be a mum...:angel: A happy mum = lovely baby/ birth per say. Get lots of :hugs: from hubby it all help. Take care. Get a birth plan written out (subject to change). :yelclap: Bite the bullet. All the best. You can do it. Cheers 118

[becca74]

bumpity bump....this thread is too valuble a resource to disappear from view :yes:

[buddy2129]

bumpity bump....this thread is too valuble a resource to disappear from view :yes:


I agree. I have been all reading all the comments and found this thread very useful. Im planning on a drug free labour this time. My first two were drugs galore. I was young and stupid and had no idea, (18 & 21) Both deliveries ended up difficult. Emergency c section for foetal distress and a forceps delivery after 36 hr labour and just no energy to push. I blame that on 2 doses of pethidine that just zonked me out of it. I cant even remember most part of the labour. This time around im 32 and really want to enjoy giving birth as weird as that sounds. I want to remember it and hopefully have a wonderful experience. I know all that matters is a healthy baby at the end, but i want to be a part of it all and not just a zombie lying on a bed moaning and not knowing what to do.
Im planning on staying home for as long as i can as i agree that medical intervention can often lead to further complications. Whats the point in labouring for hours and hours only to end up having a c section?? :no:

[PinkBinkie]

Great thread. Had gas and pethidine with my first child. Off with the fairies and felt like I was in and out of sleep and dreams. Did someone say something? Is my midwife talking to me or am I dreaming? I kept asking myself. Still felt the pain of contractions and the urge to push. I didn't realise how much pain the pethidine took away until I gave birth to my second child. I did have gas, no pethidine. I remember everything, I was completely focussed and aware of what was happening with my second child. Yes, it hurt like nothing I'd ever experienced, but it was amazing. Really special. I watched her head come out and pulled her from the bed onto my chest. I was ready to go home straight afterwards!

[NoMoreScuba]

I forgot this thread and I really wanted to update with my story...

I ended up being induced at 10 days overdue. They broke my waters and they gave me the drip when contractions weren't strong enough. From then on the contractions were WAY stronger, but I never felt the urge to ask for pain relief. Somehow I found them ok, except for when i was standing up (which is funny as that's how i'd planned on labouring!).

Everything progressed very quickly, and just as I'd got in my hot shower (which was BLISS for the short time it lasted) I felt the need to push. I have to say I was desperate for pain relief during the pushing, but it all happened very quickly and there was no time, plus I was concentrating so hard.

I ended up having a drug free birth (apart from the syntocinon to induce me), and I loved it - being able to touch his head as he was crowning was my favourite bit as I knew I'd nearly made it!

I was very focussed on me during the whole process - internalised I guess you'd call it. Hardly even noticed my DF there! The midwives were wonderful. I found changing position regularly very useful. I also just 'lived in the moment' - concentrated on each contraction as it came, particularly with the pushing.

From start to finish I only had to last out 4 hours so I was very lucky I think. Nearly 6 weeks later I've almost forgotten how bad it was, despite telling myself at the time I was going to have a c-section next time! Nearly forgotten, but not quite...:D

[PinkBinkie]

What worked for me:
hot bath/shower
laboured on an exercise ball
staying upright
walking off contractions
doing my own thing, listening to my body
asking for pain relief if needed, not being told to have it!
getting my back rubbed by hubby
swaying and rotating pelvis (exercise ball great for this)

[prideNJoy]

What worked for me:
hot bath/shower
laboured on an exercise ball
staying upright
walking off contractions
doing my own thing, listening to my body
asking for pain relief if needed, not being told to have it!
getting my back rubbed by hubby
swaying and rotating pelvis (exercise ball great for this)


Yup i did everything on this list too,
Found it worked for me....

[miss ani]

i keep telling DP we NEED to get a yoga/excercise ball!! after reading the good things about them during labour, i might have to give him a nudge about it again!

[iluvmeboyz]

i keep telling DP we NEED to get a yoga/excercise ball!! after reading the good things about them during labour, i might have to give him a nudge about it again!

i used that the yoga ball its fantastic my ds head was dacing up instead of down and in 1 hr he turned around it is great t ouse it calmed me and relaxed me to

[PinkBinkie]

Yep, the exercise ball is the BEST thing ever! I wish I'd had one at home to use. It's great and helps relieve some of the pain.......also something to focus on as you don't want to fall of it :D

So, if you can, get one for home and make sure the delivery room has one too :thumbsup:

[miss ani]

we got one last week!! i've been using it when i have uncomfortable BH... and it works a treat!