I have a question for moms out there... I have decided that I am going to have a natural birth with my second baby. I realize that a lot of people think that I am crazy. However, let me tell you essentially how everything went with the delivery of Isabela. My doctor started me about 8am. I was fine, walking around, until about noon. Then I decided to get into bed, when it really hurt. I couldn't talk or concentrate on anything during contractions, but the pain was definitely still bearable.
Just before 1pm the doctor asked if I wanted an epidural. It was a Saturday and the anesthesiologist was on call, so it would be about 45min before he could arrive and give me one. I was in a lot of pain by that time, but it was definitely still bearable. (Even considering people always tell me that with pitocin, the pain is SO much worse.) So I said yes. Just so happens, the anesthesiologist had already been called in by somebody else, so I got my epidural within about 15min. I still don't think I was quite ready for it - I wanted to see how much my body could handle. That probably just before 1:30pm when he actually got the epidural in. Isabela was born just under two hours later. My delivery was painless and perfect, but I always have wondered how that last little bit would have been had I not had the epidural.
So, now my question... any advice on natural births? which techniques/methods did you use? what was the most/least beneficial? I am researching a little, just evaluating my options. What should I know or be able to tell my doctor/nurses when I am delivering? My doctor told me to at least look into hypnobirthing. So far, I think it looks interesting and beneficial (I just don't know if I can come up with the extra money at this point to take classes for this one). Whether or not I completely go that route or not, I have definitely benefited from it already. The Bradley Method is also another option, which my sister used, but I haven't had quite as much information on that yet. It mostly deals with how to cope with pain and having your husband/partner help you through it, as far as I can tell so far. This is essential, since I believe Brandon should have just as big a role/responsibility during this time as I do. : D
So, any good advice?
3 comments:
Step 1: find a midwife. I promise they are more support than doctors. No, your current doctor will not cry himself to sleep if you leave.
Step 2: Mentally over prepare for the worst pain of your life (I did and it was never as bad I thought it would be). I will bring you the bradley book, but I am sure there are lots of good 'methods'.
Step 3: Don't be disapointed if you don't go natural.
Jenny's advice sounds great to me. I thought the pain wouldn't be too bad, and I took natural childbirth classes. But I was surprised...hurt much more than I thought it would. I liked the feeling of 'a runners high' after giving birth when I did it naturally...but you do pay a price for that. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I know you posted this like a month ago.. but whatever! I am also going to go natural. WOO HOO! If you find something great let me know! My plan right now is to read 'Husband coached childbirth' .. its the Bradley method for child birth. That is what has been recommended to me and seems like what I will be able to do.. I guess we'll find out when May rolls around.. :)
ps.. I love the name Xander!! Short for Alexander?? Sladen also loves the name and has been trying to talk Judd and I into naming the baby that.. haha. But we are set on Lincoln.
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