am i being naive to think i can have a natural birth?

[tracey*]

Hi Gracie just wanted to add that I feel/felt the same way as you - silly and naive whenever I start to talk about not wanting drugs at all. I intend to stay at home for as long as possible (we're only 15 mins from the hospy), so I can work with the contractions in a comfortable environment (their birth unit is like a huge room with no windows!! eep). I really don't like the idea of taking anything because it'll cross into the placenta and I don't want to be 'out of it' - I will, though, keep an open mind that anything can happen.

I'm a big believer that our bodies were designed to give birth - no matter what way it happens. So drug-free is possible, for sure! Women have been doing this for thousands of years - and it's only really been in the past, what, 90 years? that we've been given drugs and carted off to the hospital to have our babies.

I took a prenatal yoga class - and the teacher was amazing. I ended up buying her book so I could keep her teachings in mind and practice at home. I think we're all 'taught' that labour is all screaming in the stirrups, but I think it's also the best day of your life I'd rather go into it thinking "I can do this" than "when can I get my epi?" - but this is what I want. I can't wait!!

Hope everything goes well for you xx

[Ginger]

yeah i agree Tracey, i keep thinking the same thing- that our bodies are made for it. i'm actually quite looking forward to it (is that weird??? i don't know!). i want to try to stay home as long as possible too. hospy is about 30-40 mins away depending on traffic. i have to admit, the whole induction thing has scared me a little, as i really just want the baby to come when it's ready..
best of luck with everything, can't wait to hear your birth announcement

[Jayney]

You can do it!

When I was preg with DD#1 an African woman had her baby in a tree by herself due to flooding. And I thought if she can do it by herself in a tree I can do it in a hospital with lots of support from everyone. I now have had 2 natural deliveries. With the first one I tried the gas once but really didn't like it. There was a point in both where I was thinking "Where is that sweet nurse who was offering me some drugs 'cause I changed my mind." But as it was transition they wouldn't give them to me anyway 'cause they knew it would only be a few minutes till I was pushing.

Your body has been crafted to do exactly what needs to happen to birth your baby. If you need help it will be there but many many people do this with no meds. In Canada it seems that a fair number manage to be like me and can do it and you can too!

[rosehannah]

Going into labour with a positive frame of mind really helps, trust your body and concerntrate on remembering that you will soon be welcoming your little one into the world. Two out of my three births were without pain killers, not because they were easier, but because I found I felt more in control and active without them. It is a good idea to have your support person remind you of your wishes, or if you don't have a support person write it on your hand or a piece of paper. Having said all that don't be to hard on yourself if you change your mind.
All the best for a great birthing experience