For those who have had a natural birth

[Ilithyia]

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?

Colby's Birth Story

2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?

I didnt ever reach a point where I wanted relief as such as I was so determined to have a drug-free labour, but I did reach a point in transition where I just wanted it to be over. I can remember during this time saying "nup, thats it" Things like that. But I knew what I wanted and I determined to achieve it.

3.) Any good books you recommend?

* Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin
* New Active Birth - Janet Balaskas
* Birthing from Within - Pam England
* Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering - Dr Sarah J Buckley

If you can, get your hands of a copy of the Business of Being Born documentary. You being in the U.S, this Doco is directly related to you and what your facing.

Orgasmic Birth is another great one

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?
Thanks for all your help guys

The Midwife I had wouldn't let me push until she could see "the tiny bit of head". This was hell. But the actual pushing was bliss! Crowning is the part that can be overwhelming. The burning, stinging and stretching that goes on is an intense feeling which can be quite frightening. So for me, I wouldn't say pushing was horrible at all. Empowering is a better word

5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing?

As above. Transition is a tough time. This is part that can often 'break' us and was the part where I was beginning to feel 'defeated'. This is the time where you need to dig deep and find that strength you didn't know you had. If natural birth is what you REALLY want.


The thing to remember in all of this is that birth isnt a competition. Drugs or no drugs, as long as there is a feeling of satisfaction in the outcome, it is all that matters

Good luck and I hope you achieve what you want.

p.s - No-one (NO-ONE) can force you to do anything you're not comfortable with. Find your voice and tell them to bugger off if they try to