For those who have had a natural birth

I'll just give you some quick little answers for my DD's birth :) DS's was mostly natural too though. Just a little pethidine which wore off before the pushing stage.

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?
It's been 9 months and I've almost finished writing it, hehe.

2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?
I got scared and started to panic when I went into transition. That's by far the worst part of labour (for me) and with DS I got stuck in transition for nearly 3 hours when I had read "all the books" that say it's generally about 1/2 an hour. So when I went into transition with DD at 3cm dilation and my Ob had thought I'd give birth in 4 or so hours I started to feel like I was losing control. Less than half an hour later I delivered my DD with my own hands :)

3.) Any good books you recommend?
I read a few good books which I think made me "feel" prepared, but honestly once I was in labour all of that "book stuff" never entered my mind. I was totally focused on me and what I was feeling and just trusted my own instincts and my body.

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?
Once I started pushing with DD I don't remember feeling any pain at all! Even with DS I felt so much relief when I was pushing.

5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing?
TRANSISTION! For me it is a million times worse than pushing.


Good luck with everything! I hope you have the birth you are hoping for :)

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story? Ive had 2 of my 7 drug free, 1 was totally drug free in that i didnt even have the injection to release the placenta faster, the other was drug free for the birth but i had the injection after. Both were very fast, 1hr 4 mins and 42mins. The 1hr 4 min one wasnt planned to be drug free, the drugs just didnt get to me in time, the 42min one was planned to be drug free and with delayed cord clamping (DCC) which i highly recommend.

2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind? There was no point with either where i wished i had drugs, not even the one where the epidural was on the way, it was mainly going to be administered to help keep my BP down. I can honestly say that i didnt really feel "pain" with either, it just got intense at times, particularly towards the moving down the birth canal bit.

3.) Any good books you recommend? I read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth book with the 42min one and it was awesome. A bit hippy like but the confidence it instilled into me that i could do it was priceless. Birth is a natural process, it angers me that so many women (and babies) are put on "schedules", leave them be and let the labour progress as it should, only step in if absolutely necessary. Same with DCC too, why is there a rush to cut the cord? Let the baby receive all the blood its entitled to. The presentation of my baby that had DCC compared to my others was phenomenal, he was pink straight away and super alert and he actually had less jaundice than all my others.

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it? Pushing is not horrible, it feels good, its a relief to the contractions. If you take it easy and ease your way through the pushing you tend not to tear much. I tore with my first because i went at pushing hammer and tongs with no guidance from my mw, the other 6 i had guidance and i never tore with any of them because i eased through the pushing. Obviously this is just my experience though, i cant speak for others.


5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing? Transition is pretty feral, its when i feel most out of control. And surprisingly, after 7 babies, when im in transition i still dont recognise im in transition till later on in hindsight. But this is the point where i start saying silly things like ive had enough, lets do this tomorrow. Its like i suddenly hit a point of exhaustion but i come out of it pretty quickly. I think transition is worse than pushing though.

Have faith in yourself and your body. It was made to do this. It really is a natural thing. I think we are scared into thinking its going to hurt so we go in with the mindset of having drugs before even allowing ourselves to experience our labour. I know this has been the case for me 5 out of 7 times. That said though, im high risk and it was necessary for me to have epidurals for bp issues BUT i wish i had of had the confidence to ask for alternatives or a trial without drugs first. Knowing what i know now after having #7 im annoyed that i let them control my experiences.

Here is my birth story
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...vor-xx-157597/

Then again I had a FANTASTICLY AWESOMELY FABULOUSLY AMZING student midwife xxxx

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

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

3.) Any good books you recommend?

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

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

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1. I dont have an actual story but others have helped you out there. I could do something and PM if you were still after it. In a nutshell 7.5 hour labour, 2 hour 2nd stage.

2. Nope, my head was so focused on the task at hand it never occured to me to change what I was doing.

3. Birth without Fear by Grantley ****- Read (obviously his name is apparently rude lol)

4. Pushing was fine for me, I didnt get pain from it all. Transition was very quick for me and made me nauseous. That threw me off my game for a split second but for me stage 1 was the 'worst' although I dont reallyb think any of my birth was 'bad' as such.

HTH

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

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

3.) Any good books you recommend?

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?

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

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1) DS1's birth story is in my sig - click on "our lion cub". I have not posted DS2's birth story, but it was an induction and I only used gas for pain relief.

2) I'm not sure what you mean - was there a point I wanted pain relief? With DS1, no. I had my hypnobabies on the ipod and my TENS machine. I also used the shower a lot. With DS2, it was so much harder, emotionally and physically. I used the bath for pain relief and a bit of TENS. At one stage I asked for pethidine but then changed my mind and just sucked on gas - think I got to 20% or however they measure the dose.

3) Henci Goer's Thinking Woman's Guide to better birth; Sarah Buckley's Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering; Hypnobabies Home Study course material & self-hypnosis CDs

4) With DS1, it was harder work than I thought it would be but it wasn't horrible. The body takes over, you go with it, send all your energy and power to your bottom, tuck your chin into your chest and keep your voice deep/low (higher tones can self-induce panic). The people in the most pain were the poor midwives whose hands I was crushing each time I pushed. I've had more painful poos. With DS2, it was easy, he was so tiny :(

5) With DS1, I don't remember transition. I was on a roll and never did the "i wanna go home, I've had enough" stuff I'd read about. I had that with DS2, but again, it was an induction and he had passed away, so it was never going to be fun. With DS1 the pushing was exhausting but once I realised what needed doing, I was OK. I thought I was letting people down by not pushing well enough (like there's some prize they give out for technique - I still don't know what I was thinking). At least with pushing you can regain a sense of control. For some women, anyway.

TBH, apart from the end, DS1's birth kicked ass and I could have done that again after a week's rest. I loved it.

I've read a lot of birth stories and they are all so different, even with the same woman, different baby. Some take a lot of time, some come in a rush. Some need to be pushed, some slip out. I recommend doing a lot of reading. Write a 1 page birth plan and hand out lots of copies. Arm yourself with techniques and strong support. Then adjust as it happens. Don't get hung up on the perfect birth. Concentrate on having a "better" birth instead. If you are more empowered than last time, it will be better, whether it's vaginal, c/s, takes hours or minutes, happens at home, hospital or the side of the road.

GL

My birth wasn't 'natural' cos there was a whole lot of interventions, but the only pain relief i used was the gas even though i was inducedwith syntocin and bub was posterior and didn't turn during labour.

I was clear in my mind going into it that i didn't want an eidural or pethidine injections and had definite reasons for this. Therefore it was easy to say no (multiple times bc they had hearing impairments apparently) because i was clear in my decision and so they weren't even options for me.

Books i loved:
Ina May Gaskin - Spiritual Midwifery & Ina May's Guide
Henci Goer - Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
Janet Balaskas - Active Birth
Juju Sindin -

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

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

3.) Any good books you recommend?

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

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

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1) I haven't written DD's birth story but this is the short version:

Contractions started at 12:25pm and within 2 hours were 3-4 minutes apart. My waters broke at 6:45pm and when we got to hospital around 8:00pm my cervix was only 2cm dilated (not encouraging since the contractions were almost on top of each other at this point). Got to delivery suite at 9pm and DD was born at 10:43pm after 35 minutes of pushing.

2) I did have moments during the pushing stage when I thought (and said) I couldn't do it anymore. Not sure what I meant by this. I think I just wanted it all to be over. My awesome midwife would remind me to trust my body, it could do this. When I'd arrived at the delivery suite she'd read my birth plan and talked about pain relief. Because I'd stated in my plan that I didn't want any, she told me that she wouldn't offer and if I asked would even remind me of my plan.

3) Janet Balaskas - Active Birth
Marsden Wagner - Creating your Birth Plan

4) I don't remember pushing being terrible - even though I did end up with a second degree tear. For most of it I was pretty focused on my body and just 'going with it'. It was hard work (next time I want to try and relax and kind of 'breath baby out' rather than actively push), but as I said above, whenever I thought I couldn't do it anymore my midwife would tell me my body was made to give birth and then I'd get back in my zone.

5) I didn't realise until afterwards what transition was. During first stage I'd been quite comfortable riding the contractions. Then I got to a point where I could not find a comfortable position. That was kind of scary, but eventually I found sitting on the toilet comfortable and was ready to push.


ETA - I did have gas while I was being stitched up. I needed it then but was glad I didn't have it for labour. I don't like that light-headed, drunken feeling and don't think I could have coped with labour as well if I'd felt like that.

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

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My twins' birth story is in my sig, but it is pretty similar to my other births apart from the number of babies ;)

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

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Yes, when I was really tired. My wonderful midwives and DH kept me grounded.

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3.) Any good books you recommend?

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Hypnobirthing, by Marie Mongan.

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4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?

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I found 2nd stage to be the best bit as I didn't have to concentrate on staying relaxed and could just get on with it.

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

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transition, because I felt out of control. Luckily it doesn't last long.

Transition!....Just makes me want to leave myself LOL

Pushing is GREAT! Means there is a job to do and you are at the end. I Feel NO pain when pushing :) Thats the complete truth.

DD1- Gas, good to bite the mouth bit but did nothing
DD2 - no pain relief cause there was NO pain!
DS - same
DD3 - same

:)

You will do a great job!

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

DDI had DD vaginally, but not naturally. With her, I was induced due to what the doc's thought were leaking fore waters (it was my hind waters leaking and I didn't need to be induced at all), I had AROM and I had gas and two pethadine shots.
I also had AROM with both of my boys births, but the intervention in the actual birth stops there, after baby was here, again with both boys, I had interventions also (synto, stitching, 'help' birthing the placenta...)
DS1
DS2

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

No, not really. Call me crazy, but I kind of enjoy birthing. :dunno: The vomiting, every time, I could really have done without, but it didn't really make me want to go back.

3.) Any good books you recommend?

Nope, I got all of my baby/birth/labour knowledge from BB, friends and first hand experience!

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?

When I get to the pushing stage, I know the end is close and my body pushes involuntarily. Pushing gives you something to really focus on other than the pain of the contractions. For me, it's a bit of a relief to be pushing because I know within a few moments (usually!), it will be over.

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

I think, if you're not aware of what it is, transition is the worst, because it makes you a little crazy! I panicked a bit when having DD because I was SO tired, I was under pressure from the OB and midwives to have baby soon, or C/S which I was more petrified of than giving birth and I just wanted it over and it so was painful. For me I panicked a little and lost faith for a while with DD's birth, but with the knowledge of what transition was during both of the boys births, and a little guidance from my gorgeous Doula, I realised what was happening and got through it without going too batty! Once I realised it meant baby would be here soon, all was well, lol!

I have MrJ's story written up and will write up MrT's when I have time. I also have MrJ's birth recording in my sig and will be uploading MrT's once I've edited the m/w and student doc out (not allowed them in it).

I was yelling at them to cut MrJ out, I wanted a c/sec by the end. I never changed my mind but glad my doc made me have him naturally as that was my initial plan and I really wanted to avoid c/sec at all costs (as most of us do really, even those that have no choice and know it is best for their bubs). With MrT, I decided I didn't want to do this anymore and asked to go back home and that bub can live in there forever lol.

I didn't read any books

The pushing part was so much better than the labour. I was so happy when it was pushing time.

Transition was the BEST part of labour/birth. I got the chance to rest for a few minutes before it was time to start pushing, the pain just disappeared. I didn't transition with MrT but he was a short labour and didn't need it, I just wanted him out! Haha

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

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

3.) Any good books you recommend?

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

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

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1) In short, I've had two natural, drug-free births. I did a hypnobirthing class prior to the birth of DS1 and it was worth its weight in gold. It gave me the confidence to birth the way I wanted, and empowered me. Let's just say no one at the hospital bossed me around ... Hypnobirthing also gave me the tools to stay calm, focused and relaxed throughout my birthing experiences.

2) I "knew" I could do whatever I needed to do to birth my beautiful babies. I never doubted myself ... I trusted my body and my ability to birth.

3) Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan's and Also Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Dr Sarah Buckley.

4) I didn't find anything horrible about giving birth. When the pushing stage hits you, just "let go" and don't be self-conscious. Work with your body. Pushing might not be a walk in the park, but you're not losing a limb, you're gaining a baby :)

5) Same as above ... it's all part of birthing a baby, so I just embraced it and worked with my body. My sons were both born after approx 30 mins of pushing (for the record, pushing is not quite the hypnobirthing way of doing things - you're supposed to "breathe the baby down" ... but I was adaptable and did what I felt was right ... all part of feeling empowered).

Good luck!

ETA: Get your DH on the same page as you, to encourage and support you ... he should be as focused as you ... and make sure he deflects any rudeness or whatever from anyone while you are giving birth. My DH was wonderful (thanks to him going to the hypnobirthing classes too) and he allowed me to focus on me. I should say, with DS2 I had a mw who had also been taught about hypnobirthing ... she was ace. S.he even made sure the Ob didn't give me a shot in the leg to bring the placenta delivery forward. She commented to us afterward how "lovely" it was to see that a natural, drug-free birth could be achieved easily. I got the impression it was not something she saw regularly.

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

My birth story is in my signature :)


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

Nope. However towards the end after being told so many times by the midwives that I didn't look far at all and I had so much time to go and as I wasn't getting internals it was just before I felt the urge to push (most likely in transition) that I was saying to DH that I want something, anything and that I don't think I can do it - however that did not last long at all and I wouldn't have seriously taken anything, I was just getting overwhelmed/ exhausted/ lacking faith that i was getting anywhere. Boy, how wrong they were. I totally relate to misty in that I was a silent labourer too and they totally misjudged how far I was :)


3.) Any good books you recommend?

Childbirth without fear by grantley ****read. This was a fantastic book as I really felt it helped give me the confidence in trusting my body and helped me learn not to interpret the contractions as pain but rather as tightening and pressure which enabled my baby to move through my body. It really makes a huge difference to pain whether you fear and fight the contractions or just go with the flow.. and this book explains all that.


4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?

I didn't love the pushing stage as I felt it was very overwhelming but I did find the long breaks in between rather helpful as I could gather myself and even hold up a conversation, drink some water etc. But when it was happening it was FULL ON! Much more so than the rest of the labour. I definitely would say that your body has the adrenaline for it - you don't get put through anything you can't handle :) you just need to trust your instincts and let your body take over


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

I look back and I am still quite confused as to when and if I experience transition. I remember getting my first (and only) internal I was 9cm. I requested this when I started feeling really groggy, weird and out of it. I felt strange sensations almost to push. This didn't really bother me - I just knew that there was change happening in my experience and labour was coming to an end. I then had a long break before pushing which I actually enjoyed so I would say that pushing was the most uncomfortable part of labour experience.


I hope I helped! Natural birth is truly such a wonderful thing. I look back with so much happiness and pride at my birth experience. I would give birth again in a heartbeat if I knew it would be like my first (aside from being in labour over 24 hours and not sleeping for a few days prior LOL). I really would not call it painful and it was an extremely empowering experience. I wish you all the best and all I can say is believe in yourself and your body to birth your baby. We were made to do it :)


Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else!

This is a rewrite of what I wrote here on BB but would take too long to find and I'm typing one handed!