For those who have had a natural birth

[*The_Mrs.*]

So many a times in my head I have really wanted to do this naturally. With my first it didnt quite go that way and I blame it on doctors who just wanted a wam bam thank you mam birth. This is the reason we switched hospitals. With DD1 my water broke and I went in totally expecting to walk the halls and sit in a tub and try to go as natural as I could. When I got there it was a whole different ball game. The tied me to the bed and said I couldnt leave for risk of an infection, oh and I had 16 hours to labor or they were going to give me a c-section. Luckily, I made it to 11 hours and gave birth, but I was so anxious and scared of how they were making me feel that I gave in to pain medicine. I don;t regret it as it definitely helped, but I would really like to try and do it natural this time. So here are my questions:

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?

[Artechim]

Here is my birth story.

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...amelia-110542/

[SunnyRain]

I also desperately wanted a natural birth, and things didn't ever really go as I planned, but I did labour without meds and experienced all the pain. Pushing was unbelievably awful for me, but I am so glad I did experience it.

I had been trying for a waterbirth but ended up high risk so I had to be monitored, but I stuck firmly to my guns that I wanted to be upright, moving around as far as the ctg machine would let me.

However, because I'd planned for a water birth I knew no (not a single) pain management technique. I allowed the stupid midwife and dh to babble to each other the whole time I was trying to get through contractions. I didn't know what I was supposed to do, so do prepare yourself for different scenarios.

---'---,---«@
Jude 07/10/2008 | Lilac 16/06/2011

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

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?

1. Links to both if mine are in my sig (although I think I need to re-do DD2)

2. I never really felt the need for drugs or turning back, I trusted my body the 2nd time round and just tried to remember it knew what to do.

3. Nothing personally

4. I won't say it didn't hurt but adrenaline def kicks in, for DD2 my waters broke she was out 8min later, knowing I labor quickly probably helped mentally too though.

5. Each can have their own pains, neither stood out for me.


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

[Arcadia]

My birth stories are in my sig (but I have to redo dd)
I never, ever thought about drugs. Being at home meant it wasn't an option, and I knew that painful contractions meant the baby was coming! (both mine were well positioned so I knew the pain was normal). You have to have the mindset that pain is good. Painful contractions are productive...your body can deal with it because it is you, and nothing more.

Birthing from within is a great book

Pushing is often the best part because the breaks between contractions are more obvious, and you're so close. The ring of fire bloody hurt the first time, but it's literally for a few seconds and then it's all over.

Transition is hard because the contractions come on top of each other, and you often get really emotional. I didn't with ds, but with dd I felt angry. Pushing is blissful after transition I reckon...it feels cathartic.

I truly loved giving birth because I prepared myself and had a very supportive environment. Would you consider a doula or midwife?

[misty]

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?
Never actually written a birth story, but all four of mine were natyral births. I used a TENS machine for the last one, and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. The one thing in common about all of my births, is that I tend to go inside myself mentally and just shut out the world around me - so I go very quiet, rather then vocal (which unfortunately also tends to have the effect of the midwives not beleiving / understanding how far along I actually am until bubs decides to show themselves...).


2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?
Natural birth was actually not my choice for labour (definitely not for at least two of them)- the choice was taken out of my hands due to the speed of my labours. I only had the oppertunity for pain relief for the secind birth and my last birth. With my second birth I definitely did change my mind and want something (anything) at about the transition stage - but by then it is too late. With my last, I had fully embraced the reality that a natural birth was what I would end up with, and I didn'tchange my mind about it at all. I think the big difference was about me feeling in control of things and being able to not feel afraid. I felt alot more in control this time because I did have my TENS machine (which gave me something to focus on) and because I have been through it all before.

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
The pushing stage is not pleasant, but you have no choice. One thing I have learnt is that your body will take over at this point whether you want it too or not - and when you body is ready to push, you won't be able to resist. My last two births I really didn't "push" at all in the traditrional sense. Rather I just allowed my body and mind to 'relax' and my body pushed the babies out by itself.

sorry probably not a great explaination, but I don't know how else to describe it.

5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing?
Transition - this is the most likely point where I feel out of control and am more likely to want to just give up run away and hide (luckily that isn't an option by then).

[PumpkinZulu]

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?

Although my labour cannot be technically classed as 100% natural (I had gas for about 10 mins on the way to the hospital in the ambulance), I feel I came close.

1). Story is in my sig

2). Yes for sure. I laboured at home (had planned a homebirth), but when my waters broke there was meconium, so we needed to transfer to hospital. When my waters broke, my contractions instantly went from painful but manageable to extreme. That would have been fine on it's own, but coupled with the fear of transferring and worrying about the baby, I really lost control for a while, hence the gas in the ambulance. I brought myself back from that with the help of my support people; my DH, my doula and my midwife. Good support is essential. Once I found my focus again things were fine.

3). I really enjoyed Juju Sundins 'Birth Skills'. Although I didn't end up using many of the techniques in the book (I ended up being the type of person who needed to labour without being touched or making noise, in a quiet dark place), it really reiterated for me that birth pain is functional pain, not a 'sick' pain.

4). I loved pushing! I liked it more than contractions. Contractions were so huge and at times close to overwhelming - pushing, it was great! The contractions spaced out again, and my body just totally took over and did what it is meant to do. Yes, it hurt a fair bit when DD crowned, and it took me a contraction or two of just letting her sit there, as I was scared I would split in two lol! I ended up breathing her out...definitely my favourite part of birth. I felt so strong and womanly and purposeful. You just do it, you don't have a choice lol Also, my support people were essential in encouraging me through pushing.

5). Although I noticed when I was in transition, because the frequency of the contractions increased (until they were on top of each other), the pain never got any worse. For my labour, as soon as my waters broke, it was huge, extreme contractions. So for me I never had that build up of pain. I still think pushing was the best

[tellytubby]

The best book, hands down, (IMO of course!) is Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth - by Ina May Gaskin.

My advice, don't fight the contractions, embrace them. Although you are in a world of pain, remember, no injury is actually taking place.

Can't believe you're almost 25 weeks. Time is flying by..

[Lolpigs]

I also read Juju Sundin's Birth Skills for my birth coming soon TM I really enjoyed it too. It's a good balanced read that looks at the positive in all births rather than saying things need to be a set way or you have "failed".

I like practical skills and have practised a few of them and they do work, however I also have a Tens machine to help as well as this was recommnded to me also. I have a feeling however that I will withdraw into myself as that is what usually happens when I'm in alot of pain so we shall see.

I'm hoping to go as long as posisble without pain relief.

Good Luck

[*The_Mrs.*]

Thanks for all the info guys!

[SunnyRain]

Arcadia said the ring of fire lasts just a few seconds. I had read that when the skin stretches so much the nerve endings are cut off.

I just want to say this did not happen to me. The ring of fire lasted through several agonising contractions as my baby's head popped in and out and I struggled to push her through. I will never forget that pain.

I also struggled with the pain of my cervix stretching, I did not expect it. But the ring of fire... Yeah.

Why can't they give women a local anaesthetic in their vulva?

---'---,---«@
Jude 07/10/2008 | Lilac 16/06/2011

[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

[helle]

I was induced, however I never had any pain relief so I still considered in a natural birth - my body just didn't wanna let bubby out

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

It's in my sig

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

Nope. However my body decided it was time to push and started doing it all on it's own (so clever) and the midwife wanted to check to make sure I was fully dilated before I let go as I had gotten to that point alot quicker than they had expected (which was fine by me, I have heard horrid things of women pushing way to soon and making everything swell, and then having to wait for that swelling to go down while holding the push before they can actually push!) Holding back on pushing is the hardest thing I had to do, and I did get desperate and ask the midwife if a puff of gas would help me. She said perhaps, but encouraged me to keep panting while she waited to check. (she was very pro natural) And thankfully I was good to go!

3.) Any good books you recommend

?
I didn't read anything. I went in with an open mind and two amazing support people.

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

Pushing for me was AMAZING. It just felt so good to bare down and push. I could feel the burning, but aside from that it feels like such a relief to actually push, which I think overode that burning feeling.

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

I didn't realise I had been in transition until I started pushing... so, ah... neither were terrible?

Good luck!

[RainbowBrite]

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?
I have had 5 totally natural births, I don't have their stories written down on here though.

2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?
No not really, transition was tough but I knew that it meant the birth was imminent so I pushed through it. I road the contractions like a wave, riding the up knowing it won't last long and then the bliss as I went down the other side...using the inbetween to breath and refocus.

3.) Any good books you recommend?
I didn't read anything on natural birth but a friend gave me Up the duff by Kaz Cooke and it was so funny.

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?
I didn't think the pushing stage was that bad really. My first hurt/stung a bit but the kids after that literally popped out (second stage for my last three was literally 2-5min...precipitous births)

5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing?
For me it was definitely transition, contractions one on top of each other without much break but as I said above I knew things where close so I pushed through it.

Good luck

[Sunny Love]

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

After my first medically-induced birth and traumatic after experience I was petrified of doing it all over again. Thats my context in a nutshell, small nut.
I was adament with my second that I wanted NO epidural to be offered, I wanted to ask for it if I needed it. I refused any induction offer. I really wanted to be in charge of this birth, I wanted to enjoy it, it was mine not the hospitals to experience. I knew I could do it, others needed to get on the same page as me or get of the birthsuite. My second labour began with contractions and a bloody show, I remained at home and walked through the contractions. I arrived at hospital 2 hours before he was born, and I loved every moment.

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

At one point I became distracted and upset (trauma from my first birth) by the sight of myself stretching and tearing. My support team just kept on encouraging me though and chanting for me to keep up my great effort, they knew I wanted to watch this all happen and just needed them to keep me on track.

3.) Any good books you recommend?

I just read lots of BB and internet birthing articles.

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

It felt comforting for me, it was just the sight that put me off. Adrenaline is a great tool, but you need focus as well. Focus was vital for me.

Thanks for all your help guys

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

Not sure, I loved it all. I was in charge

[Babyluv]

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?
Here's my DD birth story, it was truly an amazing experience and I can't wait to do it again.
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...around-156727/

2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?
No, I was a little disheartened when I was told at one stage I probably had another 10hrs to go but the MW had no clue and I'm glad I stuck it out and got the birth I had dreamed of. I was determined to experience birth without drugs.

3.) Any good books you recommend? Birth Skills by Juju Sundin and Sarah Murdoch. I learnt some great skills on pushing, breathing, learnt about pain relieving hormones in the body, how to utilise them and how stress affects them.

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

Pushing stage is not horrible at all. It's painful when bub is crowning and you are waiting for the next contraction but honestly I expected it to be much worse. I didn't feel the need to scream or cry out, I was completely focused during pushing. I found the Contractions before pushing (the ones that are on top of each other without relief) to be the hardest part of the whole experience.

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

See above

I loved my DD's birth, it made me feel such a sense of accomplishment. I felt amazing after the birth, recovered quickly and was up and about within a few hrs. I can't wait to do it again.

Good luck, you can do it!

[Heaven]

1.) for those that have done it..can I have your story?
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...incess-157563/

2.) Was there a point that you wanted to turn back and what made you change your mind?
No, I don't think so. I never felt the pain was too much to handle, I was expecting it to get way worse.

3.) Any good books you recommend?
Juju Sundin's birth skills- I didn't end up using many of the techniques but I felt better knowing that I had options and ideas if I needed them.
Ina May's Guide to Child Birth- AWESOME, definitely read this one!!

4.) Is the pushing stage so horrible or do you have adrenaline to push past it?
It wasn't horrible and I didn't feel it was really painful. The contractions didn't hurt as much becasue I had something to do and they were spaced out a lot more. Pushing felt good! It was just very hard work and I pushed for 2 hrs so I was getting pretty tired and over it by the end of it. As soon as she was out though my energy was all back, LOL.

5.) In your opinion, which is worse? Transition or pushing?
I didn't even notice transition, no idea when it was. And pushing wasn't bad, I didn't even really feel that crowning hurt much. I was scared that it would because I've read lots of people say it was so painful but it just felt like stretching and I remember saying 'it stings' but it was only a little bit and what I expected, no big deal, I think I was almost totally numb by then after all the pushing, lol.

Don't worry, try to relax and trust your body. Woman have been doing this forever and you can too. You just need to find your groove, concentrate on the job, and have good support

[~Hestia~]

1. I knew I didn't want to use drugs so I hired a TENS machine for use during labour. I will be doing the same this time, I was really happy with it. It gave me something to focus on. I had quite a long labour but managed to get to 8cms before I went into hospital. It was another 12 hours before I actually gave birth to Moo as he was not in a good position and was stuck. During my labour I knew something wasn't right and after I was checked Moo was found to have his head presenting at the wrong angle. The room was then set up for a ventouse delivery but because he was too high this was not an option. So I did have a natural birth in the end, he was 9lbs and I had no tears.

2. There wasn't so much a point where I didn't want a natural birth, but I definitely reached a point where I could've quite happily cut the baby out myself Drugs never entered my mind and I had told my midwife not to offer them to me.

3. I read New Active Birth and this time I'm reading Ina May's too.

4. I don't remember pushing being so bad. I knew it was all coming to an end which was a relief. I didn't have an urge to push which was difficult, I do wonder if this was due to Moo being in the wrong position. So although it was hard work I felt like it was all leading somewhere ITMS. Crowning was painful as others have mentioned but in my case it didn't last long.

5. Transistion for me lasted a looong time. I remember having a bit of a cry as I couldn't see any end and I had been in labour for many hours. This is the point where the midwife finally listened to me saying something was wrong. So for me this was worse than the pushing stage simply due to the length, my waters broke at 10am and from then on I had never ending contractions until I gave birth 8 hours later. In hindsight I can see that my body was trying very hard to get Moo down and in the right spot!

I am proud of myself but I would've been proud of myself regardless Good luck!