What helped you get through labour and have a natural birth?

[Faithful Mumma]

My last bubba was 11lb 2 oz, and I delivered him naturally with no drugs. The best advice I can give is basically never let your fear overwhelm you when you are in labour, this causes you to panic and you lose all control over how are coping. When you start to get fearful and feel it taking over you, try and use something or someone to bring you back to a point of calm, and take it all one moment at a time. Just concentrate on one contraction at a time, don't think about how long you have to go, just think about how well you have done already. Don't be afraid to ask questions, don't be afraid to assert yourself and ask for more time etc.

My fave things that got me through were:
The showerhead in the hospital that I could hold under my belly during contractions....bliss!

Walking around and swaying in early labour (even though I had a midwife telling me I MUST go to bed and get some rest!). I am sure this helped my labour progress quickly.

The bath during when I was starting to almost, sorta, kinda, maybe, yes, no might be feeling like I can start pushing!

The bean bag that i buried my face in while pushing on all fours. This is a classic example of why you can't plan too much. I had told DH before labour NOT to let anyone get me too push on all fours, I tried this with number one and hated it....this time it was brilliant!!! Pushing was almost enjoyable in this possy, and the bean bag muffled my yelling!!

[*LittleMissSummer*]

The best advice I can give is basically never let your fear overwhelm you when you are in labour, this causes you to panic and you lose all control over how are coping. When you start to get fearful and feel it taking over you, try and use something or someone to bring you back to a point of calm, and take it all one moment at a time. Just concentrate on one contraction at a time, don't think about how long you have to go, just think about how well you have done already. Don't be afraid to ask questions, don't be afraid to assert yourself and ask for more time etc.

That is excellent advice and very true!

I found when i let myself get worked up and upset i couldnt cope but when i had it my head that i can do it and i will do it, it made it so much more bearable. My DD was born in the posterior position so i had a horrible back labour which i did without any drugs. And the good thing was i was never offered any.

Walking, standing and swaying, hot showers and baths really helped me get through my labour.

But my honest opinion is that the contractions were the worst bit, the actual giving birth was nothing. Pushing actually felt really good.

[Cassius2]

Pushing actually felt really good.

:yeahthat: