For those who have had a natural birth

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?

Here is my birth story.

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

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.

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Jude 07/10/2008 | Lilac 16/06/2011

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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. 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!

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?

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).

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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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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 :)

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..

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 :)

Thanks for all the info guys!

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?

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Jude 07/10/2008 | Lilac 16/06/2011

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" :lol: 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 :)

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 ;)

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

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It's in my sig ;)

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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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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!

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3.) Any good books you recommend

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

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

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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.

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

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

Good luck!

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 :D

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 :lol: 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 :D Good luck!

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 :)

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! :)

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 :D

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!