Natural or doctor assisted births?

I have- twice! (My twin were born c-section only because twin #1 was breech...otherwise they would have been natural, too. He is stubborn to this day, too...haha.) Anyway, there is no way to prepare yourself for the birth. It is very painful but effective relaxation techniques will ease you through it. Some people also have a higher tolerance for pain- I saw a natural birth once and the woman hardly cried out at all! (She was using good techniques, too). Take a birthing class (but make sure you pay attention to the c-section part just in case you need one at the last minute! I had a friend who had a scheduled c-sec so she didn't pay attention to the natural birthing part- she ended up having the baby naturally, I forget the details on why, but was she ever wishing she'd paid more attention!!) Do some searching online...I am sure you will find lots of relaxation technique info. And, something that would have very helpful knowledge for me in my first delivery but no-one chose to describe it this way is that effective pushing makes a huge difference and effective pushing is accomplished by using the same muscles as you would in having a bowel movement. Some people don't care to think of delivering a precious baby in those terms, but it is the truth. Does your doctor know of your wishes to have a natural birth and are they on board with that? You could find a midwife, too. Or a doula. You will do fine and do NOT let your parents sway YOUR decision...it is not theirs to make...very good idea to find supportive information that you can pass along to them to ease their fears.

I didnt have a natural birth so I couldnt really help you there, but I can say that once your contractions begin you will be hurting...bad. I'm not tring to scare you or anything, just tring to be honest. What you want to do is your choice and nobody elses. I wish there was something I could tell you to tell your parents to ease their fears, but I cant. Other than tell them that if it is too much pain for you to handle then you will ask for some type of medication. I'm not saying that you actually have to ask for any medication, but just try to make them feel better by saying things like that. My dr. said that many women say they want to go natrual, but end the end get some kind of meds. I'm not saying you will or you wont, the choice is yours.

I'm a student midwife, and a mother of 4. My pregnancies and births have covered much of the spectrum. My eldest was induced with pitocin, given an internal fetal monitor, and I had an epidural. My two middle children were labor started naturally, and I took nubain for pain. My fourth was at home, no meds, no augmentation, no intervention etc. Of the four, the last was hands down the best birth. If I have more, they will be born at home without inter-fear-ence. Her birth was peaceful, calm, and amazing. I felt supported, loved, cared for and protected by my family and my midwife- but not pushed or bothered or lectured by anyone. It's not for every woman, and some pregnancies honestly need assistance that can only be had in a hospital. But if you are a healthy woman, experiencing a normal pregnancy there is no reason you shouldn't birth however and where-ever you wish. This is your body, your baby, your birth. Every first time mom goes through a period of establishing boundaries with their parents and in-laws, it's normal for the grandparents to want to bombard you with how they know best and it's normal for you to need to push back and make clear that this is your baby. If you establish those boundaries now, you'll probably save yourself years of frustrations later.

I had a c section, so natural was just not an option. What I do have to tell you, though, is to keep an open mind. Childbirth is a very different experience for everyone and is unpredictable. I know that natural childbirth is something that seems like the better option, but the best thing is to be flexible. Learn about all of your options and any effects each option may have on you or your baby. That way, when the time comes you will be prepared to make the best possible decision. I am not trying to discourage you from a natural childbirth. Just educate yourself. And remember that this is your decision- not your parents' or your husband's parents' or your husband's. It is up to you alone to decide what you want to do. Don't be pressured by anyone to go either way. As far as alleviating your parents' fears- they love you and they worry. Just let them know that you have to do what you feel is best for you, and the best way they can help is to support your decision.

Yes i can totally recomend the natural non interventional methods as I have experienced both sides of the coin. With my 1st child I was extreemly scared of the whole situation and as soon as the contractions started I asked for an epidural, the hospital oblidged and the anesthetist came and administered the epidural, unfortunatly it did not work properly at all and only numbed one side of my body leaving the left side unable to move as the right side was numb but still full of pain, becuase of this I was unable to get out of bed and thefor my labout lasted longer as I didnt have gravity on my side and my daughter took longer to decend than she would have if I had been able to stand. The labout was long, hard and extreemly painfull, It left me extreemly uncomftable and also my daughter ended up in distress as the labour was that long. I was soon pregnant again 8 months later and I vowed not to have any medical intervention at all, I still gave birth in the hospital but the only method of pain relife i chose was breathing techniques I had learned this time the labour was quick and extreemly easy, im not saying it was pain free but as I was able to move around freely i was able to get into diff positions to help with the pain, I did actually want a water birth but because my son was overdue and had passed meconium I was advised against it. So definatly in my experience the non intervention method was the best and most enjoyable birthing experience, we have to remember giving birth is a totally natural process and our bodies are built to cope with this, I am not saying that medical intervention is not required as obviously in cases emergency C sections are needed etc. But i would strongly advise any1 who is wanting to have a natural unaided birth to do so, at the end of the day the desicion is down to the mother and you alone should make the right desicion for yourself. Hope this helps