Did You Take Prepared Childbirth Classes?

well.. mine was ol natural.. they don't know why the epidurals didn't work at all. they think that the guy didn't have it in my spine right

I didnt have to pay for my classes, they were free. I did ask for an epidural, more like begged for one, but never got it. By the time they were ready to give me one, I had to push. I went from 6cm dialated to delivered in 15 minutes.

My daughter tried to have natural birth, and wound up getting a shot to ease the pain and relax her. When my grandson was born she said that she requested no pain meds. I gave birth to my babies naturally. Breathing and staying focused is key. If you have a good coach and the will to carry it through, it will be okay. Women have give birth without medication for centuries.

Did your class instructor talk about an epidural as well as unmedicated birthing?

Yes, both were talked about. We learned some breathing and relaxation techniques, but I didn't use them during child birth because I didn't feel the need to.

Did you have an epidural at around 4 centimeters dilation during the first stage of labor? 4 centimeters seems to be a common recommendation and preference.

Yes, classes are fun! I teach early pregnancy classes and make friends that can last years.

Many times when I teach classes, we have dinners as each baby is born. Parents also bring their babies to class for a visit.

Ummm...I don't remember. I think my third because I remember being pretty big at the time and finding it difficult to sit in the uncomfortable chairs.

The classes I teach begin in the firt trimester, and everyone sits in beanbag chairs or the floor...

Did you start classes in your third trimester of pregnancy?

Warped? Do you mean you have a low pain tolerance or high pain tolerance?

I understand, different people have different reactions to pain, and different ways of outwardly handling pain. We can't judge pain level by someone's outward expressions only.

It goes either way sometimes. When I was having contractions with my first, I was in A LOT of pain. I was taking a shower and blacked out (didn't hurt myself since the shower was narrow). When I went to the hospital, they kept sending me back saying I wasn't in that much pain and was "faking" so that I could get my doctor to induce me. Not true! I had always been taught to not show feelings/pain around others.

Sounds great, especially that you were able to spend tiem with your midwife reviewing your previous birth experience. Education and confidence are powerful tools!

I started teaching in 1977, I was originally trained and certified by The Association for Childbirth at Home, International, after giving birth at home with midwives to my eldest child in 1976. I founded INFORMED CHILDBIRTH PERINATAL EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM (ICPEOP) in 1980 and evolved into Auntie Natal 911. (antenatal=around or before birth; prenatal). 9 months, 1 purpose, 1 goal: Healthy Mothers make Healthy Babies! I train others as well to teach my series of classes; as well as train Birth and Postpartum Doulas. Here's a link to my website http://www.auntienatal911.com

I agree!! It is the belief in the power of knowledge and educating women to make INFORMED decisions about their health that led me to become certified to teach Childbirth Education classes. Now I also write freelance articles on the subject and hopefully help open some "mainstream" eyes to the truth of childbirth and what it CAN be.

How was your experience with "laughing gas?" Are you in Europe?

I went to childbirth classes for the first one, and I agree they didn't prepare me for the pain. I breathed like that when the contraction came anyway, they didn't have to tell me! LOL

Physiologic breathing...its just following your body's lead...so you breathe according to the amount of "work" your body is doing. Worked for me with 3 birthings, and physiologic breathing is what I teach in my classes as well!

Did you take LaMaze classes? LaMaze has a reputation for breaking down during labor and every woman I've talked to, who's used that type of trained breathing, said the same thing you do. I teach "physiologic breathing".

Did you have experience being around pregnancy and birthing before your first child?

An epidural worked for you? Were the classes taught by your doctor or clinic or hospital? Some hospitals require classes, especially if your husband/partner wants to be with you, and/or if you choose to use an "alternative birthing center" (ABC) room in the hospital.

Did you feel prepared for labor and delivery?

You must've begun classes in your last trimester of pregnancy, yes?

That's right! Breathe that stress away!!

Thank you for responding. Were you able to use the breathing and focal point techniques for a while before the epidural? Did the techniques break down and stop working for you? Was it LaMaze? Bradley? Another kind?

Did you have an epidural? Were you surprized at the sensations of labor?

Were you "freaked out" giving birth "at home" in an emergency situation? I'm assuming you planned a hospital birth with your son. Thank you for responding!

Bless your heart. You had your son the exact same way that my mom had me. That must've been terrifying!

Can you explain about how your experience was awful? I'm sorry, hon, I mean it.

I gave birth three times without pain meds and it was transendental, spiritual, yes painful, yet the bridge that made me feel "initiated". All three birthings were beautiful.

Guatemala has a home birth, family centered tradition of childbearing that is total opposite to USA western obstetric practics. My website, Auntie Natal 911 has a link to a full report on diversity and its impact on public health in the USA's Guatemalen immigrant pregnant women. Check it out: http://www.auntienatal911.com antenatal: occurring around or before birth; prenatal

Did your classes discuss being numbed for pushing and how that feels?

Being able to feel the urge to push, as well as descent and emergence of your baby--definately helps with pushing.

No, but my epidural was gone by the time I had to push so I felt all of it. I think it was a good thing because I have heard that it is difficult to push when you can't feel anything.

Can you recommend some of your favorite books or websites?

Here's my website, Auntie Natal 911: 9 Months, 1 Purpose, 1 Goal: Healthy Mothers make Healthy Babies! http://www.auntienatal911.com