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One Mom Chooses an Unmedicated Birth
When I became pregnant, I was your average 28-year-old, just as nervous about giving birth as the next mom-to-be. I didn't stand firmly in either the natural-birth or the epidural camp. I didn't know what I was up against, so how could I commit to one way or the other?
As I thought about it, I realized that my highest priority was to have the safest birth possible. It seemed so illogical to avoid drugs (even over-the-counter ones) during pregnancy but to use them (even strong narcotics) during the birth. And frankly, I didn't trust a stranger, no matter how educated, to stick a long needle into my spine. But if the pain was as unbearable as everyone said, how could I make it through labor without drugs?
Before I'd thought about it much more, my husband, Lou, came home with news of friends who'd had two babies using the Bradley method. This completely natural method of childbirth has been around since the 1970s, but I'd never heard of it. When I looked into it, I discovered that the Bradley method's education and relaxation techniques and its emphasis on the dad as coach suited Lou and me perfectly. An intensive 12-week class gives couples information, such as how the body works to give birth and what routinely happens in a labor and delivery room, so that they can make informed decisions. While using relaxation as a way of handling and reducing pain is the goal of most natural birthing methods, Bradley instructors teach expectant moms to surrender control of their bodies using normal breathing and by focusing inward. (In contrast, Lamaze uses altered breathing patterns and outside focal points as means of distraction.)
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Big tip, forget about what society has taught you about birth, as well as all those ridiculous birth scenes in movies. All those things put unnecessary fear into women which is why they end up panicking during labor. Also- DONT SCREAM! That actually pushes your baby up which is what you dont want and even though I didnt feel the slightest urge to scream, I feel like if I did it would've only made the pain worse. And stop saying you have low pain tolerance! It's just an excuse and you know that.
4/23/2012 10:06:00 PM Report AbuseI think that the reason women end up getting epidural is because the doctors and nurses ask you every 20 minutes if you want one. Of course, hospitals do make a profit so it makes sense why they do that, because it's funny how women who opt for midwives are a lot less likely to get it. I had an Ob with my first and didn't have an epidural and I wont for this one either. My baby's wellbeing comes first.
4/23/2012 09:57:48 PM Report AbuseIt is not true that "In contrast, Lamaze uses altered breathing patterns and outside focal points as means of distraction." Lamaze operates on 6 Healthy Birth Practices - let labor start on its own, have continuous support, move freely during labor, avoid unnecessary medical interventions, follow natural urges to push, and keep mom and baby together following the birth. The breathing we teach is about becoming aware of one's breath and doing the breathing that feels right in that moment.
4/13/2012 01:02:21 PM Report AbuseWe just finished our Bradley class last night! I'm due in five weeks and hearing these stories helps give me inspiration that we will be just fine! Thank you all!
6/23/2011 01:16:36 PM Report AbuseI went w/ Bradley because I didn't want ANY chances of drugs effecting my baby. If I had to suffer pain for a sev hrs to insure my baby was perfectly healthy, that's what I was determined to do. The 12wk course seems like alot, but you wouldn't go & run a marathon w/o training. So in 12 wks, you TRAIN your body what to expect during L&D & it works! Was it pain free? HECK NO! But, my baby was ALERT (not drugged) & in perfect health!
4/11/2011 09:10:29 AM Report AbuseI love the Bradley method! I labored the difficult contractions in the tub and I was able to completely relax and let my body do what it does best. Labor was virtually painless. Pushing, although more painful, was great because I got to feel my body push my son, as it naturally should, and by working with that, pushing was fast! My body did exactly what it was supposed to, and by working with it, instead of against it, the labor experience was so much more meaningful. It truly is miraculous!
1/31/2011 02:18:55 PM Report AbuseTo moms who are considering no drugs, I'd like to say 'You are stronger than you think.' I left my options open, and even asked for an epidural, but was too far along. If you can keep moving as long as you're able, the labor will progress, and you can make it through the end without drugs.
10/27/2010 03:09:15 PM Report AbuseI did natural my 1st son. When the time came I surrendered to the process, I had no control of it and my body seemed to know just what to do and I think by trusting in my body, it was a beautiful experience. 2nd time, I was given some type of horrible IV drug. I was still in pain but I was too doped up to be able to even connect with my baby or even communicate with the people around me. I still don't have all my memories of that birth.I say I will refuse any and all drugs, but that's just me.
7/11/2010 06:13:38 PM Report AbuseI did the Bradley method with my first child. She was born in a birthing center and it was amazing! My son was born at home with a midwife, also using the Bradley techniques. We are pregnant with our 3rd who we also plan to have a homebirth with. The Bradley method is incredible. I never would have thought I'd have been so prepared for childbirth!
5/18/2010 04:21:36 PM Report AbuseBeautiful story. I admire you for going the distance and sticking to your plan for the most natural birth allowed. My hat is also off to your husband for being such a support. I even had tears in my eyes reading the story. I do not plan for epidural but would like also to go as naturally as pain permits. I can't say I can go completely natural such as yourself, but your story is an inspiration & I will definitely do some more research over natural birthing techniques. Congrats on your baby girl!
5/16/2010 12:32:06 PM Report Abuse