How I Prepared For An Unmedicated Birth (and Succeeded)
An unmedicated birth is one of the most beautiful, fulfilling and empowering experiences I’ve ever had. It was also one of the most exhausting, painful, and difficult things I have ever done. During my nine hour labor there were times I wanted so desperately to tap out. I wanted relief, but now that I am sitting on the other side I can whole heartedly say that it is worth every second and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It is magical, but it wasn’t easy. I don’t believe I would have gone through with an unmedicated birth without preparing, so here is what I would recommend giving a try if you would like to have an unmedicated birth too.
First: You need to get inspired. The most important part of having an unmedicated birth is simply wanting to have one. If you desire it it is possible. I watched The Business of Being Born in my women’s reproductive health class in college. It literally changed my life. I have watched it and More Business of Being Born (both available on Netflix) multiple times since. It breaks down issues with the over medicalization of hospital births and was what made me want a different, or nontraditional experience. I also read Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth. It is full of positive and inspiring birth stories that make you believe in the power of the female body. Listen to positive, happy birth experiences and tune out negative things you may hear. Yes, childbirth can be painful, but that doesn’t make it impossible. Focusing on the pain takes away from the beauty of what birth is.
Second: Hire a doula. At least consider the option. Inevitably there will be those who say ‘I didn’t have a doula’, or ‘I didn’t like my doula,’ and it very well could be that doulas are not for everyone. I suggest at least looking into the idea of a doula and going from there. Doulas are basically your own personal support system. They coach you through pregnancy and labor. They are experts, and can help you navigate all of the hospital jargon. They are not medical professionals, and do not assist you when it comes to actually delivering, that would be your midwife or OB’s job. My doula was a miracle worker. She completely prepared me for my unmedicated, hospital birth, and I can’t imagine the experience without her. Doula’s can do many different services from childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, postpartum care, even birth photography. The cost of a doula can vary, but for me it was worth every penny. If you are interested in hiring a doula you could begin your search here: doulamatch.net
Third: Prepare your body. Start using your yoga ball, instead of sitting on your couch to move your peanut into the proper position. It makes birth easier and faster when the baby is in the right place. Go to prenatal yoga. If you learn anything it is how to breathe. I only went weekly, but I definitely thought of breathing techniques I learned at yoga while in labor. Prenatal yoga is all about getting comfortable in your changing body. There will be aches and pains, so the stretches and different positions are very helpful.
At 36 weeks my midwife told me to start taking evening primrose oil capsules (EPO). I got mine at Target in the pharmacy. You can taken them orally or insert them vaginally to soften the cervix. If you take them vaginally I recommend doing so at night and wear a panty liner. Also begin drinking red raspberry leaf tea. This will help tone your uterus and make for effective pushing. It is not the best tasting tea, but I am from Texas, so I made mine sweet and I had no problem getting my glasses in. You will want to work up to about three glasses a day at the end of your pregnancy. I would suggest talking to your care provider before trying EPO or drinking red raspberry leaf tea, but I loved my results. I went into labor 100% effaced, and I pushed my baby out in 10 minutes with 3 pushes. You can be the judge. Make sure you’re actually drinking red raspberry LEAF tea, and not just flavored tea. The leaf is what makes the difference. This is what I used.
Fourth: Prepare your mind! Arm yourself with information! Ask questions, go to classes. There are thousands of things that happen at the hospital (which deserves a post all it’s own, honestly). As a FTM it can be overwhelming and scary. Learn as much as you can about the labor process, hospital procedures, and your hospital. Take a hospital tour so you can envision where your will give birth. Even if you decide not to hire a doula you can take classes from one and that is something I highly suggest, over taking a quick hospital course. If you happen to be in the Houston area you may want to look into my doula’s courses at rebelbirth.com.
Fifth: Learn to say no. No to your family, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and anyone who is anything less than supportive of your desire for an unmedicated birth. Learn to ignore people and get your support people on board. That could be your husband, doula, mom, best friend, sister, whoever, but whoever they are needs to be supportive of you and your choices. They don’t need to understand it, but they need to be encouraging. Write affirmations! Constantly tell yourself that you are strong, capable, and powerful. Visualize your birth. Imagine every detail. From the first contraction, to the moment you lay your eyes on that sweet baby. Visualize it as you drive to work, lay in the bath, or fall asleep at night. Pray. Make a birth play list. I never listened to any of these songs while in labor, but I visualized and prayed almost every day of my pregnancy to these songs. They still move me to tears when I listen to them now. Here are some of my favorites:
This sounds like a lot, and it is, but it’s worth it for the end result.
Happy laboring!
-Alexa