No epidural!

[Lailarenee]

I want have my daughter with no drugs. I am a first time mom. My husband and I didn't take any birthing classes. Does anyone have any encouraging tips or advice for a natural labor?

[chelsilucky3]

I've done it both ways and I will be getting one again this time just was a more peaceful and memorable experience for me with the epidural BUT the good news is nothing is set in stone. Make sure you tell them you want to try natural but you have time to decide and if you get pasted the window where you can have it (usually about 8cm) then you got it it's almost over anyways. Good luck!!

[KhayahAndTray]

I had my son naturally on May 4th. Just breathe through those contractions and you'll do just fine. It's not easy but it's worth it. You can do it!

[hannahpm13]

Be sure to sign an epidural sheet just in case you change your mind. I tried going natural with my baby and I couldn't do it. By 5cm I was so miserable I couldn't bear it any longer. I don't have a very high pain tolerance, though. Girls do it all the time so I'm sure you can too! I just couldn't handle it. Just make sure you can get the drugs if you end up changing your mind.

[thspeach_02]

Be sure that you're wanting to do this.... cause once you hit full contractions the Dr won't give you anything... I thought I wanted natural with my first and ended up having to have 3 epidural for an emergency c-section... discuss it with your dr as far as what is recommended

[claireberry21]

When i had my 1st i did it on just gas & air, finding the right position & mind set helps. Expect pain but know that you can do this. Good luck, 3 days left for me xx

[Lailarenee]

Thanks for your advice

[faithanduriah]

I took a childbirth class and honestly, its all pretty common sense! Best thing you can do to prepare is to look up natural childbirth videos as well as read up on lots of laboring positions for the different stages of labor. The best thing you can do is RELAX - even if it seems impossible, being tense will only prolong your labor and make it more painful and stay off your back as much as possible, your baby has to work against gravity that way and it lowers oxygen supply to the baby. Stay upright, walk alot and relax is the best advice I've seen. Ftm as well, 40+2 and I've done TONS of research on the subject cuz I am 100% for all natural labor, no epidural because I have scoliosis.

[RedPandapants]

I'm a ftm planning to go natural too. We did take a birth class but the thing that has been preparing me is watching natural births on YouTube and reading other labor stories with what helped them. If you read about breathing techniques and different positions to ease your labor and just be aware of your body and don't push yourself too hard.

[Lailarenee]

I'm 38 weeks. My doctor is encouraging but I don't know if I'm all the way prepared for the pain that everyone is talking about.

[newmomii]

Girl me too, also a FTM. How many weeks are you? I recently switched from my OB to a midwife in week 36. Now I'm 39 weeks and 4 days because my OB really made me feel discouraged with a natural birth in front of my sister and boyfriend..so I switched to a birthing center, and will try a water birth.
Midwife are the way to go, best of wishes to you and the birth you want : )