Any labor coping advice for 1st time mom not getting an epidural?

[DPAW]

Hi Im most likely gonna have to have natural birth which in my country means no epidural if on the public ward. Any labor and delivery advice from those who may have gone this route?

[mmeriche]

in a birthing class i learned that bringing a focal point with you is a good idea. you can always pick one in the room you are delivering in, but something personal and meaningful to you may be even more beneficial at keeping your mind distracted from what you need distraction from, and focused on what you want to focus on. i am thinking of bringing a photo of my dog with me. in fact, i would actually bring her to the hospital with me if it were allowed, haha. she is my loyal companion who is always by my side and the most intuitive little creature ever. i know looking at a photo of her will help me through the difficult times of labor.

my best to you, you are going to do great.

[spiritwolf31]

With my first I was also determined to go natural with no pain meds and was managing quite fine...for a while..lol. I dialated to 7cm and had contractions induced with Pitocin hitting all the way up on the lil paper feed (I dont know what that is called...lol) and slept. I slept thru every last contraction just fine. It was when the doc wanted to check me that we found I have a fundal pelvis and there would be no way I could deliver natural so I had to get a spinal and undergo a c-section.

I say breath...breath...and breath some more...lol!! On the serious side tho...I didnt make it that far but wish I had cuz I think it would have enhanced the whole process. I actually am envious cuz I would love the chance to go the whole way. GOOD LUCK!!!

[natashajay]

i ended up having an epidural with my first child and i was gutted, so i was determined with baby#2 to have an natural birth...i used self hypnosis and the calming effect of water...it was so amazingly surreal that baby #3 was born the same....im currently 36 wks and i am planning to use the same as it seemed to lessen the pain and meant the births were so calm and peaceful a huge contrast to my first labor that i sat afterwards saying..ive had a baby..i really have and even tho i was holding my baby i still ccouldnt believe it! my first labor was over 9 hrs the second was five hours my third birth was under 2 hours from start of feeling uncomfortable to her birth...
you can get self hypnosis cd's or just lie quietly and visualize the birth,from the first uterine contraction to visualizing yourself dilateing etc...i swear it helped me and lessened both pain and labor time xx