Welcome to the October 2013 Carnival of Natural Mothering!
This article is a part of the Carnival of Natural Mothering hosted by GrowingSlower, Every Breath I Take, I Thought I Knew Mama, African Babies Don't Cry, and Adventures of Captain Destructo. This month's topic is Natural Birth Choices. Be sure to check out all of the participants' posts through the links at the bottom of this page.
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying this, but the term natural child birth bugs me when used in reference to not using drugs to ease pain. To me the term that should be used, and the one that I do use, is un-medicated.
The term natural childbirth to me means a vaginal delivery.
Baby isn't here yet (as of the time I'm writing this I am 39 weeks & 6 days), and while I wish she would be here when this post goes live, it's not going to be happening.
I'd love to be able to go into labor on my own, without an induction and I'd love to be able to complete the process and delivery her vaginally without using medicine. I don't like the idea of being stuck in a bed if I choose an epidural. I want to be able to have the freedom to move around and labor in the way that works best for me.
I'd prefer to use alternative pain management techniques such as a tub or hot shower, massage, walking around or using a birthing ball.
From what I've heard, recovery goes a little better when you have an un-medicated vaginal delivery and as a first time mom already unsure what to expect I'd welcome any sort of relief I can get.
So going into the (hopefully) final few days of this pregnancy, my goal is to go into labor on my own and deliver her without intervention. Each day that passes though I get more nervous that scenario is less likely.
As always though the ultimate goal is a healthy baby and if that means my plans change, I'm prepared for that as well. I don't want to wind up disappointed that the birth didn't go the way I hoped.
Bloggers, visit GrowingSlower to sign up to be a part of next month's carnival.
Good for you! I think it is great to keep an open mind until you are actually in labor. With Finley, I had planned for un-medicated but then ended up having an epidural when I was simply exhausted from prolonged labor. I was up and walking around, went to the bathroom 30 minutes after delivery!
ReplyDeleteI guess I thought epidurals took longer to wear off, but I'm glad to know that it isn't the case, or at least not always.
DeleteThanks for sharing! While I agree that a healthy baby does matter, I think it's important to remember that mothers matter, too. I hated when people told me that after my son was born after what we believe was an unnecessary cesarean. I'll be rooting for you...you can do it mama! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. I want to feel like I didn't get pushed into something I didn't want/need.
DeleteIt's so good to know what you want before going into the birthing experience! Wishing you the most positive, wonderful birth experience, and only happy outcomes for both you and baby. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the well wishes! I don't have a birth plan, not really anyway. Pretty much what I want and hope for is what I listed above.
DeleteYep healthy baby is most important, but healthy physically and mentally is also quite important. I truly wish I had made it completely unmedicated but after 70 hours I just couldn't go on anymore. It still bugs me that after that long I didn't make it all the way. So don't be afraid to speak up for what you want and need.
ReplyDeleteOh and try the birthing ball in the shower. This was such a help to me at relieving pain.
I believe in you! If you've prepared and learned as much as you can, you'll be ready when the time comes. Just remember, all the choices about your birth are YOURS. And one more thing, in case you are being pressured into induction: the AVERAGE for first time moms to deliver is 41 weeks + 1 day. I hope everything goes just as you hope it will!
ReplyDelete