Do it without pain relief! (Natural Birth)

Member Name: Claribella

Product:	Natural Birth
Date:	16/03/09 (82 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Empowering.

Disadvantages: Can feel like you cant do it when it gets to the end.

After having an induction with my first beautiful son I decided that I wanted a natural birth with my second. I point blank refused an induction and even though a few of the people along the way said that I shouldn't do that, I knew my rights and stood my ground. I had long period cycles so I was pretty sure that my babies were not ready to come into the world at 40 weeks. When I was eight days over due my midwife gave me a sweep but she thought that it would be unsuccessful because the head wasn't engaged and the it was really high up and she could barely get her fingers into my cervix. She booked me an appointment to have a scan that day and see a consultant who would explain the risks of not being induced on the twelfth day. We had a scan and the consultant reiterated what the midwife said and sent me home. I got outside the hospital and my leg went numb and about an hour after I got home I was in labour.

I had opted for a home birth and didn't phone the midwife for a long time because I wasn't sure if I was in labour. Eventually when the contractions were longer and stronger, my hubby phoned and she came and did an inteanl to see how I was progressing. I was 4cm dialated and just as she was about to leave, my waters broke everywhere. As the pain got worse I used a breathing technique and my birthing ball. I found that going in on myself and picturing my insides widening and the baby moving donw the birth canal really helped me along with quoting bible scriptures in my head. I had peaceful music on and a really calm atmosphere fell upon the room.

About an hour before I felt the need to push my hubby attached a TENS machine. This is a little device that sends electrical pulses to your brain and cheats your mind into thinking that you aren't in as much pain as you really are. It works for some and not for others.

After a seven hour labour and no pain relief I pushed Elijah, Rayne into the world. He found my boob and suckled for about an hour! He was covered in Lanugo which just showed that he wasn't a late baby.

Going natural was amazing and I'd recommend anyone to give it a go. I was myself and felt in control every single step of the way. As soon as the birth was over I had a shower and felt completely normal and once the midwife has left we all went to bed.

The main thing for me was the fact that I couldn't believe how easy it was. The induction with Noah was so painful but that was because he wasn't ready to come out whereas Elijah was. My body just did what it was meant to do without any intervention and the result of that was it much easier. I wasn't hazy with any drugs and neither was Elijah which is why he was so good at feeding and fed for a long time without getting sleepy.

One thing I would say it's that the whole thing is about state of mind. If you think that you can't do it then you probably won't. I had the option of getting the drug Pethadine prescribed from the doctor so I could use it if I needed it but I knew I could do it. When the bad thoughts entered my head I quickly thought of a positive one. I knew I could do it and I did. It sounds so simple but it really worked for me.

Over all a natural birth is definately a positive thing for me and would urge you to give it a try. It's so empowering and helps you to understand that this is what our bodies aren't meant to do!

Summary: Such a positive experience.