How To: Preparing For An Unmedicated Birth
Throughout my life, I had always known I wanted to have kids at some point. I had also always been super inspired by trying to go the unmedicated route. Also, my mom did it and had the best experience, so I felt inspired to do so as well. So when the day came that I got pregnant, I started to go all in one researching what my ideal birth looked like and how I can best prepare for it!
When I thought about birthing a child through that small hole (lol)... it terrified me. It wasn’t until I started to gain as much knowledge as I possibly could that helped shift my mindset. I went into the big day feeling confident and secure versus terrified. The more I knew, the more empowered I became!
I wanted to share everything I did that helped me get to that mindset and set me up for success. Keep in mind a couple of things:
1) There is no “better” way to give birth. Everyone is different in what they prefer and what they are able/not able to do due to medical reasons as well.
2) Stay fluid. Sometimes things don’t always go to plan and that is ok! You get to meet your baby soon and whatever you have to do to make that happen is the most important thing.
3) Our bodies were MADE to do this! It IS achievable - think about that during the birth to keep you strong.
I am happy to say that just a couple of months ago, I was able to have an unmedicated birth. I am not going to lie, it was THE hardest thing I have ever done in my life. But I am so happy with how it all went (to learn about my birth story and how it went, click here). Alrighty… let’s get to it! Here are the things that helped me prep for my unmedicated birth:
Podcasts
Practicing Labor Positions:
This Labor Support Guide includes some great tips for helpful labor positions.
Involving my birth partner as much as possible
Telling them what is important to you and what’s not
Having them learn your birth preferences by heart so they can be your voice when you are unable
Practicing labor positions before the big day
Having them support you in the way you like to be supported (by words, by touch, etc)
Stay as healthy as you can during pre-pregnancy AND pregnancy (remember - you are training for the biggest physically demanding event of your life!)
Eat nutrient dense foods
Stay active (if you can)
Keep strength training (if you can) but modify!
Stretch nightly (if you can). Here is a stretch routine that helped me!
Chiropractic care
Someone who specializes in Webster technique helped Dallas get positioned the best we could before delivery (although Steve did have to help flip him during birth. More on that in my Birth Story blog)
Sciatica pain would go away instantly
Made room for Dallas in my belly
Creating a birth plan
Print out a few so your birth partner can hand it to your birth team during each change in staff (they change every 12 hours at the hospital)
My birth plan contained bullet points for what I wanted:
During labor items like a saline lock, not telling me how far dilated I am, I wanted to move around the room freely, etc.
During pushing like using a mirror, warm compresses on perineum, Steve cut the umbilical cord, etc.
My pain management preferences like no epidural unless I ask for it or it is an emergency, nitrous oxide paired with Zofran for nausea, etc.
What I wanted for baby Dallas like no rubbing off the vernix post birth, no ointment on his eyes, delayed cord clamping, no first bath, etc.
Side note: I brought the staff some goodies (hoodies from Vitality) to show my appreciation for them.
Knowing that you are not in a battle with the birthing staff when you get to the hospital. I found that staying knowledgeable, respectful, and knowing what I want while also creating space for the nurses and doctors to feel heard, created an awesome and supportive dynamic all around. They are there to help you, but I do feel it is important to know as much as you can so you can ask questions and get you that birth you are aiming for (while yes, sometimes things don’t always go to plan and that is ok).
Doing a hospital/birthing center tour before birth
While there, ask questions like:
Do you have wireless monitoring so I can walk around, be in water, etc?
Do you provide a birth ball?
Do you have bathtubs? If not, inflatable tub?
What happens if my water breaks or you have to break it? How many hours do you allow me to go without giving birth?
What is your policy on a saline lock? Do I need to have an IV at all?
Do you provide a mattress for the floor?
What are your visitor policies?
How long do I need to stay post-birth?
What is your policy on cameras?
Post-birth bath?
How do I pre-register for my birth?
Who is allowed to be there at birth?
Create a playlist
I used my brother-in-laws jazz playlist (lollll) here
Hospital bag
HERE is what I packed
I used MOST everything but there were some things I didn’t love like the tens machine
Don’t be afraid to pack whatever you think you need. You won’t know your pain management preferences until you’ve actually experienced labor
Hands on support
If you like to have hands on support, let your partner know exactly how that needs to be done
Massage, holding your hand, etc.
Bring electrolyte packets to birth
Staying hydrated is key. It is like your body is running a marathon!
Bring high caloric quick snacks
i.e. marathon note above
I love those Stinger waffles. Carb heavy and quick to eat
High calorie protein bars
Trail mix
Anything you can swallow quickly between contractions
Something that helped me with pain management was nitrous oxide and a dose of Zofran. Highly recommend!!!
Overall, don’t forget to ask questions to your provider/birthing center. I literally changed providers in late pregnancy because once I started asking questions, I didn’t like what I heard and it didn’t align with the type of birth I was aiming for. Knowledge is power and nowadays, there is SO much at our fingertips. I am a firm believer that by educating myself and praying during my labor, I was able to have the birth that I wanted and that I worked extremely hard for. I hope you found this insightful and if you are about to give birth, I am rooting for you!!!!
XOXO, TAY
