Preparing for Natural Childbirth

I planned on having my son naturally. I didn't plan on receiving an epidural, I wouldn't get an episiotomy, or a C-section. Of course, it didn't happen that way. I ended up with a C-section, despite being a trooper through my contractions. My husband and mother were both surprised at how well I handled my contractions. I wish I had used a midwife, then I probably would not have needed a C-section. The doctors felt that I wasn't progressing fast enough, and my son had a bowel movement, so they wanted to get him out as soon as possible. But, from watching TLC's Baby Story, I knew that I still could have a natural, vaginal birth despite the fact. But, I allowed my fear of something happening to the baby to overpower me and I ended up with a C-section. For those of you who would like to have a natural birth, here are some things you can do to prepare yourself.

Stay Active/Eat Nutritiously

Make sure that throughout your pregnancy you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water. Also, be sure to exercise a lot. A friend of mine said that she walked a mile everyday during her pregnancy, and she delivered her daughter naturally, and she believes it was due to exercising everyday.

Research Natural Childbirth

I read a lot of very informative and enlightening books on the subject. I would recommend: Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, and Immaculate Deception by Suzanne Arms. These books discuss how and why natural birth is the best for both woman and child, and why doctors continue to push medicalized birth. There are plenty of great books on the subject, but these are great books to get you started learning as much as possible about natural childbirth, and how to prepare for it.

Find a Doctor that Supports You, or use a Midwife

This is extremely important. I delivered on a military base, so I saw various doctors during my pregnancy. The one that was with me for my delivery, I had never even seen before. I had no personal relationship with him at all. He was not truly supportive of natural childbirth, because he was quick to jump to having a C-section. I put it off as long as I could, but then I was afraid that something might happen if I stubbornly clung to having a vaginal birth. But, then again, maybe if I had been more stubborn, I would have had a natural birth. I strongly recommend using a Midwife if that is an option available to you. I have heard of many positive and beautiful stories of homebirths attended by midwives, and even hospital births attended by midwives.

I encourage women who want to have a natural birth to learn as much as they can about their bodies, and how to relax during labor and throughout your contractions. Learn how to prepare your body for birth, and find a doctor who supports you, and hopefully, you will have a birth experience that is even more beautiful than you imagined.