Is this enough prep for a natural childbirth? - Page 2

[applejuice]

Originally Posted by alegna

I didn't do any classes BUT I birthed at home where I wasn't facing any obstacles to the natural birthing process.

-Angela

Alot of truth is in your statement. Good for you!

[OllieMama]

I think sometimes it is possible for women to read too much and be too intellectually involved in the labor. It makes it harder to get to that out-of-your-mind labor place, if that makes sense.

While that makes sense, I have to say that I think it's important to read a lot and know what your body is doing and how to best... help it along, I guess you could say. And I only say that because I think it is important for women to actively UN-learn all the bs we are exposed to in our culture that has such a medical-model view of childbirth. I'm talking about labor and birthing positions, interventions (what's necessary and what is totally ridiculous) and their natural alternatives, etc. If we grew up in a culture that honored the instincts of birthing mamas, didn't treat pregnancy like a pathology, didn't try to strap women into stirrups or slice them up to "help" a baby out or whatever, it would be overkill to read a lot, definitely.

I think becoming well-informed actually gives women the freedom to trust their bodies. That said, memorizing and agonizing over statistics and that kind of thing is certainly not helpful either. You just have to find a happy medium, I guess.

[oliesmama]

Yoga!

I think you'll be in good shape with your plan. Just make sure to review your birth plan and your expectations with your doula so she knows what you want - communication is key b/c your energy will be focused on labor and not on making last minute decisions. The more she and your husband know about what you want, the more you can focus on delivery.

I also suggest pre-natal yoga. I took a series of classes and also attended a 4 hour labor and delivery class offered by the same yoga studio. The focus was on breathing, using sound and yoga positions. It's amazing how breathing a certain way and using certain sounds can really relieve the intensity of contractions.

Good luck!