[~Megan~]

I was just reading in my Kitzinger book about aromatherapy. I had no idea it was really so powerful. I am really quite amazed.

I am getting Hypnobirthing in a swap so I'll start that right away.
I'm also hoping to get dh to learn some of the accupressure points for labor.

 

[AugustLia23]

We will be renting an aquadoula, plus I took a hypnobirthing class. Other than that positive affirmations will also be coming into play. I know that no matter how much it hurts, it is not pain which is hurting my body, and when they are done with, they will be gone. My uterus is simply a muscle, just like any other muscle, only a thousand times more awesome!

 

[AAK]

Last time, I liked using a birth ball in the beginning and then I loved WATER WATER WATER! This time I am planning a water birth. My main goal is to NOT lay down. That produced extreme pain for me. This time I will be at home so hopefully I won't ever lay down. Last time my midwife was good at keeping me out of that position, but I was still there a couple times. (that is how I know how bad that position is for me)

Amy

 

[greyskye]

water birth

 

[Czen:)]

Water! I'll be climbing into my fishy pool in the living room again. Last birth I was amazed by how good it felt.

I did enjoy my birth ball with one birth. But it didn't do anything for me the following time. It was just akward and in the way.

Czen

 

[snugglebutter]

Megan - I really LOVED aromatherapy during labor. We took one of those potpouri crockpots (you could also use the "little dipper" type) to the hospital. (I know, you will be at home - but it's a good way to use the oils anywhere) You fill the pot with very hot water and add aprox. 10 drops of oil (or any amount - it doesn't really matter).

I used lavendar, bergamot, grapefruit and peppermint. The first three we used in the crockpot. You can experiment now to see what ratios you prefer. I labored in the tub for an hour or so and used lavendar there.

I also took whiffs straight from the bottle :LOL of lavendar and peppermint. The lavendar REALLY made a difference during some of the contractions. Peppermint was uplifting for some weary moments.

 

[phathui5]

The shower, the tub...

I had dd in a tub at the birth center and it was so much better than when I had ds on "land."

 

[beachcomber]

I'm going to use aromatherapy for sure. I'm already using lavender to help me relax and it helps with morning sickness. I'm also going to use Neroli (orange blossom) and bergamot because they're calming and help with mental focus. And lemongrass for refreshing and energizing.

I'm also learning relaxation and meditation techniques now that I'm hoping will help me work through the contractions.

 

[danav]

Definitely water (I labored in it with my second and it was amazingly helpful, so I'm very much open to water birth this time). Also, a doula who knows massage is good (I know one who is a massage therapist also - she attended my last birth and I'm thinking about hiring her again).

 

[Nature]

Water birth!!

 

[mariag]

sort of off topic, but how exactly do you use the birth ball? I keep seeing it mentioned, but I'm not sure what to do with it?

maria

 

[Czen:)]

I kind of draped my upper body across it and rocked back and forth for periods of time.

During pregnancy I like to sit on it. Helps my back and posture.

Czen

 

[mauiwith3]

Water, water ,water, even the shower works for me. Moving around alot also

 

[cariadanam]

Visualization - absolute best method for me. Never stop moving, if I lay down I feel like Im going to die in pain, where its very bareable with movement. Acupuncture/pressure.

 

[alison77]

at ds' birth, the water helped immensely, and vocalizing through every contraction was really good, too (though i was hoarse the next day

)

you could also try a heating pad, or rice bag (sock, fill with rice, then microwave)

also i liked having music on in the background. we kind of had trouble keeping it on though - i would maybe have someone be responsible for that next time, or make an mp3 cd so it lasts for a long time.