Reply to Best things to do to prepare for unmedicated birth

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[quote=Anonymous]Practice breathing and seriously practice relaxing tense muscles. I thought it was hooey but it really helped me -- but I was serious about it and did in fact practice as the Bradley books recommended (I did not take a course, but did have a doula for my first)

I know it sounds silly to say "practice breathing" but PRACTICE BREATHING. Throughout your day, esp if yuo find yourself stressed or yelling, stop and take notice of what your body is like: muscles tensed, shallow breathing or holding your breath. Then take a few deep breaths, really deep, belly breaths, see how that feels. Deliberately and mindfully assess your muscles and relax them as best as you can.

I know you already have a child, but the single most important thing for me was prenatal yoga and keeping active (well, you'll keep active with your toddler ;-) but I know it's hard to get to yoga classes). Even if you do a tape at home, I highly highly recommend it. It will make your body stronger, stretch you out, help with stamina, give you mechanisms to deal with the pain.

On the day/night of .... walk as much as you can, stay off your back as much as you can, verbalize (moaning) your pain, remember to breathe through the contractions, and use the shower or tub. I stayed at home as long as possible, but that may or may not affect you given that you are with a midwife practice.

Our bodies were created to do this. You can do it if you prepare yourself. But remember the most important thing isn't medicated v non-medicated but healthy baby and mom.

Good luck.

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