In prenatal yoga, sometimes they have you do what's called a "discomfort pose" -- you hold it for a minute (length of a contraction) so you can practice bearing the pain.

Another good hint I heard was to take the time between contractions to relax, instead of tensing up for the next one.

And if you're the focus of loving, supportive attention (midwives, doula, prepared DH), that's also going to make the whole experience easier. Reducing fear and stress is important.

I should add the caveat that I haven't had my baby yet, so I may be full of sh*t

I took Amy Bookwalter's (Rosebud Doula) Childbirth 101 course, which is a Friday night and about 6 hours on Saturday. I also read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - well, the birth stories and first couple chapters. I also had a toddler at home and an epidural the first time but had had a short labor and hoped for another and wanted more mobility the second time.

I took hypnobirthing, which did nothing for me bc i needed pitocin. Definitely get a doula, eat and rest as much as you can, and have your husband/partner read the birth partner. You can do it!!

And, why do you want an unmedicated birth?

Have lots of conversations with your DH about why you want a medication-free birth. That way, when you ask for something during transition (and you will!) he can remind you that a) you're in transition and so almost done and b) why you don't *really* want epidural/other medication. And in the weeks leading up to labor, surround yourself with positive people who believe that you can do it (which probably means staying away from DCUM).

Start with correct posture..this will help baby be in the best position for the big event:
http://spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy/rest-smart-posture

I feel prenatal yoga also helped get baby nice and low.

Good luck!

Pray

Anonymous wrote:Lots of vodka during delivery unless you consider that 'medication.'

Ha, I had a glass of wine

I took a Bradley course and it helped immensely. My teacher really focused on trying to eliminate fear through education. By the time I was in labor I had zero fear of child bear. I think being able to keep your flight or fight responses to am minimum really helps.

Good luck!

Smack your hand daily with a hammer to increase your pain tolerance.

I took Bradley classes and it's just once a week. A nice break from the kid and you can even have a date dinner with DH after the class.

Get a doula, go to the hospital as late as possible.

And good luck

Lots of vodka during delivery unless you consider that 'medication.'

Can you get a doula? Gentle Waves was mine and I had a great experience. Labor at home as long as you can.

A doula was HUGE in helping me achieve this. It's an expense but very much worth it. For me, it was my first child, so I didn't know what to expect. At least you know what to expect to an extent -- I think that will help, especially if you don't have a doula.

My advice is to spend time in a tub if you have one in your birthing suite. I was at Shady Grove and had one there -- it was FABULOUS. I didn't want to get out but knew I had to.

I've also heard to eat as much as you can before going to the hospital, but I'd recommend not too much and not too far into the labor. I shoved a tortilla with cheese into my mouth as we were rushing out the door, and it all came back up right when we got to the hospital.

OP here. Or just advice.

Thanks in advance!

I'm trying for an unmedicated birth this go around. I have already switched to a midwifery practice which is probably the best way to prepare and increase my chances. But aside from that, what other things should I do to prepare? I have a toddler so can't commit to any classes that are several weeks long unfortunately. Are there any short classes or books or videos you would recommend?