When I share that I chose an unmedicated childbirth for my son, people often react with a mix of admiration and disbelief. “Wow! That’s incredible! How did you manage it?” they ask. I usually play it cool, channeling my inner birth guru, and say something like, “Oh, I just let my body do what it was designed for. It was a breeze.”
But let’s be real; it was far from a breeze! It required extensive preparation for both me and my partner, Mike, leading up to the arrival of our little one. So, if you’re considering the unmedicated route, here are some valuable tips to help you through this intense—dare I say, beautiful—experience.
1. Mental Preparation is Key
Get ready for what could be the most intense pain of your life. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. You wouldn’t show up for a marathon without months of training, right? Similarly, you need to mentally prepare for labor. If you’re planning to go drug-free for as long as possible, commit fully to that journey. Imagine the worst discomfort and work on pain management techniques to help you cope. This mental preparation will allow you to face labor with more confidence (and maybe a bit less swearing).
2. Get Ready to Get Wild
When labor hits, the sounds you make might resemble a mix of a whale’s call and a gorilla’s grunt. You may find yourself expressing some rather colorful thoughts directed at your partner, your baby, and possibly even Mother Nature herself. Don’t worry about sounding composed; it’s not going to happen. Just embrace your primal instincts. And don’t even think about showing up in a cute nightie—plan to arrive at the hospital in a state of labor where you won’t even remember your attire!
3. Prepare Your Support Person
Let your birth coach know that you might unleash a storm of colorful language and noises during labor. They need to be prepared for the chaos and maintain a calm demeanor. You’ll want them to look at you with awe and support, not fear! Remind them to keep their expressions positive, as any hint of concern might lead to more cursing and frantic noises from you.
4. Ignore the Existence of Pain Relief
If you’re set on going unmedicated, act as if pain relief options don’t even exist. This mindset can help you stay focused on enduring the experience rather than contemplating an escape route. Trust me, if you know the epidural is an option, you might find yourself calling for it right away.
5. Don’t Dwell on Post-Labor Concerns
Unlike the blissful numbness of an epidural, unmedicated labor makes you very aware of your body. You might find yourself worrying about what’s happening “down there.” Resist the urge to brace yourself against the process. Your body is designed for this, and it will heal in time. Just let it happen!
Best of luck on your journey! You’ve got this!
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Summary
Unmedicated childbirth is an intense yet rewarding experience that requires mental preparation, embracing your primal instincts, and ensuring your support person is ready for the journey. By focusing on pain management and ignoring the existence of pain relief options, you can navigate labor with confidence. Remember that your body is designed for this, and healing will come in time.