"Birth isn't something we suffer, but something we actively do and exult in." - Sheila Kitzinger
How to prepare for an unmedicated birth: written by a doula!
#1 Wait!
When you are wanting an unmedicated birth, one of the best things you can do is WAIT!
Wait for your baby to decide to come on their own! Waiting for your body to be ready and go into spontaneous labor will give you a big advantage to achieve that unmedicated natural birth that you are desiring!
When you are in labor, Wait! When you are thinking "Oh! This might be really it!" WAIT! Ignore it, rest, and eat some good food! Only focus on it when you can't ignore it any longer!
When in labor, WAIT for your body to tell you what is happening. Your body knows how to birth. Wait for instincts, and wait for your body to tell you to push. This will help you to not exhaust yourself before your body is ready!
#2 Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!
When you are desiring an unmedicated birth, or any birth for that matter, the best thing you can do is prepare. Look into finding a natural childbirth class, watch the unmedicated birth videos on YouTube, read positive birth stories and articles, and read books about unmedicated and natural childbirth! The more you know, and the more relaxation, comfort, and coping measures you learn, the better you will know what to do when labor does come. Get your partner involved! Have them learn the best ways to support you so that you are taken care of.
"A strong intention, a relaxed body, and an open mind are the main ingredients for an active birth." - Janet Balaskas
#3 Get your body ready
Preparing your body can be a very helpful tool in achieving an unmedicated birth. Eating balanced meals, exercising, and learning how your body best relaxes are some of the best ways to physically prepare your body for birth. Walking is one of my favorite tools for setting up a positive labor and delivery. Walking 2 to 3 miles daily can highly benefit your pregnancy and birth!
#4 Make a Birth Plan
Why do you want an unmedicated birth? What interventions would you be okay with? Would you like your care team to be pretty hands off? Figuring out what exactly you want in labor and delivery, as well as having a backup plan is always extremely helpful. Even if your care provider knows your birth wishes (as they should), there is always the chance you may have a different provider deliver your baby, or to give to your nurses, or at least so your partner has a good idea of what to expect and your desires all written out. Also, when you are at your most vulnerable, you are more likely to give into procedures or medications that you originally didn't want, so it gives you guidelines and space to ask questions.
#5 Hire a Doula
A doula is a non-medical provider that their goal is to support you and your decisions, and your emotions, and hands on physical support throughout labor. While doulas already have proven benefits such as lower use of Pitocin, lower risk of cesarean birth, and lower rates of asking for pain medication* . Trained Doulas also are skilled in massage, relaxation, and they have a ton of tips and tricks up their sleeve to progress labor and the best ways to make it more comfortable for you! Doulas also are looking out for you, and your wishes, so that you have the best chance at having the birth you desire. They also will be able to help support you in breastfeeding after your sweet little bean is born!
#6 Labor at Home
If you are planning a home birth, great! This will already apply to you! If you are planning a hospital birth, laboring at home for as long as you can definitely can help you achieve the unmedicated birth you desire! Laboring at home means you are usually more comfortable, you can wear (or not wear ;) ) whatever you want, you are able to focus on whatever you'd like, you are not anchored to anything so you can move around and be more comfortable! You are able to dim the lights, play your music, dance around between contractions, and you will be uninterrupted to do whatever you would like to do. You will feel more safe, and more loved surrounded by your family. Plus, as a bonus no unwanted interventions can happen in your own home!
Have your Birth!
It is so important to have desires for your birth, but as with any birth, there are so many unknowns. Some things that work for others may not work for you, AND THAT IS OKAY! These are my tips and tricks to get ready for an unmedicated labor, but it is your birth and it is important to figure out what works best for you, as well as giving yourself some grace if things don't go exactly as planned.
Check out our Blog Post! Planning your VBAC
Blessed Birth Doulas supports women in the greater Grand Rapids area (MI) area through pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum.
Please Note: All situations are different, and this information should never be used as medical advice. Talk to your care provider to figure out what is best for your body, baby, and birth!
*STUDY FROM HODNETT ED. GATES S HOFMEYR GJ. SAKALA C. CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN DURING CHILDBIRTH. COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS. CD003766, (2003)