It seems like pregnancy is in the air everywhere you turn. Personally, I know ten women who are due within the next six months. This doesn’t even include the countless expectant mothers I encounter on a daily basis, all of us seeking the refuge of air conditioning. I’m not sure what happened nine months ago, but it appears there was a widespread gathering that led to this baby boom—hats off to all of you for your adventurous choices!
In light of this, I’ve received numerous inquiries about how I managed to go through labor without medication. I decided to compile a list of tips that might assist others on this journey.
1. Establish Your Mantra
Early on, my birth coach asked if I had a mantra for labor. While she suggested something serene like “I am one with the universe,” I jokingly offered “GET OUT” in hopes of encouraging my baby to arrive quicker. Ultimately, I ended up with my own phrase that resonated deep within me: “Kill me, kill me, please god kill me.” It became my repetitive chant throughout the labor.
2. Think Outside the Box
In the delivery room, I was certain that I wanted to avoid an epidural. When I inquired about laughing gas, I learned it wasn’t available. So, I decided to get a bit creative. I asked the nurse if she could fashion a mallet to knock me out. Her refusal led to some colorful language on my part, but humor can be a great pain reliever.
3. Seek the Humor
As my baby was crowning, I noticed my medical team putting on what looked like hazmat suits. My immediate thought was, “This is the strangest orgy I’ve ever experienced.” Finding humor in the situation lightened the mood and helped me focus on the task at hand. Plus, it gives me a great story to share with my teenager someday!
4. Create a Playlist
I curated a special playlist for my labor, featuring songs like Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and Ice Cube’s “You Can Do It (Put Your Ass Into It).” Unfortunately, due to the rapid progression of my labor, I didn’t get to enjoy it, but having those songs in mind helped set the tone for my experience.
5. Be Determined
The key to an unmedicated labor is sheer determination. You must want it more than anything else. As pain intensifies, someone may offer you relief, but you have to stand firm in your decision. Only the truly stubborn or slightly insane can accomplish this.
6. Talk to Your Baby
This is the perfect moment to communicate with your unborn child. Let them know you’d like a swift and smooth delivery. I believe my daughter got the message, arriving in just six hours. She’s definitely earned all the pony privileges for that!
7. Listen to Your Body
If you reach a point where the pain is too overwhelming, it’s perfectly acceptable to opt for medication. There’s no reward for enduring unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, your experience is yours to shape, and a healthy baby is the ultimate goal.
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In summary, preparing for unmedicated labor involves mental fortitude, creativity, humor, and the ability to communicate your desires to your baby. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to give birth; the most important thing is to welcome your little one into the world.