Updated: April 4, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 25, 2012
When I mention that I chose an unmedicated childbirth for my son, the reactions are often a mix of awe and disbelief. “Incredible!” they exclaim, “But also a little crazy. How did you manage?” With a casual smile, I might channel my homebirth inspiration, a well-known figure like Gisele Bündchen, and respond with something serene, like, “I just let my body do what it was meant to do. It was easy.”
But let’s be honest—that’s a stretch. It was far from easy, and I certainly don’t want to frighten anyone with tales of the struggle. At the same time, I also don’t want to downplay the effort that went into preparing for my son’s arrival. It required dedication, both from me and my partner, Jake. When the moment came, we were ready to put in the hard work.
Are you considering an unmedicated childbirth as well? Here are some essential tips to help you navigate this intense—but ultimately rewarding—experience.
1. Start Mental Preparation Now
Brace yourself for what may be the most intense pain of your life. Preparing for natural labor is a marathon, not a sprint. Just as you wouldn’t expect to finish a marathon after a couple of jogs, you can’t just wing it when it comes to labor. If you think you might labor without medication and then opt for an epidural, stop right there. You need to commit to facing the pain wholeheartedly. Anticipating the worst can actually make the experience more manageable. I imagined feeling as if my arms were being torn from their sockets and practiced coping techniques accordingly. This mental exercise can help you face labor with less fear, which in turn means less pain.
2. Embrace Your Primal Side
Expect to unleash some unfiltered sounds that might resemble a mix of a whale’s call, a gorilla’s grunt, and a sorority girl’s scream. You might even find yourself hurling insults at everyone and everything around you. While it might feel awkward to lose your composure, it’s a natural part of the process. The more reserved you are in daily life, the more liberated you’ll feel during childbirth. Own it, and don’t worry about manners—you can apologize later.
And forget about looking adorable in a nightgown during labor. Realistically, you should aim to arrive at the hospital at a point where you’ll have no memory of your outfit, probably draped in a hospital gown and maybe wearing just one sock. It’s all part of the experience—trust me, your medical team has seen it all.
3. Prepare Your Support System
Make sure your birthing partner knows what to expect. Let them in on the fact that you might go a little wild with your language and sounds. You’ll want them to remain supportive and not flinch at your outbursts. If they respond with anything less than admiration, you’ll only feel more agitated. So, prepare them to be your biggest cheerleader.
4. Ignore the Option of Pain Relief
Mental eliminate the idea of epidurals from your mind. I found that pretending they didn’t exist helped me stay focused. If I thought pain relief was an option, I would have been tempted to call for it as soon as I arrived in the delivery room.
5. Don’t Dwell on Post-Delivery Concerns
When you opt for an unmedicated childbirth, you’ll be acutely aware of how your body is changing as the baby makes its way into the world. The instinct may be to protect yourself and hold back, but this will only make things more difficult. Remember, your body was designed for this, and it will heal quickly. Your concerns about your post-delivery state can wait.
Best of luck on your journey! You’re going to need it.
If you’re interested in exploring self-insemination options that might suit your journey, consider checking out this post for valuable insights. Additionally, this resource offers excellent information about pregnancy and home insemination, while this community is a great place to find support and share experiences.
Summary
Unmedicated childbirth can be an intensely rewarding experience, but it requires mental and physical preparation. Embrace your primal instincts, communicate openly with your support team, and mentally commit to the process without focusing on pain relief options. Remember, your body is capable, and you will heal.