When I tell people I chose to have an unmedicated childbirth with my daughter, they often react with a mix of fascination and disbelief. “Incredible!” they exclaim, “And a bit crazy. How on earth did you manage that?” With a casual smile, I often channel my inner birthing guru, maybe even a bit of Gisele Bündchen, and say something along the lines of, “I just let my body do its thing. It was a breeze.”
But honestly, that’s a bit of a stretch. It was far from easy, yet I don’t want to scare anyone away with the truth: “OMG, it was tough! I was seriously searching for the bright light at the end of the tunnel!” (Okay, maybe it wasn’t that intense.) My partner, Jake, and I put in a lot of effort to get ready for our little one’s arrival and we were both in it together when the time came.
So, are you considering an unmedicated childbirth? Below are some survival strategies to help you navigate this intense—I mean, truly beautiful—journey.
1. Start Mental Preparation Now.
Get ready for the possibility of the most intense pain of your life. Think of natural labor as a long-distance race, not a quick sprint. You wouldn’t expect to finish a marathon if you’ve only jogged a few times. You need to train, both physically and mentally, for months. If you’re planning to labor without medication but might change your mind later, it’s time to commit fully. Picture the worst pain you can imagine and then practice coping techniques. This can make the actual experience feel more manageable. Remember, it’s a natural pain—like a normal workout, not like losing a limb! This mental preparation can help reduce fear, which actually helps lessen pain (fear = tension = more pain).
2. Get in Touch with Your Primal Side.
Expect to make some wild sounds during labor. You might sound like a mix between a whale’s call and a very distressed gorilla. And yes, you may shout things at your partner or even the universe itself. Don’t worry about losing your manners; in those moments, you really won’t care. Just embrace the chaos. And while we’re at it, forget about showing up in a cute nightie. You’ll likely arrive at the hospital in the thick of it, maybe wearing a hospital gown and one sock. So, come prepared to get a bit messy—trust me, your labor team has seen worse.
3. Prep Your Birth Coach.
Let your partner or coach know that you might get a little wild during labor. They need to be ready for your verbal outbursts and primal sounds. You’ll want them to look at you with admiration, not fear. So, remind them to keep their expressions supportive and loving!
4. Ignore the Option of Pain Relief.
Pretend that epidurals simply don’t exist. This mental block can help you fully commit to enduring the pain, instead of thinking there’s an easy way out. If I had let myself think about pain relief options, I might have been all over calling for help the moment I entered the delivery room.
5. Don’t Dwell on the Aftermath.
When you go without an epidural, you’ll be acutely aware of what’s happening to your body as your baby arrives. You might feel panicked about how it’s all going to affect your lady parts, but remember: your body was designed for this. Resisting the process will only make it harder. Just let go and trust that everything will heal in time. Your body is capable of far more than you realize!
Best of luck on your journey! You’ve got this!
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Summary
Preparing for unmedicated childbirth involves mental readiness for pain, embracing your primal instincts, and ensuring your support team is prepared for the journey. Forget about pain relief options and focus on the process, knowing that your body is capable of healing.