Updated: April 4, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 25, 2012
When I tell people that I chose to have an unmedicated childbirth with my daughter, they are often fascinated. “Incredible!” they exclaim, “And a bit crazy. How did you manage that?” I simply smile, channel my homebirth inspiration, and respond with something like, “I just let my body do what it was designed to do. It was a breeze.”
But let’s be real—it was far from a breeze. I don’t want to frighten them by saying, “It was intense. I seriously thought I might float away.” (Okay, it wasn’t that dramatic.) There was a lot of preparation for both my partner and me leading up to our little one’s arrival, and we put in a significant amount of effort when the moment finally came.
Are you planning to experience unmedicated childbirth as well? Here are some essential tips to help you navigate this profound—and yes, beautiful—experience.
1. Begin Mental Preparation for Intense Pain
Start preparing yourself for possibly the most intense pain of your life RIGHT NOW. Natural labor is a marathon, not a sprint. You wouldn’t show up at a marathon having only jogged a couple of times, would you? You need to train for this both mentally and physically for months. Also, if you’re telling people you’ll go drug-free until you can’t take it anymore, stop that right now. You need to commit to facing the pain head-on. The more you prepare for how intense it might be, the more manageable it will actually feel. I prepared for extreme discomfort and practiced coping techniques, which worked wonders. Think of a body part and imagine the sensation of it being pulled—then learn to manage that pain. Trust me, childbirth is normal pain, unlike losing a limb, which is far worse. This mental prep will allow you to endure labor with less anxiety (less fear = less tension = less pain), although you might still unleash a few choice words.
2. Get in Touch with Your Primal Side
Your sounds will likely resemble a mix between a whale’s call, a gorilla’s grunts, and a sorority girl’s shriek during a horror movie. You might hurl insults at your partner, your body, the baby, and even Mother Nature herself; you may even declare that you’ll never engage in intimacy again. Expect to make some wild noises and say things you wouldn’t normally say. If you’re usually reserved, just know that you might go full-on primal during labor. Embrace it. You can apologize later.
Also, don’t expect to show up to your unmedicated birth in a cute nightgown. If you do, prepare for it to get messy. Ideally, you should arrive at the hospital in such advanced labor that you forget you even packed that outfit, ending up in a hospital gown with one sock on. Just plan to have your baby practically naked; I promise it won’t be the most shocking thing your healthcare team will witness.
3. Prep Your Support Person
Let your birth partner know in advance that you might unleash some verbal chaos and primal sounds. You won’t care about your lack of decorum, but you will care if they look scared or unsupportive. Make sure they are prepared to be your biggest cheerleader, because any sign of fright will make you even more vocal and intense.
4. Forget About Pain Relief Options
Epidurals? What epidurals? I acted as if they didn’t even exist so I wouldn’t be tempted. I figured I would be more likely to endure the pain if I felt there were no alternatives. And it worked! If I had thought about the availability of pain relief, I would’ve been calling for help as soon as I walked into the delivery room.
5. Don’t Dwell on Your Post-Delivery Vagina
When you have an epidural, it’s easier to forget about what’s happening down there. Without it, you’ll be acutely aware of how your body is stretching and shifting for the baby. It’s easy to panic about the state of your vagina and how it might look afterward. Resist the urge to hold back—the more you fight the process, the harder it becomes. Your body was designed for this, and it will heal in no time. Plus, it won’t (necessarily) look like a horror show.
Best of luck! You’ll need it.
Related post: Pooping During Childbirth: You’ll Survive It
This article was originally published on Dec. 25, 2012
Summary
Unmedicated childbirth can be an intense experience, but with the right preparation, mental strategies, and some primal energy, it can also be a beautiful journey. Embrace the noise, prepare your support system, and focus on the process rather than the pain, and you’ll come through it stronger than ever.
Keyphrase: Unmedicated childbirth tips
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