Either you’re all for a natural birth or you think that women who go that route are crazy. Really, why would any woman want to go through that much pain when they don’t have to? Well, I was one such woman. In fact, my epidural was planned way before I was even thinking of actually getting pregnant. For me, pain has always been enemy. However, once I did get pregnant and discovered the benefits of giving birth naturally, I came around, and had two births sans medication. But it was a process, and it wouldn’t have been achieved without the help of a few girlfriends. So if you’re thinking of having a natural birth, or perhaps you’re just a pinch curious, consider this your ‘Girlfriends Guide To A Natural Childbirth’ from women who have been there and done it!
On the first thing a woman should do…
Daphne Wayans (5 births; no medication): I’d look at the timeline history of childbirth techniques, notice when pain medication was introduced (early 1900’s), and ask yourself, ‘How did women have babies up until that point?’ I’d urge you to look at the birthing techniques of other mammals.”
Find a supportive doctor…
Ailia Coley (2 births; no medication): Decide whether you want to have a natural birth at home or in a hospital. If you go to a doctor make sure she delivers naturally- not every doctor will do it. She’ll tell you what hospital supports it, and then you do a tour. You plan it as if you would a wedding.
Do your research…
Erickka Sy Savané (2 births; no medication): Watch ‘The Business Of Being Born,’ read up on epidurals, learn everything you can about giving birth so you can make an informed decision.
Daphne: It would be important to hear from a variety of women on their personal experiences, especially those who had both styles of delivery.
Get a support team…
Ailia: Whatever peace, sanctuary, or person supporting you is your Dream Team. Even while pregnant. You can’t wait until you’re 30 days out. You have to prepare for this.
Erickka: The first time I had a doula coaching me throughout my pregnancy and then in the delivery room. They have their bag of tricks. The second time I, more or less, knew what to expect so I got my best friend. Both worked.
Dealing With The Pain…
Daphne Wayans: What kept me focused on delivering with no pain medication during the most excruciating times was, ‘there is an end to this. My foremothers lived through this.’
Erickka: I prayed.
Expect the unexpected…
Ailia: You can do everything you can to prepare for it, and then anything can happen. It’s impossible to prepare for every scenario. Nicole (2 births, C-Section):
I did set out to have a natural birth, but my daughter wasn’t progressing so I was induced (at the highest dose), and sent home. Still no contractions, and I didn’t dilate, even though I was almost 41 weeks. I went back to the hospital and was given an epidural that finally put me to sleep and I dilated, but when they woke me up to tell me it was time to deliver I was incredibly tired. I pushed but nothing was happening. My daughter’s heartbeat started dropping because she was in distress. Then she got stuck. The doctor asked my mother what she wanted to do and she screamed, ‘Get that baby out of there!’ so they wheeled me to the operating room and I had a C-Section. It was disappointing. I thought, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have had that epidural.’
Erickka Sy Savané is a married mom of two. For more of her work visit ErickkaSySavane.com.