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If you are expecting while reading this, you may be getting anxious about a certain event: childbirth. Babies are absolutely amazing! Unfortunately, they have to come out at some point. If you desire a natural (epidural-free) birth, I’m here to tell you that it is 100% doable. This is coming from someone who avoids pain at all costs (seriously). Relax, you’ve got this! I’ve got five awesome tips for you.
Note: Talk to your doctor about when to go to the hospital and always err on the side of caution. Nothing on this website is medical advice, and any and all information on this website is only for entertainment purposes.
1. Pray
Leading up to the birth of my daughter, I prayed a ton about childbirth. I was a bit anxious. I’d never had a baby before, so it was scary. The LORD gave me such peace during labor. On top of that, He gave me the birth experience I so greatly desired. I know I could not have had such peace without Him guiding me.
If you do nothing else to prepare for labor, pray for direction in your labor with decisions that may arise. And pray for peace no matter the outcome. Give it to the LORD, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.
“If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
JOhn 14:14 KJV
2. Breathe
This is one tip you may hear over and over again. But it’s for a good reason. Once I was in transition (the stage of labor right before pushing), I had to focus on breathing just so I didn’t forget to breathe. Sounds crazy I know. When you’re in labor, just remember, breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth…in through your nose, out through your mouth. This helps so stinkin’ much!
I think focusing so intensely on something else helps keep your mind off of the contraction. One amazing nurse would constantly remind me of this while I was in transition, and it made a world of difference for me. I hope it helps you too!
3. Take a bath (or shower)
If you are trying to stay at home as long as possible, taking a bath can help you make it a little bit longer. You can also ask to do this at the hospital if you’d like. Honestly, by the time I got to the hospital and got all hooked up and everything, I didn’t feel like moving anymore. I thought I would be walking the halls and stuff (ha!).
The water is relaxing and takes the edge off the contraction just slightly, making it more bearable. I wouldn’t have been able to stay at home as long as I did without that bath. Which, by the way, my amazing husband got ready for me. He even lit candles and turned on Christmas music (my favorite!). Which leads us right into my next tip.
4. Have a support person
For me, this was my husband. Your support person can be your husband, mom, sister, or doula. Whoever you need, get them! During such a vulnerable time, you need someone who you trust to help you. My husband was extremely supportive. I wasn’t sure how he would do with all the medical stuff, but he was a champ! Have your support person ready to do things as you need them. And make sure they are willing to adjust if your needs are different in labor than you expected. You may want them to do things like:
- Get a bath ready
- Play your favorite (relaxing) music
- Answer questions for the nurses
- Counter pressure (more on this shortly)
- Read birth affirmations
- Encourage you
- Pray for you
My husband was such a blessing to me. So don’t underestimate the power of a support person.
5. Use counter pressure
Counter pressure was the only thing that kept me going. The majority of the labor pain was in my back. During each contraction, he would use his hands to push on my lower back. And oh boy! That felt so much better. Get your support person to push on your lower back during contractions to see if that helps. It sure made a difference for me.
Pro tip: if you don’t have someone to push on your back for you, grab a towel, wrap it around you, and pull.
Embrace your birth
No matter what kind of birth experience you have, it will be amazing! If you choose to get an epidural, awesome! If you have a c-section, awesome! You are so strong for delivering your child. And it doesn’t matter how that baby gets here. You are giving that child a chance at life, and that is incredible.
Bonus tip: Try to remember the outcome
This is something I wish I had done. While in the midst of labor, I pretty much forgot that I was getting a baby out of the deal. If I had been able to remember that, I think it would have helped a ton.
Labor is only a day (usually). But you’ll get to love that little boy or girl for a lifetime. I promise, the pain is absolutely worth it. Snuggling your baby is the most incredible feeling you will ever experience. So, think about that baby. And remember, it’s all worth it!
What is your ideal birth? Do you have any more tips to add? Comment below!
