How I did it: Read a lot of books about natural birth and birth in general.  I even read some books written for nurses (maybe a bad idea if you worry a lot -since it has everything that could possibly go wrong in there).  Then, basically, I decided before hand that no matter what - I was not going to accept any pain medication.  It really wasn't hard for me to say no.  Even though I had never, NEVER felt such horrible pain before in my entire life.  But it was an AMAZING experience.  And I feel like a STRONGER woman.  I can handle ANYTHING.  You can do it too!

Lessons & tips: -Read a lot of books
-Talk to a lot of moms
-Practice the birth in your mind
-While you are in labor, think about the baby pushing out of your body
-Bring people to the birth that support your decision to have a natural birth
-Don't let doctors and nurses tell you what to do - this is your birth -not theirs
-Listen to your body, when it says "PUSH" then push, even if the doctor tells you not to.  Your body knows what it is doing.  And believe me - you will feel 10000 times better when you start pushing!

Resources: Books, other moms, doctors, midwives, my husband

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Jul 17, 2009, 08:56AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer