Hey Mama, I am here to answer your question about how to choose a natural birth or the epidural.
First, I want to say that every Mama has a different reason for desiring a natural birth. This is a very personal decision, and the reason is very important.
The reason is what is going to help you trek through the pain with confidence and success.
Pain is scary, and pain comes with labor. We all know this. But I want to start off with saying that the pain of labor is normal and it is purposeful.
Some Mamas choose a natural birth because they are afraid of the risks associated with epidurals. Note that epidurals are very safe and standardized in the U.S. these days.
The majority of pregnant women deliver with an epidural, safely.
The epidural is anesthesia that is continuously administered in the epidural space in the Mama’s back. Its job is to give pain relief from each contraction. Mama is on bedrest the entire time the epidural is in place because it causes her legs to become numb. If you want to be up and moving around in labor, then the epidural is not a good option for you.
Your concern is about the risks associated with the epidural, and I understand your concern. There are always risks and side effects with medical interventions (example: epidural headache). But it bears repeating that epidurals are safe.
However, it does not have to be you saying “YES, I want the epidural, I can’t do it!” If you desire a natural, vaginal birth, then you can say “NO” to the epidural with confidence.
The question you have to ask yourself now is… “What is my reason behind choosing a natural birth?”
This can also be asked…
What story do you want from your birth experience?
A lot of Mamas want to connect with their bodies, and experience the bonding that occurs during the painful labor and birth.
Ask yourself what is more important to you: relief from pain or connection through labor (the hard work). This will help you discover your reason.
Before I go any further, I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…
If you want a natural birth then you need support and preparation.
We want Mamas to be fully confident in their ability to cope with the pain of labor.
Ask yourself this question: “What is my ability to cope with stressful situations?” You have to evaluate yourself and the way you cope with the things that life throws at you. Can you cope with stress and pain in a healthy manner? If you don’t know, then we would love to help. Keep reading!
When Mamas don’t cope with pain in labor, they are often left with a bad birth memory, and this can lead to postpartum blues/depression and a strong desire to not give birth again.
Coping with pain in a healthy way starts with recognizing that pain in labor is a normal process that leads to a victory. Each painful contraction leads Mom and Baby one step closer to delivery.
This pain is purposeful.
The pain is different from suffering.
Pain of labor is a physical experience, it should not be spiritual. We all know what spiritual pain feels like: death, divorce, rejection, loss, etc. This suffering feels empty and cuts to the core.
The pain that accompanies childbirth is intense, full, bubbling over, and celebratory! You are bringing life into this world, your world. WOW!
Are you getting excited about giving birth naturally?
Now is the time to recognize your need for preparation and practice before “Labor Day”.
You might need some help resetting your mind towards the goal of each painful contraction…to think of the pain as good.
You can keep a healthy mindset through each painful contraction. I know you can.
Do you want some help getting on the right track toward saying “NO” to the epidural and giving birth naturally?
I would love to help.
I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…
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