https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 19:58:17 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-2200599 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:49:01 +0000 MoonMoon 2200599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's awesome, especially with pitocin contractions! Congrats, mama. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-2200574 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:32:27 +0000 Zbug 2200574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ms. pug: yay!! Congrats, mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-2200571 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:27:59 +0000 Mrs. J 2200571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ms. pug: congrats!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-2200422 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:08:00 +0000 ms. pug 2200422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just an update: I did it! Woohoo! I delivered DS in March with no pain meds. It wasn't complately "natural" since I had to be induced with pitocin since my water was broken for so long (suuuper painful contractions!) but i was very happy with how everything went without any classes or real prep. I did do a lot of yoga prior and it helped with breathing and focus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-2199354 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:46:02 +0000 Anya 2199354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read The Birth Partner and took a basic birth class that wasn't specific to being led-free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045358 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:07:31 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2045358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My labor was thankfully without complications, but it was rough. Also, it wasn't natural: I was induced because of meconium, and I had a failed epi. I felt all of it and literally thought my heart would give out. I was sick at the time and had zero sleep and energy, so I'm sure it could have been easier, but man, I do not want to experience that much pain again. I also had a uterine infection afterwards, tears and I still experience minor bladder problems from time to time! If I could, I would sign up for a section (if we end up having another). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045276 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:32:48 +0000 jetsa 2045276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: yes to the shorter than normal labor. Mine was 14 hours start to finish.</p> <p>I was induced and I asked for an epi twice, the first time my pitocin was too high and I was literally not getting a break between contractions, the second time I was in transition. I will definitely do it again because I had a quick and easy recovery and I contribute that to not having the epi. I was literally walking around a bbq cookoff at 5 days postpartum. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045275 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:31:59 +0000 raintreebee 2045275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Deer: Thank you so much for this. I just read it. I too had a terrible time with pushing the first time. My mom says that part is easier the second time around and your story gives me hope! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045239 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:11:54 +0000 Mrs. Deer 2045239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@raintreebee: @Corduroy: I don't know if you ladies saw my birth blog post, but I ended up going natural for baby #2 too and it ended up being a lot easier overall and a MUCH more positive experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045215 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 10:59:00 +0000 Corduroy 2045215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm still deciding for #2 due in June.</p> <p>I had a rough labor, 51 hours that started at night so 60+ hours from my last sleep to delivery. I think I can do the pain again but I REALLY hated feeling like I was fighting the hospital staff. I had a doula last time and I think just her presence irritated the staff.</p> <p>I didn't really get what I wanted from a natural labor. I wasn't allowed to move around once things got started, I had an IV and monitoring, I wasn't allowed to change positions and had to push laying on my side at a 45 degree angle. I still had that moment where they say you need an emergency C-section (they later changed their minds). There was no high and I felt no immediate bond with baby. </p> <p>I'm hoping my second birth is all around easier. I don't think I would refuse an epidural or drugs to sleep if I thought it would help speed things up. I don't plan to use them just to avoid pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045162 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 10:36:53 +0000 avivoca 2045162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I looked at my past response on this thread, and it's still the same. Yes, I would do it again. With 15 months more perspective, one of the things I remember helping me in the moment was the knowledge that the pain was going to end and remembering in the back of my mind that there is a peak before it ramps down. Just keep swimming, and all that. My labor was shorter than average (15 hours), so that colors my perspective too. If I tried for 50 hours, I don't know how I would feel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-natural-birth-did-you-want-another-for-2#post-2045143 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 10:24:41 +0000 raintreebee 2045143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bumping as I start TTC#2. I had an unmedicated labor with my first for no great reason. My labor went *very* fast, but I did have time to get an epidural. I never had my heart set on any kind of birth. I read all of the medical journals disproving the cascade effect. I wasn't afraid of the needle. I was, however, curious. I wanted to know how the billions of women before me had felt during this supposedly magical experience. Let me tell you--for me it felt like my insides were ripped out and cast to the four corners of the earth. And I felt more like I had PTSD from the pain rather than some magical glow. So now that my curiosity is satisfied, why would I want to do it again. If you would have asked me right after the birth, I would have said no way I am doing this again without an epidural. But it's been a year, and the memory of the pain has definitely receded. So I'm thinking might as well go for it...so irrational, I know. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1968517 Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:28:45 +0000 ohapostrophe 1968517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did it twice (if you want to be technical... the second time I did hire a doula but she didn't make it to the birth in time)! The hypnobabies home course is awesome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1947713 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:09:11 +0000 cait 1947713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an uncomplicated, med-free birth without attending any classes! I would suggest The Birth Partner, too! And Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. It's important to do your research, make a birth 'wish' list, and be very open with your doctor or midwife about what you're hoping for and making sure they are supportive of that. Also, if you have any interest in a doula, I'd say go for it! If money is an issue, there are many who work on a sliding scale, or in exchange for experience to help them with their certification process. Best of luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1941595 Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:59:10 +0000 Zbug 1941595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@namaste: I actually just googled natural birth mantras and positive birth mantras. I read a bunch and write down the ones that appealed to me :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1940214 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:35:11 +0000 MamaChin 1940214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unplanned med free birth so I was not prepared at all. I was so so scared but your body just knows what to do. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1940210 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:30:07 +0000 birdofafeather 1940210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think classes are a must (we had someone come to us for a day because my DH was in school long distance during the last 4 months of my pregnancy) but I read a lot about what to expect at each level/transition, listened to hypnobirthing tracks to try to mentally prepare. But I did have a doula and she was integral! Is there a reason you don't want a doula? With my husband and family out of town, I wanted to know for certain that someone would be with me! Best money we spent! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1940176 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:02:35 +0000 matador84 1940176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Two natural births (not so much as even an iv). I didn't have a midwife or anyone coaching me through birth and didn't read any natural birthing books. The pain was all mental for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1940164 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:55:00 +0000 raintreebee 1940164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did it without any classes. And I did zero research because I was high risk for a scheduled c until baby came early. I wasn't really committed to a natural childbirth either. But I had a quick labor, which helped. Still the pain was unfathomable. But it's possible to manage it without little prep! I would recommend reading a book about what to expect. That would have made things easier! I think the hardest part for me was feeling so out of control. It would have been easier if I had a better understanding of the process. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1940060 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:33:02 +0000 Cole 1940060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the hypnobabies home study set and loved it. It has components for your birth partner but honestly I mostly did it on my own, I had my husband read the beginning bits and then near my due date we went over the things I felt were important he be aware of. </p> <p>I had a great labor and delivery and there is no doubt it was largely due to the class. I was able to have a med free, natural birth and keep calm which I knew was critical for me. Let me know if you have any questions about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1939898 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:49:19 +0000 IRunForFun 1939898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you can as long as you're well-informed and you're prepared for it! </p> <p>"The Birth Partner" is a great resource, and so is this book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hospital-Birth-Best-Worlds/dp/1558327185" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hospital-Birth-Best-Worlds/dp/1558327185</a></p> <p>I'd highly recommend just sitting down with your DH and drawing up a rough birth plan so you know you're both on the same page and he understands how to support you and communicate with the birth team when you're in the throes of labor.</p> <p>Also check with your hospital/practitioner to see how natural birth "friendly" they are. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1939882 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:37:32 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1939882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a natural hospital birth with a high risk OB (not very familiar with natural birthing techniques) and never took a class and didn't have a doula. I didn't even read a book...I guess I'm lucky it worked out for me. The birthing pool was my BFF. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1939332 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:40:38 +0000 AmandaB8 1939332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did! </p> <p>The Birth Partner was an awesome book. </p> <p>Also - I credit it with holding off on going to the hospital as long as possible. We didn't rush there. When we did get there, I actually walked around the hospital grounds and got a sandwich there before I checked in! I was dilated to an 8 when I finally went to the check in desk. (though I didn't know it at the time).</p> <p>Also - when they ask you if you want an epidural, the best way I found was to say: "I'm going for a natural birth - I will tell you if I want one, so don't offer it or push it please". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1939314 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:35:39 +0000 Adira 1939314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep. I didn't take any childbirth classes and was basically unprepared for labor, but I had a (mostly) med-free and intervention free delivery! My birth was overseen by a midwife, so maybe that makes a difference? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1939306 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 12:32:13 +0000 namaste 1939306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Zbug: Do you have a list of mantras that you used or where you found them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1938998 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 10:29:56 +0000 Bubbles 1938998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Absolutely. I used a hypnobirthing cd during pregnancy to prepare for the birth, I didn't go to any classes at all. I did do a LOT of reading though. To be honest I did not find the hypnobirthing as helpful as I had hoped - I was very committed to it but when it came to the birth I just couldn't get anywhere near that zone. I did find aromatherapy massively helpful though.</p> <p>My advice would be to do plenty of research into other types of birth as well - I was so focussed on having a natural birth that I didn't even visualise anything else. Then when I had PROM and had to be induced - IV drip, continuous monitoring, the works, it really threw me for six. I think that next time for me it will be really important to have a plan for how I will handle each different type of situation that I might find myself in! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1938899 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:59:21 +0000 looch 1938899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on who will be attending your birth, is it midwives?</p> <p>We attended a midwife led class and basically, she walked us through what they did for pain management and birthing positions. Had we not attended the class, I do believe we would have had the same birth because the midwives were schooled in a particular method.</p> <p>Hope that helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1938886 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:55:11 +0000 GoGoSnoGirl 1938886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following! Due w/ my 1st end of May &amp; am in/looking for a somewhat similar situation. :goodluck: to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1938868 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:49:12 +0000 avivoca 1938868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ms. pug: I was going to suggest reading The Birth Partner as well! It was really helpful for my husband. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1938867 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:48:49 +0000 ElbieKay 1938867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is a good book too: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594</a></p> <p>And get a doula! </p>