The tricks to a Natural Birth

     I have had two babies, my first with Pit, Epidural, Catheter and a million other things to make you comfortable during birth. I can't say enough about how amazing my first birth was. I was interested in doing it without drugs with O, but was not at all mentally prepared. Once the pain got worse (i thought for sure i was at 10, i was only at 5) i was begging for the drugs. The birth was very calm and pain free (once i got my epidural). I was in labor for 15hrs and pushed for 1hr 38min. It was exciting, amazing and everything i ever wanted. So why would i want to do it drug free? 

     With my second i decided to try it "all natural". I started playing around with this idea at the beginning of my second trimester. I knew that if i was going to do it without any drugs i was going to need to be mentally and physically prepared. They don't call it labor for nothing:) I thought about different birthing methods and classes, but when it came down to it all i needed were different options and techniques. I also needed support. So i started talking to all my crunchy granola friends, who have studied natural birth or have gone through it themselves. I enrolled in a prenatal yoga class, and worked out every day i was pregnant. 

    The key was to stay trim and do whatever my body felt comfortable doing. I was able to do everything i could do before i got pregnant. I took spin class, weight lifting classes, ran and walked. I then started a prenatal yoga class with Tricia Sweeney. She is absolutely fabulous and just happened to be a labor and delivery nurse at Evanston a few years back. She answered question upon questions and really encouraged the natural birthing method. She showed me different methods to use while in labor like the ball, shower, and different potions to be in during contractions. Staying upright was the key. I saw her every week up until the delivery. She motivated me and reminded me that birthing is a natural process, your body knows what its doing and to concentrate on the moment. I thought about everything she told me the entire time i was in labor. I could not have done it without her encouragement and advice. I would recommend her to any of my girlfriends that are going to have a baby. You can use her even if you aren't planning on doing it naturally! She is the best. 

     Dana Merk my freshman year roommate, who has just received her masters in nursing and was recently hired as a labor and delivery nurse at Evanston was by my side.  Dana is also a Doula and has done more reading and research on natural births and the benefits behind it. She was amazing! All you lucky ladies delivering at Evanston should request her, she is gentle, incredibly smart and will for sure make you laugh! I know i could not have done it without her! 

     Last but not least my amazing husband was right by my side the whole time. I was everywhere! On the floor, the ball, the yoga mat and in the shower. He was right there to help me through the whole thing. I don't even think i yelled at him, but don't quote me on that. For the first birth he was up by my head while i was delivering, but for this one he was holding one of my legs and kissing my forehead as our beautiful little girl was being brought into this world. It was completely magical!

     Support would have to be at the top of the list of things that makes it easier to give birth naturally. Next i would say keeping upright so that the baby can move into the birth canal faster. The shower was like a narcotic for me. The pain was completely  manageable when i was in the shower. I prayed that God would give me strength A LOT, especially while i was in the last hour of labor and when i was pushing. He came through for me like he always does:) 

     Baby W came in 5 hours, start to finish! I pushed 4 times and she was out. It was the most painful, exciting, exhilarating, emotional, adrenaline fueled 5 hours of my life. I would never do it any other way. Check out the natural method of birthing your baby, you can totally do it!