Coping with Labor Pain WITHOUT an EPIDURAL | Birth Doula | Lamaze Childbirth Educator

Coping with Labor Pain without an Epidural

If you've decided on giving birth naturally, it's important that you come prepared with knowledge and tools for how to cope with labor pain. Lucky for you, I'm sharing all the best natural labor tips and how to deal with labor pains without an epidural. So, if you've typed into the search engine, "How to give birth naturally", type no more, because this video with give you everything you need to know to flood your brain and body with pleasure sensations to drown out the discomforts of labor!

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DISCLAIMER

All content and information in this video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and I do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions. I am not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition.

Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions. For your health related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified health care provider immediately.

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#BuiltToBirth

[hmills]

I had a beautiful, calm birth with my fifth baby. I never thought I could manage that due to my past experiences but prayed and meditated a lot leading up to birth. My husband was shocked when I started pushing and baby was born because I was so quiet and calm. Never even moaned or anything. So different from my past births. What helped me was saying different mantras to myself quietly. I usually said them mentally or whispered them under my breath. I would also visualize inspiring things. As a Christian my mantras were "Christ is my peace" and "Christ is my strength"... I also visualized or thought about Mary before her birth or about the heroes of our faith, early church martyrs, etc. Somehow remembering what they went through so heroicly helped me. I also focused on my hands, forehead, and mouth. I was sure to keep them relaxed. I kept my hands open, palms up. I made sure I wasn't furrowing my brow or clenching my jaw. I truly believe being calm and quashing fear is the biggest thing for a natural birth. Fear makes everything so much worse. I also wouldn't allow myself to think ahead or wonder how long labor would be... or how painful things would get
... or even to try to keep track of how long a contraction was or likely would be or when the next would come. I was totally in the moment I was in. Looking back I don't remember pain. I hope my experience helps someone! We are expecting number six any day and I am hoping for another peaceful birth ❤️

[Gambit]

Just had my baby 2 weeks ago ang I was totally expecting to have an epidural at 6cm but guess what my amazing OB encouraged me that I can do it w/o having to rely on the epidural. So what I did was that I focused more on how I can manage my breathing so I can push when they count to 10. The next thing I know is that my baby was out & it took me 4 pushes to get her out 🤗. Just focus mommies and just tell yourself that whatever severe pain you feel it will only be 1 day and it will bring you closer to seeing your baby

[pramitasaha]

1. Breathing with Smell (Essential oils)
2. Focal Points & Visualization (Any point to focus, may be partner)
3. Music and Mantra (Push Playlist, positive slogan and statements)
4. Relaxing touch & Hot cold therapy (Gentle touch or relaxing touch, hot or cold bags)
5. Water (Nice warm Shower)

[ArtByKarenEHaley]

My mantra was yoinked straight from Bob Ross
Relax, let it flow, think like water
(Water takes the path of least resistance and Bob Ross is the most calming presence I could think of)

[lchavinga]

For all of you wanting to give birth without an epidural, but living in a country of culture where you are ridiculed for it.. it may help to know that there are countries where the expectations are the opposite. In the Netherlands, where I live, there is a long tradition of giving birth at home and without medication. Today, a lot more women chose to go to the hospital (15% give birth at home) but still, epidurals are only chosen by 20% of women. Older generations frown upon you wanting an epidural. Within that context, somehow 80% of women are able to give birth without it. Hope this gives you some confidence! Still, every birth is different, so don't beat yourself up if you end up needing one. ❤

[stephaniem]

Some other tips I have gleaned:
1. Gate control theory—use a comb in the palm of your hand to trick your brain into feeling that sensation first before the contraction pain.
2. Ride the wave—every contraction rises and peaks and then declines. The peak is about 15 seconds. You can do anything for 15 seconds (mantra!)
3. Do not focus on the stats but on how you feel. If you are thinking about how you’re only 2 cm dilated that can be discouraging. But you might be 90% effaced and that is progress too. The change can happen fast so don’t focus on the numbers.
4. Move! By responding to the type of moves your body is craving, you are helping your baby get into the right position and descend, increasing pressure on your cervix to help with dilation and effacement.

[emilyharrison]

Had my baby naturally a week ago! I watched your video and a couple others two days before I was able to stick to my birth plan of no epidural. It was 14 1/2 hours but only 10 minutes of pushing, over the last 2 1/2 hours of labor pains I did squats during all of my contractions and laps around my house which totaled about 4600 steps and honestly laying down or sitting during those contractions was so much worse. This experience was wonderful. I was walking 10 minutes later and probably healing better because of it! Thank you for the videos 🤗

[filomenagarcia]

Hi Bridget, Last weekend I had my third baby naturally without epidural. I have followed your breathing techniques for my last two births and had wonderful and quick deliveries. Thank you for posting your videos for free.

[littlemizrandom]

I really want to do a natural birth but everyone I talk to says I will change my mind or that I'm crazy... I really want to do this!

[NAOMILOREN]

I love how you address us as mamas and not “mom to be’s” 🤗❤️

[heleneac]

I am due in August with my first and reading a book called «positive birth». In the book, they suggest using the word «intense» rather than «pain», which is something I will focus on for the remaining time. Such a small thing is really helping me feel more mentally prepared. Also using positive angles such as “you are safe” rather than “it is not dangerous”.

[samanthadavis]

I’m currently pregnant and I have a 4 year old. You really can have a painless or moderately painless labor. I personally never needed one with my son but got talked into getting one to help me ‘dilate faster’. EVERY WOMAN AND LABOR IS DIFFERENT. These tips will help for sure BUT how you care for yourself during pregnancy makes a difference as well. The more active you are the better (walks, yoga, light exercise). Maintaining stress is important (meditation or whatever calms you down). Eating healthy, nutritious foods. You also have to visualize the labor and delivery you want. Yes life happens, stressors will happen whether you’re pregnant or not, but dealing with them, maintaining a positive (calm in the storm) peace of mind, being active, etc helps TREMENDOUSLY.

[trose]

I focused on a mantra/acronym I created Relax Open Soften Expand Surrender (ROSES).
At first, I focused on the words but eventually, I couldn't--so I focused on ROSES.
Eventually I had to let go of all my thoughts and "let go and let God".
28 years later, I'm here watching Bridget's videos and sharing them with my baby who's going to have her first baby!

[anared]

I remember hearing, "...keep pushing, she's got a lot of hair, she's almost here, you can touch her head, she's coming on the next one, " all these things made me keep pushing through. Every new mom should know not to put themselves down. We can plan this or that but it's truly in God's hands. I planned to breastfeed and not get an epidural and keep holding out until the baby came when it was ready but it didn't happen for me. I got so depressed. My blood pressure skyrocketed and I had to be induced which ruined one plan then the pain of being induced came so suddenly...it wasn't gradually increasing like one would probably prefer. I had to get the epidural, it wasn't offered unless I really needed it. But they recommended it to lower my bp too, so I took it. I was so proud choosing to breastfeed which I intended on doing for 2 years and even that couldn't be done. I produced no milk whatsoever. On her third day of life, my child was starving and I had enough. My mom told me to not feel bad about it, she brought me formula for my baby girl. She slept so calmly after that and was finally fed, after that nothing else mattered to me. My baby is my priority, not my ego or pleasing others. It was an expectation of me to breastfeed but it just didn't happen and I moved on. Just after a few feedings, my daughter was sleeping better, I was sleeping better and my mind was at ease. The wet and soiled diapers finally came, I cried, never been so happy to look at poo. She grew up so quickly and I love her with all my heart. Now I'm expecting another little princess and this time I don't plan but I won't be hard on myself like before. Be the best mom you can be. You and your baby come first. God bless all moms out there

[Leandrisx]

I did all of these except the music, i wanted total silence. I stared at the wall and old tv for 10 hours while focusing on my breathing and counting down from 10 when i had pain to control it. Worked great, i was in total denial about getting an epidural and i did this and it went great, baby came out fast and easy, pain wasn’t that bad, I’m pregnant with my 2nd and I’m still more scared of the epidural😂

[juliatutko-balena]

another quick tip I heard on a podcast is to have a comb in your hand. Acupressure counter-pressure. Eases the discomfort and distracts the mind during tougher contractions.

[merakibeautybykb]

With my first I truly do feel like the epidural delayed the process because I was so numb I couldn’t feel anything.
I am due with #2 in October and I know I can handle this on my own. ❤️

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice”

[wendymtzc]

I had three natural births, they were all fairly easy, I didn’t learn any breathing or pain management techniques but one thing I learned fairly quickly was that laying in bed and getting into a fetal position made my contractions way more painful, what I did instead was slowly walk through the contractions with a very straight back, kind of stretching it as I walked.

[angiegcaceres]

I’m currently in labor and I’m going natural without an epidural, I’m 5cm dilated and these contractions Hurtttt! But I’m going to hold off the epidural as far as I can, I can do this! Pray for me!!!

[sonar]

Thanks. Your advices really helped me have a natural unmedicated delivery. All my life I thought I had low pain tolerance, but I handled labor like a pro :*