Families logo

You're Strong Enough for Unmedicated Childbirth

Through my own experiences, I want to help women see that going drug-free for their labor and delivery isn't something to be afraid of.

By Rayelle PaulsonPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
Like
Sienna, 2019

First off, it IS an option

I know, I know. Receiving an epidural or another form of pain medication during labor has been so ingrained in American culture that you may not have even thought about any other way to do it. And, if you did, you likely got remarks from providers, friends, or family such as, “Are you crazy?”; “Why would you do that?”; and “Just wait until it's happening, you’ll be begging for drugs!” But guess what? The epidural has only been around since the end of the 19th century, and wasn’t anything like what we have today until the 1970s. Before then, women relied on brute strength and tolerance. You were, in fact, BUILT FOR THIS.

Gather your support team

I thoroughly enjoyed having a midwife for my natural births. They're providers that are generally more available during labor to coach you and assist in pain-management techniques. They also tend to be more open to customized birth plans. The type of provider you have is unique to you and your needs, so choose who you believe would be best to care for you. You will also need to decide who, besides your midwife, you want to be present during the birth. Remember to have people that truly believe and trust in you, so you will get the support and encouragement you need.

Preparing is key

Personally, I didn't take any birthing courses. I did, however, watch a few videos and read a few articles. Whatever you need to do to have an understanding of what can happen during delivery, do that. Figure out how YOU want to give birth. That means things like where you will want to be when you do it! That's another thing that will be unique to you and your needs. Even though I was low-risk, both of my births were hospital births because I wanted to have that safety-net. I will say I enjoyed my second experience more because I used a different hospital in my community than my first, and they were more accustomed to natural births. So, that's something to consider, even if you decide to not do the clinic or home-birth route. Then comes the details. Which positions are you open to laboring in? Are you interested in labor tubs, birthing balls, etc.? Continuous monitoring, IV usage? You have so many options that you yourself are responsible for looking into, because, the truth is, if you don't say so first, the choices will be made for you.

Myah, 2015

What to do when it’s time

What I really mean is what mindset you should have when it’s time. Look: Mind over matter is a real thing. You need to go into this believing you can do this. Don't let people project their own fears and self-doubt onto you. What's important is to not let anyone, including yourself, intimidate you into not having the labor and delivery you desire.

Sometimes, plans change

Don't take it too hard if things don't go exactly how you want them to. Now, I am not minimizing traumatic birth experiences here. The people supporting you through this should have you and your baby's best interest in mind at all times, and respect your wishes—so long as they're the safest options. Every birth is different. There are a million ways it could go. It’s best to go into it with a Plan A, B, and even C. The best way to shoot for a positive experience is to be flexible. Just remember: Don’t be shamed into not having a plan just because childbirth is so unpredictable. It’s time women started taking more control over how we bring life into the world!

advice
Like

About the Creator

Rayelle Paulson

Rayelle and her husband live in Ohio with their three children. She enjoys her family, food, and deep conversations. Find her on Pinterest.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.