My Unmedicated Labor Story (+Tips for a Positive Labor Experience!)

I have delivered two babies vaginally & without an epidural or medication. In this video I share the story of delivering my baby boy last year & some tips for having an unmedicated labor experience.
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If you want more complete tips please watch my
"How to Have a Baby Without an Epidural" video: • Natural birth: How to ...
Labor & Delivery Vlogs:
With Wilson -- • Natural (Unmedicated) ...
With Eloise -- • Natural Labor & Delive...
Bridget Teyler - A doula on youtube who makes great content:
/ @bridgetteyler
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[@JennerationOfGrace]

NO SHAME IN BIRTH🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 if you have a baby inside of you, and that baby comes out, NO MATTER WHAT WAY, you’re a WARRIOR and you BIRTHED AND DELIVERED your baby. Simple as that!! Loved this video!!

[@kymberlyheldreth3455]

Thank you! I always feel bad that I wasn't able to go through with my unmedicated birth

[@strawberrrynana]

@@kymberlyheldreth3455 No way. You are one amazing woman to literally grow a human being inside of you for a whole nine months! Your baby is a well-earned gift and the very real fruit of your labour (lol). I commend you on that 😁❤

[@kyliescookingandcrafts8737]

@@kymberlyheldreth3455 I’ve had a pain free easy unmedicated birth and i’ve had a difficult unmedicated birth. They really can be very different depending on the birth. I wouldn’t feel bad at all if I were you. It can vary greatly depending on baby’s position.

[@Nerdophilia]

I just have to say you'd be a fantastic doula! You have a very down-to-earth and calming energy while still being energetic (? not sure that makes sense, but as a doula myself, those are important qualities!). I'm sure many mamas would be lucky to have someone like you by their side during labor and birth!

[@sitcomchristian6886]

I thought that too, would 100% hire her as a doula 😊👍

[@amberskyesobers7288]

Yes this is how my midwife is. She was a doula first.

[@kaylene6618]

I went into labor blind, no classes, no videos and it was the best option I could have ever made for myself 🥰 there's no wrong way to have a baby, and just know that babies don't listen to your delivery plan anyway😂

[@jlmatheson9952]

I feel like you're the big sister I've always wanted and needed! Thank you for spending some of your energy on providing support and resources to others; it is so appreciated!!

[@jess_hover]

that's such a compliment to me thank you!!

[@kelseyguillot9954]

Yes! Exactly!!

[@hannahmccarty5228]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I’m 34 weeks today and this video helped me feel less afraid of the birth process. I’m so excited!!

[@deannalaw4500]

Jess, you are cracking me up today. "I don't know how I got picked to make mom videos...I picked myself".

[@destinimalonson9568]

OH MY GOSH. PLEASE YES make the other video about labor not going as you hoped it would!! Im a new mamma of a 2 mo old and I went into labor SO positive and confident, and then it didn't go anything like I hoped it would and ended up being a little traumatic. It's still painful for me to think about and I've been trying to figure out how to look at it in a more positive light. 💛

[@groworforage342]

Love the honesty. I really wanted to breastfeed and knew an unmedicated labor gave me the best shot of success. Wow what an experience. I'm with you- expecting the pain is better to me then believing I can think it away. If you want an unmedicated labor you can do it! When you feel like you can't do it anymore, when you're confused and maybe frantic- you're in transition! The baby is coming. If you want an epidural get one! Just have a healthy baby.

[@ivieta9634]

I'm 22, done with undergrad, not interested in getting pregnant anytime soon but I'm going to watch all of these videos anyway. I'll have a wealth of information when it's time lol

[@SamanthaB901]

Don't wait too long! I am 31 and just had my first child. I really wish I would have met my husband when I was in my early 20s to start this process then. Waking up all throughout the night doesn't get easier with age lol. :)

[@Michele-bm1zu]

Just to give a different perspective, I say wait until your late 20's, early 30's. I was career driven as well and didn't get pregnant with my first until 29 years old and I couldn't be happier with that decision. My finance and I have been together 8 years but we had the chance to travel, go to concerts, have fun, be selfish and save a ton of money. Are there benefits to having kids young? of course! but that can go both ways 😊

[@schstephanie08]

Gosh you’re great. I’m so thankful there are people like you in this world who have a much larger reach to women, because there are so many of us who need to hear what you have to say. You’re so compassionate and caring for people who you don’t even know personally but want to help feel comfortable and loved and understood as a mom and a women. Thank you for being exactly who you are ❤️

[@kellyjarvis6893]

I absolutely adore you and all of your videos. They have really helped me throughout my first pregnancy. You are such a beautiful person inside and out! I love Bridget Teyler too. Highly recommend her videos as well. I have learned so much :)

[@katiehill6379]

THANK YOU THANK YOU for talking about this so openly, with no judgement, and for using terms like "unmedicated" over natural. I'm 34 weeks and just hoping to go into the experience with an open mind regarding whether or not I'll choose to go the epidural route. People have been asking me if I'm going for a natural labor, and it feels bad. I grew this baby for months and I'll be going through labor, unless he comes out as an alien I'm panning to consider my labor quite natural! Talking about your experience and the choices you made just helps me gain insight into what might happen and your framing is so helpful. I would definitely welcome a video on deliveries not going "according to plan/preference."

[@rachelabeytia5253]

I had the same experience! Like how is it unnatural... 🤔 I did later find out that some of the people were meaning vaginal rather than unmedicated, but any form of having a baby should be consider natural!

[@helenanonamewatching7337]

I'm not pregnant and not planning to become pregnant any time soon but just preparing for later😄

[@sjannadv]

Me too!

[@Zesty125]

I'm not the only one!!! I listen to this at work because it's really relaxing and I can't wait to have kids buttttt not anytime in the near future 😅🤷‍♀️

[@walaasy2045]

Same here!!!

[@micateasdale8776]

Prepare away future mama, you will be great 😊👍🏽

[@Ally.Taylor]

You are literally the most comforting and interesting person to listen to!! Thanks for sharing

[@natecheverri3440]

I'm a single Colombian YWAMer, not planning to get pregnant anytime soon BUT I just love your videos, and I always learn SO much! Thank you Jess! You're so real but compassionate in the way you explain things! I loveeee that

[@moonchild8249]

im not pregnant nor about to become pregnant but i love you're videos so much and they just bring me so much positiv energy so thank you 🥺

[@jessicacoleman3617]

I’m due in 8 days and I’m going to try to go unmedicated so that I can birth at a birthing centre rather than a hospital. This is such a timely video for me. Thank you so much for all your tips - especially about not letting fear guide you 🥰

[@christinamapleback7308]

I gave birth in a birth center! my experience was amazing! you can do this

[@jessicacoleman3617]

christina mapleback that’s so great to hear! Thanks for the support!

[@ahuman3824]

How did it go?are you doing well now?

[@jessicacoleman3617]

@@ahuman3824 well I didn’t end up in a birthing centre! I ended up having a quite traumatic birth in the hospital with an emergency episiotomy that was extended twice with blunt scissors to get baby out. She had the cord wrapped tight around her neck and was having serious heart decelerations. I have professionally diagnosed PTSD so it didn’t go as planned 🙃 But thank you for taking an interest and asking. It’s so kind of you to check in 💖

[@jamie01an]

Love that you touched on feeling like a failure when you felt pain. I felt the same way, I did a lot of prep, meditations and videos on really trying to have a birth unmedicated and thought the pain meant I was doing it wrong. Unfortunately I had prodromal labour and didn’t sleep for over 30 hours haha which i didn’t anticipate. I ended up with an epidural which allowed me to sleep, relax my body, and as soon as I woke up I was at a 10 and ready to push! I felt like I failed even though I had a very positive birth experience and have no regrets! I loved the epidural. But now going in to my second birth I noticed that the messaging of pain = failure has been something I’ve been thinking of and you really brought that to my attention! So thank you :) Birth is beautiful, empowering, and incredible no matter how it happens. Women are so freaking amazing! Do

[@sitcomchristian6886]

I actually didn't poop during labor! I told my husband to be honest with me, and he says I didn't. But I was *ahem* voiding my bowels a lot during the first 8 hours or so. I think I was just empty. I don't know why I just told the internet that. 🤷‍♂️

[@stupidintellect2474]

Yup same. Although just before I went to the hospital to deliver I naturally felt like I had the runs. So I told my husband, wait I need to go toilet and you'll thank me later!

[@VictoriaKlippy]

Thank you so much for this 🙌🏻 I'm almost 37 weeks with my first and having a homebirth 😬👶🏼

[@jess_hover]

Yay!! I would love to hear how it goes!! So so excited for you!!

[@nicolechristensen5383]

You are so calming to listen to and I love all the personal experience that you shared. I'm due Sept 11 and really want to give birth without an epidural.

[@niajohnson7266]

I’m 23 don’t plan on having kids anytime soon but this is like my fav channel....my mom experienced the same thing with me where she went to have a check up and she was in labor. She had me so quickly my dad couldn’t even make it in time. It’s a bitter sweet moment I guess but I’m prayerful I somehow get that passed down to me.

[@meganmiller2273]

No “kids on the horizon” here but I still LOVE you & your videos 😊💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@melaniebieri1644]

This video was perfect. So easy to watch and i enjoyed every extra minute that came with it!

[@jess_hover]

I appreciate that feedback so much! Thank you!!

[@cassidybailey2376]

I am not pregnant, I am not planning to be pregnant and found this video both informative and beautiful. I’ve been an “honorary” doula in 5 pregnancies of close friends, it’s been an amazing experience and this has helped me for future experiences to help mom!

[@abbygailmay4975]

She is the best hype woman I swear 🤣 her personality is the best tho

[@goallgirlie]

my gosh... you are a fairy-queen! so kind, loved the video!!!

[@sierrastorlie689]

I had my first baby completely unmedicated, I refused to educate myself on very much of that process and never watched birth videos or anything just because I do much better in some situations if I go in absolutely blind and faithful. Just what I do, and that really works for me. Something else that turned out to be very comforting and empowering for me was how many time it’s mentioned in the Bible where God compares tragedies and hardships to that of a woman in labor pains. That’s just the way it is, long ago it was because of eve in the garden that we are meant to have painful child birth. But how incredible, that we are also meant and built to withstand it! That right there was my labor coach and I wouldn’t have done it any differently. Everyone has different things they find comfort in and I think that’s so beautiful. I’ll be doing the same with my boy due at the end of the month.

[@lizo3983]

Love these videos so much. I loved your newborn 101 videos too! I’m pregnant for the first time and am due in November as well!!! Anyways thanks so much for your knowledge and encouragement and honesty! :)

[@hannahpalasz8918]

Hi jess yes would love to have a video on when birth doesn’t go as planned! Pregnant with my 2nd and my first time giving birth didn’t go at all as planned and left me so sad. It was pretty traumatic and took almost a solid year to get over. Even with a healthy beautiful baby the experience wasn’t pleasant for me or my husband. Hoping for anxiety free natural birth with this 2nd one!

[@carlythorson2521]

I LOVE following you and enjoy your Facebook group so much! It truly brings me joy each day knowing I have mommy friends on Facebook that I can talk to or read what's going on with them and their little(s). So thank you for taking the time to create that page and make these videos.

[@beaton31]

yes please for the other video.. am so disappointed in how my birth went, had an emergency c-section that I really don't think was necessary and still cry about that often

[@kiarharoper2562]

omg congrats again!! just found your channel and i'm binge watching your videos. i'm 22 with my first child, about 4 1/2 weeks though! ❤️❤️

[@jessicastory4010]

Hi Jess, so funny - I'm Jessica too and my girl is Eloise 😊 I had a natural epidural-free birth, but it was anything but what I wanted or thought would happen, but I try to view it positively. Eloise is 7 weeks tomorrow and I find talking about a lot has really helped settle it my mind. It was a terrifying ride - but would do it all again tomorrow. Have left my story below for people that enjoy them - I love hearing other people's Nine days overdue I finally started having contractions, but they were all over the place, short and close together, long and strong. I controlled how they were based on my activity and position - I didn't get the natural progression of closer together and stronger, this ended up being due to baby descending at an awkward angle. I went to bed and called my midwife in the morning, went in to be checked in the morning about 17 hours after things started. Amazingly was 4-5cm and had gotten there with minimal pain, was left in the pool (wanted an epidural free water birth), which was just the best thing. An hour and a half later when I got checked I hadn't progressed any further, agreed to have my water broken and from there things got a bit crazy. Baby had passed meconium which is a sign of distress, so I was cannulated to have Syntocinin (Pitocin) to speed it up. I remember the midwife who finally got my cannula in (I have terrible veins and it took a few of them) asked "you're going to get an epidural, right?" That was my first indication that shit was about to hit the fan, in my country you're really not encouraged to get them unless very necessary - she was lovely and was making sure I knew I could, but for me it planted a seed of doubt that this was about to be more than I could handle. Baby required constant monitoring, opted to have a FSE (fetal scalp electrode) instead of the bands so I could move around in labour. I tried Entonox (nitrous oxide gas) as pain relief, and thought if it wasn't enough then I'd take the epidural. Birthed on a Swiss ball and was super spaced out from the gas and it was great, didn't ever think about the epidural again. Entonox works so well when you're breathing it as hard as I was, which I needed to because of the Syntocinin - but I've heard for other people it's done virtually nothing. Then things got a bit scary, got to 10cm and moved to the bed to push, but was quickly stopped. Because of the angle the baby had descended I still had a rim of cervix left - had to breathe through contractions without pushing for about an hour to see if it would resolve, and would have to have a C-section if it didn't work. It was the most torturous pain, but it worked. As I was allowed to start pushing baby started having heart decelerations and was going into distress, and I was again told that if it reached a certain level or went on for too long I would need a C-section, I had the obstetrician in the room waiting to make the call. Threw all my gentle pushing techniques out the window and pushed like crazy, because there was no way I wanted to go through everything I just had and then be cut open too. Managed to birth fairly rapidly, and my Eloise arrived weighing 9lbs 5ozs without further complications apart from two tears that needed stitches. It's crazy how quickly you forget how much it hurt as well, it was at times terrifying and not at all what I wanted - but already I can look back at it fondly. I feel more or less mentally ready to go again (husband thinks that's crazy 😂)

[@Kingatje]

Dear Jessica, your birth story feels so similar to mine, with the meconium, Pitocin, constant monitoring and FSE, the heart deceleration, the wait to push... then the benign "threats" from my obgyn to get a C-section if we couldn't speed things up... haha. Thanks so much for sharing, I don't know many moms in my social circle who went in unmedicated or without C-section so I never get to talk to them about it. I feel like I understand the emotional rollercoaster you must have gone through. I was induced at my obgyn's recommendation at 4 days before due date, because of my little one's predicted size, and induction was not at all how I wanted to go originally. But the idea of a C-section was even less appealing. I pushed so hard in the last hour and a half that my legs became useless for the next 24 hours, I couldn't walk, and my hips were in perpetual pain for weeks... maybe a month. It took me until 5 months after giving birth to recover to a similarly painless, comfortable state with my hip joints as before pregnancy. But I was content with how I "survived" through the birthing experience, and I hope you are too. Rest well and enjoy your little princess, you deserve it. Take good care of yourself and your family.

[@jessicastory4010]

@@Kingatje Kinga Kristóf It does sound so similar! Oh you poor thing being in perpetual pain for weeks after, that must have made it so much harder. I have made peace with it, I needed to not dwell at the time because I had a hellish start to breastfeeding and I needed to put all of my care and attention there. But have talked about a lot since, it does really help. Thanks for sharing your story too, hope you're doing well now. Take care xx

[@hollisadams1945]

Girl you’re so strong

[@rosiemoore2285]

Agree about the 'natural' 'unnatural' phrasing, it's such a weird distinction!! Literally what could be more natural than giving birth? Who cares what the specifics of it look like

[@andreaganier5441]

You are a lot of fun to watch/listen to! I'm 35 weeks along tomorrow and looking forward to meeting my first baby soon! Medical interventions actually make me more nervous than the thought of shoving a fully developed baby out of my vag, so I'm just not going to think about getting an epidural or anything and by the time I might want one I won't care about the needles and things, I'll be like JUST DO WHAT THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME SANE and it will all be good :)

[@goggelolos9338]

I was so scared once again, to give birth, but eventually I realized that I was so focused on the pain and trauma of my first (unmedicated) birth, that I totally forgot how successful it was, and how proud I was and I was actually really awesome and I did fantastic. At one point I felt like I was loosing control, but I got through it! We have to remind ourselves how freaken amazing we are! I don't believe pain free methods work for everyone, and for me I felt like I failed with that. After due consideration I just don't think it works as well for everyone. Each person's physiology also play a big roll, not just your mentallity. It did help in between contractions though, to calm myself. This time I will still use the techniques I learnt, but I have more realistic expectations, that YES, labour may hurt *#%loads, but as with anything God throws at you, you CAN handle it.

[@alyssastephens8691]

OMGG I’ve been watching all your baby 101-104 videos and your videos with mom advice bc I am due in November!! Little did I know, you’ve been pregnant this whole time as well 🥺🥺

[@goggelolos9338]

Yes please! "If things don't go as planned" .. Please do that video ASAP! I'm due 19 Aug. My second baby, hopefully it won't be as traumatic, but here in South Africa medical aid is so expensive so mine only covers emergency epidurals. I'm also for some reason scared of the idea of an epidural. "Discomfort" bwahaha! I agree, that moment you get to hold your baby for the first time makes all the pain worth it, as bad as it may be. The funny thing is that everyone I've spoken to who've had epidurals said it didn't hurt, it was just a bit of a weird feeling. On another note... I'm so thirsty when I've laid down for a while. My blood sugar is fine. Can I ask if anyone else is experiencing this? I drink at least 4 glasses of water at night and about 6-8 large glasses in the day. Thanks for another great video! 💐💐💐

[@TheLunita333]

I love watching your videos! I am not wanting to birth children myself (honestly I am terrified), but I am considering being a foster parent to begin

[@catelyngonzales6421]

I am pregnant for the fifth time and it will be our fifth baby. I am so happy. Congratulations on your little one.

[@kas1603]

I went to my first labor with the most positive energy and excitement and it turned out had 48 hour unmediated labor 3rd degree tear 12 stitches and beautiful over 10 lbs baby boy 💙 was it worth it? Yeah 100%! Do I want to do it again? Probably not 😂 now I’m 5 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and I’m hoping this one is gonna come to this world easier way 😅

[@shelbyrichey1878]

Did you feel yourself tear? Did you feel them put the stitches in you?

[@kas1603]

Shelby Richey I had local anaesthesia for the stitches I could feel everything though however you’re after such amount of pain the sawing is just little pinches lol and you have this beautiful babe on your belly ❤️ I tore my cervix and everything inside but they still had to do episiotomy but I wouldn’t say I felt the tearing just excruciating contractions 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@vanessasaucedo87]

Your friends story sounded exactly like my 3rd baby... I labored at home not really sure if I was in labor because I was having these waves but they were not excruciating. The only reason I went to the hospital to get checked was because my OB had scared me by saying I would have the baby in the car. So I get to the hospital and they say I'm 7cm I was shocked but excited and a few hrs later I was 9 going on 10 and right then I knew because that's when I tell my husband all hell broke lose lol I was feeling every urge, my water broke and a few minutes later my baby was born. It was an awesome experience. I too was like u apologizing to everyone for being loud at the end lol that is for sharing your honest experience. What helped me at the very end when I was feeling everything was reminding myself that the baby was coming and this is part of the process and I needed to go through this to get the baby. That was also my motivation to push lol

[@aritenenbaum391]

Please, please, please make a video on what to do if your birth doesn't go as planned. That happened to me 8 months ago and I actually started crying when you brought the topic up. So yeah, that could be sooooo helpful :)

[@brendanburress2696]

I love love love your channel, one of my fav “mommy” channels! Would love to see a video on if your labor doesn’t go as planned since I’m due in two-ish weeks and that’s a big fear I have 😬 Keep up the good work, Jess!

[@hafokagang4573]

I am 37 weeks and his due date is coming and I am getting nervous but I know I want a “natural” birth but this video is so informative I love your videos your so chill and seem so real I love that!

[@torey4322]

Congrats on your 3rd baby!!! 🥰 we are planning on having a baby here soon! Prayers to all you ladies!

[@christencoastal]

I'm due in November too! 😊 This video helped me alot! Thank you! I have a large family and alot of them are strict Mormons. They have SILENT births. Well that is the goal. If you are in severe pain then you havent prepared and I just cant imagine that being possible for me. It makes me feel better that I dont have to feel guilty if I need help. I dont think its fair to feel like your soul is dying! Thank you! I want to try unmediated but I dont want to feel like a failure if I need something. 1st baby!

[@bethanplans2919]

I love your videos Jess and I’m thankful for the mom group that you started. Also you cracked me up there at the end. That story of contractions feeling like ocean waves was amazing. I hope that’s what my contractions feel like. 😂🤣 Anyways thanks for sharing your story with us. I feel less scared and more centered after watching your video. I’d like to have an unmedicated birth, so it’s nice to have positive realistic videos out there.

[@hinternetz]

I just had an emergency c section after 36 hours Of unmedicated labor- the language you choose means a lot. Please do that how to cope video!

[@hannahjanatsch4541]

Yes please do that video!! I love being in your group!

[@i0nlydream0fy0u]

Thank you so much for your channel and this video. You are so down to earth, realistic, and tell it like it is, which is exactly what I think is needed. I appreciate your positive energy! Also, since you mentioned natural pain relief methods and are currently undecided, have you looked into The Brady Method? I don't know this from personal experience, but I have seen a lot of positive experiences with that and thought it may be helpful.

[@rachelabeytia5253]

Yes!! I used Bradley Method... it’s incredible!

[@OGthirteen]

You are the cutest - and YOU are totally made to have babies! Such an honor to be there at both births with you guys. Life-changing. And lol - you can say it all, but you made it look pretty easy :)

[@yaniquedawes9380]

congrats so excited for you im having a baby boy in november so i feel like i have someone to guide me, i recently found your vids and been hooked on them

[@nadineparris7496]

PLEASE make a video about when L&D doesn't go as planned. I gave birth 4 days ago... wanted unmedicated, ended up on endless heavy IV meds + epidural + c-section. Needless to say I have some trauma, mourning & negative emotion about my first labor experience. I need to process it so I can move on. Would LOVE perspective & any suggestions to move forward.

[@katiewheeler8065]

This video was perfect in every way! :) Thank you for being yourself and just being honest and down to earth! I’m almost 33 weeks along with my first babe, and my goal is an unmedicated birth! I might be re-watching this a few times to hype myself up that I can do it hahaha.

[@andreja_elena]

I am due in 2 weeks and hope to have an unmedicated delivery - this really helped ease my anxiety as this is my first and I loved your tips at the end - I can do this!! 🤗💕 Thank you for this video!

[@elizabethcrissien680]

I had a c-section. Planned and the medication takes a little of your excitement and your feelings away. My humble advice do it at the last minute if you choose to get the epidural. You feel all this tingling like if your leg fell asleep but 100 times worse. So its uncomfortable but you don't feel pain. I don't know. All I know is that I had to be so brave and it took some of the excitement away and the drugs stay a while. But I love my happy healthy baby.

[@danih5631]

Love this so much! So many of my feelings are shared with you. I love the birth stories of no pain. But also not my experience. I pursued that too much and was disappointed with not receiving that. I will be going in with a focus on having a positive birth rather than pain free one next time. Inviting God to turn up however He wants not however I want ❤

[@aknv_]

yes! please make a video about a birth plan gone astray. my first baby is due this november - yay!

[@xXHoldMyHeartXx]

I’m pregnant with my first so this is super encouraging!! I’m planning on doing a natural birth at a birth center!

[@alyssajiminez116]

This video came at such a perfect time! I was due June 22nd with my first baby but that hasn’t happened yet and I am no where near dilated. I am supposed to be induced on Monday June 29th. Watching this video has definitely helped eased my mind and I am going to try to deliver unmedicated! Thanks Jessica!!

[@Katigee26]

How did you go 😊

[@vicky-leemcseveney1452]

I'm still very early in my first pregnancy, wildly scared because of the crazy corona time we are in but also I will be giving birth in Italy as my husband is Italian. (even though we live in France right next to the hospital🤷🏻‍♀️ we think during labour and delivery its slightly more important to understand the language the doc is speaking😜) So I'll be alone thanks to corona, still can't speak Italian and I'm just unsure of what lies ahead. They are pretty old school in the town where I'll give birth so no home births possible and they believe in no meds. I wish I could have your birth team of rock stars to fight for me during birth, sounds amazing. Thank you so much for this video and every other one, it is a blessing to have your help, advice and guidance when feeling like a deer in headlights.much love to you❤️❤️

[@wolfgaec06]

You are so funny and sweet, I’m so happy I found your channel, and although we’re not pregnant yet, I know you’ll be a great resource when we are!

[@savageBB]

I am likely to be induced for labour next week so I am lucky that this video showed up.

[@melissajane3656]

So excited for you! I’m due my first baby beginning of December, I’m so excited but very nervous. I love your videos Jessica, I watched them even before I got pregnant, and love your advice from your previous pregnancy experiences. Xx

[@texbecks6682]

Thanks for the natural/unnatural mention. I had a c-section at the recommendation of my doctor and really struggled with comparing myself to women who had vaginal birth because I thought I didn't do it the strong way. It's not true though! I had a baby inside and I went through what will hopefully be the most intense and involved surgery of my life to bring her to me. Then I healed from the inside out. What's more natural than that sacrifice for my baby? We should all be saying vaginal or cesarean.

[@choosnau]

Yay! I'm due September 8th and going to last as long as I can

[@jess_hover]

Congratulations!! So excited for you!!

[@ieshahoskins8623]

Same due date 💕 #BabyNumber2

[@leahmishue6627]

I'm so happy for you. I'm the youngest of three and my birthday happens to be in November as well, can't wait to see the new baby.❤👼

[@carolines3953]

Aw, Wilson and my oldest share a birthday; my son is turning four this year! I’m due with number three a few weeks after you! My first labor was unmedicated (two hour precipitous labor and totally crazy and quite traumatic). I had an epidural for my second and was peaceful and joyful. I’m on the fence for this third pregnancy for medicated or not, so thanks for this video!

[@jess_hover]

Happy birthday to your son! So sweet! When did you decide to get the epidural for your second and were you able to move around at all? I am so curious about your experience :)

[@carolines3953]

I could still turn over in the bed, move my legs and feel enough to push. If an epidural can go “perfectly” then I think mine did. I was up moving around straight after an hour of skin to skin. Only side affect I had was soreness at the needle insertion point for about a week and a UTI from the catheter. Compared to the pain of my son’s labor (relentless back to back contractions from start to finish) it was so much better. I’m curious to experience a labor that isn’t precipitous without an epidural. I’m wondering if contractions grow gradually, if it’s better. I waited until 7/8cm for my daughter to get an epidural. It was getting uncomfortable but not unbearable.

[@carolines3953]

If you’re on the fence, you could tell your nurses that you’re undecided about an epidural. I was totally undecided when I went in to have my daughter. They ran a bag of IV fluids for me (that’s a prerequisite for an epidural). At worst, I figured it would keep me better hydrated and at best, I’d be ready to get an epidural whenever I wanted. I got one at 7/8cm mainly because I didn’t want to face transition and crowing unmedicated because I did find my son’s birth intensely painful. I didn’t feel like I needed to prove anything to anyone by not getting it. Also, I was totally relaxed because there was zero pain. I didn’t tear with my daughter (I did with my son) so maybe being relaxed helped with not tearing.

[@nadiyaqt4219]

I love how you’re pregnant again and Wilson is going on 1🤗🤗🤗 this is awesome

[@annaroland5269]

Loving the advice 2 weeks out 🤞🏼

[@annemartkroeze4827]

Hi Jess, love your videos! And thanks for sharing both your birth stories. I gave birth 4 weeks ago and followed the whole hypnobirthing method. I had a really really good and short unmedicated home birth (5 hours), and kept focusing on my breathing (4 in, 8 out), and my husband helped me to ‘relax’ between contractions. Still, it was freaking painful :-). I even vomited twice because of the pain. So I’m totally with you on the ‘not sure giving birth can be without pain and it is just super uncomfortable’ thing. And that while the midwife said she hasn’t seen someone so often that is still so calm while being 8-9 cm dilated. So, thank you for being honest about your experience!

[@MsMeow090]

I would love to hear what you think about trying for a baby during this current time, as well as what books you recommend on babies and parenting, if any. Thank you, and I love your videos!

[@xoxellerose]

I am not currently pregnant but I’m a Christian as well. And my husband and I are in the process of trying to conceive in the next year or so so I’m prepping to have a epidural free labor and go more of the natural route so I’m doing my research ❤️

[@vanessalynneandres]

Would love a video about how to process your birth not going as planned! Thanks Jess, this video was helpful.

[@flowerchild9045]

Love watching your videos, planning to become a mom in the next year or so. This has made that seem a lot less scary and manageable! I would love if you started like an only sister girl advice series! When I was scrolling through the comments it seems I’m not alone in being in this age category (22 and married) would love to hear more advice is other aspects of life

[@Cabbage-dk6nu]

I find Bridget a little woowoo-y. That "Yep it's gonna suck and I'm gonna survive it" mentality is my plan. I figure it sucks less if you go in prepared for it to suck than if you go in expecting "a little challenging, some discomfort" and then.... it really sucks anyway.

[@audreyderkatch9197]

I'm 36 weeks pregnant today and thankyou for this lovely video! I would like to try for a unmedicated delivery but I am open to an epidural or other pain meds. I can do this!

[@heatherfraser2325]

39 weeks pregnant & definitely needing this! I’m planning a non medicated birth in the UK :)

[@katelynrettig6360]

Thank you for sharing this! Yes, please make a video on when things don’t go as planned. :)

[@stupidintellect2474]

Last story is amazing. I want that so badly! I also have a similar story. My mum gave birth to my sister without contraction pains. She was napping one day and felt her water burst then was ready to push immediately, pushed a few times and out she came. 4th child. She gave birth at home on her own and luckily she prepared a home kit because she anticipated a fast delivery. Not that fast though! Unfortunately the birth of my son turned out the opposite. 1 day of intense contractions and a whole lot more. 😅

[@Olgaleigh]

due end of September with our third little girl and this one is a littler earlier than we had planned. Also due around the same time as the previous pregnancy which is wild but we are grooving right along. Had 2 previous med free labors and more nervous this time around bc I know how the pain feels and not sure if I can do it again so thank you for the encouraging words!!

[@emilycasciari7090]

I’m 30 weeks and am hoping to go unmedicated 🤞🏼 I’ve been thinking and preparing for a labor a lot recently (little early, I know) but this was such perfect timing!!

[@kellys3664]

I had the exact same situation. I was stuck on 7cm for 10 hours with contractions in my legs during the night. The labour ended up taking 38 hours and i went to the hospital with 4cm. They thought it would progress much faster but after the long night without progress my water still wasnt broken. At night they cant break it so the morning shift broke it. But i still needed medicins to progress the dialation. After 28h into labour they asked me why i didnt want an epidurale cause my body stopped making progression cause i was so tired. My fiance begged me to take one otherwise it would end up in a c section. So i asked one. After that i could rest for sometime so the delivery could start thankfully everything went great no complications.

[@Finnlisa538]

I’m 18 and 6 months pregnant, almost 7 months now. So I have 3 months left gonna try to go all natural. I’m scared but Wish me luck!! 😂❤️🥰

[@lilcricket641]

I’m 56 and had 4 kids with no medication or epidural. The first two I couldn’t have an epidural because it was over 35 years ago and it was in a small town in upstate NY and that wasn’t an available option. The 3rd I didn’t get one because I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of the needle in my back and was more used to the idea of not having one. When I had the last one I wanted to get one since it was going to be my last but I had the chicken pox and I had so many lesions on my back that the anesthesiologist didn’t feel he could find a clear spot to put it without possibly introducing the virus into my spinal canal which would have been disastrous. So.....no epidural for that one either. Luckily for me I had pretty short labors of about 5-7 hours from the time I realized I was in labor until the time the baby was born. My last one was the longest and I think it was because I was not feeling well. Honestly I wasn’t really in very much pain until I hit about 6-7 centimeters. The hardest part was from 7 to 10 centimeters and after I had my first one and learned not to tense everything up, my second to fourth babies were much more pain free. I think because I was able to get inside myself and just breathe through the contractions. My youngest is almost 29 and is 30wks pregnant with her first baby. She really wanted me to be in the delivery room with her but it looks like I won’t be able to now due to covid. 😩😥😭. Her and her husband even suggested that I go in with her instead of her husband but I said they really need to be in there together and I think they’d regret it if not. I’m hoping to be able to lend some support through FaceTime or something. She really wants an unmediated birth. I told her as long as she and the baby are safe anything is fine and that I’m sure I would have had an epidural with my first if I had been given the option!

[@sarahwedmaier216]

Your such a beautiful person! And I pray you have the most beautiful labour this 3rd time around! I had a all natural vaginal birth, I can definitely say it was painful but it was bearable pain when your super scared of needles like me haha there was one point i said to my husband im not sure how much longer I could do it on my own for, but I got thru it! Advice i would give it to keep active even if its on a birthing ball like I did, don't labour on your back let gravity help! And breath your baby out! I pushed twice! Once for the head and once for the shoulders, I had no tearing and I got a small obrasion because I breathed through all of my contractions. Also use coconut oil down there atleast 1 month prior every night before you go to bed just to help the elasticity of your skin. Have faith you beautiful mummas and you will do the best you can do and be proud of that!

[@lenkatvaruzkova5333]

Haha, I also wish for the waves of the ocean! That totally cracked me up :) But seriously now, thank you for being open and so real! Love your videos!

[@jessicataylorwalton]

DEFINITELY PLEASE TALK ABOUT LABOR GOING SIDEWAYS! i had an insanely quick labor, dilated 8 cm in 90 mins and it was total chaos (total labor time was about 8 hrs). Horrible pain ending in a 4th degree episiotomy...rough! and it was so chaotic i never had the calm moments of walking down the hallway or bouncing on a birth ball...it was like 0 to 10,000 in a matter of minutes and was full steam ahead until my beautiful boy joined us Earth side. I went in with a totally open mind without major plans knowing it's a divine experience that has little to do with human will. Nevertheless it would be nice to hear your commentary having heard from friends and your own experiences as well. Thanks! From another Jessica! haha.

[@alysa7364]

Did you do unmedicated?

[@jessicataylorwalton]

@@alysa7364 yes until the end when they numbed me to excise baby boy and stitch me back together...ugh

[@alysa7364]

@@jessicataylorwalton That's rough. You're a trooper, Jessica.

[@jessicataylorwalton]

@@alysa7364 Oh thanks girl, that's kind of you to say! Honestly, any way it goes down is SUCH a big deal and every woman every which way she labors and delivers is heroic- still don't think men on the whole can ever really imagine the pain level! haha.

[@MichaelaMarlene]

I think it would be cool if you did medicated this time just so you can share the differences and the pros and cons, ect. ect.

[@chrisd2199]

Thank you Jess! Ocean waves I'm gonna have! I'm sure!

[@NetNet47]

Wow! What an amazing thing! Good luck!

[@crystalgriffith6314]

Just awesome, thank you! Praise God🙌😊🧡

[@Jamie-zf9ep]

It’s been BOTHERING ME SO MUCH who you reminded me off. Sutton Foster 🙌🏻 you probably get that a lot though lol

[@capslovesit]

I didn't know who that was so I just googled- wow she really does!

[@michelles8705]

Omg I’ve been off KZbin for so long, like haven’t been watching videos and I’m back and clicked on your video since I’m pregnant again and your videos are the best . 14 seconds in and omg CONGRATS👏🏼😊❤️. VIDEO LIKED✅ P.s(edit)..... im due Sept 12th ❤️

[@elisebeasley481]

Are you still having any nausea at 17 weeks? I’m one week behind you in my pregnancy (16 weeks!) with my first baby and the nausea hasn’t left yet. Would love an overall pregnancy update from you! It’s fun to watch your journey!

[@AM-pc7gw]

I was nauseous all the way until 18 weeks :/ unfortunately the later I got the more intense it was then it just disappeared!

[@jessicastory4010]

Not the answer you're looking for, but I had nausea and vomitting off and on right through until the end. Ask your care provider about nausea med options that could help if it's feeling too much for you, I tried a couple of different ones x

[@mickolitschi]

I also felt really bad the first 4 months but it slowly stopped at week 17 to 18! :) for me it didn't stopped immediately but it just went better day by day! :) I hope you will feel better soon!!

[@BerrysweetLove91]

I'm also pregnant with #3 surprised lol. Due in September... Curious if you find everything 100x harder with pregnancy #3?? Cuz mine is NOT FUN and I've heard that it's a number 3 thing? 🤔

[@nomineb7850]

This was such a calming and relaxing video, thank you! I’ve eaten dates with peanut butter since 34 weeks, now at 38weeks and 4 days so getting closer to due date! Just wondering if you’ve or anyone you know has used Evening Primrose Oil vaginally or for perineum massage. Thanks!