NATURAL BIRTH PREP…My Motivation, OB vs Midwife, Hiring a Doula, What I'm Packing

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TIMESTAMPS:
3:21-6:17 MY MOTIVATION - and what "natural" means to me
6:17-11:23 RESEARCH - hiring a doula, who I trust, and what I read
11:23-14:40 MY CARE TEAM - OB vs midwife and why I changed providers
14:40-16:46 BIRTH ENVIRONMENT - what I'm buying + organizing for comfort
16:46-20:06 BIRTH PARTNER PREP - how I'm helping my partner help me
20:06-24:37 ENERGY MANAGEMENT - what I'm eating to fuel my body
24:37-27:15 PAIN MANAGEMENT - the "no medication" strategies I'll be using
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RECOMMENDED READING:
(General research)
evidencebasedbirth.com/
www.spinningbabies.com/
www.ontariomidwives.ca/client...
(Gate Theory of Pain)
nursekey.com/pain-management-4/
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ENERGY MANAGEMENT:
(Snacks I'll be packing)
CLIF bloks amzn.to/3C9X3q3
SunRype fruit bars amzn.to/3yfbC9x
Applesauce squeeze packs amzn.to/3S9lRnw
Saltine crackers - should be available at any grocery store
LMNT electrolyte mix amzn.to/3CalL9E
PAIN MANAGEMENT:
(Tools I'll be using)
Acupressure balls amzn.to/3SvtrIX
Heating pad with strap amzn.to/3xRkwcX
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insta: / abby
tiktok: / ampollo
business contact: [e-mail]
the team plans insta: / theteamplans
the team plans support: [e-mail]

[@melissasnotsureaboutthis]

As a mother of two, one thing I would recommend to women just starting to have children is that they do some homework with regard to what happens after with feeding options, infant care, post birth care, mental health check lists, etc. I consumed so much about the birthing experience but so little thought was given to the aftermath.

[@courtneysokal6590]

Heck yes. The birth is such a minuscule part of parenthood. Babies will arrive in whatever way they can.

[@reneebrattain9712]

I completely agree! Great mention!!! 🙏🏻🧡

[@Glowingup365]

That is Sooooo important to remind first time pregnant mamas. I focused sooooooo much on birth that i got slapped by the hand of the realities of postpartum. Currently pregnant with baby 2 and I know how important it is now to be prepared for postpartum

[@christinathomsen6295]

I have long since decided that motherhood is definitely not for me, but I have been Intensly following your preparations, and watching you doing all of this research is so interesting to me. Pregnant bodies have always been seen apon as "weak" or "fragile" and although everyone is different, it is amazing to see you being strong and keeping fit and still challenging your body within the limits that comes with making a litteral human! Wow! Incredible!

[@abbypollock]

💛 grateful to have you on this journey. I’m always learning and this new journey has been so empowering for me!

[@aidenflame1576]

@@abbypollock Samee! Im at least not giving birth. Possibly not being a parent cuz my body just isnt meant for tht. Id prolly have fur babies instead But i love following ur videos today and will have fun following it. I wanna try to follow someof the excercises. (Im a newb for excercise) Mostly the stretching and ones stuff cuz they look like they feel good. Cuz i have lots of back issues and stretching to. Also GOOD LUCK for ur baby! And ur birth! And i love following. Ps yes rhe room looks drab gray but its rlly pretty? Also i honestly thought jt was a filter cuz ur so colorful on comparison lol! I actually love it?? It would make colorful toys or baby clothes or etc pop out more :o easier to spot and find

[@itsvalandnico]

I just had a natural unmediated birth in a birthing centre 5 days ago, it was the most beautiful experience of my life 🙏🏼👶🏼 you got this mama!

[@nikivable]

How did you prepare? Books? Videos? Hypnobirthing classes?

[@lilycaboverde116]

Was your birth center next to a NICU? I love idea of birth centers but I find it so hard to find one next to level III NICU (what I will need)

[@itsvalandnico]

@@lilycaboverde116 birthing center

[@itsvalandnico]

@@nikivable read some key books like Ina May’s guide to childbirth & the hypnobirthing method. Lots of meditation/visualization & positive birth affirmations. I also decided firmly I was doing it, there was no doubt in my mind it was happening and I was gonna get through it. During more intense contractions (when I was still able to let out a few words) I would repeat empowering affirmations like "no contractions is stronger than me" or talk to my baby and tell him to get down that we were so excited to meet him

[@nikivable]

@@itsvalandnico that's exactly my plan. I am in the middle of Ina May's book. Planning to get one on hypnobirthing but not sure which one is best. Also doing the Positive birth company course. Thanks

[@luveuful]

I had a beautiful and empowering unmedicated birth with my midwife. I laboured until 6 cm at home and then went to the hospital to deliver, as a home birth was not for me. Definitely labour at home as long as possible! One thing that I learned from Nurse Zabe on KZbin was the mantra "these contractions aren't stronger than me, they ARE me" which I said to myself through the most painful periods of labour. I hope you have the birth you envision ❤️

[@caitlin862]

I didn't feel contractions until 30 minutes before my baby was born. I thankfully was already at the hospital because I didn't feel him moving (because I was in labor apparently). Laboring at home for as long as possible isn't good for everyone, as it definitely wouldn't have worked for me. First baby, no induction diy stuff. He was just ready I guess lol

[@leisaann]

I admire how much you prepared physically for this season of life. I prepared mentally and neglected my physical. Nether the less I had an awesome unmedicated birthing experience. Wishing you the same.

[@thehuney56]

I truly can't wait to see how your birth goes. You have become the predator and not the prey with this pregnancy. Pregnancy is difficult, but does not have to be an illness or disability. You've done the research, prepared for the race and secured the proper support. I plan to do the same so I'm really hoping your story will be one of motivation in a giant sea of fear inducing stories 😂 Thank you for sharing your journey Abby! 💕

[@mloew21]

Couldn’t have said it better myself ❤

[@fonjadidi]

Sometimes it is debilitating without women wanting it to be, especially if they've had really bad morning sickness and cannot keep food down.

[@thehuney56]

@@fonjadidi Yes. Which is why I said it does not *have* to be an illness or a disability. I know a lot of people who just...stop doing normal things with their bodies whether able or not. That's more what I was referring to. Hip dysplasia toward the end and things like hyperemesis gravidarum, pre-eclampsia, diabetes those are actual illnesses/disabilities. While related to pregnancy, pregnancy itself is not the illness/disability.

[@reymisterio2233]

“I can’t wait to see how your birth goes.” What does that suppose to mean? Pervert

[@thehuney56]

@@reymisterio2233 ....I think the way you've naturally thought about it as something perverted is more telling. As a woman who will also go through childbirth, it's helpful to hear stories of how other peoples' births went. Did they go as hoped, were there complications, did the planning help, etc.?

[@natalielyons4693]

When I found out she was pregnant, my researched obsessed brain COULD NOT WAIT to this kind of video and have the honor of benefiting from all her hard work and dedication to researching! I’m 20 weeks pregnant and greatly appreciate this video.❤

[@msolounias]

Lol right? I am a nerd with two degrees so as a result I am naturally inclined to research EVERYTHING 😅

[@siennadunes1176]

Same here! 22 weeks along and tryed to stay active as much as i did before. Abby has been so motivating. Ive read both of Ina Mays books on childbirth and breastfeeding, a guide on active birthing and currently on one called Natural Health After Birth which i highly suggest all women read. It has amazing information and support for all the ups and downs of after. Even relationships with spouses, family and friends afterwards or just relating to yourself as a new woman because trust me this is my second and you will feel completely different woman post partum. Good luck!!

[@sarahhuggett550]

I'm a nurse and attended class taught by an OB that specifically covered cesarean and VBAC deliveries. He said that the body naturally had a plateau/stall at 4-5 cm. He was very honest and said that a lot doctors will push a C-section during this time out of fear of law suits.

[@heyyitsalexa]

As a medical student who is going to be a doctor in 7 months, I can attest to many of the points you made. My experience rotating through OB has influenced what I want for the future and I am seriously considering a similar birthing plan to yours. I am relieved to see women like you providing education in a very non-confrontational and anecdotal way. Well done on doing your research and educating others and of course, congratulations on a successful birth. I wish you and your little family well.

[@genesisansbro4936]

Not being negative here, but only adding, prepare but don’t expect… things can change from one hour to the next. I watched KZbin video after KZbin video and my deliveries were nothing like the videos that I watched on KZbin, or what I “expected”. I researched all that I could. Non the less I hope and wish for a safe, healthy delivery for you and baby and for it to be all that you want! ☺️

[@jackytheripper]

She said right in the first 20 seconds what's she's preparing TO TRY. She knows this, stop bombarding mother's with nonsense that they already know. She also said a couple mins in that she has "preferences" did you watch the video? Rude

[@genesisansbro4936]

@@jackytheripper am I not allowed to say what I said… I’ve seen a few new mothers now on KZbin that prepare for this and end up devastated that things didn’t go the way they planned. Like I said in The end of my statement I hope that she has the labor and delivery that she is planning for. I don’t see how that could be rude

[@jackytheripper]

@@genesisansbro4936 DID YOU WATCH THE VIDEO?

[@genesisansbro4936]

@@jackytheripper I did. I’m not saying this just for her I’m saying any new expecting mother.

[@jackytheripper]

@@genesisansbro4936 you commented on Abby's video and did not say "hey for all expecting mom's out there" you were giving her advice. She's 9 months along and her language is very clear, you're just adding to the shame mothers get for not doing enough, and the constant bombardment that everyone knows better and needs to pile on unsolicited advice

[@preppyparisienne]

I’m 17 weeks pregnant and low risk, also from a fitness/powerlifting background and I can’t express how helpful this video is. I’m also concerned about being dismissed since I’m low risk, and definitely want to start thinking about proactively working with a pelvic floor PT to make sure I’m adjusting my exercise appropriately throughout and after my baby arrives. Thank you Abby!

[@hannahmiles1324]

Breathing is most important and staying stress free. Your body naturally eliminates before you go into labour and most midwives are very good at hiding your modesty. It’s the having a wee and a poo afterwards that’s a little scary. Also, take some fluffy socks as you get really cold after giving birth. Your little hot water baby has gone so you get the shivers. You’ve got this!

[@dorothyr1240]

I’m not pregnant….and I never plan on getting pregnant but I’ve watched a lot of pregnancy content on social media bc I find pregnancy fascinating. This is the most informative and straightforward pregnancy video I have ever watched. Not all women will probably have the ability to do this much research for pregnancy but you linked great ressources and narrowed down the important stuff. It’s a really good resource for people who are going through this. Also talking about watching birth stories online and how they are biased is a really good point….those videos can be very impactful for how people perceive their pregnancy. I hope this video gets a lot of traction.

[@KTCC13]

Be prepared for the hormone drop after birth! That is a doozy. I had postpartum depression after both my children and I honestly had no control over my emotions, it’s so hard to even understand or explain how it feels but just know that if it does happen, it doesn’t last forever, your body has to regulate itself back to normal and it’s ok! You’ll get through it I promise, you got this!

[@ursulapoth4235]

THAT. I went through 2 PPD without even knowing that it was a thing. I was sad and depressed and everybody was just like "you must be so happy" and I just wasn't and it was hard and it made me feel worse and guilty. learned what happened to me years after. it could have been managed IF I had been given the right tools.

[@jessbarkerduff6856]

Hey Abby! I LOVED my labour! Almost all of my birth preferences were shifted in new directions (home to hospital, natural time induced, etc.) but I was ready! I did so much meditation, squats & other exercises, pain management practice, and reflecting that I was able to have my baby without an epidural and with minimal intervention besides the Pitocin to get things going (I had P.R.O.M and waited on labour to start for a couple days with no luck). I felt so empowered and informed- it wasn’t the birth I was expecting but it was the birth I always wanted. Expecting again and am SO looking forward to my next labour! You are already doing such a phenomenal job preparing and because of that I know you’ll have the birth you always wanted and that whatever happens, you’re going to rock it 🤙❤️

[@MandyRoeske]

My philosophy is that if your provider does NOT give you confidence about your care plan they’re actually not proficient. I’m actually thinking about changing my GP because I feel like she disregards my concerns.

[@archviewerh]

I love how prepared you are! Feels like a business plan or some kind of a pitch, where everything is thought about, planned and organised.

[@MiVidaBellisima]

Your story is super inspirational. Women spend 10 months stressing and letting cravings/mood swings control their life… meanwhile you went 6 months without having a clue you were pregnant. It indicates that you maintained a strong degree of discipline and lived a pretty normal life without those things. I don’t want my pregnancy to be filled with anxiety and raging. Anyways congrats! Did you get to do maternity photos and a baby shower?

[@yatal.1501]

What adds the anxiety is your monthly check up with your doctor. They keep your Nerves up. She went 6 month without a doctor telling her to be aware of this and that. Even at week 6 (first sonogram) the nurses comment was scary, then had to wait a week to talk to the doc about my results. Week 15 DNA tests, diabetes test. Constant tests after that. Week 19 sonogram to check organs development. Constant blood pressure tests it’s a lot. Please don’t just blame hormones, the anxiety is induced by you caring about this life that you are growing while doctors and nurses are constantly telling you to watch for this and that. Etc…

[@Kriistall7]

Just had my second home birth a couple days ago. Preparation is everything no matter how and where you birth! I really am in awe of what we can accomplish.. its such a huge deal

[@amandalee4792]

If this is any consolation to you, my experience is that labor pain wasn’t unbearable (it wasn’t a way I prefer to spend my day… but not unmanageable… and I had back labor). Everyone has a different pain threshold, but just know you’ll do great especially with how motivated you are! Good luck!

[@mapachemaldito]

me too. I had an unmedicated vaginal birth at the hospital and it was very nice, my room had a tub for natural pain management.

[@MB-vi8zp]

Same here! For me I think it's more emotional though, I 100% hate the few weeks before birth more than labor itself. Labor is exciting, it means the baby will be here soon and I'll be done with feeling like a whale that's about to burst! I literally do not care how painful it is!

[@kalindazsiga1144]

I had to learn all this the hard way. I was traumatized by my hospital birth because I didn't know how to stand up for myself. My home water birth was so empowering! You are on the right track!

[@linseyc.6602]

Can't wait to watch! love that you research and plan, I love that I'm the same way

[@sarahjustkidding]

All the videos from your journey are seriously indispensable and invaluable resources. 🙌 Thank you!! It's such a relief to see someone crunch through the info the same way I might. And even if having a child never ends up being the right choice for me, I find everything about this FASCINATING. 🤓💕 Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@jadewaldron582]

Girl, this is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing. Good luck with your labor experience, I can't wait to hear how it went!

[@love92N]

Hi, I'm fallowing you from a couple of years and I was so happy to find out we are pregnant same time 🤗 I'm a bit behind you (34 week now). I wanted to thank you for your informative and honest videos even in those "hard" times 😂 Wish you luck in this new journey ❤️ with birth and everything after 🙏💐

[@Life.With.Carrie]

I need this to be a series b/c this is helping me brainstorm for my own labor & delivery. I’m in the last month my first trimester and my brain has been mush 😂 stringing together a thought has been hit or miss lately. Super helpful video and as always, love the mountain of information you bring to each and every one!

[@RLynnea09]

Thank you Abby for all your hard work, openness and research! ♥️ I’m a visual learner and not great at sifting through evidence but I always enjoy how it’s your passion and you break it down in a way I can understand. I’m so happy to have this resource for when I’m pregnant. I was so nervous because I feel uneasy with doctors, I do feel like they have their own agenda but I’m glad there are other options 😄 Looking forward to hearing more 💖💖 Also can’t wait to meet your baby!

[@audraleeferris]

So glad you are doing what YOU feel is right for you! Yes to midwife’s!!!! I personally had a awful experience with a woman’s health clinic and traditional OB. I switched to a midwife and it was awesome!!! I had a Natural home birth with zero complications. I felt so supported and comfortable with my midwife team. (I’m a runner and fitness instructor. I totally feel ya with all your decisions including training during pregnancy) keep going girl! You will be a awesome momma!

[@theinvestigativeteacher8649]

Hi Abby! I’ve been following you for about 2 years now and I’m so happy we are pregnant at the same time! I’m 37 weeks and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing all your research. I’d love to see the Partner Guide you’ve prepared 🤰💕

[@kaitlincrane_]

It was so awesome to hear about all of this. Thank you for sharing your resources, I was so ignorant my first pregnancy. It is so empowering to have all of this information. Knowledge equips you for success!!

[@HungUpOnADream1122]

I love these videos! I’m working on getting my bachelors in biochemistry right now, and looking to be an OBGYN PA later on! I would love to make a difference for women’s experience in healthcare. I feel like women (in many aspects of life, but especially in healthcare) are not listened to or taken seriously, and I really want to change that with my career. I hope all of your labor preferences are met, and I’m wishing you a smooth delivery momma!

[@RosyCheeksBoutiq]

I’m so excited to hear how your birth goes!! I had a home birth a few months ago and it was amazing ❤ the water definitely helped with pain management for me! I labored on my couch watching TV for the first 5-6 hours then got in the water when it started getting too painful and it was so relaxing! Had my baby about an hour or 2 later. MUCH better than the hospital experience I had with my first

[@stefaniedrew]

Thank youuuu for paving the way and sharing your experience and tips and tricks 🙏💖 saving these all!

[@missygee6155]

I hadn't seen videos from you for a while and then this one popped up. Never knew you were pregnant! Congrats!!! My best to you for a happy, healthy pregnancy as well as healthy baby and stress free delivery! I've had 5! Trust me, no difference in babies health with pain meds you take but HUGE relief from pain (contractions) that makes you feel like you wanna die! Epidural made it so much less stressful and a happy birthing experience. My first two were natural, no epidural even offered. 36 hours first time, 22 hours second time and I passed out from weakness and pain. 3rd, epidural, easy peasy. 4 hours after I got to hospital baby was born. Less stress, less exertion, happier delivery.

[@RuRaynor]

The recommendation to not eat in labour is insane! You need fuel for the journey. Thank you so much for covering this.

[@lauraellsworth1419]

You can do it all natural! Great job with your research. Stay positive and you’ve got this!

[@mammagoat2933]

I'm sure you have alot of people tell you what you should do but I've had 2 natural deliveries with no pain medication. One water birth and one home birth and 3 MAJOR things I found helped me was.. As soon as I had my 1st contraction I put on a tens machine. I used this in both my labours for pain management.. I would NEVER go through labour without one. Get it on early so it can work!!! Second was smell.. I used a combination of Clary sage and lavender to help me stay calm and focused. Third was music so I could zone out from what was going on around me. This helped me SO MUCH! I was able to listen to my body and my baby with no distractions. You and baby are a team and you've got this ! 🥰😘

[@dmuse869]

I feel so heard and understood! Like all of my thought and concerns are being answered!! Thank God!! Huge hug Abby. It is like having a digital older sister!!🥰

[@daphnet7078]

As someone who this will probably become very relevant for in the next few years, your workouts and diet and other prep/also how you get back into working out or being physical post birth are definitely the videos I’m actually interested in, over other videos you can find on the internet which act like you just have to accept whatever happens to your body and just have no ownership over it at all. Glad you’re doing well! Thank you for letting us into your life!

[@MiVidaBellisima]

I totally agree, minimal intervention is best. That’s not to shame anybody that needed a little help to get through it, every labor is different ❤ congrats you got this mama! You’ve worked for this, you are DESIGNED for this!!! 🎉

[@Teababii1995]

Cant wait to see how your delivery goes! You got this boo!!!

[@mistyschoephoerster347]

Yes 100% need to see the cues/guides list!

[@jeanie1034]

This was incredibly helpful! I appreciate you so much. Thank you for all the great information and resources. I wish you the best birthing experience!

[@naomi2013]

I'm a 16 year old girl who does not plan on being pregnant until marriage but your videos are so open and real I can't stop watching. and the amount of time and effort you put in to your pregnancy. I can't help wondering if more people did what your doing then pregnancies would be much easier than other women make it seem.

[@2rachaelm]

I really like what you said about choosing your birth team Abby! I had a midwife team since I wanted as natural a birth as I could and I was low risk as well. They were amazing. They provided me with such a comfortable and safe space and even came to my house every day for the first week after my baby was born to help me with breastfeeding. It was a night and day experience to when I attended my sister's delivery with her OB. Hospitals can feel sort of like a conveyer belt, they get you in and out efficiently but the midwives (in my experience) are way more present and supportive. At the end of the day, it's your baby and your experience. You should do everything you can to make sure you like and trust the people who are there with you!

[@leisaann]

I'd love to see that list for Jeff! I think that's a great idea to share with your partner

[@cynthiabaeza546]

Hi Abby. I’ve been following you on and off for a few years now and I love how informative and objective your videos are. I’m so excited for your birth and want to wish you the best of luck! After watching this video I don’t think you could be any more prepared than you are. I’ve had 3 natural births myself, a hospital birth that was unmediated until I was (unknowingly) in the transition phase and it was time to push right after, an unmedicated home birth, and an unmediated home water birth. Now I am expecting twins, so not sure if a natural birth will be possible and safe, but we will see. But I wanted to share that I learned a lot from my mistakes with the first birth and I felt so much more empowered and prepared for the next two. I wish I has done as much research as you for my first birth. You are spot on with your care team and support being super important! My advice to you is to remain confident in your ability to manage the pain and especially in your body’s ability to birth your baby, yet know that there will probably come a point where none of the relaxation or pain management strategies will seem to help anymore, and that is ok. That means you’re almost at the finish line! I used hypnobirthing for my last baby and I was super calm and relaxed until about the last 15-20 minutes when it was time to push and I FELT EVERYTHING. All you can do at that point is grit your teeth, push into the pain (making it worse momentarily) and get through it to get your baby out and into your arms, where you will experience complete and utter bliss, and all of the pain will be forgotten. I hope that helps! I know you can do it 👍

[@Thehungrytravelers]

Love that your sharing this!

[@talithialee9608]

You are so logical! Something I admire a great deal.

[@leticiariverofernandez882]

I'd love the finalized version of the birth partner guide. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@saraheeee]

Wow! You have done an excellent job preparing for this delivery.

[@CCaravasi]

I just found your channel and I must say after having my own 3 children naturally at home with zero medical intervention you are spot on right where you need to be with having a successful and healthy labor and delivery! You sound very well educated, as I was about the on coming journey. God I cannot stand the influencers with all this following and they just go through the OB given to them. I applaud you for finding what felt better for you. And like I said by the sounds of it, you will have the best labor and delivery. Some things I also did around labor time was I no longer sat in a chair, any way my pelvis became at a 90 degree angle I avoided. Only the exercise ball was my chair. (Obviously a car ride is unavoidable but I’m talking the weeks prior to labor getting ready, limit long car rides) another thing, pernial massage. I know it sounds crazy and wacky and too much but TRUST me when I say how much I wish I had implemented that. It really helps with the ice pads to ease your under carriage. And another thing is every so often throughout the day I would invert myself to settle baby in the ideal position for delivery. I can’t remember the origin of the technique but you’ll find it. You’re on the right track.

[@lorrainyhippohernandez4796]

Absolutely amazing!!❤

[@Yararar]

So excited for you, not planning to get pregnant just yet, but I’m excited for the future and am loving following your journey and learning with you for when that time comes ❤

[@saharaweekly]

When I wasn't planning for pregnancy either I still loved watching women's pregnancy journeys.

[@alexandraguy2931]

Same

[@surigal8195]

Happy I am not the only one who gets super annoyed when someone says "You can do it, you got this". Like I am in pain, don't talk to me, rather show me something visual in silence....

[@VictoriaCharlotte]

Birthed my baby with no pain meds whatsoever after being induced with pitocin in a hospital, and I can confirm it is totally mind over matter! Hypnobirthing practices and meditating through each contraction got me through it. Being able to move how my body felt it needed to move was so helpful. I asked for my "happy place" music to be played in the room which helped keep my mind right through each contraction! It was when it was time to push where mentally I started feeling scared of the pain, but by that point, there was no turning back! Had to turn on that fight or flight mode, and it was fight time. The pain was very motivating to push her out as efficiently as I could so I was laser focused and was able to push her out in 15 mins. Such a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction on top of overwhelming love the moment they laid her on my chest! All in all - it is possible to birth without pain meds even if induced! Being educated and prepared already puts you ahead of the race! Super excited for you.

[@mkultrasurvivor99]

I am 37 weeks and truly interested in seeing your birth partner guide!! We have very similar goals in our birthing processes and my family and husband are not really sure how to support me. I think that a birthing partner guide is genius and I’d love to use your as a reference to help build up my own! Loved your input on laboring snacks for energy and efficiency. Thank you for sharing your pregnancy tips and resources with us! So helpful. Good luck ❤️

[@geebatart]

Good for you, Abby. I had the same approach as you, to research anything and everything I could and not just accept any direction from medical professionals. I had a very positive birth experience because of this! Giving birth is definitely not a "one size fits all" deal, so good for you!! I know you are going to have a great birth experience :)

[@eezekiel07]

you are so incredibly impressive. I worked on obs and gynae for 6 months and I wish we are more informed with the more natural side of the birthing process. in the UK, the doctors only deal with high risk pregnancies, at least in my hospital. but I'm planning to have a baby soon myself so will be checking out all the links you posted. thank you for this much needed wealth of information, and congratulations! your baby is lucky to have such a role model aa you 💖

[@asmaa_vlog_85]

I feel happy when I get a notification that you have uploaded a new video 🥰😘😍. Thank you very much for uploading the video. Your videos fill me with so much positive energy 🍓♥️🥰😍😍🍓♥️

[@noelbrier]

Great video! I'm due in April and this is so very helpful 🙏

[@mayn-s.5535]

So glad you switched to a midwife when you were not comfortable with the OB. I had an OB who was all for natural unmediated birth. I got a doula and labored at home and go to the hospital 15 min before I delivered 😅 so much for my plan to deliver at the birthing center- since I was pretty much in the pushing stage, I couldn’t be taken down to the birthing center but had to be quickly wheeled to the Ob floor. I refused getting an IV as I didn’t want any interventions and had a beautiful fast birth! Of course I labored for 23 hrs. My second one, I got to the hospital 45 min before delivery but got to deliver in the birthing center which was set up like a home environment with a hot tub. Wishing you all the best and can’t wait to hear of your birth story! Oh another thing that irritates me is when OBs say “I delivered your baby” uhmmm no! The moms do deliver, the OBs are assisting in delivery!

[@Expat_FitLife]

Love this video, some great tips shared! Speaking as an athlete who’s had 3 unmedicated births, keep your mind open about the TENS machine. I also absolutely **hate** them, but it saved my LIFE in my second labor, I had very intense back labor and the TENS machine was what provided that “gate theory”-type relief for me before I was dilated enough to get into the water. And I so wish I had it in my third labor, but that labor only lasted 2.5 hours so.. no time 😅 Just keep that idea tucked in the back of your mind though, because things you thought you’d love or hate in labor would really shock you by how you end up feeling in the moment. So exciting!!! Childbirth is the most mind-blowing experience a human can have 😍😍😍😍

[@chrispat7]

If I could go back in time the one thing I would wish to have told my Midwife would be for her to tell me to slow down pushing. Since I was feeling all the pain I pushed like a champ and then I tore like a sheet of tissue paper. Had we slowed that down I wouldn't have needed so much repair I don't think. I needed to hear a verbal queue to slow down.

[@MB-vi8zp]

I think that depends a lot on the anatomy of the individual. I've given birth 4 times and never torn, despite having quick births and particularly the pushing part being so fast and intense I couldn't have slowed down if anyone had told me to. It might have helped you to slow down, but it also might not have made any difference.

[@ShayPeters0n]

Mama doctor Jones said in one of her videos- can't remember which one- but there's evidence of labor being easier if you eat 6 dates a day for the month leading up to your birth. Just thought I would mention it as you are doing a natural birth and I'm hoping the best for your delivery! It could be worth looking into. 💖

[@sumatib]

Amazing due diligence on all fronts, Abby! As someone who is planning for birth as well, I love all you said about incorporating your partner. I‘d love to see your partner guide, when it’s ready. All the love and strength to you!

[@Daymickey]

Yes I’d love to see the list!

[@soapyacreshomestead2226]

I had amazing pregnancies and scary deliveries but they were both quick. I think it is all about mind set. I think you have the right mind set and I hope it goes amazing for you.

[@Chex400]

How exciting! I did natural too! Mainly because it felt right for me.The hospital seems alarmed when I didn’t take the epidural class and even called my doctor to “make sure it was ok” that I refused it. 😆 My best advise is remember your body was meant for this. If you feel cramps in your back tell them you want to SIT UP! It takes the intense pain off your back and movement always helps move baby along naturally.

[@Kiwiyumful]

I had an unmedicated birth in a birth center 5 months ago and you are spot on!! I hope it’s an incredible experience because mine was and my son was 9lbs 4oz! I’d still rather do his labor again than my daughter’s which was in a hospital with the first OB i could find.

[@andreaking2156]

Yo SEED is a life saver. No constipation, no heart burn, hardly any acne or bumps (a bump or two). My first pregnancy has been so smooth and I’m at 26 weeks so far

[@emilycarlin8926]

Abby, I love you. You're an incredible human being. I have been following you for years. Please know that all birth is natural. When you describe a vaginal birth without medications as 'natural' you're telling those of us that had a medicate birth or a C-section, that is unnatural. Now, I'm not trying to scold you. If anything, want to educate you because you are mentor and educator. Also, once you have your child, I think you may look at child birth in an entirely new light. Birth is birth is birth is birth.

[@Thehungrytravelers]

C-section and vaginal birth are drastically different. They have different health implications on the mother as well as the baby. There is plenty of research showing babies birthed naturally vaginally with no medicine have the best health outcomes. All that to say, every pregnancy no matter how it’s done or what the preferences are should be given respect.

[@whatchyagonnado]

I think she's using the term natural because it's commonly used and understood, rather than a bash on anyone who chooses differently (or has to go a different route for medical reasons).

[@QuiteQuietASMR]

I love your view on an uninterrupted birth. I am currently 11 weeks, and I have been trying to figure out how to phrase my thoughts and feelings about this when I go into my next OBGYN appointment, and I really like how you said low intervention not just medically but even with communication and all things. I am the same way, unless something is going wrong, I would like to be in my own space as much as possible and work through the contractions and birth on my own as much as I can!

[@QuiteQuietASMR]

and YESSS! Please share the list!

[@swatipai168]

I was a low risk pregnancy which turned into emergency c section as the water broke at the start of the labour. I wasn't aware the contractions become more intense when water breaks and also baby is at a risk of Infection and I needed to take a antibiotic to protect baby. The mid wife did say anything. So research all kinds of scenarios and what you need to do.

[@Mayesky588]

Yes please share the list for your partner!!!

[@gorditatomamacita]

Yes to the birth partner guide!

[@immygraced9516]

This was an amazing video. All your info makes so much sense. Can’t wait for more videos and to hear how your birth went. I’m praying that everything goes perfectly for you and baby and your partner too hehee and your all healthy happy and strong forever and always, God bless. ❤❤❤

[@GetUnlabeled]

It only takes one human to create a new template of possibilities and you definitely did that

[@chandaelizabeth3046]

Hi Abby, back labor is usually caused by baby not being in the OP position. Aka, baby's spine to your belly is optimal and called occiput posterior. When baby's spine is facing your spine, or OA(occiput anterior) this is what can cause very intense back labor. Since you're doing spinning babies, your baby should be OP. During labor if baby spins to be OA you can use the miles circuit to help encourage baby back to OP.

[@kathryngarcia8800]

I had 3 beautiful birth experiences, fortunate to not need any meds, I.V.'s, or anything. I did, however, vomit once during each delivery. I believe it is just something my body does in response to pain. Not a big deal, I felt better !

[@Refiningforge]

Hell yeah we’re interested in the cleaned up list!

[@vonbondi7471]

I prepared a lot for the birth of my son and still had a very traumatic birthing experience. I ended up losing a lot of blood and had to have a transfusion and I had to have a manual scrape which was incredibly painful that was after the birth of my son. I ended up being rushed to the hospital five days after his birth because of pregnancy related congestive heart failure. Of course there was all kinds of stuff in between that was gross and weird that happened. I did do the one thing that I didn’t want to do which was I pooped a little while pushing and I pushed for 2 1/2 hours and finally he was born with the help of a whole bottle of extra-virgin olive oil no joke. The one thing that I wish I would have been able to do is just stand up or just be vertical when I had him.

[@melissaf2763]

I'm impressed you found a midwife team at 6 months pregnant!

[@A5056.]

Yes I want to see the list!! This video is amazing BTW. When I had my children, I really wish I had any of the knowledge you have about pregnancy and delivery! Do we see a future pregnancy routine and knowledge course in the app perhaps?? 😄

[@gines2634]

The heat pack will be super helpful for after birth contractions too!

[@tahliad5543]

I bought the obi tens machine and I’m excited to see how it combats my pain during contractions

[@ang3ni]

Hey Abby! Were there additional tips or items you found helped/didn’t help post labour that you can provide an update on? Would love to hear it. Love your videos and appreciate the thorough info.

[@leadiamonddailey5234]

Yes please share that pdf doc you created for your partner!!! It would be really helpful to see!!

[@rachel6994]

Thank you for the great info! Would love to see your birth partner guide ❣️

[@blancagonzales1138]

Yes you can switch OB and not all OB are like that. Mind is wonderful very present all the way to the end. But yes there are other options.

[@cameronpowers7602]

My midwife said if you want to eat, eat! But normally you don’t want to eat. I highly recommend bone broth to drink. They will give you popsicles if you feel you need a boost. Sending you positive birth vibes!

[@soakes3]

I would love a super deep dive into your pregnancy knowledge. I miscarried 3x and then found out I have a blood disorder and now I'm terrified of what pregnancy will look like for me.

[@casebeth]

The association of Ontario midwives is a super impressive website!

[@tiffanywheeler48]

I loved the run during labor. I hated counter pressure! I had back labor and it took every once if restraint to ask my midwife kindly to stop 😆

[@michaelazelinova1118]

Abby you are so beautiful and inspirational, thank you for sharing ❤️ sending love

[@kendragalvan590]

Honey sticks are great too to help replenish glycogen stores super quick during labor!

[@holyfunkybigfatrat]

I paused it at the part where you were talking about puking during birth because I couldn’t hold anything down and my labor lasted 2 nights and 3 days. I went to the hospital and the lady checked me and sent me home because I was only 1 cm. I got at the hospital keeled over in agony with a neverending contraction and was 4 cm and apparently had been leaking amniotic fluid for a long time. My mom watched my birth and said it was completely dry so it’s a good thing I had the epidural. She was jealous how easy I made pushing a baby out look because with me they turned her epidural down because my dad said she can’t feel herself pushing and they listened. She felt the forceps they used, pushing her hips out of socket and everything. Oh and since my birth was during covid hospital regulations my mother in law couldn’t be there and was crying and my husband was trying to comfort her as well while I was experiencing intense contractions and puking. So my labor experience was a hot mess but didn’t affect my love for my son who’s been a blessing. I want to be more prepared like this in case I choose another one and hopefully visitor restrictions will be gone by then.

[@juliat9211]

I 100% want the full list.

[@myshajayy861]

Thank you so much 💖💙

[@taylorjames8150]

Make sure your partner knows he is not useless he will be your advocate when you are at you most vulnerable 😁