How to Cope Through an Unmedicated Labor || Preparing Physically & Mentally for Birth!

In today's video I give you some tips and tricks to work on coping through the labor and birth process without an epidural. Preparing both physically and mentally can make all the difference in how you experience welcoming your baby into the world. But these tips are for you even if you're planning on getting an epidural or have a scheduled cesarean birth!
Share in the comments your favorite coping strategies: what worked for you? What were you planning on using that you didn't like?
Remember, it's important to have a large labor support toolbox to go through if things you planned on doing don't feel good or right for you once labor starts!
Check out my instagram for more labor/birth/pregnancy/postpartum tips:
/ nursezabe

[@MommyEmpire]

Hear me out ! I just had my third 5 weeks ago. I was 4cm dilated for WEEKS ! At 38+2, contractions started. They weren’t painful AT ALL! So I waited and waited and labored at home. They got a little more intense but still weren’t painful. The contractions were consistent so I called L&D and they told me to come in to get checked out. So we load up the car and make the 1hr commute to the hospital. We get to the hospital and they checked me for dilation ! I WAS 9.5cm DILATED !!! I’m not in any pain whatsoever. So they immediately took me back to L&D! Baby was born 13minutes later ! 1 push and she was out ! It was the most amazing experience

[@MrsGbda]

That's amazing! I aspire to go through this :) Congratulations I am 31+2wks!

[@MommyEmpire]

@@MrsGbda congratulations!!! 🤍🤍 I pray you have a quick and wonderful labor experience!

[@AreejAhmed-ce2ts]

@mommyempire What did you do to prepare? Any exercise or eating certain foods?

[@rebeccalasky6109]

I hope that happens to me lol I'm 3cm dilated so far and I'm 37 weeks so maybe...

[@MommyEmpire]

@@rebeccalasky6109 wishing you a safe and speedy delivery ❤️❤️

[@infonative]

34 week and just relaxed to go through this phase soon.. Prayers for me mamas and others to go on this journey

[@katiedegraffenried1297]

How did things go?

[@m.a.g.g.o]

I gave birth for the second time a few months ago and your videos were so helpful for me for both my births! My first birth was medicated (not an epidural, though) and my second was completely unmedicated! One of the most helpful things (for me) you’ve said is “every contraction is one contraction closer to holding your baby.” That, and good breathing were so crucial for me.

[@Nurse_zabe]

💗💗💗

[@margaretadjei-afriyie5222]

What non-epidural medication did you get?

[@cstevenson3036]

Your videos helped me achieve the birth I wanted! Also helped me prepare for different scenarios if my birth didn’t go as I had hoped. I was able to have my first baby unmedicated, and I can’t thank you enough! I utilized combs, breath work, counter pressure, and movement. Women are built to birth, our minds just need a little convincing!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Yay! Congrats on birthing your baby!! So happy to be a small part of your birth story 💗

[@danielleneff9122]

I just gave birth Oct 14th to our second baby, another boy! I did it completely unmedicated labored at home til 7cm they broke my water at 10 and he was out within ten mins of pushing. I would like to thank you for giving me the encouragement and knowledge to birth the way I have always wanted to. What an incredible experience it was feeling everything and being able to let my body lead the way. Thank you so so much. I had an epidural with my first snd wow what a difference. I used the comb technique a little and I kept telling myself to keep my jaw relaxed as I easily tense up in my jaw. Also I kept repeating what you would say how my contractions are not stronger than me they are me

[@Nurse_zabe]

Way to go!! I’m so glad you had the birth you were hoping for. You’re a rockstar! 💪💗

[@martinadelvai4115]

I just want to add that the use of the comb hack is not limited to labor, it helped me through the pain in the days following an injury last year.

[@marybethellison6465]

My DIL wanted me to brush up since I've been out of L&D for 10 years. I think every new L&D nurse should watch your videos. I feel like the young nurses only want to offer epidural, then sit at the desk and play on their phones. So happy to see you out there encouraging your pts. Thank you!!!

[@StephanieDouglassMusic]

36 weeks with my first and I'm feeling so positive about what this experience can be! Been practicing the Hypnobirthing techniques and doing my breathing in the bath. I'm excited to experience letting my body do its thing and meeting my little wiggle worm!

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s so, so exciting!!

[@superhappytotodile]

Hey!! I'm pregnant right now with my first and scared 😓😓 How did your birth go? I hope it went well, God bless you!! I'd love to hear your experience :)

[@justalittlenobody1618]

I was taught breathing in through the nose for 5 seconds and out through pursed lips for 5 seconds. Before labor I thought it was a bunch of nonsense but when I hit labor my body jumped straight into strong contractions right away and the breathing was incredibly helpful. I always intended to get an epidural but I labored for a long time before I was able to get one and by the time I even made it to the hospital I was having contractions about 2 minutes apart. Breathing was a huge factor in helping me keep calm and in control during the contractions

[@molly1339]

I'm only 13 weeks but I have been watching your videos and studying for the past three years of infertility. I am so ready to put everything you thought me in to use in May 2023!

[@Nurse_zabe]

CONGRATS ON YOUR PREGNANCY!!! 💗💗💗

[@molly1339]

@@Nurse_zabe thank you!

[@bekind511]

@@molly1339how did your labor go?

[@lyndabethcave3835]

I'm not pregnant and I've never been pregnant and I love the comb hack! I've used it for blood tests and immunisations, and it's a great distraction.

[@Spicy_Dorito]

Video i needed. No one is being supportive of me wanting to try giving birth without an epidural. Family members even have bets on when id get the epidural

[@Nurse_zabe]

That is so rude. And I’m so sorry!

[@elizabetho7654]

Ugh. I recommend keeping that topic off the table with those people. That negativity is not welcome in your birth! You can do it and it's how you were created to birth.

[@mrscdat1832]

You can so do this mama, not for them but for You and your baby. Focus on the end result,having your baby in your arms,ima do just that too . We can do it and may almighty be our guide thru it all.

[@Keepinitreal55]

I hope you were able to prove them wrong! 💪🏼

[@kayleedunkle5717]

I was checked at 39 week 1 day appointment and I was 5 CM. I had only period cramps and lower back ache on and off and I was not in “pain” so they said go home and wait for consistent contractions. I went on 6 more days and woke up on my due date at 12:30 am with what felt like poop cramps. I sat on the toilet for one hour then finally could get off the toilet and wake up my husband. I labored and timed my contractions for 40 mins then I knew it was time to call the hospital. They said come in we live 45 mins from the hospital. Got to the hospital at 3am and I was 9 CM. Labored one more hour then pushed for one hour and he was born. I had everything ready to help me from your videos (comb etc) and in the moment I used nothing but low tone noises, breathing and listening to my body. I still will be prepared with the same items the next time though. My friends surprised me with a video of them wishing me good luck and I played that in the car in between contractions that video saved me!! After it was over I just was scared of us hitting a deer in the car and kept thinking about the pain. I am so glad I was able to do it all natural you definitely gave me so much confidence through your videos ❤️

[@Nurse_zabe]

What an amazing birth story highlighting the patience needed for birth! I loved that you had a ton of tools in your toolbox and used the ones you needed in the moment to cope. Also love that your husband didn't hit a deer! 😅

[@kinseyjohnson4341]

I'm 39 weeks Sunday! This is my second pregnancy and birth and am planning an unmedicated VBAC! My first was induced, had strange extreme pain in my rectum (ONLY, no belly or back pain) and I stalled at a 6 for 7 hours and it turned into a c section! Thankful for this timely video

[@Nurse_zabe]

Wishing you all the luck and success with your VBAC!

[@mrscdat1832]

Best of luck on your vbac,please let me know how it goes once you're nice and settled with your lil one,also trying for a vbac.

[@MickeyR843]

Currently pregnant with baby #2 and going for a VBAC. The hospital I’m delivering at this time has wireless and waterproof monitors and bath tubs in all the labor rooms so I’m really excited about that aspect! I think it will make having an epidural-free birth a bit more manageable

[@omshomestead]

How was your experience like that ? I am looking and. Feel lost ❤

[@MickeyR843]

@@omshomestead I loved it!! I ended up being induced and was still able to move around the room a ton and get in the tub (just had to drag the iv pole around which wasn’t ideal but it was fine). The wireless monitors were much better than the regular monitors, didn’t have any issues with them not being able to keep track of baby’s heart rate. The bathtubs were amazing for laboring in once I was in active labor. And I had a successful VBAC 🥰

[@nayyamourr6813]

25 weeks and I’m trying to do this natural this video was needed ❤️

[@annabees]

30 weeks and I'd like to avoid pain meds if I can as well, we got this

[@TheSwimmerChick247]

Same! 25 weeks! Due date 2/28

[@Nurse_zabe]

The perfect time to start preparing! 💪💪

[@loracorwyn3713]

Use a chiropractor, getting baby into the proper position to be born was so crucial to Unmedicated child birth for me. Hire a doula is my second piece of advice. She touches on these but they were my top things.

[@nayyamourr6813]

@@TheSwimmerChick247 due 2/25 🧸💙

[@faithrichards3778]

Perfect timing for me - nearly 42 weeks and planning a home water birth, hopefully happening any time now!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Come on, baby!! If you haven’t seen my prodromal labor video, all those moves might help move baby into a great spot for labor to begin 💗💗

[@deannahutson7741]

36weeks going for my second VBAC and have been watching your videos since I was pregnant with my son in 2020. planning on going unmedicated in just a few short weeks so this came at the perfect time for me!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Thanks for sticking around for so long! Good luck with your upcoming birth! 💗💗

[@austinmerrifield9836]

23 weeks and am aiming for an unmedicated water birth! Thank you for all of these tips!! ♥

[@Nurse_zabe]

Hydrotherapy (aka water) is another amazing tool I didn’t mention in this video!

[@omshomestead]

How did the after birth go??? Hoping for that

[@MetBySunlight]

I'm 20 weeks with my third baby, and it will also be my third planned unmedicated labour. For some reason I am so much more nervous and terrified this time round, knowing what to expect but also knowing that every labour and birth is different. I have quick labours (first was 3 hours, second was 4) and I hope this one will be very similar as I know I wouldn't be able to cope if it was any longer than that.

[@NadiaSeesIt]

You have GOT this! Now your mantra can be - I've done this twice, I am a superstar!

[@MetBySunlight]

@@NadiaSeesIt Thank you!

[@warriorthu]

My first two births were unmedicated, but I admit that I was lucky that they were very fast births. Here's hoping baby 3 will be much the same.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Fast definitely helps, although super fast can certainly be overwhelming!

[@kesamber]

Great video! I was at about 8cm before I asked for an epidural. It took 2 hours to get it because of staffing issues. When I got it, I finally and immediately relaxed enough to start pushing. I love my mother, but I think having her there was stressful for me. She was making faces the whole time suggesting she could feel my pain. I think it made me tense up and ultimately caused me to need the epidural. This time around it is just going to be my husband and I. Not sure if I will get an epidural, but I think I could do a natural birth if the environment didn't have a worried mother in it 😂

[@Nurse_zabe]

Great info for you to have gathered for your next birth. Mother stays at home!

[@elizabetho7654]

Great insight!! My mother was at my first and I assumed she was thinking the same as you assumed your mother was thinking. She couldn't be at my 2nd because of covid and it cut down on the fear of pain big time. I'm within three weeks of baby #3 and I know now that my husband is all I need in that room.

[@amirahabdi]

With my daughter I asked for epidural at 7cm the pain was unbearable at that stage, the nurses were getting it ready, then I felt pressure in my rectum and I was pushing already so no time for epidural I must of progressed quickly

[@amirahabdi]

@@elizabetho7654yep my husband is all I need too

[@househannah333]

Will you please make a 1 minute long (downloadable) video where you just do the breathing coaching you did in this one? I breathed with you during it and it was the most calming thing ever. I would love to be able to listen to that while in labor.

[@Nurse_zabe]

I can definitely do that! (I just need to figure out how, open to suggestions if you’ve got them!)

[@martinaslivova6339]

Love this video ! Didn’t know about early labor sign -period pain and yet I experienced it 7 months ago ! At 1 am got this weird feeling and tried to sleep on it for 3 h, then I found it weird so I woke up my partner and he was mad at me that I didn’t inform him sooner 😂 My Ob on the phone told me to take a shower which triggered it all! My water broke when I got out of the shower and first contraction came in car 🚗 gosh never yelled at my love to go faster and to ignore red lights 😂 When we got the hospital I was opened at 10. Never got the epidural and labor was 50 minutes long maybe less can’t tell exactly but it was beautiful. Just listened to my body and to midwives who were (that’s funny) listening to me as well🥰Milena, my baby girl was a sport!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful birth story! 😍😍

[@NadiaSeesIt]

Amazing, you're powerful!!

[@arkanat5119]

Oh my gosh, I'm obsessed with your videos!. I have my second C-section scheduled for December 2nd. With my first, I had severe preeclampsia and hellp syndrome and it was an emergency C-section and she was very tiny; therefore, long story short, I had to have this one scheduled. What happens if I go into labor before the C-section - my success rate for VBAC is very low and I don't want to even attempt it so I'm nervous about what I should call about. I do have a doctor's appointment tomorrow but I've been having pretty bizarre contractions that are kind of frequent. Nothing else really going on but the cramping and contractions. If you happen to see this! Love what you do. You are a superhero!

[@arkanat5119]

Ok update - on the evening I posted this comment, had severe pain in bum and period cramps - went to hospital to get checked - was fully effaced and 3cm dilated (contractions were 2-3 minutes a part) - had to have C-section regardless - turned into an emergency - baby girl born on 11/22/22 at 11:32 pm with me under general anesthesia. I guess I answered my own question by intuition! Called my nurse practitioner sister, she said to call On-Call and voila! Always follow your gut!

[@nelroberts614]

Great tips! I had an unmedicated birth for my first at a birth center and it was the most powerful amazing experience and hardest most badass thing I ever did… currently going on 21 weeks prego and due in Sept. Prepping for another unmedicated birth so this was a great resource for brushing up on all the things. I can’t wait to do it again and meet my 2nd baby! Also does she remind anyone else of Drew Barrymore?

[@jenniferviana715]

This is my first time watching her videos and I was like she reminds me drew barrimore 🤣 reading your comment gives me hope, I’m having my first baby in July and I really want an unmedicated birth but kind of all my family think I am crazy because it is my first baby… but I am trusting myself, my body and my baby ❤

[@sheraria]

I had 2 kids when I was 19 and 20. I have a high pain tolerance. I had no meds or epidural. The nurse kept asking me if I was in a lot of pain and I said yes. She kept saying no I mean are you in a lot of pain and I said yes lol. I didn't scream or yell either. I was only at the hospital 3.5 hours with my first and 2 hours with my second before I have birth. I was fortunate to have quick labors!! Plus I'm a big chicken of needles so would never get an epidural 😜Then when I was 24 I had another delivery bc I was getting septic and was only 26.5 weeks pregnant but my water had broke at 22.5 weeks. They had to give me pitocin and it was 12 hours of horrible pain. They told me I could have whatever I wanted for pain whenever I wanted but I was afraid to take anything bc I tht my baby would live if I didn't... but they kept assuring me he would not live regardless. It was not only physically painful but also mentally painful. It was 1990 before they have mother's steroids to help develop the baby's lungs. My baby only lived 2 hours. I did take some morphine but not much.

[@Nurse_zabe]

I hear often that people would rather not have an epidural than deal with that needle. And I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby at 26 weeks. Those circumstances were out of your control and I hope that you never feel like any pain medication choices that you made effected the outcome. 💗

[@creativedonna2685]

My advice is to choose a mantra something you can say to yourself when that peak is hitting mine was " you can do this, stress isn't good for you or your baby" and every time I got to the peak and point of where I thought I couldn't cope I would say this out loud and then when they got really strong I would say it in my head. When I got to the point of I really can't do this I knew I was close. For me the best thing to do was wiggle my legs and that seemed to help me through the contractions. I was in active labour for 23 hours and before that was in early labour for 36 hours 🙈😳 xx

[@TheMegtay123]

I planned on an epidural. Got there and couldn’t get one due to low blood platelets. I DID NOT mentally prepare for an unmedicated birth. It was worst horrible:( I truly believe if I would’ve had these tools in my pocket I would’ve been much better off!! ❤ thanks for sharing. Prepare for the worst hope for the best! 😂

[@TheMegtay123]

But knowing what I know now I would do at home birth.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Low platelets are the worst, especially when you don’t know until you show up to the hospital! 😬😬

[@kmgoulson]

38 weeks with my first and definitely weighing all my options for L&D. Would love to experience an unmedicated birth but definitely not afraid to ask for an epidural either.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Epidurals are a fabulous tool in our labor toolbox! It’s good to prepare lots of different coping strategies!

[@mandboone1571]

37 weeks and this is what I needed!!!

[@Nurse_zabe]

37 weeks and you’re almost done (and you’ve got this!!)

[@brittanyknuth7532]

Just had my dream, totally unmedicated, birth, even though I was induced and continuously monitored. One thing that was crucial for me was limited cervical checks and, once I was in active labor, I asked that my nurse only tell my dilation to my partner and doula. I got in my head with my first labor when I was “only” at a six, and opted for the epidural. My support team was able to guide and encourage me without the number in my head this time. Also, I thought I would hate the TENS unit. But I went from 6cm to 10 and baby birthed with the ejection reflex in an hour, with the help of it (and some position changes)! So thankful to my doula for encouraging me to try things I didn’t want to. Side note- Elizabeth, the part of your birth story, when you wanted a check to guide decision making about medication, was in my head during labor. I don’t know why, but I requested a check when I felt so much pressure, thinking that could guide my next decision regarding nitrous or other medication. Thanks for sharing your positive story!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Thank you for sharing your birth story! I love hearing about a supportive birth team and environment. Thankful to have been a small part of your decision making in labor. 💗💗😭

[@hannahpetersen74]

Thanks for this video! Epidural with my first and loved it. It was very fast though... So prepping for missing it this time 🤣

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s great to be prepared just in case!

[@Shanelie]

This is a great video, but also wanted to tell you that your shirt and lip color look awesome on you! Thats your color!

[@MsNikivee]

I wish you could be my L&D nurse!! thank you so much, this vid in particular gave me some tears at points, just really feeling connected to the experience and how amazing the body is. 15 weeks with my first. my dream is to birth the bag intact, but I haven't done any research yet on pros and cons of that.

[@noramowry3655]

I wanted to find this video and tell you that your makeup is sooo pretty lol

[@Nurse_zabe]

Aw, thank you 😊

[@sheridanmccormick2246]

looking forward to this. 21 weeks and nervous about labour!

[@Nurse_zabe]

It can definitely make you feel nervous to do something you’ve never done before! Gathering info is such a great place to start! 💗💗

[@mariaannhayes3257]

12 weeks with twins and hoping to do an unmedicated birth again!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Eye mask for enhancing labor hormones is such a good idea! And 🤞🏻🤞🏻 for a smooth twin delivery!

[@leahskitchen1157]

What tips do you have to conquer fear of unmedicated birth? I got epidural with all 3 of my kids 1st- I was 9cm I was terrified of birth 2nd- 5cm I wanted to enjoy labor 3rd- 8cm because my Dr wanted me to wait until she got "off work" so she could come in. Pregnant with # 5 (4th baby) and want to go unmedicated

[@its9k]

I gave birth the other day to my second daughter. Even though I prepared for that big day I messed up, but still thanks for the tips 😊

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s totally ok to feel disappointed (not that I need to give you permission to feel your feelings), but please know that you didn’t do anything wrong or incorrectly if your birth plans and preferences shifted. 💗

[@megcrimson87]

Great video! Only comment would be pelvic floor therapist can either be a Physical or Occupational Therapist

[@Nurse_zabe]

Interesting! I’ve never heard of a pelvic floor OT, but that makes total sense.

[@laurenbisbee7056]

Such a great video! Thank you for this info!❤

[@ashleybellerose7104]

35 weeks pregnant with baby number 3. I'm so uncomfortable. I want to do it naturally but idk we'll see. Last time I was in labor was 9 years ago. My 3 year old was born via c-section at 38 weeks. I have a feeling this labor is going to go well smoothly and decently quickly. Yes I am aware I could be wrong. But feeling this calm and relaxed and not scared for complications is very nice right now

[@hannahbaker2856]

When I went into labor with my first, contractions starting at 11pm were 3 minutes apart for the. entire. time. So...I went to the sofa, hung out by the fire, and snacked until morning!

[@Nurse_zabe]

That totally does happen sometimes too!

[@alexamunoz7943]

With my second birth, I would only have regular 3-5 minute contractions when I was laying down (attempting to sleep). As soon as I got up, to try and move through the contractions (which definitely made life more comfortable) they would stop. Needless to say, after 2 days and nights of not being able to sleep, I was feeling a bit insane. I ended up going in to the hospital to ask for pitocin to keep things moving along. After pitocin (and an epidural) my son was born within about 4 hrs.

[@TheNerdyPengwin]

💯 I'd do it again. Felt so good!!! I mean intense.... but I just focused on my breathing and forgot about all the rest!

[@maiaatkinsschalchlin2075]

Love your videos. I still watch even though my daughter is 6 months old 😁

[@Nurse_zabe]

Thank you for watching! 💗💗

[@taylorswf23]

I planned for a medicated birth like I had with my daughter, and instead my son was born in the car- 2 hours after first contractions. It was a whirlwind experience 😅

[@Nurse_zabe]

Oh my goodness! I bet that was overwhelming. I’ve got a video on precipitous birth (aka birth after less 3 hours of labor) if you are curious about what happened or need help processing. 💗💗

[@deebee8800]

Perfect timing. I’m due in 10 weeks and I had an awful experience with my epidural.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Hoping for a better experience for you with this birth! 💗💗

[@SassyWinterFox]

Currently 40w1d. Cmon baby!

[@Nurse_zabe]

You’re so close!!

[@hayleyroche4379]

I feel like nobody talks about when your water breaking is what starts your labor. How it’s much more difficult throughout the ENTIRE process.

[@Nurse_zabe]

That was my first and it was hard!!

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

It’s so much more painful!!!

[@cassysmith1855]

My hospital made me stay on the bed do I have to listen to them 😢 cause it was so painful and it was a spontaneous labour they weren't very supportive and I had a shower straight after birth I bleed out and passed out for like three minutes I had a massive tear because during pushing they told me to stop I am really scared I'm three months away from labour again and am worried 😢 this is my third time and had no epidural both labours plan on it again this time too want a natural birth and want to be better prepared this time cause I didn't even know I was in labour untill I was in active labour about 6 cm dilated at the time.

[@Maman_poule]

40w 2d today with baby #3, but first labor that will be unmedicated. Thank you for the video!

[@Nurse_zabe]

You’ve got this! 💪 💗

[@katied1833]

I went in wanting no epidural, 12 hours of back labour later and I caved. I don’t wish back labour on anyone. It’s a whole ‘nother realm of pain I didn’t know was possible.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Back labor is the WORST!

[@DoloresRichardson-n8q]

Jones Robert Lewis William Smith Mark

[@monaami555]

I had a spontaneous few hours session of dancing / amateur belly dancing to Brazilian samba, in week 36, after that the baby was so readily positioned I actually had to lie down till week 38 😅 unfortunately after that it didn't speed up the onset of the labor, still waiting at 41 :/ but I still wonder if that could have been a good way to position the baby 😅

[@pigpjs]

Thank you for calling it unmedicated labor. I hate the term natural labor. Hemlock and death are natural, so are bacterial infections, doesn't mean it is a state that we want to be in or healthy.

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s very intentional work choice, as all birth is natural.

[@yanyuet]

The comb trick is so cool! Curious, can pinching my toes have the same effect ?

[@Nurse_zabe]

I would think so, if you could reach them 😂

[@floBar51651]

Thanks for sharing. I have a question regarding cramp like pains. For period pains, I would normally have a hot water bottle in my pelvic region to help soothe the pain and it works like magic. Is that something that is safe during early labor?

[@FoodFavourites]

Hey I had a heat pack in between my legs for most of my labour, heat definately helped the pain! I was either in the bath or squatting on a heat pack it worked great for me 😅

[@Nurse_zabe]

Heat can be an excellent tool for labor coping! I would avoid extra hot on your belly, but warm is totally ok! Heat on your back is amazing in labor too!

[@SusiePerez-d7o]

Clark Kevin Lee Kevin Davis Steven

[@jessicamadott3649]

I love your comb trick for pain management but have you ever had anyone crush or break the comb or otherwise injure their hands? 😬

[@Nurse_zabe]

I haven’t! They aren’t actually sharp, thankfully! I guess that could be a possibility, but if you’re holding that hard onto anything, my guess is you’ve moved from coping to suffering and might need to re-evaluate the labor plan. Ya know?

[@ladyliddie7721]

I'm curious what you'd recommend for induced labors without pain medication. Since that was my situation, once the pain hit, my body physically shook and I couldn't even move from laying on my side the whole time. So I wasn't able to use any coping mechanisms besides just trying to breathe through it 😅 Is that an over intensity of contractions or should I expect my body to react the same in natural labor progression? I'm wondering because I'm about to give birth to my 2nd, and I want to at least be able to stand through a contraction once...

[@FoodFavourites]

I went into spontaneous labour and I started shaking all over from the pain, first time we went to the hospital I was so sure I must be in ‘active’ labour now… nope… was still only 1cm and yeah was shaking al over, sweating, throwing up and couldn’t stand through a contraction 🥺 so it could just be more just your body’s reaction to pain than being induced who knows

[@Nurse_zabe]

I think induction can potentially make things more intense without the slower build that you would get without adding any induction medications. I think sometimes it can be beneficial to use other tools in our toolbox (like an epidural, nitrous or IV pain meds), if labor shifts from coping through pain to suffering. 💗

[@krisskye4678]

Two days away from week 30. I don't do medical situations/facilities but my house is too small for a home birth. I'm so anxious about even the thought of having to go to the hospital. It's inevitable... and I'm reeling...

[@Nurse_zabe]

Have you considered hiring a doula to help make the transition from home to hospital easier? It could be so helpful to have a familiar face in your care team!

[@krisskye4678]

@@Nurse_zabe Unfortunately doulas are few and far between in my area and it's just not in the finances. My mom worked in the medical field most of her life, so I know she'll help advocate. My partner is ever calm and soothing. I'm just a whole panicky mess. Gonna bring fairy lights and fake candles, play music, and tell people to get out. Wish me luck.

[@TenaHosan]

Davis Scott Young Sharon Jones William

[@andreasees6279]

with my second they didn’t let me walk around after my water broke how can i push them to let me walk around :( they even told me it’s because they needed to monitor the baby pregnant with number 3

[@whitney6641]

They can't force anything on you

[@MelvinWilson-k8v]

Hernandez Steven Young Jeffrey Robinson Gary

[@eimypalacios5849]

Hello ! I’m 35 weeks and just got encouraged to birth my baby without an epidural but I was wondering if anybody here has had an experience where they did it at a regular hospital with a doctor and not a midwife since I know they won’t be as supportive.. I appreciate anybody who can relate to my situation and tell me about your experience. God bless ❤

[@cherryblossom412]

Hi I'm second time pregnant here 👋 I'm against medicine unless a life threatening emergency so I wasn't going to do the epidural the first pregnancy. However while I was in labor at the hospital, they made me keep laying down to do a heartbeat monitor and some tests which was extremely painful to keep laying down like that (moving on the birthing ball helped the pain but they wouldn't let me get up) and there wasn't any problems with the baby anyway. So the nurses told me if it's that painful to lay down I had to get an epidural so I did against my will, plus them forcing me to lay down rather than squat to give birth was totally against gravity and super painful, but had to do that so they could "see better". This time I am reading the book home birth on your own terms by Heather Baker and I am giving birth with just my husband at home since I feel there's more likely to be a complication at the hospital since they don't care about you, they are just working and doing the procedures they were taught which are simply just easier for them, not for you. I pray Yahuah will guide you to do what is best for you in your situation!

[@breebreecay8988]

Hi I was able to birth all 3 of my boys with no epidural at a hospital with no mid wife either. They don’t love the idea at first but once they see your hard work and dedication everyone becomes super supportive. I also had to stay on monitor but still able to use birth ball go go bathroom oh well if you have to make them work a little more be nice & be kind but be your biggest advocate you are paying for this ❤🙏. God bless you in the process you can do it!

[@elizahay9796]

I don’t know how it happened but I had my baby four months ago and I got the epidural and for some reason I felt the whole thing… I still wouldn’t do with out medication…

[@Nurse_zabe]

I'm so sorry you're epidural didn't work as you hoped it would. That can be really hard!

[@AmberlyPerez]

I never get early labor :( just active labor 😭😭😭

[@AM-pc7gw]

LOLLL same. Contractions are instantly 2-2:30 apart right from the beginning. Exhausting!

[@TheresaLopez-r7t]

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[@carolines3953]

I’m expecting #4 and not sure what to do. Can anyone weigh in on what they’d do? First was unmedicated, two hours precipitous, insanely painful (understatement) and very traumatic. Second was with epidural, pain free and a healing experience. Third was unmedicated and four hours. It was very painful but nothing like my first. I didn’t have epidural side effects so my only reason to go natural is because I know I can. I just don’t know if I want to. Help! How do I decide? 😬

[@Nurse_zabe]

I think prepare for both and see where the labor takes you and what you need. I totally hear you that a super fast labor is overwhelming and intense. 💗

[@carolines3953]

@@Nurse_zabe thank you! Good advice to plan for both. I was given 8oz of castor oil (because I was 41+4 weeks) with my first, which caused me to have a massive bleed (filled the toilet bowl) and intense, back to back contractions from the start. We went to the ER. There was meconium in the water and baby was having worrisome heart decels. They thought I was having a placental abruption because of the bleeding etc. I pushed baby out in less than ten minutes and he was on the resuscitator table for a while until they stabilized his breathing. I don’t think those contractions were a fair indication of how you typically build in labor (my third delivery was nothing like it). Still, it makes me scared to face a natural birth because it was so painful, chaotic and scary.

[@marinatebbenham4011]

Here's a question, what if you are a woman who doesn't have a partner? Or a woman who has a partner who isn't supportive? Why assume all women have a support network around them and loving partners? Not all men are supportive partners, #notallmen. A lot of women have to give birth without a supportive partner, and many without friends or family. Childbirth is something women have to go through single-handedly whether they have partners or not. It's the only thing women can do that men can't and yet we treat them like they are utterly incapable of giving birth, doing the one thing our bodies are built for, without a man being there. It's like telling a man he can't do anything without a woman just being there. I wish there was a video helping *Women* be able to cope with birth. One that doesn't just lazily resort to "you need your partner there" instead of offering empowering advice. Women have been giving birth, many times alone, without a partner there, since the beginning of time. For women who do have supportive and kind partners, great, you're lucky, but not all women have partners or supportive partners. These women are left at odds when seeking birth advice and all that is offered up is "you need your partner there". It's so easy to make a video directed at the people who actually go through the birth (women) telling them tips and tricks on how to cope, and then maybe say "if you have a partner..." that way women can know what to do in their own but also have the option of including partners if they want to. It shouldn't just be assumed all women have loving supportive partners. We also need to stop insinuating that women can't do anything - even the one thing they were designed and are socialised from birth to do - without a man there.

[@deec3561]

Good advice but I’m a BIRTHING WOMAN! Not “birthing person”. Stop stripping women of their dignity. This process is uniquely female.

[@NancyBrown-j1b]

White Charles Martin Scott Hall Cynthia

[@dirtydishes2474]

I know this is off topic but you talk like Drew Barrymore… your mouth moves the same way.

[@mistihodge2365]

😂😂😂

[@nessforbes7400]

No 😊