First of all, those of you who are approaching full term (probably a lot of
us) remember these 3 words- Evening Primrose Oil! I went from a tightly closed cervix to 70% effacement with my little girl in 6 days because of EPO! Also, walk a ton (or as much as you can, !)... it WILL work both for BP and helping with effacement and therefore dilation!
If you feel strongly about breastfeeding, as I know I do... Find a lactation consultant in your area (
if you deliver in a hospital, ask
if there is one on staff there) Our LC was a huge blessing to
us, and continues to be as I have a happy nursing 16 month old and am about about to bring #2 into the world.
If you want to go for a natural labor, PRACTICE BEFOREHAND! Train with your husband, let him be your coach- your strength when you have none, your voice when you cant speak thru the intensity of labor. My husband was my saving grace- he knew how adament I was about going without drugs, and we were SO very in tune with each other that he knew what I needed as far as positioning, massaging etc. No there's no tangible prize except for knowing you did the safest thing for your baby...
If you decide to get the drugs... Do the research by reading info by an impartial but educated 3rd party- not a pharmaceutical company, as is the case with so much drug info! They aren't risk-free, and doctors & pharmaceutical companies will not always be honest with you in that department. I highly recommend reading Husband-Coached Childbirth by Dr. Bradley (the Bradley Method) regardless of how you think or feel labor should or should not go. It's a great resource, and presents the facts well! Most importantly, remember that in the end regardless of your actual birth plan played out in reality you will be holding a beautiful, healthy newborn and the fruits of your labor (literally) will be in your arms! Oh, and 1 more thing... make sure you have a camera in your pocket
if delivering in a hospital. We delivered too quickly to get our camera out of the car with our first baby, and did not get pics right after the birth... My husband had to run and get it afterwards... Make sure you have it with you, cause you never know! Oh, yeah and I HEART Tucks Pads... Definitely have those on hand!!!!! Ok, so a lot of randomness, but I hope some of this helps... Take care y'all! Cant wait to see baby pics and hear labor stories!! God Bless!