in Home birth, birthing center, or natural birth moms

How should I be preparing

This is my first pregnancy and I know that I don't want to give birth the traditional Western medicine way. I would rather be standing so that gravity can do it's job and help. I've come to this conclusion b/c I grew up on a farm and any time an animal was in labor and laying down we had to intervene to help them b/c something was wrong, but if they were standing things were usually fine. I'm almost 13 weeks now and though it might still be early I know that I should be preparing, doing stretches exercises but have no idea what that is supposed to look like or where to find the resources to help me figure that out. I want to be well informed and as prepared as I can be to hopefully ease my anxiety so that baby has the best experience possible. I am completely aware that I am clueless and it really scares me. Any advice, suggestions, reading, resources on all natural birth is welcome.

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I read the book “pregnancy, birth and beyond” and found that really helpful to prepare and understand the physiology and letting your body take over. Do lots of squats with a yoga ball and sit on it for half an hour a day in the last couple months. You can also use this during labour to bounce on or get into different positions to help with pain relief. I’ve also found the ball super useful to bounce my baby to sleep. Hire a TENS machine if you want for pain management. Hypnobirthing course and podcasts. Take 5W pills 5 weeks before due date. Write out your birth plan and make sure your birth team are aware of this. Ask them to only speak to you during labour if absolutely necessary as this pulls you out of your primal thinking (labour land) which is where you need to be and into your conscious thinking which is not helpful and interrupts your focus. Don’t push until your body tells you to.

Oh and pelvic floor exercises, perineal massage, lots of stretching, see a chiropractor or osteopath throughout your pregnancy - they can help with optimal baby positioning and body alignment

I had a natural water birth without any meds just 2 days ago and it was just as I wanted it to be. I did hypnobirthing and read Ina May Gaskin, did breathing and relaxing exercises, and I did lots of prep like drinking different teas, using evening primrose oil, eating dates and I think it helped.

Definitely read Ina May Gaskins guide to pregnancy and childbirth!! Sounds like it would be exactly your vibe. I loved it x

@Marta came here to say this!! Ina May's Guide to Childbirth truly prepped me better than anything else. Also, if it's in budget, get a doula! They are game changers and my husband calls ours his hero!

I just had my 4th baby at home and it was the best experience of my entire life! Read "The Birthing Partner" book. I didn't think it could help me but gave it a shot bc by midwife suggested it. It taught me more than I ever thought and prepared me for my home birth.