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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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!!!

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.

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 ❤️

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 😂

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

37 weeks and this is what I needed!!!

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?

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! 😂

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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?

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 😊

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...

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 😅

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!

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.

Currently 40w1d. Cmon baby!

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

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.

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.

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...

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? 😬

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

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

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 ❤

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…

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.

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.

No 😊

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