Drug Free Birth

  When a laboring mother is in an upright squat position, allowing gravity to do it's work, and she has prepared her body for the intense pressure and stretching through proper nutrition and exercise, an episiotomy can be optimistically avoided.  Below are tips to avoid tearing, another issue that can successfully be avoided through preparation. Squat as exercise often--helps the squatting position during labor. Elbows up and out if using classic/semi squat position. (Husband Coached childbirth, p. 97)   Avoid the lithotomy (flat on the back) position (Husband coached, p. 98) Avoid pushing with all your might and instead push with self control (Husband coached childbirth p. 186) To avoid an episiotomy: p. 185, Husband Coached Childbirth. Twelve things our mothers do to help avoid an episiotomy . Good nutrition. Squatting. Air. Kegel. No soap. Lotion and massage. Talk to your doctor or midwife in advance. Be patient. Keep your elbows up and out, and knees back. Push with self-contro

  Birth center, July, 2022:    I just wanted to reach out and let you know our sweet S. met us earthside in late July.  At 6 weeks postpartum I’m finally out of the haze enough to share a bit of our birth story!  I went to 41 w 1 d and was grateful for spontaneous labor with no inductions. Knowing the process of birth, learning to trust my body and see  birth as a normal and natural occurrence, and being prepared mentally for the process made all the difference. My husband felt empowered as my birth coach and was with me every step of the way. We both stayed calm and confident even as my labor lasted over 24 hours. I remembered to ask questions when they brought up the idea of breaking my waters (which we ended up not having to do). Breathing and vocalizing through contractions helped to manage the pain. I did a lot of active pushing  and Baby was born on all fours at the birth center. Our unmedicated, natural birth was the most amazing, beautiful, intense, life changing experience. An

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