Ps: I totally agree with 'KIRISK' about just do what mommy wants. It's great to prepare before hand but A LOT changes when you're in that moment.
ANGE_AHMED
Posts: 1598
12/6/11 5:08 P
Responding to both the PP about not being able to take classes, and what Dh can do:
I went all natural and everything went great start to finish, thank God. We took NO CLASSES of any kind. We read from sites online about hypo birthing (which helped me prepare mentally) and watched a TON of YouTube videos. There are bits and pieces on each site that combined helped us a lot. Here are some links I saved from when I was pregnant:
(tip number 6 makes a lot of sense- NOT rushing to the hospital)
The next two go together BUT on the second link there are a few links at the bottom of the page that talk a out the different stages so you may wanna take a look at that:
(the links from the second link talk about the birth and what the support person can do, also what's best for baby - ex skin to mommy's skin helps breast feeding n calm baby down etc)
Extra: http://www.transitiontoparenthoo d.com/ttp/parented/pain/suppor t.htm (I don't remember what the last one was)
My Dh was super supportive and one thing that really helped was lower back massage. He also gave me powerade to drink between each push/contraction. While I was having contractions all night I actually didn't want to even be spoken to. I was fine being left alone to deal with it (bent over rocking my hips or on my hands and knees) but just knowing he was there was great. He and BFF just kept reminding me it's ONE CONTRACTION THAT'S ALL JUST ONE CONTRACTION. Seriously, a huge help. Same for pushing. I pushed for 25 minutes but they kept saying, "just one good push that's all it is one good push for Abdullah..."
PRPLHRTWIFE
Posts: 2492
12/5/11 12:40 P
Anyone have recommendations for those of us who don't have a Bradley instructor anywhere near us? The nearest is over 400 miles from our home!
Heather
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me, the question is who’s going to stop me.” Ayn Rand
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/prplhrt
AMYKANTHA
Posts: 8
11/27/11 11:04 A
I don't know if you've taken any classes, but the Bradley Method is very much COACH BASED and focusing on NATURAL childbirth. My husband is feeling much more confident and our midwife is very happy with what we've learned in these classes.
First baby!
Proud student of the Bradley Method classes. Army family stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
KIRISK
Posts: 11
11/22/11 7:24 A
I would say the best advice is just to pay attention to the mommy and do whatever she says she needs, as she will know what she needs when the time comes. I had an old hip injury that was more painful for me than contractions during L&D and I made my husband hold a hot pad on my SI joint to control back spasms from it the whole time I was in labor with both of my girls. He was a sport to follow me around walking , etc., but it's what I needed him to do. And that's all I needed.
SUPERMILLER831
Posts: 35
11/20/11 11:09 P
From my husband's mouth: "I'm definitely not a tree hugger, but you have to be attuned to the experience your wife is having. The focus should be on HER ONLY. Make sure as birthing partners you establish parameters for the process before you're engaged in it." We had loooong discussions about what I wanted so that when the hard decisions came he could remind me of my birthplan. For example I read over and over that when you REALLY think you can't go on you're probably in transition and you're almost finished. When I started begging for some kind of pain medication he made eye contact with me and said, "Remember, we talked about this. This is the home stretch. You're almost there. Are you sure that's what you want??" I laid out the plan I wanted and his job was to keep everyone as on track as possible. If you don't think he's able to do that on his own I would definitely recommend getting a doula. People usually think they take the place of the husband but really they help the husband to feel more involved and guide them through the process. Best of luck!!
MICHELLEGOLD
Posts: 1
9/26/11 11:46 A
Having a doula provides a huge benefit, not only to you but also to the partner. The doula can enhance your natural childbirth experience with your partner by taking pressure off of him (he doesn't have to remember positions, or breathing, or mantras) and you two can bond in a way like never before. Also, participating in as much events prenatally can help too. For instance, if you do prenatal yoga, have him do some breathing with you. Go on long walks. Discuss your fears and concerns. Talk about what motivates you and what doesn't. Communication, before during and after birth, is key! Best of luck! You will do great!
PREGO_BRAIN
Posts: 5778
9/1/11 11:34 P
I like what the other posters have said. But also, knowing how to back off, or to come closer is also very helpful. There may be a time where you just need him to wrap his arms around you. There may also come a time where you want him there, but not touching. Any and all of that is OK! Reassuring him that you still love him, and letting him know you may need him right there with you, or to just back off for a bit, will help him not get his feelings hurt if you yell he needs to go away. There were times for me where I needed him touching me, and other times where I just needed him to let me be, but still be present. That was priceless.
FELIZSIEMPRE6
Posts: 86
8/26/11 2:08 P
I liked The Bradley Method's views on the husband/daddy, I think this method is very beneficial for all parties
...I am Superwoman...
Natural, medication-free labor and childbirth :)
CASPER555555 BabyPoints:6267
Posts: 487
8/20/11 9:36 A
I'm opting for an at home water birth and was wondering if anyone had some advice for my Hubby on how to calm a crazy lady in ragging labour...???
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