I was wondering if anywone has any good recommendations on books, dvds or other items that teach relaxation, breathing and such natural birthing techniques. I would like something that would help hubby get a little more comfortable as far as what he can do to help and what to expect as this is our first. We are really wanting to avoid, not to mention are running out of time for, birthing classes as they are pricy and the ones they offer in our area don't teach what we are aiming for. Most of my friends and family have found them a waste of time.

Any ideas would be awesome! Thanks in advance.

Jessy

Active Birth I forget the author now but it's a green cover.
And The Bradley Book .... not sure if that's the exact title. There are a few named similarly if I recall correctly. You can't really go wrong with any of them.

But I like Active Birth :)

I liked the Ina May books, mostly birthing stories, but lots with a husbands support. I was taught to breathe re (in through your nose) lax ( out through your mouth) This does work well if you have your husband remind you to breathe slowly. The biggest thing I found was to find something to do while you are having your contractions. Walk, rock back and forth, sway. I found doing push ups off a counter really helped me at the end. It sounds funny, but it helps to have something you need to do. Your body will tell you what helps. Water and walking are GREAT! There are pressure points on your lower back that really help back labour. Some of my friends drew x's on their back in the right spot so their husbands could find the right spot easier. Drinks and lip balm were my husbands major jobs, it is awesome to have their support.
It would be awesome for your husband to pray for you while you are in labour and remind you to ask for God's help too. A verse from a song or the Bible gives you something to focus on too. I think I am rambling...

So exciting! Hope it goes well!
Kathaleen

Hi the book BIRTHING FROM WITHIN by Pam England.
It teaches you to have confindance and to work through any fears you have.Sometimes you don't even realise you have fears.
I also found that counting backwards from 10-1 helped.You choose something to focus on the concentrate on counting.Helped me not to just think about the pain .
But you will find away of coping , your body will tell you how.As long as you have worked through any fear.Fear causes you to tense up so it hurts more.
Good luck remember to take God to your birthplace .:)

Thanks for the recommendations ladies! Looks like I'm going to have to do some book shopping ;) Hubby and I will deffinately spend some time praying while I labor and birth, I'm totally going to put this in Gods hands.: )

I know that our bodies are meant to give birth and as I educate myself am becoming more comfortable with the thought of going natural. I'm also trying to keep an open mind as I know things come up unexpectedly. I'm excited about my birth now that I've decided to try all natural!

I just want hubby to be prepared as possible as I think he will be a great support so long as he knows what to expect somewhat. Any suggestions/thoughts on prepping him?

Thanks so much ladies. You have been such a blessing to me. It's so awesome to have other christian women to consult with on such issues! :-D

Blessings to all!

My DH and I took Bradley classes and loved them. It really helped us to prepare for our home birth. I second the PP who said that Ina May Gaskin is a good author. GL!

This post has really been reassuring for me since I am feeling anxiety about labor again. I'm gonna get those books and start reading!

My dh and I did not prepare for a natural/drug-free birth. I did, however, give birth naturally without medication. The thing that really helped my dh in general was going to the 'traditional' childbirthing class at the hospital and just learning about the different stages of labor. He basically knew nothing before that class. I guess as women, we gain birthing information by talking to other women. Guys just don't do that, at least my dh doesn't! So, he was a little taken-a-back by what all was going to happen.

I guess what I'm saying is, in the very least, make sure your dh knows the basic things that are going to happen and the basic terms. Then go from there and actually practice the breathing techniques with him. We did that and when the time came to need them, it was much better than if we hadn't practice together.