I can relate to EVERYTHING you’ve said. My mom birthed my 3 siblings and I naturally with midwives. My mantra during labor was thinking “I only will go through this pain for potentially one day in my life for the better good of my son and I.” 23 hours later and I did it! So worth it. Good luck! You are strong willed and I know you can do it.

LOVED this video! You are way ahead of the curve as far as preparing your body and mind for labor and delivery! I have a positive birth story that I'd like to share with you to hopefully encourage you ☺ My first son was born in a large hospital with many interventions (pitocin, fentanyl, epidural) that left me feeling defeated with a second degree tear. I knew I wanted something different for my second sons birth. I couldn't convince my husband to have a home birth so we opted for a small hospital with midwives. I was 10 days "overdue" and feeling great when I went into labor. I labored at home for 15 hours. I pictured each contraction as a wave slowly building up, cresting, and then slowly falling away. I felt most comfortable standing, holding onto the counter, head bowed, and swaying my hips. I told myself to welcome the contraction and not to fight it. I broke it down in my head as 20 seconds of build up, 20 seconds of peak, and 20 seconds of falling away. I knew I could handle anything for 20 seconds so I just breathed very deeply through them. I intuitively knew my son was working with me and him and I were perfectly safe at home. When I had a big contraction and had to start vocalizing through them I knew it was time to go. We got to the hospital, I was put on the monitors for a couple minutes and checked and was at 7 cm! I had them raise the bed and labored the same as I had at home. They were completely hands off and let me do my thing. 20 minutes later I was at 9 cm. I remember getting scared about pushing and audibly praying for Jesus to give my strength because I could no longer do it on my own. And then my body started pushing. I got on the bed on my knees leaning over the back of the bed (which had been raised to a 90 degree angle). And I pushed when my body did. And you know what? It didn't hurt! It was awesome. And I could feel my baby coming through my body. It was incredible. My midwife reminded me to use low tones and coached me while my son was crowning. He was born after probably 3-5 pushes and I turned over and held him on my chest for the next hour. He latched and began breastfeeding 3 minutes after he was born. We also did delayed cord clamping. After an hour they did his newborn exam and weighed him and to everyone's astonishment he was 10 lbs! I had naturally given birth to a ten pound baby! Wow! And the best part was because I was in an upright position, because I could feel everything, and because I pushed with my body I only had a small tear that required 3 stitches! I was up and showering within 4 hours and we left the next day. His birth was the absolute best experience of my entire life. If I could live one day over and over again it would definitely be that day! I did lots of preparation like you are doing and got the right perspective of labor and and delivery. Because what the mind believes the body achieves! Your body will follow your mind. Pain is just a part of the process of birth. It is not to be avoided or feared, its just part of the process. You CAN and you WILL do this Becca! God bless you sweetheart ❤

I had an unmedicated birth and went into it excited and without fear as well. It was honestly easier and faster than I expected and I loved the experience. I actually look forward to doing it again. You're going to do great!

The Lord made your body to do this!! You got this momma. Praying for you and baby and for a safe delivery!

I LOVE hypnobabies! It helped me birth a 10lb 3oz baby 100% naturally. I did the home study method too and it was amazing. Hypnobabies was my first experience with meditation and I was a little skeptical but it really worked for me. It really helped me relax into those contractions which I credit with why my labor went so quickly. I had hoped to have a water birth but my labor was incredibly fast so the tub only had 8 inches of water in it by the time I gave birth.😂 Now, I gave birth in a hospital with a natural midwifery practice and it was a wonderful experience. Good luck! You got this mama!--Tasha

I worked with a lady who told me, when she had her home birth she washed all her bedding in the morning and hung it out to dry (while in labour ) Then had her baby in the afternoon in her fresh cozy bedding. The way she described it, it sounded like the most in-tune with her pregnancy behavior. It was such a positive story. I wish you all the best. X

I’m a NICU nurse who chose to have my first two little ones at birth centers as well! I ran four half marathons before delivering them and I can say I felt exactly like I was running! We took Bradley classes, read Ina May, drank RRL tea, took Even Primrose oil...ALL the things haha! I prepared myself for it to be the hardest thing I have ever done and in the end it was intense but completely doable! My birth plans were also short and sweet...if it’s going well great, if not take me to the hospital! I now work for a CNM who does home births as a birth assistant...I feel like a birth junkie LOL! Sounds like you are doing everything you need to prepare...Dr. Bradley says you don’t go to a marathon never having run before...you’ve got this mama 💗!

Yay for the PT shout out! I wish more women knew about womens health and physical therapy pre and post baby! xoxo

I feel like we have a lot in common when it came to the decision making! I decided about half way through my first pregnancy that I was going to do it naturally. I found a hypnotherapist, which was a total game changer, I went to yoga to balance, strengthen, and prep my body, and drank red raspberry leaf tea often. I LOVED my labor and delivery and truly feel like all the prep I did just gave me the most positive experience I could have had. My biggest word of advice is just to breathe haha. I was in hypnosis from the beginning of labor till about 6 cm, then I fell out of hypno and couldn’t get back in because my contractions were so intense. Still, I loved it!! I breathed through every contraction and got to the end after 28 hours of labor. You’re doing all the right things to help yourself so you will totally be able to do it! You’re going to do great and you’re going to have an amazing labor and delivery no matter what!

I’m a PT and so passionate about pelvic health. I’m so glad to hear you promote this! So many mamas could benefit from it!

I love that you mentioned that you’ve always been fascinated by birth/pregnancy, I’m the exact same way!! I’ve always loved reading about it and researching it haha even though I don’t yet have kids. So excited for you!! Xoxo

I can’t wait to see the cute lil baby. I love how natural you are and how you do so much research before you give advice.

I’m so happy I found you!!! So refreshing to find an educated KZfaqr who can recommend evidence based resources! You are so appreciated.

If you haven't listened to The Birth Hour Podcast yet it is amazing! Hours of all kinds of birth stories told by the mammas. Love listening to episodes on my walks!

That’s awesome that’s your birthing at a birth center. I am definitely a go with the flow type person, my birth plan was to get the baby out safely. I stayed calm and didn’t fight the pain. I went through 16 hours of 100% natural birth no complications and smooth delivery at a hospital with my OB doc. You do you girl! Good luck!

You got this!! Pregnant with #2 and had #1 medication free at a hospital. It wasn’t as bad (for me) than everyone made me think it would go! Maybe i was over prepared for horrible pain and left thinking ‘oh that wasn’t too awful’. All pain is temporary is what i kept telling myself. Good luck!!

Hi Becca, I have recently discovered your channel and really find your content to be wonderful. Thank you for sharing! Making healthy choices can be difficult but your tips are great! I had a very difficult labor so I applaud all of your efforts and prep for baby/ birth. Your little one is very lucky to have you as a momma! I wish you all the best on this motherhood journey and I’ll keep educating myself with your channel. Your content is good for the whole family!

Stay strong!! I had 3 kids in a wonderful hospital that allowed me to make decisions.. not sure hospitals don’t?? No meds.. 3 beautiful babies.. same hospital! 17 hours, 21 hours, and 2 hours labor... didn’t accept the breathing technique until baby 3 and had the best labor!! My oldest daughter had no meds until C section time... it was 5 hours later... little Katy was wedged in there and never coming out naturally. It’s different for everyone! Take all you “know” and keep it tucked in close... best thing is listen to your body... burn essential oils during labor. Trust your instincts!! You’ll do fine!

Becca! Thank you thank you for posting this. I wish I had heard even a part of this before I had my first baby. This is such awesome information!

You are so eloquent in your explanations and knowledgeable about what you are talking about! I’m an RN so I really appreciate the research too. I’m sure our health-focused/naturopathic minds wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m 16 weeks and can’t wait to try some of these ideas and remedies. Thanks so much!! 💕

I had my second daughter in a birth center (in Bryn Mawr PA) natural and unmedicated and it was the most powerful thing I’ve ever done. Afterwards you will feel like you can accomplish anything.... knowing I did that helped me finish my first half marathon last month lol

Can’t wait to hear how everything goes. I am a huge person who fears the hospital and always wish that if I decide to have kids I can do it as natural as possible so I’m so looking forward to knowing what you liked and didn’t! Thank you for sharing!

If you want to hear a positive story about using a birthing center (as opposed to hospital) Jamerill Stewart from the KZfaq channel Large Family Table talks about her positive experiences using a birth center :) I think she’s a mom of 8-9. My son’s birthday was pretty traumatic (went into labor at 32 weeks spontaneously), so I’ll spare you the story because I like your positive mindset 😁

Love this video Becca! I’m just a week ahead of you in my pregnancy (my first baby too!) and I’m planning a natural birth as well & I’m doing all of the same things as you. I took the hypnobirthing class and really liked it, now it’s a matter of finding time daily to practice. I can’t wait to hear all about your labor & delivery. All the good vibes to you!

Can I just say... you are going to be an amazing mom. I’m not even joking I started to get choked up listening to you in this video. Your really are an inspiration. I hope to be half the mother you will be.

My mom gave birth to all of her 3 kids without an epidural. You got this !

Can you please do a video dedicated to what you've learned in your pelvic floor classes, in detail and maybe a follow along sort of video. After you mentioned this in a previous video and KZfaq it, but I was so confused watching other videos.

I’m so excited for you guys!!!

Will you do a baby haul? Things like where the baby will sleep, and maybe a nursery tour? Good luck and thanks for the video!

I personally was not prepared at all when I had my 1st baby. 1st of all I never expected to go into labor at 33wks, 2nd I did not expect my contractions to be pain free and confuse me on whether I should have been worried, 3rd I didn't expect my water to break as soon as I got into l&d and changing into my birth gown, 4th I never would of thought I was 8cm and pushing a baby out 20mins later. I had no epidural and no time to panic, the dr did give me an episiotomy. My second baby I kinda knew what to look out for when in labor so I made it to the hospital and again was between 8-9cm and pushed my baby out 20mins later, I had my water broken but that was the only intervention. My 3rd and 4th I had a more controlled labor because we didn't want such a fast labor because we lived farther from the hospital. I managed to notice when I was in early labor and headed to the hospital on time. My 3rd I was 5cm at my prenatal appointment and I had been contacting so we decided to stay at the hospital where I did progress to 6cm which is when my water was broken and had baby 1 hr later. My recent labor was almost 6 months ago and was the only one I had the most intervention. I was gbs positive so as soon as I knew I was in labor I headed to the hospital. I was 4cm and got placed on antibiotics. After 3hrs I was allowed to walk around and by the 5th hour I was 6cm. 3hrs later I had no progression and irregular contractions so was put on pitocin which still didn't make my contractions hurt lol. 3hrs after pitocin I was exactly the same which is when my water was broken and 30mins I pushed my baby out. I managed to do it 4 times with no pain meds and honestly I just let my body do its things and didn't fight it. I think just trusting my body was what helped me.

I love your attitude

Natural Mama was my go to as well. I practiced hypnobirthing and had the unmedicated birth I wanted. You're doing a great job!!

You are so brave!!! Love your lifestyle!!

Good luck! I hope it all goes to plan for you. Last week I had my second unmedicated birth and it is so empowering. Once baby is out the pain stops, and you almost instantly forget about the pain once your holding the little one in your arms. Cant wait to hear your birth story x

I’m 28 weeks pregnant! Planning for an unmedicated, home birth! Also reading mama natural, very informative! Highly recommend it to any pregnant mama 💗

Becca! Love listening to your videos! Thank you for advocating for Woman’s Health, not many girls know about PTs who treat pre and post partum women and it makes a huge difference!! Crazy thing is that the country of France covers 8 sessions of woman’s health PT treatments post birth! The U.S needs to get on the train! Anyways, love your hunger for evidence based research and health education, I feel we are so similar! Great job and best of blessings for your baby girl! Kristy Spencer

You have the right attitude! Make a plan and prep for the birth you want, but know that you need to be flexible if things don’t go as planned. That’s the healthiest approach in my opinion, you’re already doing great! If things don’t go as planned (but they totally will 😊), even if you just end up wanting an epidural, don’t feel like you failed yourself! Bringing a baby into the world is crazy and doing it the first time, you can only assume what you’ll want at the time. No matter how it goes, you rock and are an awesome mama already!

Very excited for you!

“Potentially pain from the contractions”...there will be pain 😂 I love your videos!!! I’m so excited for your sweet baby girl to come into the world!!! These tips are great!!

So good! Classes are so important!! Also, might I suggest on investing in a few button down night gowns that are super soft. It’s a nursing mama game changer

Loved your intro!!!

you’re super prepared for this!

Definitely share your pregnancy workout!!:)

I am so happy for you. I wanted to do natural. I got to 8cm before my labor went horribly wrong. Good luck . This is really random but the thing that helped me was comparing the pain to something worse. The line I continued to say was this pain I am feeling is nothing compared to Jesus sacrifices. For you it could be a car accident or something that would be more painful. It decreased the pain level for me and helped me to breathe through the contraction. I totally agree with what you are saying labor is definitely mind over matter.

I have had 4 babies vaginally. The last was the only intervention free birth. It was by far the best! If I only knew what I know now, I would have never had epidurals with the others. With an I medicated birth, the baby is so much more alert and ready to eat, the bonding between mother and baby is completely different, and recovery time is so much faster! You can do this! Love Ina May’s book too!

I’m a few weeks behind you and will definitely be getting all the drugs haha. You go girl!

You go girl! I have two kids and had to have c sections with both. I’m still working on regaining my stomach muscles! I’m also a therapist so at least i have the knowledge to do it!

Thank you for your videos!! I know I don’t know you but your experience gives me peace! Thanks for sharing 🤰🏻 I’m 6 months with my first and I’m trying to navigate my natural pregnancy.

I had my babe a couple of weeks ago - I did have an epidural, but I swear by the raspberry leaf tea!! (Also the Labor Day tea Mama Natural talks about!). But I also swear by eating dates in the last few weeks! I had such an enjoyable experience with my labor and delivery and attribute a large part of that to those things! AND Ina May’s book :) you’re going to do amazing, you’ve got this!

Hypnobabies helped me so much. I ended up needing a c section but the techniques helped me keep calm during that. I loved that time every day doing those meditations.

Every future mummy needs to see this!!

Lol just gave birth 5 days ago & you go girl you got this! Train for a marathon & foster your stamina :) I opted for homebirth as well I didn’t have interventions when my baby’s heart rate dropped and we went to hospital the dr.s weren’t worried about it at all super supportive and chill and midwives monitored heart rate moved baby and yeah- I remained calm & we’re happy and healthy and the DOCTORS at my hospital were SO supportive but the nurses were not lol so just arm yourself with attitude!! You got this ❤️

Hypnobabies is AMAZING!!! Did it with my first and had an amazing natural birth! Just started it with my second pregnancy at 29 weeks so I can have a few weeks of maintenance. You’ll do amazing!!!

Knowledge is POWER! You are going to do great! I had two births without medication and they were two intense and wonderful experiences! Our bodies are designed to be able to do it! The pain you are having during the birth is a good kind of pain.

Had a midwife and I got transported to hospital for emergency c section. Midwives know if there is an emergency they will make the right decision to transport. It’s all okay.

You’re so brave! I gave birth twice at an amazing hospital...can’t imagine giving birth without an epidural😊

Learning to breath through contractions was the most important thing to learn for me. And be open to what comes to meet you. , I drank raspberry Leafe tea. too. If you are like your mother your birth will possibly be like her births. Something to bear in mind. Back in the day I used Shiela Kitsinger who had had five children, lived in Oxfordshire. She had a peony meditation., and helpful tips on diet. Just saying and I used ‘Breast is best’ To have the tools to cope with what comes to meet you is the best you can do, there is no knowing what that will be. Sounds like you are doing great things. I had two natural births, births no medication. One in hospital which was a blessing as she was facing the sky and one at home. Best wishes for your delivery.

I'm so excited to see how your birthing goes. I wish I had a birthing center near me that I could go to, but due to other health issues, when I actually have a child, I'll probably have to do c-section. Chiropractors are God's gift to earth. I'm kinda shocked you haven't been with all your training.

Love your videos

Definitely update on how hypnobabies works for you, i have it on my list for when i get pregnant 💕

I had a very bad pelvic floor problem before getting pregnant..(caused trouble walking )when I got pregnant I continued to go to physical therapist and would recommend seeing once at least for postpartum to heal

I'm very interested in hearing if you'll be happy with the timing of starting Hypnobabies. I'm conflicted about when I should start... I might do it early to get some more practice but I've also heard that you shouldn't start TOO early....

I had an epidural but it didn't really work (I felt all contractions just lessened and I deeeeefinitely felt the baby come out). I have high pain tolerance so I didn't think it was that horrible (but it was definitely painful) anyway I just went inside myself during contractions. Don't know how to explain it but nothing going on around me mattered and somehow that helped with the pain.

You can do it!

Drank that tea with my 3rd, she came so quickly, I was lucky I made it to the hospital. Huge difference with my 3rd, I also pushed very little when she arrived versus my sons where I was literally pushing for hours

Love your video here! I unfortunately have to give birth at a hospital but am really planning out to have a natural birth as well and wondered if you wouldn't mind making a video on your thoughts of vaccinations.

I wanted to go natural my first time and as soon as they offered the epidural, I took it. Best decision ever. I had an epidural with my second, but he came so fast, the epidural didn’t have time to set in. I basically didn’t have an epidural with my second. It was horrible. Luckily it didn’t last long. He is almost 4 months old and I still feel I am healing from that one. Good luck!

I went 13 hours without an epidural... I ended up having to get one because of my sons positioning and would've ended up with a c-section if I didn't agree to an epidural. Natural birth is totally doable as long as the baby agrees :) haha

Great video, NURSERY TOUR PLEASE 💖💖💖

I ran pretty much every day during my pregnancy and when it came to deliver I went so quickly I didnt even have time to get an epidural if I even wanted one! Lol It went too fast and all the nurses kept saying how crazy it was since it was my first pregnancy. I ate super healthy during as well!

This is such a random request but could you make a video about making sourdough with homemade flour. I would be interested in hearing about what types of flour you could use successfully too. I just made my first loaf and it’s cooling! Want to learn more abt it (:

I know you said you started drinking the raspberry tea in your second trimester, but how far into it did you start? I’m 15 weeks and wondering if I should wait a week or 2... or if it’s okay to start now.

I'm hoping to go for a vbac with number two and I'm doing a lot of the same things as you before getting pregnant again, minus PT and birth center. I'm looking for an OB now that will allow a trial of labor.

Hey Becca thanks for these videos. I'm 19wks prego with 2 identical baby boys. I want a vaginal birth but my doctor says it's only a 50 50 chance. I'm staying positive! Wishing you the best!

What are your thoughts on eating your placenta?

hey becca is it safe to highlight hair during pregnancy?

Please review hypnobabies I’m going to start in about a month.

I'm 27 weeks pregnant, and I wish I felt as prepared as you do. I try to do my research, but I just feel so overwhelmed by all the research and contradicting information out there. The whole thing just gets me upset honestly 😞. I always thought the complicated part would be having a newborn, not giving birth 😣

Hypnobabies review, please please please!!!

Do you think you and Matt will keep the podcast going after the baby is born? (Maybe not right away because Im sure it will be crazy haha, but at some point?)

I'm exactly 33 weeks as well! Second baby :)

I went into birth with an open mind. It was 100% better than expected. I was in labour less than an hour and didnt have time for drugs even if I wanted. I lucked out. Other people I know who are so fit and prepped didnt have such luck. You never know

How long did it take you to find a doctor/midwife/birth center? We are trying to get pregnant and I've never been pregnant before either so I'm interested to hear your take on what the "journey" was like after you had a positive home test until you found your care providers.

I had two vaginal births, was eating well, walking every day but nothing else besides reading pregnancy books.... If what ever you are doing is giving you a peace of mind then I guess it’s helping you but I don’t think all of that makes a difference or necessary... everything will be fine ❤️

You should watch Ellen Fishers videos about her births. She just had her third natural home birth. She is so sweet and calming and has the best and positive outlook on birth. It will be a great positive birthing story for you to take in :)

By intervention free birth do you also mean that the fetal heart rate will not be continuously monitored? Just curious!!

You do you girl! I’m just saying epidurals do not break the barrier if you will and sooooo worth it! I did however do it “naturally “ with my son because they waited to long and the medication didn’t have time to kick in. So I’ve had both experiences and I can say go for the epidural ☺️you’ll do great either way

Hypnobirthing!!

Check out “the birth hour” podcast if you haven’t yet

Can’t find the pregnancy podcast

Can you drink raspberry leaf tea when you’re not pregnant?

I heart your belly so so much!

Wish I could birth at a birthing center. Sadly do not have that option. I wish you the best of Luck and hope you have a smooth delivery! 💜

You should check out Mama Natural here on KZfaq.. i don't believe she uploads videos anymore but she has tons of videos about her natural births

Definitely check out Acacia Kerseys birth vlogs!! She makes it look like a piece of cake!

No not all women have interventions when they birth at the hospital!!!!

I will wish you luck because once those contractions start ... you are going to need it 😊

Every birth is natural. That’s literally what you were designed for.

😂😂😂😂 gooooooodluck Momma!

Why are you exposing your baby to a situation that something can go wrong? Just go to the hospital and take your midwife with you and sign a birth plan of how would you like things to go during labor.