Neither one of my children were born naturally.
I had two c-section.
Yup.
So now you're probably wondering, so what does this chick care about natural birth?

Welp, here's a quick little story for ya about why both of my children were born that way.

For my first pregnancy, I had a plan to deliver in a birthing center, hopefully in the hot tub. Just 2 days past my due date I couldn't sleep a wink and started having very mild contractions very early in the morning. When the contraction got stronger a few hours later I headed to the birthing center. My water broke on the way there so I was sure it would be a rather quick delivery.

Several hours later, my labor completely stopped I went to the hospital where I was given Pitocin to start my contractions. After a few more hours of this, I still wasn't dilating and the baby was in distress. I had an emergency c-section and when the surgeon opened me up she found a softball sized fibroid blocking the birth canal along with several smaller ones.

My second child was also born via- c-section because a VBAC was not an option for me considering the scar tissue from the fibroid removal and my insurance wouldn't allow it.

With all that being said, I wanted to have a natural birth because I didn't want my labor and delivery to be in a cold unwelcoming room hooked up to all kinds of gizmos and monitors. I wanted a safe and peaceful birth where I'd be able to get up and change positions to help me with my contractions or get in a hot tub. At the hospital, I was in bed, barely able to move because I was hooked up to so much stuff! I wanted to deliver in a birthing center where I can deliver in whatever position feels best for ME and not in whatever position is most convenient for the doctor. In seeking a natural birth I was trying to avoid the kind of negative experience that I had no idea I would actually experience!

Me and my newborn daughter in the hospital, 2014

I don't want to scare you all from hospital births though! I'm sure it all would have been a LOT less traumatizing for me if I had prepared for the possibility of a hospital birth and what to expect and I encourage you to do the same!

But if you're thinking about going natural, make sure to read up on it as much as possible to help you decide if it's going to be right for you.

 Here are 5 of the highest rated natural birthing books of all time that can help prepare you. These books include pain coping methods, real birth stories, and much more! In the list below I've taken the liberty of sharing with you how well it's been rated on Amazon and how many times it's been rated.

I hope this list helps!

Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation

by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

4.2 out of 5 stars,  390 ratings

Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy. For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife’s role, and a look at the father’s responsibilities. Childbirth education should also include what to expect after the baby is born. Here are baby basics, such as how to bathe a newborn, how to get the little one to sleep, and tips for getting nursing off to a good start. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a process of continuous learning and adjustment; Birthing From Within provides the necessary support and education to make each phase of birthing a rewarding experience.

The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth

by Genevieve Howland

4.8 out of 5 stars, 558 ratings

The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth is the modern (and yet ancient) approach to pregnancy and childbirth. "Natural" recognizes that pregnancy and birth are normal, and that having a baby is a wondrous biological process and rite of passage--not a medical condition. This book draws upon the latest research showing how beneficial and life-changing natural birth is for both babies and moms.

Full of weekly advice and tips for a healthy pregnancy, Howland details vital nutrition to take, natural remedies for common and troublesome symptoms, as well as the appropriate (and inappropriate) use of interventions.

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method: 

A natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing 

by Marie F. Mongan and Lorne R. Campbell

4.2 out of 5 stars, 542 ratings

HypnoBirthing® has gained momentum around the globe as a positive and empowering method of childbirth. Here's why: HypnoBirthing helps women to become empowered by developing an awareness of the instinctive birthing capability of their bodies. It greatly reduces the pain of labor and childbirth; frequently eliminates the need for drugs; reduces the need for caesarian surgery or other doctor-controlled birth interventions; and it also shortens birthing and recovery time, allowing for better and earlier bonding with the baby, which has been proven to be vital to the mother-child bond.  What's more, parents report that their infants sleep better and feed more easily when they haven't experienced birth trauma. 

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way

by Susan McCutcheon and Erick Ingraham

4.5 out of 5 stars 594 ratings

The Bradley Method®, used and praised by women for almost seventy years, prepares you for drug and surgery-free childbirth and puts you in control by providing the tools to navigate evidence-based care. Certified childbirth educator Susan McCutcheon, one of Dr. Bradley’s first students, now makes this natural approach to childbirth more accessible than ever. You will learn:

• Exercises and nutrition to get your body ready for birthing

• To defuse fear by understanding all aspects of laboring

• How to involve your partner as a birth coach and a fully engaged participant

• What’s driving the induction epidemic and how to avoid an unnecessary induction

• What’s driving the cesarean surgery epidemic and how to reduce your risk 

• How to get the information you need to make informed decisions about your birth

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

by Ina May Gaskin

4.6 out of 5 stars 1,851 ratings