How I Prepped My Body and Mind for a Natural Birth
How I Prepped My Body and Mind for a Natural Birth
After a traumatic first birth that ended in an unplanned C-section, I knew I wanted something different the second time around. My first birth included an induction at 39 weeks using Cytotec, a Foley bulb, Pitocin, and eventually an epidural — all leading to a stalled labor and a C-Section.
If you want to know more about my Cytotec experience, you can read my blog The Truth About Cytotec for Labor Induction (From a Mom Who’s Been There). If you’re curious about my experience with the Foley bulb and when it can be helpful, you can find that in my blog Foley Bulb for Labor: Pros, Cons & What It Felt Like.
Afterward, I struggled quietly with postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts for over a year before I realized how deeply I’d been affected.
Setting a New Intention
For my second pregnancy, I set the intention to have an unmedicated vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) — and I did. But it wasn’t luck. It took a lot of preparation — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
If you’re wondering how to prepare your body and mind for a natural birth, here are the things that made the biggest difference for me.
If you want to learn more about VBACs and how safe they are compared to repeat C-sections, you can read my blog:
You’re “Allowed” to Have a Vaginal Birth After a C-Section — Here’s the Truth
1. I Switched From an OB to a Midwife
My first provider was a typical OB/GYN. But for my second birth, I wanted something more hands-on, personal, and supportive of natural birth. So I found a midwife-led practice that respected my goal for a VBAC and took the time to get to know me.
Not all midwives practice the same way. Some work in hospital systems that follow OB-style protocols, while others take a more natural, physiological approach. If you want minimal intervention, look for a provider or birth team who truly supports your preferences and respects your birth goals.
2. I Hired a Doula
This was a total game-changer. In many parts of the world, women give birth surrounded by other women. But in the U.S., many of us birth alone, under pressure, or without steady support.
A doula offers physical, emotional, and informational support during birth — and research shows that having a doula present significantly increases the chances of a vaginal, unmedicated birth.¹
Having her there made me feel seen and supported through every stage. She also answered so many of my pregnancy questions, which eased my anxiety and helped me stay confident leading up to labor.
3. I Educated Myself — and My Partner
My doula led us through a childbirth education class that taught me everything I wish I’d known the first time: what transition feels like, why labor can stall under stress, and how hormones work together during birth.
My husband came with me to every class. After seeing what I went through with my first birth, he wanted to be as prepared and supportive as possible this time.
If your partner isn’t fully on board, that can be tough — but it’s still worth learning all you can. Even if you’re doing it solo, education builds confidence and helps you feel grounded instead of fearful.
4. I Labored at Home as Long as Possible
When early labor started, I didn’t rush to the hospital. I had learned that getting there too soon can sometimes invite pressure or interventions.
A few days before active labor, my contractions would start, stall, and start again. Even the night before, they were 13 minutes apart but eventually faded. So I waited.
When things finally picked up and contractions were about 6 minutes apart, I headed to the hospital. By the time I arrived, I was only 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced but was soon in active labor a couple of hours later.
5. I Used a Natural Birth Prep Tincture + Gentle Tools
Starting around 35 weeks, I used a natural birth prep tincture (without blue cohosh), under the guidance of my midwife and doula. The exact one I used is linked here: Mountain Meadow Herbs Gentle Birth Tincture (Without Blue Cohosh Option).
I also sipped red raspberry leaf tea, bounced on a birthing ball, and stayed active with gentle movement.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Always check with your provider before starting any supplements or herbs during pregnancy. Not every method is right for every mom.
6. I Read Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
This book changed everything. It showed what natural, physiological birth can look like — without time limits, fear, or unnecessary interventions. It made birth feel not just possible, but powerful. Affiliate disclaimer applies here too.
7. I Immersed Myself in Empowering Visuals
I started watching natural birth videos and following accounts that showed women birthing in calm, powerful ways — especially @painfreebirth and midwife educator Lindsey Meehleis (highly recommend looking her up!).
I saw women birthing in all kinds of settings — at home, in bathtubs, in hospitals, in silence, roaring, or even laughing. Seeing those images helped rewire the fear I carried from my first experience and reminded me that birth can look different for everyone.
8. I Prayed Over My Birth, My Mind, and My Space
One of the biggest differences this time was how much I prayed. I prayed over my womb, my baby, my mind, and my surroundings — that peace would fill every part of the process.
I also became really intentional about what I let in. If a conversation started steering toward fear or doubt, I gently stepped back. I was careful who I shared my goals with and what voices I listened to, because I knew how easily fear could take root.
Protecting my peace meant guarding my mind — choosing to surround myself with encouragement, the Bible, and calm. I asked God to guide my body the way He designed it to work, to help me release fear, and to remind me that I wasn’t alone — even in the hardest moments. That prayer time became a huge part of my mental prep and helped me trust that this birth could be different.
9. I Learned the Risks and Realities of Epidurals
This was a big one for me. With my first birth, I was so heavily medicated that I felt disconnected. Afterward, I experienced postpartum anxiety that lasted months — and I was afraid of going through that again.
While epidurals can be helpful and necessary in some cases, I learned that they can sometimes impact how labor progresses or how connected you feel during birth. Some studies also show a link between epidural use and changes in postpartum mood.²
That doesn’t mean anyone who gets an epidural will struggle — it just helped me make an informed decision and choose what felt safest for my own body and mental health.
Want Support on Your Journey?
Are you interested in learning more about vaginal birth after cesarean or unmedicated birth?
Or are you still trying to process your first experience and prepare for something different next time?
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Sources
1. Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
2. Ding, T., Wang, D. X., Qu, Y., Chen, Q., Zhu, S. N., & Wang, Y. L. (2014). Epidural labor analgesia is associated with a decreased risk of postpartum depression: A prospective cohort study. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 119(2), 383–392.
3.Gaskin, I. M. (2003). Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Bantam Dell.
