How Would You Describe Labor?

VABride2008 · February 2011

Long story short, a friend of mine doesn't want children because she is scared to death of labor. After a few glasses of wine last night she decided she wanted the down and dirty of my labor experience. I didn't get an epidural or have any narcotics, and while I think that labor was really hard work, it wasn't unbearable. I feel like the natural endorphins really helped and when I think of my birthing experience I don't feel like it was the worst thing I've ever been through. There's numerous emotional things in my life that I feel like were much harder than the physical pains of labor. I tried so hard to explain to her how I felt but I just didn't feel like I could articulate the true experience.

So how do you describe your labor?

KelsoXOXO · February 2011

She definitely doesn't need to hear my story then. I prepared for labor to be this wonderful, amazing experience and I planned on going natural. She was face up so labor was THE most painful thing I've ever been through... After 29 hours of med-free labor and only progressing to 6cm, I gave in to the epi and had her 4 hours later. During labor I was throwing up and having to poop all the time. It was terrible, but totally worth it lol. I'm definitely not afraid to go through it again though.

So I guess without telling my experience to her you could say from me:

Labor, for me, was the most challenging, exhausting, yet so very rewarding thing I've ever experienced, and I'd do it again and again.

katie277s · February 2011

Both of my labors were induced, so it may be different from someone who went on their own.

But with my LO, my labor was pretty easy. I was 3cm when I arrived, so I was techinically able to get the epi then if I wanted. I decided to wait, and opted for a pain reliever at first. Once I had my epi, labor was a piece of cake. I had a pain pump for when I felt I needed it, and before I knew it, it was time to push.

Dreamsicle23 · February 2011

This might be asking for flames, but I though labor & delivery was pretty easy. Yeah, contractions were painful, but I did get an epi (which didn't hurt at all to get). Pushing was hard work but only took about 1/2 hour. My first words after DS was born were "Wow, that was a lot easier than I was expecting."

emilysmommy2010 · February 2011

I never went into labor so I can't tell her what it was like. The induction medication wouldn't work. I had a c-section though and I didn't think it was that bad.

shanesfiance · February 2011

It was hard work but not the most painful thing in the world. I mean, yeah, it hurts but you know that it is temporary--once baby is born, the pain of the contractions stops and it is more than worth it. That being said, I found having my wisdom teeth cut out a worse experience as well food poisoning. I'd rather go through labor again than either of those experiences. I didn't have an epi but I did have a shot of Nubain. I felt a little like I was drunk for a few hours.

Qmommy · February 2011

Contractions are hard to describe. I guess you can say it feels like being ripped in half. BUT... I am ready to do it again (TTC).

Yes, there's a lot of pain with contractions but it's totally worth it. Ask her what's a day or two of pain for a lifetime of love and happiness with your child?

VABride2008 · February 2011

laura_belle:

Painless after my epi. But you are right about the endorphins. Once my water broke, the endorphins kicked in and all my worries about labor disappeared. You become so focused at the task at hand.

Honestly, it sounds more like your friend just isn't ready for kids and is using that as an excuse. I was terrified of labor but got over it because I wanted a child.

I kind of took it this way too, but after talking last night she seemed so relieved that it's not this horrible experience. I guess some of her co-workers told her horror stories and she's just not sure that it's something she can handle.

KelsoXOXO · February 2011

Qmommy:
Contractions are hard to describe. I guess you can say it feels like being ripped in half. BUT... I am ready to do it again (TTC). Yes, there's a lot of pain with contractions but it's totally worth it. Ask her what's a day or two of pain for a lifetime of love and happiness with your child?

Woooo sending pregnant vibes and +positive+ results!!

VABride2008 · February 2011

shanesfiance:
It was hard work but not the most painful thing in the world. I mean, yeah, it hurts but you know that it is temporary--once baby is born, the pain of the contractions stops and it is more than worth it. That being said, I found having my wisdom teeth cut out a worse experience as well food poisoning. I'd rather go through labor again than either of those experiences. I didn't have an epi but I did have a shot of Nubain. I felt a little like I was drunk for a few hours.

Oh so, so true! I only had a valuum and novacain when I had my wisdom teeth removed and I literally sat in the chair crying from the pain. Then the pain medicine after made me throw up. Yes, I'll take labor over wisdom teeth extraction any day!

kg_08 · February 2011

Worst pain i've ever experienced? Yes.

Was it honestly that terrible? No.

Even though I had back labor and was puking and shaking, I'd still say it was tolerable. I did not get the epi, and after 20 hours of labor she was born. That about sums it up in a nut shell.

Haven1 · February 2011

Non-existant. I waltzed in at 11, joked with the nurses and DH until 3, and had the babies at 3:04 and 3:05. A scheduled c/s is the way to go. Tell her she can cross her fingers for that and not have to worry about pushing anything out. Big Smile

huber22 · February 2011

I'd rather go through 24.5 hours of labor any day than 9 months of pregnancy. And DS was sunny-side up and got stuck behind my pelvis bone and his heart rate kept dropping.

BeckyG. · February 2011

Now thinking back on it (only 7 months ago, seems like forever) it really wasn't that bad. I was lucky that it only was about 4 hours total, but we didn't have time for epi so I just had the nubian(sp). I was up and stading up in my cousin's wedding the next day. Knowing how quick it went for me, I'd probably go without the epi next time, but def. take more relaxing time immediately following.

I loved being pg and labor was so quick I kid that I'd have babies all the time. (if my DH would let me!)

I know it can be way worse, but the outcome is unbelievable.

AMossy · February 2011

Labor was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Back Labor. 23 hours. 3 1/2 of pushing. Vacuum. They actually turned off my epi because I was having such a difficult time pushing. I was so PROUD of myself after it was over -- I survived! And for DS I would do it over and over....that being said, I am planning on only having ONE more.

scoutkate · February 2011

I, too, had awful back labor, vomiting, etc--but my labor was fast and I can barely remember what the pain felt like when I look back on it now.

Pushing her out, however, was the absolute hardest thing I've ever done in my life. It was terrible and I will never forget what it felt like--and I had an epi. It's the only thing in my life that I've ever been 100% sure I absolutely could not do, and then did it anyway.

MommyStemple · February 2011

Beyond unpleasant. However, with that being said I did not have a normal labor process. I was induced at 35 weeks because I preeclamptic and my blood pressure was so high. Even prior to having contractions they were afraid I would seizure and were wrapping my bed rails. Once induced I made it to 5 centimeters without the epidural but at this point the pain from the contractions was making my blood pressure rise so much that I was vomiting and blacking out. At this point my dr. insisted I have the epidural as it would help bring my blood pressure back down. I did and it only took on one side of my body and resulted in me having severe abdominal pain and continuing to black out. They did another epidural and it finally took and were able to give me several different types of medication to bring my BP down. From there on out it was a breeze and I only had to push for 30 minutes. For me while the labor pains weren't that bad it was the vomiting and passing out that I made it unpleasant. I had imagined labor as painful but working for as long as I could with my husband through the pain. But I never got this option and instead my room was one that was full of activity and everyone trying to stabilize my BP rather than the calm environment I imagined. BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!

meangene · February 2011

I had a pretty easy, non-medicated labor.

I thought labor felt like I had to take a HUGE POOP. Ha!

KelsoXOXO · February 2011

scoutkate:

I, too, had awful back labor, vomiting, etc--but my labor was fast and I can barely remember what the pain felt like when I look back on it now.

Pushing her out, however, was the absolute hardest thing I've ever done in my life. It was terrible and I will never forget what it felt like--and I had an epi. It's the only thing in my life that I've ever been 100% sure I absolutely could not do, and then did it anyway.

Hey! I feel like we barely see you over here Confused

Spookster · February 2011

I know this might sound crazy but I, like a PP, never experienced labor DD was breech on her EDD so they did a c-sec, and the nature of the inscision is supposedly an automatic ban on any vaginal births for me ever. At least thats what I was told. makes me sad, but at least I have a healthy girl :-)

Tassie06 · February 2011

Brutal... And I only lasted until 4 cm before I got an Epi. then 1 hour later an emergency c-section. I remember the pain but I would do it again.

ougrad1 · February 2011

It sucked. Thank God for sections. Most amazing thing ever!!!!

CodyGH · February 2011

You people are crazy! It F-ing hurt like heII! I was induced and they turned my pitocin up to pretty much the fastest possible in order to get my contractions really close together. Well, they succeeded! They were right on top of one another and I pretty much had one huge contraction until they gave me my epidural. It sucked @ss! BUT I completely 100% will do it all again. In fact, I think I might want to do it two more times. Big Smile

Next time, though, no pitocin for me if I can do it. I think my entire labor experience was so bad due to pitocin being cranked into me at the fastest possible rate. I would really like to let nature take its course next time. We'll see if I can do it!

KRISTA555 · February 2011

way easier than going to the dentist. surreal. and totally worth it.

lucisparents · February 2011

I was nervous about Labor too. But had a birth plan and wanted to stick with it. I was in "Labor" for 18 hours, no drugs, no interventions. I pushed for over 3 hours. I broke my doctor's records. The next day the nurses would come in and say "Oh, so you're the one." I guess I was the talk around the water cooler.

Although I had a lengthy recovery (pushing that long has consequences) I would/will do it all over again.

I hope she gets over her fear because the birth of your child can be a beautiful and empowering experience.

AbJams · February 2011

I was induced because of GD, got the epi at like, 6 cm... honestly, though the contrax were painful, the placement of the epi was the worst part for me, and I hope next time to go without it, and go into labor on my own. However, when the epi was in and working it was awesome. I felt no more contrax pain, but I DID feel the urge to push. I pushed for 2 hours, and when she was crowning I thought I might rip completely in half, but it was so so so so worth it. If they told me next time they had to insert my IV via my eyeball or something I would still do it again. Labor was exhausting, painful, amazing, and not even remotely the hardest part of having a baby

kmhagan · February 2011

Labor was the most painful and stressful time of my life. Mine lasted 53 hours..... however I plan on repeating the process at least 2 more times. No matter how bad it is, you let go quickly and hold on to your sweet baby.

shanesfiance · February 2011

VABride2008:
shanesfiance:
It was hard work but not the most painful thing in the world. I mean, yeah, it hurts but you know that it is temporary--once baby is born, the pain of the contractions stops and it is more than worth it. That being said, I found having my wisdom teeth cut out a worse experience as well food poisoning. I'd rather go through labor again than either of those experiences. I didn't have an epi but I did have a shot of Nubain. I felt a little like I was drunk for a few hours.

Oh so, so true! I only had a valuum and novacain when I had my wisdom teeth removed and I literally sat in the chair crying from the pain. Then the pain medicine after made me throw up. Yes, I'll take labor over wisdom teeth extraction any day!

Similar experience. Only novocaine and had to have teeth cut out and broken up. Ugh I was awake the whole time. I went through 3 bottles of Vicodin, was off work 5 days and took Motrin for about a month. I only took Tylenol after having DD and was out walking in the park 4 days later. Wisdom tooth extraction=worst physical pain of my life.

totallyshocked · February 2011

Horrible here.....planned on all natural but after LO passed her due date and how small I am they induced.Got cervidil. Beginning contractions were fine and even once they broke my water everything was bearable. I was using the ball, walking the halls, getting massaged....no meds. After a few hours I deveolped back labor pretty bad but stayed off the meds still. After 13 hours they started pitocin and then labor got bad. Since I had the pitocin and the baby had a head monitor on

(they couldnt accurately monitor her heartbeat from outside) I had to stay in bed and even had to have nurses reposition me. By this point I got the epidural. Only numbed my right side......so I was laying on my side, feeling half the side of my pitocin enraged contractions. After 22 hours of labor I was still at 2 cm =( They had to preform a c section where they discovered she was sunny side up(which is why she wouldnt dilate me). Worst pain of my life......but still tolerable and I will do it again very soon. Going to start TTC by the end of 2011. So worth it

How Would You Describe Labor?

Re: How Would You Describe Labor?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards