Had an epidural the first time, but going natural this time?

MLS0630

So here's my situation...I've had an epidural for both births...but I'm contimplating the possibility of natural birth.  Has anyone done this?  I'd love to hear what you think...

KimT517

I did it backwards... I had my first one natural. I was dead set that was the way it was going to be, no way someone was going to stick a needle in my back!  My 2nd baby I went in the hospital 2 weeks before my due date with severe stomach flu and 104 fever. Was on fever watch and very sick for 3 days in hosp. Then I started having contractions and water broke. I told my doc I was too tired and too sick to have the baby. She suggested I get the epidural and try to rest before time to push. I was terrified but after it was in, I questioned why I never had the epidural with my first one. haha... I'm all for it now!

ghdst1

I didn't really have a plan with DS.  Whatever happened was what would happen.  I didn't want to make a plan and it couldn't happen and then be disappointed. 

My labor with DS was very long.  I labored at home for about 12 hours before I went to the hospital then continued to labor there for another 6 hours before they told me that I was being admitted due to pre-eclampsia.  I ended up getting an epidural due to them giving me magnesum and breaking my water at the same time.  I was exhausted from the long labor and knew I would be in worse pain from the medications. 

This time around I plan to go into it the same way.  If I decide to get the epidural then I will but if I am laboring and feeling good about how it is going I might hold off.

pinksweetpea2

I would highly suggest you check out the natural birth board.  

I personally think that if you really want it, you need to prepare- especially if you are planning on giving birth in a hospital.  Yes, there are people who are able to give birth naturally at a hospital without a lot of preparation and a "whatever happens, happens" attitude, but they are few and far between.  

Having a natural birth these days is in most cases, unfortunately, a uphill battle and you need to be prepared and determined if you really feel it is right for you.

IMO the most important factor is your care provider...if you are not sure your care provider is going to be supportive, you should start looking for another.  Many people have had success with MW, but as with OBs, not all MW are the same.  Some are more medical (medwives) and are not all that different from having a medicalized OB.

You have lots of time to figure out what you want.   

GL to you! 

mamaofboys

I always go as long naturally as I can manage. Then, when I am no longer enjoying the birth experience, I get an epidural.  Last time I went a long time naturally and kept my epidural dialed way down so I could feel a lot still and still had the ring of fire and feel the stitches afterward. I wonder if I could manage naturally this time. We shall see. 

mamamegan09

I'm considering this as well, honestly. I had an epidural with my son and it brought such relief. However, I think alot of that was b/c they gave me pitocin. My water had broken at home and I went in, my contractions were not yet strong, so they immediately started the pitocin = severe, horrible contractions one right on top of the other for two hours before the epi. So this time, I am hoping to avoid the pitocin, if nothing else. The more I learn about modern interventions in childbirth, the more I question...

WildcatPrincess

I highly suggest taking a class and preparing yourself as much as possible. I took a Hypnobirthing course, which requires practice outside of class as well (I think many of them do) and I had an awesome birth experience. Someone said this to me and I think it offends some people to some degree, but a HUGE part of going natural is mental. I think you're more likely to succeed if in your mind the only option is a natural birth. Going in with a "we'll see what happens" attitude is good to an extent, so there's no disappointment if interventions need to happen, but if you go in thinking "I might go natural or might get an epi" I think you're more likely to opt for an epi.

Hypnobirthing is all about using your mind to relax your body and going internal to keep that relaxation. I mean yeah, it hurt towards the end, but it wasn't unmanageable at all. Somewhere around 7 centimeters I was dozing between contractions and they were considerably strong at that point. The techniques really can work!

Kriz_b

My epidural stopped working at about 9cm. The only reason I got the epidural when I did was because we werent' sure when I would be able to get one. I'm thinking for this one I could probably do it without. However, I'm not opposed to having an epidural this time.

HSartteach

I got the epi last time.  My legs were so heavy that I couldn't move one on my own.  It really sucked. 

We are going natural this time in a birthing center.  I am very excited.  We will be taking hypnobirthing classes.

Cin8-14

Yes, definitely considering it! After 16 hours of labor on my back in bed, strapped to a machine; taking 14 hours to dilate to 10cm; 2.5 hours of pushing when I couldn't feel a damn thing and ending up with an assisted birth and a fourth degreee tear, I am leaning toward no epidural. I need to start reading and choosing which method jives with our personalities. I am not convinced that I will be able to do it, but I will definitely try.

gr8fulaa

this is my plan too. with #1 my epidural cost like $10,000, i certainly would have gone natural if i had known, that's toooo much!

mamatobe2012

mamamegan09:

I'm considering this as well, honestly. I had an epidural with my son and it brought such relief. However, I think alot of that was b/c they gave me pitocin. My water had broken at home and I went in, my contractions were not yet strong, so they immediately started the pitocin = severe, horrible contractions one right on top of the other for two hours before the epi. So this time, I am hoping to avoid the pitocin, if nothing else. The more I learn about modern interventions in childbirth, the more I question...

I am planning on going natural at home (1st birth so I'm not really qualified to answer).  I think the 2 documentaries were very interesting, Business of being Born and Born In America - check them out!  Many times the hospital's drug interventions make the contractions and labor more painful than it should be.  Also, laying on your back is working against gravity to get the baby to come out.