Natural Vs Epidural

caitlindenise

I'm really wanting to deliver the baby natural (aka without any drugs). I have spoken with one of my friends who naturally delivered her baby and it was a great experience. I've seen some videos of women who have had natural birth and ones with epidural and they chose natural over epidural. Is there any second/third/fourth...time moms who have had a natural childbirth? Or anybody have any thoughts?

KatelynEA90

I'm a FTM but my sister gave birth to her first naturally and is going that route again when she has #2. I'm choosing natural over getting an epidural. Mostly because the thought of being stuck in a bed and getting a catheter scares me. A lot of people tell me to get all the drugs I can or respond with "we'll see how long that lasts!" so be prepared for some unsupportive people. My SO supports my decision and my mom and sister are going to be in the delivery room and they fully support me too. And that's all I need. 

As you plan your birth, don't forget that you can't control everything. Something may happen that forces you to change part of your plans or you may just feel like you need to change something. There is nothing wrong with that.  

Keri Marie

I loved my epidurals! It's your choice though. Other people should not be making this decision for you.

funkymonkeyohyeahhh

The Natural Birth board is a great source of information and support on this.

I'm planning a natural birth. The risks of an epidural and being stuck in bed (likely with a catheter) are not appealing to me. I expect it to hurt like hell, but plan to prepare and use HypnoBirthing techniques to help.

mommybrynn

If I could suggest anything it would be to take it as it comes-- don't be set in stone one way or the other.  The goal is to have a healthy baby.  How you achieve that goal (epi or not) doesn't really matter all that much in the end.  I swore I would have an epi, but ended up going natural.  See how you feel in labor and make the decision then, but be open-minded about all of your options! 

olga&shaun

I went all natural with DD, and I'm planning on doing it again. I did research on some of the pain relief options (like an epi), because natural birth is definitely no walk in the park, but decided against it purely because I'm a control freak, and if I don't feel in control of my body, I know it will freak me out. I can't even handle being a little tipsy, let alone drunk, so for me, I don't think so. I'd rather deal with the raw pain with breathing techniques and hipnobirthing. But I've had friends who gave birth with an epi and they say it's heaven. Do all your research, and make an informed decision. But like mommybrynn said, take it as it comes, you never know how you'd feel at that stage. 

CBBB2010

I planned on going natural with DS, but it didn't quite work out that way.  I also really didn't like the idea of a catheter and being stuck to the bed.  When I had DS my water broke, but I wasn't dilated/effaced at all and never started having contractions by myself.  I had to be on pitocin the entire time to have contractions. 

After 14 hours of breathing exercises and bouncing/rolling on the birthing ball I was sure I had made some decent progress on becoming dilated, but it turned out I was only 2 cm.  That's when I said "give me an epidural!"  I was frustrated and it had gotten to be too much for me.  In the end I was glad that I got the epidural because it allowed me to relax and rest a little bit.  This time I'm winging it and don't really have a plan.  If I get to the point where I can't take it anymore I'll get the epidural but if not I'm hoping to see if I can make it natural.

skibunny59

I'm a FTM and I definitely want to go natural.  My sister in law had an epidural with her first and she said it was an awful experience and she would never do it again. 

KRISTA555

Do whatever you feel in your gut is right. If you decide natural, be prepared & have support.   From what I understand, you'll come to a "wall" where you'll want the pain meds, and you'll need the preparation, plan, and support ahead of time to know how to handle it.

FWIW, I had an epidural and am choosing to do so again. It was an amazing experience. My labor was quick, I only had to push for about 30 minutes, and my recovery was easy. My DD latched on immediately, and I was walking around within an hour. I felt alert and aware the entire time, and I felt enough to be able to push just fine.

GL!

ABeautifulMind

I'm a FTM who is planning a natural, home birth.  

PhysChic7685

I agree with the people who say to just do what feels right.  I was originally going to go completely natural, but in the moment decided to get an analegesic to dull the pain.  I'd never get an epidural, but that's mostly because the whole needle in my spine thing freaks me out way more than the pain.  If you're not sure, then my recommendation would be to let the doctors/nurses) know you're going to try to go without one, but may change your mind (make sure they keep you posted though, because there's a time frame after which it won't kick in in time to help--I've heard).

vermont7

I went natural. One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is to really understand the power of your body when it comes to giving birth. Women have been doing this for millions of years. I suggest reading Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. It is fairly "hippie", but also really inspiring. I would also take a childbirth class that teaches you strategies for a natural birth. We took a class taught by a doula and the breathing techniques helped us tremendously. My husband was an excellent coach. 

ryry1977

I went natural with DS and loved it.  Will be doing so again (hopefully) with DD this time around.  It did hurt, but was not too terriable:)

AZ_Erica

I am going into it open minded.  I more or less had a natural birth with DS.  They did give me an 1 time epidural after I was 10 cm and pushing but that's a long story and it didn't work.  I had an epi with DD and it was amazing.  But I only had that epi for about 45 minutes before she was born so I am hoping to go without this time. 

StephCripps

There are other pain remedies besides the epidural.. I didn't have the epidural cause a needle in the spine freaks me out..

I was given morphine for the pain as well as some laughing gas for the active labour process..

Both worked well for me.. the morphine definatly cut out the pain of the contractions as did the gas..

But that is what was available at my hospital.. it might be different hospital to hospital..

med380

I got an epidural and am planning to again.  Even with an epidural, you can still feel a lot of pressure when it comes time to push, so I always knew when I needed to push.

I do believe that the epidural is what allowed me to get some rest and save energy for pushing, but I also know I could have done it without.

But like others have said, it is a very personal decision so do what feels right to you!

jenick

::getting on my soap box:: 

You are really asking about Medicated vs. Non-Medicated deliveries.  I know it looks like semantics, but I don't like to be told that I didn't have my son "naturally" because I needed an epi.  I pushed for 90 minutes.  I had him naturally. 

 ::getting off soap box::

repedrick

Just remember that when you actually get into labor to keep an open mind. I went in with DD with full intention of going natural. I had such strong contractions & back labor that I literally spaced out. I don't remember 2-3 hours that afternoon. I ended up getting an intrathecal shot and after that it was the best labor/delivery. I could handle the contractions then and I actually remember the delivery as a wonderful experience. 

I say- just keep an open mind and go with the flow of the day. See how you're doing staying natural but have a back up plan of what minimal meds you are ok with taking just in case. There are a lot of options to just take the edge of the pain off instead of going with a full epidural.

elainej

I agree with PPs who say to go in with an open mind. I think many people who are educated about natural birth & have a positive attitude toward it have a good experience with it. That didn't work for me, so this time I will get the epidural (I'll take anything & everything they're willing to give me). But I think I'm in the minority.

makinithappen

I wanted to do natural with my first, but ended up getting demeral in my IV.  It helped some and I was able to still not do the epi which is what I was really trying to avoid.  At least there is some space between completely drug free and getting an epi if you need something when the time comes.

hillbillysunshine

mommybrynn:

If I could suggest anything it would be to take it as it comes-- don't be set in stone one way or the other.  The goal is to have a healthy baby.  How you achieve that goal (epi or not) doesn't really matter all that much in the end.  I swore I would have an epi, but ended up going natural.  See how you feel in labor and make the decision then, but be open-minded about all of your options! 

 This.  It drives me nuts when people have birth plans b/c of how THEY want their birth experience but refuse to do what's best for baby, too.  The bottom line: do what is going to get you a healthy baby.  Don't be so dead-set on some "plan" that you fail to see reason.

corbinsmine

Not sure what I am doing yet however, it really depends on the circumstance. Had a friendly that went to a birthing center to do a natural birth and the birth had complications. She went 30 hours into labor and they sent her to a hospital for a emergency epidural bc she was in soo much pain the baby was stuck at 9 cm for several hours. Then ended the birth with a emergency c-section 10 hours latter. I am not saying one is better than the other, its all about choice. If I was to have a quick birth a would like natural but honestly after 20 hours give me the freaking epitural and take measures so my child is not harmed! Childbirth is very scary, and I couldnt imagine giving birth in a birthing center where there are no doctors just a mid wife. ....

corbinsmine

mommybrynn:

If I could suggest anything it would be to take it as it comes-- don't be set in stone one way or the other.  The goal is to have a healthy baby.  How you achieve that goal (epi or not) doesn't really matter all that much in the end.  I swore I would have an epi, but ended up going natural.  See how you feel in labor and make the decision then, but be open-minded about all of your options! 

 

What I said lol

katcarls

I went med-free with my first and I'm planning to do it again with this one.  My main reason was because of the increased risk of interventions like pitocin, vacuum/forceps, and c/s, that come with pain meds.  I would also rather be up and moving around during labor rather than being trapped in the bed.

Katefor4

I had an Epi with all three of my kids.  It was an awesome experience.  I got to rest and prepare for the first couple of days without being tired etc.  The epi worked great and I was given control of how much meds I needed.  aka no button push means feel more, push the button and I would feel nothing.  When I pushed I had it off adn could feel 100% of what I was doing.  I was up and walking within 20 minutes of having them.  I was in the room for a natural and it was a very different experience.  I remember lots of pain and "get it outs" and with mine we were laughing and just having a good time.  No I do not think labor should be a "good time" but it is such a gret memory.  I actually laughed my last one out because someone said something funny.  I think different plans are right for different people. 

star173

I've had both. Epi with my 1st, none with my 2nd. I much preffered the drug-free birth, and plan on going without them again for this one.

walkerb4

repedrick:

Just remember that when you actually get into labor to keep an open mind. I went in with DD with full intention of going natural. I had such strong contractions & back labor that I literally spaced out. I don't remember 2-3 hours that afternoon. I ended up getting an intrathecal shot and after that it was the best labor/delivery. I could handle the contractions then and I actually remember the delivery as a wonderful experience. 

I say- just keep an open mind and go with the flow of the day. See how you're doing staying natural but have a back up plan of what minimal meds you are ok with taking just in case. There are a lot of options to just take the edge of the pain off instead of going with a full epidural.

 This.  You (or me or anyone) don't know how it will be for you until get there.  You may be just fine going natural, but you may not for various unforeseeable reasons.

star173

hillbillysunshine:

mommybrynn:

If I could suggest anything it would be to take it as it comes-- don't be set in stone one way or the other.  The goal is to have a healthy baby.  How you achieve that goal (epi or not) doesn't really matter all that much in the end.  I swore I would have an epi, but ended up going natural.  See how you feel in labor and make the decision then, but be open-minded about all of your options! 

 This.  It drives me nuts when people have birth plans b/c of how THEY want their birth experience but refuse to do what's best for baby, too.  The bottom line: do what is going to get you a healthy baby.  Don't be so dead-set on some "plan" that you fail to see reason.

You do realize that most women who choose to go drug free often educated on ALL the possible outcomes, and do not put their "plan" ahead of the health of their baby, right? In fact, without a plan (even if the plan is for an epi) or being educated on the risks/benefits of every intervention can cause risk to the mom and the baby due to one intervention leading to another and another. Does that drive you nuts as well?

pinksweetpea2

mommybrynn:

The goal is to have a healthy baby.  How you achieve that goal (epi or not) doesn't really matter all that much in the end. 

Of course the goal is to have a healthy baby.  That is what EVERY mother wants fist and foremost. However, please do not discount the health (physical and MENTAL) of the mother.  It is JUST as important and the two do not/should not be mutually exclusive.   

OP- if you really want to give birth naturally in a hospital, you need to do your research and be prepared because in most cases it is an uphill battle.  Yes, some people can go in without doing any preparations and a open mind and still give birth naturally, however they are the exception- not the rule.

FWIW, giving birth naturally was one of the most empowering and amazing experiences of my life and I look forward to doing it again.

GL

Ivana_Stolichnaya

Keep an open mind about it.  You may end up with bad back labor and going natural will fly right out the window.

ENev

I really wanted to go natural because I was afraid of the epi slowing down labor, leading to a c-section, etc.

But after a few hours of labor, I'd had enough. I got the epi and I loved it. Didn't slow anything down, I still felt everything (or close, I suppose) while pushing, and I had a great experience! I'll probably get an epi again, but I'm going to play it by ear. 

With that said, I give mad props to any woman who goes natural! 

blondegirl22

I am also a FTM and we are planning to go natural.  We are taking Bradley classes, which I have enjoyed so far.  My first concern is the baby and he/she getting here safely, but my wishes are for a natural birth with out interventions.  I chose to take the classes so we would be educated as much as possible so once at the hospital I would know all of my options ahead of time.  

 My friends that went natural have inspired me to do the same.  To each their own though.  GL! 

ZoeyMarie

All I will say is this: I had every intention of going natural and was unable to. If it's your plan to go natural, more power to you. Find as much support as you can, and take a class or two. But, if for some reason it doesn't work (and this goes double if you plan to breastfeed), please don't beat yourself up over it or feel guilty about it.

JennPierog

corbinsmine:

Not sure what I am doing yet however, it really depends on the circumstance. Had a friendly that went to a birthing center to do a natural birth and the birth had complications. She went 30 hours into labor and they sent her to a hospital for a emergency epidural bc she was in soo much pain the baby was stuck at 9 cm for several hours. Then ended the birth with a emergency c-section 10 hours latter. I am not saying one is better than the other, its all about choice. If I was to have a quick birth a would like natural but honestly after 20 hours give me the freaking epitural and take measures so my child is not harmed! Childbirth is very scary, and I couldnt imagine giving birth in a birthing center where there are no doctors just a mid wife. ....

WOW..Thank god for doctors right. Mabye you should look into how the practice of delivering babies started. You may be surprised to learn how and why doctors started delivering babies. Here's a clue it has nothing to do with that fact that women were having babies for years by themself with the help of mothers, other women and OH MY god forbid MIDWIVES. All with better infant mortality rates then when babies were delivered in hosptials. Just Sayin.

 

 

FroggyFarts

I think it's a personal decision. I planned to try to go natural because I have a decent pain tolerance scale. But I was dilating faster than is typical and the pain was intense, almost crippling.

I think you should go into it with an open mind. Hope for a natural birth but don't limit yourself to it. Do your research so you don't feel nervous about making decisions when the time comes.

KRISTA555:

FWIW, I had an epidural and am choosing to do so again. It was an amazing experience. My labor was quick, I only had to push for about 30 minutes, and my recovery was easy. My DD latched on immediately, and I was walking around within an hour. I felt alert and aware the entire time, and I felt enough to be able to push just fine.

This was my case exactly. I got my epi about 45 minutes before my son was born. I pushed for about 25 minutes and felt the pressure of all contractions just fine, only difference was the pain was gone - heaven! I still had absolute control of my body. No complications from the epi. Baby was wide awake and very alert for a newborn.

I'll do it again but once again ask for the self pump (button push) epi so that I can try to mimic my first experience. The first time, I only had the initial pump. No extra button pushing for me.

BOTB2011

I'll be a first time mom so I can't speak from personal epxerience...

My sister has had 3 children. She tried to go natural for as long as she could with all 3, but ended up getting an epidural each time. Since it relaxed everything it helped with the process (or so I'm told...)

Backpacc

I am also a first time mom but my mother had her first three naturally (no iv or anything) and the second two by c-section and epidural. I am planning on a natural homebirth for my first baby and I have heard that learning about childbirthing methods to aid in natural childbirth help a lotttt. The ones I know about now are tantric birth, hypnobirth, dealing with pain through distractions and also dealing with pain through full focus on it. Just because it's natural doesn't mean we are helpless! I hope you choose what is best for you

aliinportland

I had a natural childbirth (except for pitocin to get it started).  I was lucky enough to have a short labor, so I was able to get through it.  I wouldn't change anything about it.  I'm planning to try natural for this one too, but i will see how it goes and make my decision during labor.