Hello ladies!
I have been dwelling with myself during the last few weeks about having a med-free birth or to get the epidural. After some reading I was already inclined for a natural childbirth.
All my family thinks this is absolutely crazy as in Mexico nearly everyone who delivers in a hospital gets the epidural with no question. However I live in Holland and here only around 30% of women choose to have an epidural which is not covered and costs more than ?1000. They treat birth as a natural situation and not a medical one, thus they also recommend to have a home birth and take as many hours as you need (they have the highest rate of home deliveries in the developed world).
I have chosen to have the baby at the hospital (I'm still afraid of the baby needing a doctor right after birth, as I did when I was born) but I chose to avoid the epidural, not only because of the cost but also because I think I can do this and I am afraid of the risks.
I will be around this board, maybe with many questions... H&H 9!
Re: going natural! (Intro)
NorCalMOMS bio* NorCalBOTB* babywearingBIO
Harmony Doula
BFP #2 Jan 2013 - MMC found at 11 wks, measured 8w2d.
BFP #3 August 30, 3013, EDD 5/7/14
There's another good one on Netflix called Pregnant in America where they have a good discussion of practices in Holland - shows as very positive.
Good luck with your birth, natural birth was an awesome experience for us. Hopefully it will be for you too.