Am I crazy to want a natural birth?

bonnin507 · October 2009

My mom did it this way & my sister didn't do an epi either, although she did get a little something to help her relax (Nubain). My family in general just isn't big into taking anything we don't think is absolutely necessary. I watch A Baby Story on a daily basis & I almost never see natural births, making me feel like I'm crazy for even thinking of attempting it. Mind you, I haven't put epi out of the question; if it's really bad, I'm opening to having one. At this point, I'm feeling that I'd rather not have one though.

For those that have done natural birth or plan to do natural birth, feel free to chime in w/ your take on things.

tobereich · October 2009

It's your own decision. Personally I have a low pain tolerance and would never, ever consider going natural.

Bluesmoothee · October 2009

You're not crazy, but in my opinion, why go through all that when you can get a nice peaceful epidural and really enjoy the birth of your child without all of that pain and exhaustion.

MrsMoody2006 · October 2009

I want a natural birth. DD was c-section because of stupid doctors. I don't want to go through that again, I WILL NOT take any drug, no pitocin, no oxytocin, no artificial breaking of the water. They ruined my first delivery, and I never even consented for them until I was told I had to have a C-section.

Mrs. GEK · October 2009

I don't think anyone's crazy for wanting a certain kind of birth. I want an epidural, but that's based on my experience working in L&D and seeing the difference between women that had an epidural and ones that didn't during nursing school. I think everyone has to do what feels right for them at the time.

Bridgetkaryn · October 2009

Everyone is different and if you want to do a natural birth then I say go for it... For me, I know that is not the way I want to go... I have awful menstrual cramps, and I imagine labor that times 1000... Not for me...

My mom was a labor and delivery nurse and her biggest point of advice is if you do want to go natural, get the port for the epi put in... that way if you get to a point where you can't deal with the pain anymore, all they have to do is "plug you in" to the meds... No waiting an hour for the Dr to come and do it... Also, in case you do need an emergency c/s they can take you right away and not have to wait or completely knock you out...

Good luck... and you aren't crazy! :-)

Dawley82 · October 2009

Yes, I think you're crazy. Smile

But I wish I had the guts to go natural or even think about it like you are. I'm just a big wimp!

MrsStu · October 2009

No, you aren't crazy! I plan on having a natural birth if everything goes well. I know that I will probably not get off completely intervention-free, but I am going to try! It helps to actually watch some natural births rather than the Pitocin/Epi/c-section births that are prevalent on shows like A Baby Story. I would recommend watching The Business of Being Born. It has good info on natural birth, and is a little biased towards home birthing, but still valuable if you are having a hospital or birthing center birth. The movie shows several natural births, and they are all awesome. I would also recommend the book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It has many, many positive natural birth stories, and is an all around good childbirth book.

bergs720 · October 2009

I'm in the same boat you are. I am not dead set against an epi or other pain interventions, but I would rather do without it if I can. There are stories of other moms natural births on the Birth Stories boards and there is a lot of research/reading that you can do to prepare yourself. The book Pushed was recommended to me, haven't read it yet though.

AliBride2006 · October 2009

I prepped myself like crazy. Practiced breathing, read the Bradley books. I was so mentally prepared that I still tell people labor wasn't that bad. I had half a dose of Nubain about an hour before I started pushing and that was a huge mistake for me. It made me feel like I wasn't in control and I'm too much of a control freak for that. I got as far as Mia crowning before I needed an emergency csection with general anesthesia. So, I didn't actually get the baby out without medication but I did labor for 12 hrs without anything. And on a side note,I have a high pain tolerance. I felt that as long as I understood the pain and could get myself through one contraction at a time, I could do it. It was my husband who lost his mind and demanded the Nubain.

witoga · October 2009

I had DS med-free...you are not crazy to want to attempt a natural birth, lots and lots of women do it every day. I would suggest reading as much as you can on natural childbirth and taking classes if you can. Having knowledge of the process helped me to relax immensely. And if you really feel strongly about it surround yourself with supportive people (which it sounds like you would have). There are many benefits to natural childbirth and it was much easier than I thought it would be.

Mikeysbride2b · October 2009

It is nice to think you WILL do it that way, but until you are in labor, you don't know how bad the pain will be!! I was on Pitocin with my first baby and it made my labor unbearable.. some people don't ever need the medication to get things progressing, but I did so the pain was intense. Maybe if I didn't fail to open up past 2 cm , I would have been able to avoid a c section??? These are all things I didn't plan! Good luck..

Mrs.KLF · October 2009

Why don't you research natural birth? It will give you a chance to read about the effects of pitocin, cytocec, epidurals, etc. and from there, you can make an educated decision. No one can tell you what's right for you. Just research your options and make the decision that is best for you and your baby.

witoga · October 2009

Bluesmoothee:
You're not crazy, but in my opinion, why go through all that when you can get a nice peaceful epidural and really enjoy the birth of your child without all of that pain and exhaustion.

I actually did enjoy my natural childbirth and was not the least bit exhausted - it is amazing the amount of adrenaline your body naturally produces to help with the process - I felt like I could go for a run after I had him!

ivybug · October 2009

I've done 2 of 3 births naturally and no you're not crazy. I just never hit that point where I HAD to have the epi. I knew 2 friends who'd just had natural births, and I knew if they could do it, so could I. I read Susan McClutcheon's book, Childbirth the Bradley Way (or some title similar) and that was it. Didn't go to classes, or anything. Your body knows what to do when the time comes. It does help to practice relaxing ahead of time (there are exercises in the book). I think people will think I'm crazy for wanting to do #4's birth naturally after I had the epi (preeclampsia /induction) for #3's

ivybug · October 2009

PS. PM me if you have any questions

Kiki-licioius · October 2009

No you are not crazy. I had an epi with DD but I would like to go natural this time. I did not like being forcred to lay in bed with IV and tubes and all of that. I am 99% positive that I could have given birth natural with her BUT when I declined meds I was given them anyway. Once I had the first dose of meds the epi train came by and I didn't see the point in declining since they didn't listen the first time. My biggest issue with the epi was at first I didn't know where or what to push but that could have been because I'd never had a baby before.

I think if you plan and prepare for a natural childbirth now then it is highly possible.

GL!

Sawyerplus1 · October 2009

You're not crazy AT ALL! It's a personal choice and I strongly recommend you do lots of research either way. But, in my personal opinion, the benefits of a natural birth far outweigh the benefits of an epidural. I had a natural birth with DS and fully intend to with this LO. Sure, labor is painful and difficult, but that doesnt make it bad or dangerous. The pain is a sign that your body is doing what it needs to do to birth my precious baby. While you're ?body still does this while using an epidural, the chances for complications and interventions is much higher, and the drug can affect both mother and baby after birth too. Anyway, good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide, make sure its an informed decision.

MrsRon · October 2009

No, no, no! You absolutely are not crazy! I was all about inducing & epi, but then I watched The Business of Being Born (documentary by Rikki Lake), and I'm natural all the way if at all possible. See if you can get your hands on that documentary. Sooooooo informative! I know Netflix has it.

bonnin507 · October 2009

Glad to see a few encouraging posts here. I know an epi would keep me from pain, but I know it can have it's downsides too. As I said, I'm definitely keeping my options open because as pp stated, you never know how your L&D will actually go. I think having an open mindset is the best thing for me because I won't panic if my birth plan changes. I don't think I'd attempt the natural route if my mother & sister hadn't done it w/o much meds, but since my pregnancy seems to be following theirs so far, I feel like our bodies are similar & it might be possible for me. I guess only time will truely tell.

pinkcallalily · October 2009

I really want to go med-free, but like you I am keeping myself open to the option of an epi. I really hate the idea of an epi or any other type of medication, but I've always been really sensitive to medications in general and I hate feeling out of control. The idea of be mostly numb completely freaks me out as well as the idea of having a needle put in my back. I think I'd be more willing to go with IV drugs into my arm or hand. I've always had a high pain tolerance and I'm hopeful that I can do this, but I am well aware that I may change my mind while in labor and I'm okay with that.

Taylor44 · October 2009

No, you aren't crazy. My plan with my first pg was to go natural. However, my water broke first, and I had to use Pitocin to try to regulate my contractions (which didn't work anyway). So my entire labor, the contractions were random, some would be 3-4 minutes apart, and others would be back to back. It was just too much, and I elected for the epi. With this pg, I am again planning to do a natural birth. Honestly, I didn't like being numb while pushing, and I think it made it harder. But the point is that you should have a plan in mind, but don't be surprised if things change when labor begins. Everyone's labor, contractions and delivery are different. Also, don't forget the timeline. We aren't talking about being in pain for just an hour or so, some labors last quite a long time.

Flowr4246 · October 2009

I'm totally planning to attempt a natural birth. I've got a number of reasons for doing it:

1) I hate needles. Sure, blood draws and standard shots are fine. But when it comes to the thought of having a 6 inch needle stuck in my spine, I'd rather deal with contractions!

2) I really don't want a catheter and/or my movement during labor impeded. Both of these things would happen if I opted for an epi.

3) I have a really high tolerance for pain.

4) It's my first baby so, having never experienced the pain of labor before, I believe I'll be able to do a "mind over matter" approach and tell myself after each contraction that it couldn't possibly get worse.

All those reasons aside, I'm also open to getting one if the pain really does turn out to be unmanageable and I just don't care anymore about the needle or the catheter or anything else. But, I certainly don't think you're crazy for wanting to try.

And I'm right there with ya with people who make negative comments when you tell them you're planning to attempt it. My personal favorites are the MEN who talk about how I'll never make it through three minutes, much less three hours - OK buddy, wanna take this outside?! WTF do they know?! Angry

AngelxxRose · October 2009

You are not crazy at all! Epidurals are not risk-free like many people think. You or your baby can react negatively to the meds, which can lead to a c-section. Another book to read is "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. Good luck!

MrsStu · October 2009

witoga:
Bluesmoothee:
You're not crazy, but in my opinion, why go through all that when you can get a nice peaceful epidural and really enjoy the birth of your child without all of that pain and exhaustion.

I actually did enjoy my natural childbirth and was not the least bit exhausted - it is amazing the amount of adrenaline your body naturally produces to help with the process - I felt like I could go for a run after I had him!

Thank you for responding to this comment! I have heard that natural birth isn't necessarily exhausting, but I've never been through it.

Court1 · October 2009

As prior posts have said, educate yourself. Also, if you decide this is what you want, surround yourself with supportive people. You don't need an ob who's going to push drugs on you in your most vulnerable time (the middle of labor). Hire a doula. They'll insure the nurses don't push anything on you that you don't want, and be your advocate when you need to be focusing on the birth. I had an amazing experience with my natural birth with DS, and barring an emergency, intend to do the same this time. BTW, without other interventions (pit, epi, etc), and with a doula the c-section rate should be right around 4%. Good luck!

jhoanna.delgado · October 2009

Not crazy at all. I am planning to have a natural birth also. It helps a lot that DH and my mom are being so supportive about it too.

Sam78 · October 2009

MrsStu:
witoga:
Bluesmoothee:
You're not crazy, but in my opinion, why go through all that when you can get a nice peaceful epidural and really enjoy the birth of your child without all of that pain and exhaustion.

I actually did enjoy my natural childbirth and was not the least bit exhausted - it is amazing the amount of adrenaline your body naturally produces to help with the process - I felt like I could go for a run after I had him!
Thank you for responding to this comment! I have heard that natural birth isn't necessarily exhausting, but I've never been through it.

The whole process is exhausting regardless as to whether you have drugs or not - you still have the pushing part which is hard work. To respond more to bluesmoothee, I tried to avoid the epidural because I don't think my newborn needs to be exposed to drugs that impede their system's functioning. The results are not completely clear, however, researchers in Sweden have discovered that epidurals and other medications do affect babies in the first hours after birth with regard to pre-breastfeeding, latching-on and other behaviors. In a 2001 study published in Birth, infants were videotaped and their behaviors were recorded. The study showed that compared to babies whose mothers did use use pain medication, infants whose mothers used epidurals or a combination of epidurals with other medications:

Made significantly less hand to mouth movements
Touched the nipple and areola much less
Did not remained attached to the breast
Cried more
Had significantly higher skin temperatures

Researchers concluded that, "Spontaneous breast-seeking behavior in newborns is part of the interaction between the mother and her newborn and is based on coordination of body movements, sensory stimuli, and communication behaviors. This study indicates that maternal analgesia during labor might disturb and delay the important aspects of the newborn's interactive behavior and increase the newborn's skin temperature and crying."

According to authors Jensen, Benson and Bobak, (Maternity Care, the Nurse and the Family) epidurals do cross the placenta. "Many drugs cross the placenta readily (e.g., antibiotics, narcotics, analgesics, anesthetics)." In fact, the authors list reported effects on baby as bradycardia (decreased heart rate), and fetal hypotension (low blood pressure).

This info comes from https://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/do_epidurals_affect_babies_

My perspective was that I would do all that I could to avoid pain medicine because of the effects on the baby, but I left the possibility open (and used it) when I was going to be of no use without the pain relief. I will try to avoid the drugs again with this birth and would love to go natural.

beckerella · October 2009

I'm also planning on a med-free, intervention-free birth, as long as the baby and I are both healthy. I'd recommend reading: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, The Birth Book, and Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. They all have great information and lots of inspiring birth stories.

Paradisemoon · October 2009

I had a natural birth with my first and plan to have a natural waterbirth for baby #2 due in April. In my opinion, and anybody can disagree, I feel that stress and fear cause a lot of the pain issues. When you are stressed and afraid you tense up instead of just letting your body do what it needs to do. Yeah, it hurts I'll admit that. And I knew that it would so I wasn't scared when the time came. And just to resist the temptation I let the nurse know ahead of time not to offer me any medication. You aren't crazy but nobody should feel guilty for the way their baby comes into the world. As long as the baby gets out safely !

lite-bright · October 2009

No, you're not crazy. But I think you're going about it the right way to keep an open mind. Natural birth is a great goal to have, but I think medical interventions have their place to save lives and people can set themselves up for disappointment if they are dead-set on having a certain kind of birth -- because these things can be unpredictable.

DH and I prepared and hoped for a med-free birth, but I had to be induced the day after my EDD due to pre-e symptoms. I labored for eight hours on pitocin, walked like crazy, used a birth ball, tub, etc. and nothing was going to touch that pain except drugs. I was wailing my way through contractions while clinging to DH's neck, and the wait between requesting and getting the epi was the longest, most excruciating wait of my life. I got maybe 30 seconds, max, between contractions and was only at 4 cm.

The epi brought me back to myself and was such a relief. For those who say drugs can make you feel out of control -- well, so can pain. I was still able to move around my bed and labor/push in different positions, and I was up and walking shortly after delivery. The epi helped me to relax and I dialated much faster after getting it.

If I have to be induced again, I will definitely plan on the epi. If induction isn't involved, I will again hope and prepare for a med-free birth. But do your research (not just on epi vs. non-epi, but on the various types of drugs you might be offered and their pros/cons/side effects) and make the decision that's right for you!

RRHsMom · October 2009

I do not think you are crazy. I wanted a natural birth my first time too and have not decided with I am doing this time yet. My advice to others is not to be so set on a birth plan that if things go differently than you planned that you'll be crushed. I ended up with pre-e and had to be induced for my safety and the safety of my baby. When I ended up confined to a bed I bc of the pitocin, I was unable to do any of the pain management techniques I had planned on. I gave in after 26 hrs of labor and got the epi so I could sleep. I ended up having the baby 36 hrs after labor began and could not have pushed had I not slept. My biggest advice is to know what you hope for but be flexible and able to adapt to the situation you are in. In the end, all that matters is that you have a healthy baby and after my pre-e, long labor that included spiking a fever and the heart rate dropping and then a NICU stay, the health of you and the baby is the ONLY important thing in the end!

mjm123 · October 2009

I plan on having a natural birth. I know that our bodies are made to be able to handle childbirth and, unless I require some sort of intervention, I want to be able to work with my body's cues and feel the whole process. I expect to be able to handle the pain with natural methods of relaxation and pain management. Studies have shown that women who expect a painful birth have one, so if I expected unbearable pain, I would probably want an epidural.

Bluesmoothee · October 2009

Sam78:
MrsStu:
witoga:

Bluesmoothee:
You're not crazy, but in my opinion, why go through all that when you can get a nice peaceful epidural and really enjoy the birth of your child without all of that pain and exhaustion.

I actually did enjoy my natural childbirth and was not the least bit exhausted - it is amazing the amount of adrenaline your body naturally produces to help with the process - I felt like I could go for a run after I had him!

Thank you for responding to this comment! I have heard that natural birth isn't necessarily exhausting, but I've never been through it.

The whole process is exhausting regardless as to whether you have drugs or not - you still have the pushing part which is hard work. To respond more to bluesmoothee, I tried to avoid the epidural because I don't think my newborn needs to be exposed to drugs that impede their system's functioning. The results are not completely clear, however, researchers in Sweden have discovered that epidurals and other medications do affect babies in the first hours after birth with regard to pre-breastfeeding, latching-on and other behaviors. In a 2001 study published in Birth, infants were videotaped and their behaviors were recorded. The study showed that compared to babies whose mothers did use use pain medication, infants whose mothers used epidurals or a combination of epidurals with other medications:

Made significantly less hand to mouth movements

Touched the nipple and areola much less

Did not remained attached to the breast

Cried more

Had significantly higher skin temperatures
Researchers concluded that, "Spontaneous breast-seeking behavior in newborns is part of the interaction between the mother and her newborn and is based on coordination of body movements, sensory stimuli, and communication behaviors. This study indicates that maternal analgesia during labor might disturb and delay the important aspects of the newborn's interactive behavior and increase the newborn's skin temperature and crying."

According to authors Jensen, Benson and Bobak, (Maternity Care, the Nurse and the Family) epidurals do cross the placenta. "Many drugs cross the placenta readily (e.g., antibiotics, narcotics, analgesics, anesthetics)." In fact, the authors list reported effects on baby as bradycardia (decreased heart rate), and fetal hypotension (low blood pressure).

This info comes from https://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/do_epidurals_affect_babies_

My perspective was that I would do all that I could to avoid pain medicine because of the effects on the baby, but I left the possibility open (and used it) when I was going to be of no use without the pain relief. I will try to avoid the drugs again with this birth and would love to go natural.

Eh, thousands of babies are born every day to moms who've had epidurals and they are fine. If there was really a risk to the baby, then they wouldn't encourage them.

For the sake of fairness, however, I will state that I had a dream delivery. In labor for 6 hours, slept through most of it with the epidural. They woke me up to push. I pushed for 3 times for about 3 minutes and the baby came out. It was easy peasy. I could have drank tea and gotten my toes did during the delivery, it was so easy.

hamson17 · October 2009

I wouldn't say you're crazy to want to go natural, but I would say you are making things much harder on yourself...and wonder why? We all get the same prize in the end!

NJBride4-8-05 · October 2009

No I dont think you are crazy. It is a personal decision. I would have gone natural if I had progressed but I didnt and had a c/s.

hunniebunches · October 2009

congrats and GO FOR IT! I so wanted a natural birth and did everything possible. I ended up needing some help through my iv at the end becuase i had a 10lb baby vaginally and i had to have some help (read:forceps AND vacuum) to get him out.

Just keep an open mind, and I wish you the best of luck! Just know that no matter how they get here the #1 goal is a healthy baby!

bliss611 · October 2009

I don't think you are crazy at all. I'm preg with my first so no real experience but not crazy at all. I've heard enough women complain about back pain where they got their epis not to be turned off somewhat. My plan is to try to go natural and prepare myself for it assuming I am. Be healthy, exercise (to build stamina, etc), prenatal yoga to prepare the body and I'm not certain yet but probably Bradley method classes. On the flip side I do have fairly low pain tolerance and I am planning on keeping the option open in case I can't take it. I wouldnt let a tv show, the common-ness of epis effect your decision. But also, don't rule out meds just because your mom and sis did. Your body, your experience - decide what feels right for you. Good luck!

Sweetbaby1979 · October 2009

I'm with you, I had a completly natural bith with DD and it was fine...painfull but OK, they only thing they did was brake my water but that's it...I felt everything when she was coming out and it was amazing. My mom had 3 kids all natural and my sister also had 3 kids and did the same. In my family their view on the epidural is not good, it's a big NO NO. I'm planning to do the same again, go all they way natural (god willing).

Wish you luck!

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