Anyone considering going natural?

lilylow · October 2010

I'm seriously considering going natural for delivery. I also openly admit to never being in labor before, but I think it's something I would at least like to attempt. Anyone considering this as well or has already had a baby sans the epi?

Hilarycee · October 2010

Me! I didn't with DS (got an epidural) and regret it a little bit. When I think back, it was sort of tolerable. I pretty much labored at home. By the time I went back to the hospital, I was 7cm dialated. I know I can do it. Thousand of women do and have for thousands of years! I never researched or did any reading on how to breathe through contractions back then. I really want to just not be confined to the bed and do what my body needs to do to get through the contractions.

If I can remember back to the pain. Yeah, it hurt like the worst period cramp and some went to my back. But you get through it and I remember not breathing. I make get slack for this but: If you think it will hurt, it will, but your brain is so powerful, I believe. You have to sort of tell yourself you can do it and not think of pain.

dpantaleoni · October 2010

As of right now, I'm planning on going natural. I guess I'll see what happens once I go into labor though. My SIL was planning on going natural but her contractions wound up being 1.5 minutes apart and lasting a full minute, so they gave her the EPI to slow her down.

GHBEA · October 2010

I had both my girls natural, no medication at all.

Believe it or not I didnt have pain while they were being born. I had labor pain but no birthing pain. I was sore after wards down there. My doctor said my body naturally went "numb" in that area. I dont know about that and never looked up any information on it. It happened and I can say from what friends have told me I was lucky.

Planning on going natural again for this one.

kje120 · October 2010

Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

Hilarycee · October 2010

I'm curious too about how the epidural effects the baby. I need to read more on that...obviously my son is fine, but, I still want to read more on the alertness/cries more etc...

GenaBoBenaWife · October 2010

kestock120:
Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

This. If there is something out there to help relieve the pain & make L&D a more enjoyable experience, sign me up!

jteneback · October 2010

I plan on going natural. We start Bradley classes in December.

ohiostategal · October 2010

I don't think I will. However, I was just last night looking up bradley class instructors in my area. I am thinking that I might want to take the class just to learn how to deal with the contractions prior to the epidural. I know have a pretty high pain tolerance from having kidney and gallstones, so who knows.

Cabrita · October 2010

I'm planning to do it without an epidural or drugs. I really don't want to get trapped on my back with tubes in me--for me, feeling helpless like that is the scariest thought.

I'm going to take a Bradley class with DH. Should be an adventure!

LadyXaverian · October 2010

I always thought I would want the epi, but now that I am pregnant, I would like to try to go natural. I'm meeting with a doula on Saturday, and I'm hoping we'll be a good match. I am not closed minded to anything, and if I get into labor and something changes, I'm going to try to be flexible.

I don't have a picture in my head right now of how I think L&D *should* go, but I'm hoping I can deliver naturally and med-free.

P.S. Playing semantics here, but aren't all vaginal births considered "natural"? I think we're talking about med-free births.

Hilarycee · October 2010

Cabrita:
I'm planning to do it without an epidural or drugs. I really don't want to get trapped on my back with tubes in me--for me, feeling helpless like that is the scariest thought.
I'm going to take a Bradley class with DH. Should be an adventure!

This reminds me of what Ricki Lake was saying in "The Business of Being Born" how having a baby is not an illness, it's something that needed to be felt! How beautiful is that thought!

akating · October 2010

I am going to try my best. In the end I will probably end up getting one because I tend to talk myself out of or into anything. I think I will hate the feeling of not being able to feel my legs and I want to be able to get up and walk when I feel up to it. Also If I am having problems laboring I want to be able to try laboring in different positions, using a birthing ball or walking to try and get them to work. I just feel that an epi limits a lot of possibilities and I want to be able to do anything I feel up to doing.

My friend labored for 4 days and in the end got an epidural because her husband and doctor felt she would be too exhausted to push. She was VERY disappointed but she said it felt amazing. She also had to have her cervix stretched manually because there was unexpected scar tissue preventing her from going any further in dilation.

People say that you don't get a badge of honor for not getting an epidural but I disagree. I think we give ourselves one. And being proud of yourself is a pretty big reward.

ncbelle · October 2010

I did last time and will this time too.

I'd recommend reading the Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - good reads regardless of how you want to deliver but may help you decide.

MrsMoss · October 2010

I'm definitely planning on trying. We're taking a Bradley class starting in January so I'm hoping that will help some. My mom did it and she'll be in the delivery room with both of us so I think that will be a huge help.

I am aware that things happen so if at last minute my plans have to change I'm not going to beat myself up over it. As long as I go home with my baby, I don't care how it gets here

Cabrita · October 2010

MrsMoss:
I'm definitely planning on trying. We're taking a Bradley class starting in January so I'm hoping that will help some. My mom did it and she'll be in the delivery room with both of us so I think that will be a huge help.

I am aware that things happen so if at last minute my plans have to change I'm not going to beat myself up over it. As long as I go home with my baby, I don't care how it gets here

That's awesome! My mom did it too, and I find that really reassuring.

GreenBride624 · October 2010

I was still undecided when I got the hospital with DD. The nurses said that if I want it to just ask. My water broke but I wasn't progressing so I was put on Pitocin. 12+ hrs later, I still wasn't progressing quickly but the contractions were getting intense thanks to the Pitocin. I requested an epi. Thanks to the epi, I was able to get some sleep that night. The next morning (24+ hrs after my water breaking) I was finally at 10cm. The nurses said that they had to turn the epi off (still a bit fuzzy as to the reasoning). I ended up pushing for 2+ hrs without the epi before DD finally arrived.

With this one, I will go in with the same attitude... not requesting the epi unless it is really necessary. Hopefully, this time I won't need Pitocin!

Yes, pushing without an epi is painful but you do what you have to do, KWIM?

agreenaffair · October 2010

we are also doing bradley classes for a natural birth with a midwife at a birthcenter - the hardest part has been fighting family about the decision -

definitely read ina may gaskins - and try watching the Business of Being Born (mentioned earlier)

Two other movies (nearly same message and same interviews) : Orgasmic Birth and Pregnant in America.

All three are available on netflix - good luck with your decision and remember to trust yourself and your gut feeling over anyone else

jayme88 · October 2010

I plan on going completely med-free this time. Both DD and DS I only had the nubain (sp) shot. Worked great with DD, slept for 3hrs and she was born 15mins after it wore off (total labor was 9hrs). With DS the shot did nothing, and I went from 5cm to having him in just under an hr. (total labor was 6hrs). I figure this one will hopefully be quicker. Lol.. I have been really lucky to have easy, quick births, with less than 15mins of pushing. I also want out of the hospital asap.. With DS I would have been out in 24hrs, but he was born at 3:23am.

MrsMoss · October 2010

Cabrita:
MrsMoss:

I'm definitely planning on trying. We're taking a Bradley class starting in January so I'm hoping that will help some. My mom did it and she'll be in the delivery room with both of us so I think that will be a huge help.

I am aware that things happen so if at last minute my plans have to change I'm not going to beat myself up over it. As long as I go home with my baby, I don't care how it gets here

That's awesome! My mom did it too, and I find that really reassuring.

Yeah, I've heard a lot of people not wanting their moms in there with them, but I think having her there will help A LOT because I need someone to promise me I can get through the pain...Haha, DH will be there to encourage me but he's never done it so I need her too. We're like best friends though so it really makes sense for her to be there next to me!

kpowersw · October 2010

I went natural with both my kids...with a footnote by DS#2. With him I had to be induced and it got pretty painful. I went ahead and asked for the epidural but as it turns out I was a lot farther along than everyone thought and he came before they could give it to me.

I would encourage you if your interested (and really anyone) to spend extra time learning about labor techniques to cope with the pain. For me it was worth it to be able to be up and walking around right after they were born and able to go into the nursery with them.

That said, no one should feel badly if you go the epidural route. You can't predict what's going to happen come delivery time and the objective is everyone getting through healthy...natural should be considered a bonus if that's what you want. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

MamabirdtoBe · October 2010

I'm not afraid of pain, and I know my body can handle what it was made to do. Nobody dies from pain, and even though I don't get a special metal at the end for going natural, I also don't get one for getting an epidural.

I understand it's difficult, it's labor. But I plan on feeling every little thing because I've been waiting for this. Hard work, pain, and reward in all.

I am having a homebirth with a midwife, so an epidural is not even an option for me.

Temp67694062501186 · October 2010

I went completely med-free with my daughter's birth. I wanted intervention free as well, but I did allow my OB to break my water, which also started my contractions almost immediately. Before she broke my water, I was already at 6cm dilated and had felt no real contractions beforehand - seriously, I was in no pain whatsoever.

I can post my birth story if you are interested - it may even be in my blog? I dunno tho. Anyway, yes it was painfull at the end, but not that bad. At least to me. I walked around during the big contractions and breathed through them. I also watched teh clock like a hawk. Knowing that each contraction only lasted one minute I watched the second hand religiously during those times. Pushing was hard, yes, but I made it through. I pushed for about an hour...??? I'd have to read my birth story cause I can't remember. haha

My advice? Be prepared. Take classes, read books. Prepare yourself. And also remember to be open to accepting pain medication if you need it. I didn't, but my labor also went pretty fast for a first time mom. it may have been a different story if I hadn't started feeling ANY pain until I was 6cm, or if I had stalled (stopped dilating) or if it just all hadn't happened as quickly as it did.

ailidespain · October 2010

I did with DS who is now 17 months, it wasn't by choice. I had a placental abruption and by the time I got to the Hospital I was 7 cm and it was too late to get the epi. I was begging for meds but to no avail. I delivered DS naturally 20 min after arriving at the Hospital.

Scout05 · October 2010

GenaBoBenaWife:

kestock120:
Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

This. If there is something out there to help relieve the pain & make L&D a more enjoyable experience, sign me up!

I'm with you ladies. Give me the drugs. No question.

ManiacMcGee · October 2010

I agree with Sarah, all births are 'natural', but I do plan on going med free.

LadyXaverian · October 2010

ambrandau2:
GenaBoBenaWife:

kestock120:
Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

This. If there is something out there to help relieve the pain & make L&D a more enjoyable experience, sign me up!

I'm with you ladies. Give me the drugs. No question.

See, I think this is a lame argument, and I think it's insulting to anyone who is choosing to go med-free. I'm not looking for a reward or a medal or any kind of praise or recognition for going med-free.

I am not anti-meds and I am not flaming anyone because I very well could end up with meds in the end, but there are some definite benefits for both Mom and baby when it comes to a med-free birth.

ckolak:-) · October 2010

I will be going natural. I didn't with DS and I have a lot of regrets about his delivery and the complications thereafter, and I feel like a lot of the issues I have are a result of the interventions I needed after getting the epidurals which stalled my labor while at the same time not working on the pain.

You need to prepare yourself, with classes or other means. It will hurt. It's the worst pain you can imagine, but it's worth it. The Natural Birth board has a lot of great women on it that are very supportive.

misssurly · October 2010

It's my 1st and I am planning to go drug-free... I don't want drugs affecting my baby and bonding/breastfeeding after birth. I also really want that rush of endorphins and bonding hormones my body is sure to produce after such an amazing, challenging experience.

I have a midwife and will be delivering in the hospital but labouring mostly at home. I've read the Bradley book but am finding Hypnobirthing and Birthin Within a much better fit...

Fingers crossed

bobalina77 · October 2010

My best friend had one with meds and one without (not by choice.. they didn't have time) and she was talking to one of our other friends who had hers without meds by choice and the friend was like "Don't you feel good.. like you accomplished something?" and my best friend was like.. no.. I accomplished the same thing both times but the first time was much more pleasant.

I plan on having an epidural. I know I can do it without if I absolutely have to, but if I can make it easier and more pleasant for me and everyone else involved I'll go that route lol.

Temp67694062501186 · October 2010

SarahL77:
ambrandau2:
GenaBoBenaWife:

kestock120:
Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

This. If there is something out there to help relieve the pain & make L&D a more enjoyable experience, sign me up!

I'm with you ladies. Give me the drugs. No question.

See, I think this is a lame argument, and I think it's insulting to anyone who is choosing to go med-free. I'm not looking for a reward or a medal or any kind of praise or recognition for going med-free.

I am not anti-meds and I am not flaming anyone because I very well could end up with meds in the end, but there are some definite benefits for both Mom and baby when it comes to a med-free birth.

This. Seriously.

There are plenty of reasons for going med-free. I didn't want to risk all of the complications that come along with pitocin and an epidural. Not to mention how often those two lead to c-sections. I also wanted to be able to freely move about my room - which I was able to do. I was also able to walk as soon as DD was born. And I was up and moving about the room with NO pain, no problems, no side effects almost immediately after her birth.

And seriously, despite the pain during pushing, FEELING her come out was the most amazing feeling. I could feel her moving in the birth canal - I felt her twist her shoulders after her head came out - I remember asking my doctor "What the hell was that? What happened??" and she just laughed at me and said the baby was twisting.

When I watch A Baby Story now I am weirded out by the women who have to ask, "Ok do I push now?" or "Am I pushing?" WTF? How can you not know??

ccmmkk · October 2010

I plan on getting the epi as soon as possible again.

Had it with my son, it was heaven! Also, my son was a big boy - 9.5lbs, so I know I'm in for another big baby.

Scout05 · October 2010

SarahL77:
ambrandau2:
GenaBoBenaWife:

kestock120:
Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

This. If there is something out there to help relieve the pain & make L&D a more enjoyable experience, sign me up!

I'm with you ladies. Give me the drugs. No question.

See, I think this is a lame argument, and I think it's insulting to anyone who is choosing to go med-free. I'm not looking for a reward or a medal or any kind of praise or recognition for going med-free.

I am not anti-meds and I am not flaming anyone because I very well could end up with meds in the end, but there are some definite benefits for both Mom and baby when it comes to a med-free birth.

I don't really see how it's any more insulting than unsubstantiated and vague comments about the benefits to the mother and baby in a med-free birth. And I read comments like that all the time in these discussions.

It's what her friend's nurse said to her, and it's how she is approaching the decision. She didn't say "people who don't get drugs are stupid" or anything.

I'm getting drugs. I don't give a crap what anyone else does. End of story. I have a feeling the babies will be fine, either way.

Anyone want to talk about breastfeeding or leashes? I can see it's going to be that kind of day over here.

jmg7781 · October 2010

I am going to try to go natural but i have an open birth plan so i will be ok if have to go with the epi. as long as the baby comes out safe and healthy i dont really care how (s)he get here.

LadyXaverian · October 2010

ambrandau2:
SarahL77:
See, I think this is a lame argument, and I think it's insulting to anyone who is choosing to go med-free. I'm not looking for a reward or a medal or any kind of praise or recognition for going med-free.

I am not anti-meds and I am not flaming anyone because I very well could end up with meds in the end, but there are some definite benefits for both Mom and baby when it comes to a med-free birth.

I don't really see how it's any more insulting than unsubstantiated and vague comments about the benefits to the mother and baby in a med-free birth. And I read comments like that all the time in these discussions.

It's what her friend's nurse said to her, and it's how she is approaching the decision. She didn't say "people who don't get drugs are stupid" or anything.

I'm getting drugs. I don't give a crap what anyone else does. End of story. I have a feeling the babies will be fine, either way.

Anyone want to talk about breastfeeding or leashes? I can see it's going to be that kind of day over here

LOL!! In both of these scenarios, as well as whether or not to use meds, I am pro CHOICE, fwiw. Wink

I know I wasn't clear, but I was referring to the nurse's comment, not the poster's decision to get an epidural. I especially think it's inappropriate and insulting coming from a medical professional.

Although I truly do not care what other people do, and even though I do not have my heart completely set on going med-free at this point, I would hate to make vague and unsubstantiated statements, so here are some of the benefits for the mother and baby that I've found in my reading when it comes to a med-free birth, and it is for these reasons that I *personally* am going to plan to hopefully go med-free.

While I've read similar statements in several places online and in books, this one comes specifically from a website called, "The Natural Family Site":

Natural childbirth is much better for the mother. The mother has a completely different experience during birth if she is not drugged. She feels much more in control of her body and the health of her baby.
Natural childbirth is much better for the baby. The baby arrives in an undrugged and therefore much more active and alert state. It is amazing to see videotapes showing the differences between drugged and undrugged babies immediately after birth. Undrugged babies are active and responsive. Drugged babies can barely move.
Natural childbirth is much better for the family. When an alert and active undrugged baby is placed on the abdomen of an alert and undrugged mother, an amazing thing happens: the baby and mother bond in a significant and real way. The baby will naturally find the breast and begin feeding. The baby will make significant eye contact with the mother and father and respond to them. This simply does not happen when mother and child are drugged, and as a result breastfeeding starts off on a much rockier road.

So not to present a one-sided argument, this website lists some of the pros and cons of getting an epidural.

https://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html

I agree that in the end, it all works out, the babies will be fine, no one should give a crap what others think about what they choose to do, and I think every woman should be able to have the birth experience she hopes for. I have the utmost respect for any woman who delivers a baby, with or without meds, and whether it is vaginally or via c-section.

biblionerd · October 2010

SarahL77:
I know I wasn't clear, but I was referring to the nurse's comment, not the poster's decision to get an epidural. I especially think it's inappropriate and insulting coming from a medical professional.

The whole rest of the argument aside... you don't necessarily know the context in which the nurse told her that. If you had your heart set on med-free and "caved" or had other circumstances that made an epidural necessary, wouldn't this sound reassuring or make you feel a little better? She may have been trying to make a lady feel better who couldn't go natural so I wouldn't automatically chalk it up to being unprofessional...

LadyXaverian · October 2010

biblionerd:
SarahL77:
I know I wasn't clear, but I was referring to the nurse's comment, not the poster's decision to get an epidural. I especially think it's inappropriate and insulting coming from a medical professional.
The whole rest of the argument aside... you don't necessarily know the context in which the nurse told her that. If you had your heart set on med-free and "caved" or had other circumstances that made an epidural necessary, wouldn't this sound reassuring or make you feel a little better? She may have been trying to make a lady feel better who couldn't go natural so I wouldn't automatically chalk it up to being unprofessional...

Excellent point. So then perhaps it was the poster's presentation of the nurse's comment that I found insulting. ::Shrugs:: It's just my opinion. I'm definitely not asking anyone to change theirs to match mine.

bobalina77 · October 2010

I think the nurse was just reiterating that it was okay if she decided she needed an epidural. Some women feel guilty or unworthy or weak if they have to break down and get one.

teresakay78 · October 2010

ambrandau2:
GenaBoBenaWife:

kestock120:
Nope - give me the epidural. As my friend's nurse said to her, "There's no reward going through it natural - you all get a baby in the end". I know I have a relatively high pain tolerance (kidney stones and gall stones were no walk in the park) but I don't see me wanting to go through it with no help. But that's just me, I know plenty of women do it.

This. If there is something out there to help relieve the pain & make L&D a more enjoyable experience, sign me up!

I'm with you ladies. Give me the drugs. No question.

This is me - give me the drugs!! I am a big baby so anything to take the edge off and make the experience more enjoyable, sign me up! Now, that being said, I am going to go as long as I can without missing the window. I want to be able to say I experienced some contractions.

hhhmmm · October 2010

Nope, Definitely going with the epi if the timing works in my favor. I figure I want to be as comfortable as possible, and able to enjoy the experience as much as possible. Less pain equals a happier me and the baby is not effected by the epi, so bring it on.

AmberNGIII · October 2010

I would love to go natural! I wanted to with my daughter but at two weeks past due I was induced, they broke my water, and after 12 hours of painful labor I was still only dialated to 1. I was so bummed, exhausted and the pain was no longer tolerable, so I got the epi. I hated the epi (scary & painful for me) but it did relax me and within 45 min I was dialated to 10! I am still hoping to go natually with this pregnancy. I know the pain, but I think if I'm progressing this time I will be able to get through it! I guess we'll see what happens!

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