- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Natural Birth
BalancingJane
member
Doubting OB?
BalancingJane
member
I just got back from my 34 week appointment and I gave my OB my birth plan while I was there. She looked at the things I had checked under the pain management section and saw that I hadn't marked any medications. Then she said "So you don't want anything, huh?" and I explained that was what I was hoping for. She said, "Well, most women end up needing something, but if you can probably get into active labor before getting anything." I guess she could probably see on my face that I wasn't really planning on asking for anything then, either, and she added, "but if you can get through active labor without it, too, then great!"
She did say that she was supportive of everything on my plan and that she would have my marked as a "natural birth" patient so that the nurses wouldn't be offering me an epi. She also said I could drink during labor, have an IV lock, try different positions, use the shower, and go up to 42 weeks without induction. Her overall message was positive, but the "most women end up needing something" is sticking with me and making me a little nervous, especially since this is my first pregnancy. I can do this, right?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Doubting OB?
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
Overall, you're OB sounds very supportive of your birth plan.
Both my OBs said something sort of similar to me when I told them I was planning on going natural. They phrased it more like "don't be disappointed if..." and I didn't at all think that they were being anti-natural birth, just trying to soften the disappointment that some natural-birth mamas may feel if they ask for the epidural.
Try to stay positive, you can totally do it and it sounds like your OB will be happy to let you labor how you choose.
BFP#2: EDD 2/11/14, MMC confirmed 7/15/13 (growth stopped at 6 weeks), D&C @ 12 weeks 7/25/13
You can definitely do it! A lot of it is mental, though, and it might be helpful to have someone a bit more supportive on your side too. Have you considered hiring a doula?
And for what it's worth, my MW (who is absolutely supportive of natural birth and was incredibly helpful when I was laboring with DD) also told me "all women ask at some point" but she meant it more as a forewarning that I might ask and shouldn't beat myself up if I did. Right after she said that, she also said "but if you've got a plan to get through it and we're all on the same page, you'll do great!" and that "asking doesn't mean you really want it, it just means you verbalize your discomfort."
You can definitely do it. I think some OB's just come from a place where they see a lot of things. I don't think she was being untruthful when she said most women "need" something. I don't know the epidural rates offhand but they're high. So she's probably just speaking from her experience of what she has seen.
I remember my OB saying something similar. He was incredibly supportive of my plans of an unmedicated birth. He even called me a trailblazer. lol But I do remember him cautioning me. It was along the c/s lines. He said how his wife had planned a natural birth and ended up with a c/s. Comments like that don't mean it will happen to you, just what they have seen/experienced. You know?
If that's the worst your OB has said, I think you're in great hands.
You can do it for sure. Women do it every day. One question I have is why you waited until 34 weeks to discuss this plan with your OB. Is it a new decision? Some doctors are not very supportive of a natural birth and it seems like it is easier to know that sooner or than later so you can change your care provider if needed
Your OB sounds right on! I just had my third birth without drugs or an epidural- and with all three I asked for something and just never followed through on it. The pain gets very intense in transition and depending on if your body keeps up with your mind, it can be very tough to mentally get through that pain. BUT I am living proof that you can and I did- three times.
It's a fairly new decision. This is my first pregnancy and before I started doing research, I didn't even think twice about the epidural; it's how all the women I know have delivered babies. I decided I wanted to try a natural birth about a month ago, but I saw a different doc at my last appointment, so this was the first time I've had the chance to talk to my OB.
You don't have to take a negative out of her comment. She has shown her support. Her comment is likely to alleviate any regret you might have should you opt for some pain management during delivery.
Good luck. You'll do fine.
It's true- most women end up needing something because most women don't plan to go without!
Yes, you can do this, and the moment you feel like you can't anymore, you're almost done!! Best wishes!!
My OB said basically the same thing, but overall is supportive and even said the hospital I'd chosen is very receptive to natural births (hence why I chose them). I just don't think many OB's deal with natural birth as often and that's why they are a little skeptical.