clicky: natural or drugs?

jennlin · December 2011

[poll]

Lawren · December 2011

Drugs for this girl.

tdc2012 · December 2011

i havent decided at all yet!!

aglenn · December 2011

I'll go as long as it makes sense without drugs, but if I am in labor as long as I was last time I am not ashamed to get the epi.

SeptemberBride'08 · December 2011

I might be a c-section but if not I'd like to go as med free as possible. I have really bad reactions to drugs so the less will be better for me

balihaigirl · December 2011

Not just drugged up for pushing, but epi for the contractions too. I loved everything about my epidural last time and can't imagine myself having a baby without one.

FWIW: I did still feel the pain of pushing even though I'd had an epidural. The epidural mainly just helped me through the contx since I was induced and was on pitocin.

nonoemily · December 2011

No epi for me, unless I get transferred to a hospital, I'll be at the birth center and in the tub. Big Smile

SmashleyHop · December 2011

Doing a VBAC this time around... So I want the drugs and epi just in case it turns into something I don't want ( another C-sec) Frankly they say I'm going to be continuously monitered anyways, so if I can't move around to relieve the pain might as well take advantage of the drugs!

hotrocker2011 · December 2011

Im a FTM so I will try and go natural without any drugs at all but if im in labor for a really long time then I will request drugs depending on the pain....However I am really opposed to the epi and the IV (but have nothing against women who gets them) so if I did request drugs it would be the shot (Have know clue of its name) It givin to you in the hip and suppose to num the lower half of your body (everything from your waist on down)-It wont get rid of all the pain but should reduce it (If anyone know the name please chime in)

misskittykt · December 2011

We're going to try a vaginal delivery for our twins, but that requires me to have an epi just incase it turns into a csection. But since I've got a really bad back from a car accident 2 years ago, I was all for the epi anyway.

sparks2987 · December 2011

I dont want to go completely natural...dont think I will be able to handle that, and I am okay with it. I do want to labor as long as possible at home and the hospital without epi, I dont want to get an epi at 3cm, and be stuck on my back in a hospital bed for 20 hours.

I am okay with having drugs or not, having a c-section or not. Whatever is the safest way to get LO here...I am all for it.

pevila · December 2011

My doctor says that if you get an epidural it is more likely to end up having a c-section because then you can't push. I'll TRY to do everything naturally, but in Peru it seems like every doctor wants to do a C-section!

FirstSchatz · December 2011

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

mrh207 · December 2011

Totally against an Epi. IF it becomes needed, I'd take some of the other drugs they have (not epi pain killers) but I hope to do the whole thing naturally!

runrinserepeat · December 2011

Natural for me. I'm terrified of the meds, both for me and baby.

cheese.fiend · December 2011

My plan was as low-intervention as possible but due to growth restriction / complications, I will be induced or sectioned. I am still hoping for as natural an experience as possible if its induction... but am trying not to put too much stock in a birth plan that's already been shot to sh*t.

Mar5195 · December 2011

I was privileged to be alive in a modern society. With fabulous technology and drugs. It would be an insult to all the women before me to scoff off what is available to us.

Not doing it for me per say, more for them. Wink

nickelpickelpink · December 2011

FirstSchatz:
I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!
Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

ClaireBear90 · December 2011

nonoemily:
No epi for me, unless I get transferred to a hospital, I'll be at the birth center and in the tub.

This exactly.

Jess.O · December 2011

ClaireBear90:
nonoemily:
No epi for me, unless I get transferred to a hospital, I'll be at the birth center and in the tub.
This exactly.

Me, too.

runrinserepeat · December 2011

nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Not necessarily. At the hospital where I'll be giving birth, they need to monitor you for 20 minutes when you come in to get a baseline, but then you can go without unless there is a reason for it. That's what I plan to do.

nickelpickelpink · December 2011

kleMcK:
nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Not necessarily. At the hospital where I'll be giving birth, they need to monitor you for 20 minutes when you come in to get a baseline, but then you can go without unless there is a reason for it. That's what I plan to do.

Oh I didn't know that was an option. Is this because they are bulky and uncomfortable or is there some other reason why a person would not want them?

btartaroind · December 2011

I am getting the "walking epidural" where I can control how much drugs I get. I know myself, and I have a low tolerance for pain. I want to be able to have that just in case it is too much for me, but I also don't want to just be completely numb from beginning to end.

cheese.fiend · December 2011

nickelpickelpink:
kleMcK:
nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Not necessarily. At the hospital where I'll be giving birth, they need to monitor you for 20 minutes when you come in to get a baseline, but then you can go without unless there is a reason for it. That's what I plan to do.
Oh I didn't know that was an option. Is this because they are bulky and uncomfortable or is there some other reason why a person would not want them?

Jumping in! My hospital has a "15 minutes of monitoring for every hour of labor" rule. Prior to discovering the complications, I was going to choose this option b/c when you are connected to the monitors, you can't be moving around the room or in the tub - you must be in the bed. I wanted the freedom to move.

LuluP82 · December 2011

cheese.fiend:
nickelpickelpink:
kleMcK:
nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Not necessarily. At the hospital where I'll be giving birth, they need to monitor you for 20 minutes when you come in to get a baseline, but then you can go without unless there is a reason for it. That's what I plan to do.

Oh I didn't know that was an option. Is this because they are bulky and uncomfortable or is there some other reason why a person would not want them?

Jumping in! My hospital has a "15 minutes of monitoring for every hour of labor" rule. Prior to discovering the complications, I was going to choose this option b/c when you are connected to the monitors, you can't be moving around the room or in the tub - you must be in the bed. I wanted the freedom to move.

Exactly this. I was filling out my birth plan for my hospital, and I clicked originally that I wanted fetal monitoring, thinking, who the heck wouldn't want their baby monitored?! But then I attend the birthing class, and they said if you choose monitoring, you'll be stuck to the bed the whole time. So, I changed to monitoring intermittently as needed.

It's one of those things that when I read, I was like, duh, no brainer, until I realized what it entailed (at least at my hospital).

nickelpickelpink · December 2011

LuluP82:
cheese.fiend:
nickelpickelpink:
kleMcK:
nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Not necessarily. At the hospital where I'll be giving birth, they need to monitor you for 20 minutes when you come in to get a baseline, but then you can go without unless there is a reason for it. That's what I plan to do.

Oh I didn't know that was an option. Is this because they are bulky and uncomfortable or is there some other reason why a person would not want them?

Jumping in! My hospital has a "15 minutes of monitoring for every hour of labor" rule. Prior to discovering the complications, I was going to choose this option b/c when you are connected to the monitors, you can't be moving around the room or in the tub - you must be in the bed. I wanted the freedom to move.

Exactly this. I was filling out my birth plan for my hospital, and I clicked originally that I wanted fetal monitoring, thinking, who the heck wouldn't want their baby monitored?! But then I attend the birthing class, and they said if you choose monitoring, you'll be stuck to the bed the whole time. So, I changed to monitoring intermittently as needed.

It's one of those things that when I read, I was like, duh, no brainer, until I realized what it entailed (at least at my hospital).

Ok, this makes sense. I definitely don't want to be stuck in bed, but our hospital has ones that can go in the water and we can move freely with them. I think I would like to have it just to know that everything is ok.

runrinserepeat · December 2011

nickelpickelpink:

Oh I didn't know that was an option. Is this because they are bulky and uncomfortable or is there some other reason why a person would not want them?

I'm just not a fan of being hooked up to monitors and it seems unnecessary (though if I were to get pitocin or any pain meds, I'd see the point of the constant monitoring). The birth class I'm taking also discussed the potential harmful side effects of constant ultrasound used in the monitors - whether you believe that research is up to you, though.

ETA: Some research has shown that there is an increase in c-sections with continuous EFM, without an increase in prenatal outcomes (for example, linky). As my main objective is to avoid an "unnecesarean", this is a big reason for me to request intermittent monitoring.

jennlin · December 2011

FWIW, my hospital's monitoring system allows you to get into the tub and/or walk around with it....maybe check with your hospitals too, to see if this is an option.

cheese.fiend · December 2011

nickelpickelpink:
LuluP82:
cheese.fiend:
nickelpickelpink:
kleMcK:
nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:

I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!

Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...

Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Not necessarily. At the hospital where I'll be giving birth, they need to monitor you for 20 minutes when you come in to get a baseline, but then you can go without unless there is a reason for it. That's what I plan to do.

Oh I didn't know that was an option. Is this because they are bulky and uncomfortable or is there some other reason why a person would not want them?

Jumping in! My hospital has a "15 minutes of monitoring for every hour of labor" rule. Prior to discovering the complications, I was going to choose this option b/c when you are connected to the monitors, you can't be moving around the room or in the tub - you must be in the bed. I wanted the freedom to move.

Exactly this. I was filling out my birth plan for my hospital, and I clicked originally that I wanted fetal monitoring, thinking, who the heck wouldn't want their baby monitored?! But then I attend the birthing class, and they said if you choose monitoring, you'll be stuck to the bed the whole time. So, I changed to monitoring intermittently as needed.

It's one of those things that when I read, I was like, duh, no brainer, until I realized what it entailed (at least at my hospital).
Ok, this makes sense. I definitely don't want to be stuck in bed, but our hospital has ones that can go in the water and we can move freely with them. I think I would like to have it just to know that everything is ok.

If my hospital offered a portable / in-water option, I'd be all over it!

jmccall79 · December 2011

I'm not SUPERWOMAN and don't plan on trying to become her! I'm a wuss when it comes to pain, though I think I may have a little bit of tolerance for it...though this will be pain like we've never experienced. If you go natural, more power to ya, but not for me!

Jeter1028 · December 2011

I'm going to try REALLY hard to go without an epi because I want to be able to walk around or at least have the option to. I'm a FTM so I haven't a clue what it will feel like but I have a feeling I'll be 10 times more uncomfortable if I'm stuck in one position the whole time. But, I'm not at all opposed to pain meds and/or epi.

MamaWen · December 2011

I'm doing a VBAC at home. I trust my body to do what it's made to do.

Shawnee11507 · December 2011

sparks2987:
I dont want to go completely natural...dont think I will be able to handle that, and I am okay with it. I do want to labor as long as possible at home and the hospital without epi, I dont want to get an epi at 3cm, and be stuck on my back in a hospital bed for 20 hours.

I am okay with having drugs or not, having a c-section or not. Whatever is the safest way to get LO here...I am all for it.

This pretty much for me too. I am more of a "wait and see". I'd like to try and get to at least 6cm without drugs and go from there depending on how I am feeling. If I can do natural- great!- do a walking epi and it seems bearable- great!- if I need the full gorilla- that's fine too!

Krystalp22 · December 2011

I had an epi with DD and it was great!! The second I can get one I'm all over it.

MollySm · December 2011

I am totally open to the epi, and will probably get one. I definitely would not get any of the other pain relief drugs! I don't want to be woozy, or take something that affects my brain. I'd like to be alert, but without so much pain that I don't enjoy the experience, or don't enjoy my baby when she comes.

I would like to try and labor at home for as long as possible, and even once I get there, unless I decide I need the epi right away, I'd like to not be hooked up to an IV. That way it's easy to get around. But we'll see how that all goes once I'm actually in labor

pinksweetpea2 · December 2011

I am planning a second homebirth where the epi is not an option. The spiral of interventions that are associated with the epidural are not a risk I am willing to take.

I am hardly a superwoman...I just have faith in my body being able to do what it is designed to do.

noryang · December 2011

pinksweetpea2:
I am planning a second homebirth where the epi is not an option. The spiral of interventions that are associated with the epidural are not a risk I am willing to take.
I am hardly a superwoman...I just have faith in my body being able to do what it is designed to do.

This.

FirstSchatz · December 2011

nickelpickelpink:
FirstSchatz:
I'm actually quite against drugs, for myself and my baby. Naturally birthed babies are more alert, can breast feed easier immediately after birth, and are more calm. As for me, I do not respond well to any type of pain medication (over-the-counter Tylenol makes me loopy, and any hospital-grade drugs make me completely unresponsive), so I actually cannot have it. I would end up with a c-section, which I do not want!!
Also, I wouldn't want all the other things that go with the epi... catheter, monitors on me an baby, IV's...
Don't you usually get monitored throughout labor at the hospital either way? I don't plan on getting the epidural, but I wouldn't mind being monitored to make sure my baby is handling the contractions and everything ok. And they have wireless ones that can go in the tub as well.

Sorry for the late response! Been offline for a few days...

Not sure how it is anywhere else in the world, but at the hospital where I will be birthing, mother requests are pretty much adhered to. If I don't want to be constantly monitored, I won't be, unless there is an absolute medical need for it. I don't mind intermittent monitoring - I just don't want to be strapped to a machine and left that way. I want to be free to move around!

I haven't heard about wireless monitors, but I still don't think I'd want that on me all the time.

As for baby handling everything ok, baby should be fine! The less intervention, the less "problems" you're likely to have. (From what I've heard, read and seen, regular occurance of "problems" didn't start until doctors started getting their hands on childbirth!)

That said, I will be at the hospital for my birth, since I couldn't get on with a midwife where I live. There are so few!

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