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Natural Birth
beck8008
member
has anyone had a REALLY long labor, but still able to go natural?
beck8008
member
I am hoping to have a natural birth but I'm worried that I'll cave in and get an epi if it starts to get really long...
has anyone had a really long labor/birth but still able to go natural? how did you cope and keep your energy up without having to have an epi?
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Re: has anyone had a REALLY long labor, but still able to go natural?
My labor with my first was 40 hours long- all of it active. My MWs covered all the clocks and never told me what I was dilated, so I would not get frustrated. I don't know what I would have done if I knew I was at 4 cm for 10 hours and then 9 cm for another 10 hours.
I spent a lot of time in the shower and the birth tub. Water was an awesome tool- especially since I was experiencing wicked back labor. Also, my MWs were totally supportive the entire time- never once cast any doubt my way. Having supportive people around is a must.
I had a homebirth so the epidural was not really an option unless I wanted to get in the car and go to the hospital...and there was no way I was getting in that car unless there was a medical reason.
I highly suggest you stay at home as long as possible.
My first was 21 hours from the start of the first contraction. I wasn't ever one of those people that was in early labor and able to make cookies, go to the store etc. It was intense for me from the get-go. I also puked a lot. We called my doula at about hour 6, and she was a life saver, as she helped DH help me, and kept me at home much longer than I would have been otherwise (until hour 12).
I was told how dialated I was when I got to the hospital, but not told after that, upon my request. I did have an IV, but it was for dehydration and not meds, and that helped, as I continued puking off and on through my whole labor.
I think having supportive people with you is huge, and also remembering why you don't want an epi (my reason was as simple as the fact I didn't want a needle in my back!), and making sure your DH reminds you why you are doing it med free and giving you lots of encouragement.
My labor with DD was ~30 hours long from the time I woke up with a back ache and a bloody show until I delivered. I labored at home, my friend's house, the store, my grandmother's, and back at home. I went to the hospital twice and got sent home twice. After that, I decided I wasn't going back until I KNEW they would take me. My water broke at around 9:00am...at home...and she was born at 9:42am. So, I labored at home for 29 hours, lol.
While I wanted to try for a natural birth, at one point, I didn't think I'd make it. Then it's fuzzy until I delivered. I'd later learn that was the peak of transition.
My first timeable contractions started Thursday morning at 5am, and I had my daughter at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. I stayed at home until sometime Friday night. I delivered her at a birth center, I know if I would have been in a hospital they wouldn't have let me labor so long. Water was broken around 1am on Saturday morning.
No meds at all, and honestly, there was never a point when I even asked for them. It was long & tiring, but totally doable. Personally, I think natural birth is 90% about your mindset. I don't usually tell people my labor was 58 hours because of the reaction I would get. You can totally do it!
I mostly lurk, but this applies to me. I started having contractions Friday night and didn't deliver until Monday morning. 56 hours. It was hard, I'm not going to lie. I also had really bad pelvic pain and couldn't lie or sit down. I got in the tub and last 2 contractions before I had to get out. Back rubs and swaying really helped. I had great support. My husband and mom alternated breathing with me and rubbing my back at the same time. Everyone knew not to offer drugs and to keep reminding me that I could do it and that the pain wasn't going to last forever. I had labor music too and that was soothing. It was painful and difficult, but I never asked for meds. I plan to go the same route when we have another baby. I know I'll be able to do it after that labor! Your body knows what to do and you just have to let it do it. Good luck! You can do it!
Mine was 25 hours which included 5.5 hours of pushing. It honestly didn't seem that long at all at the time. It took a long time to get things going , but the time passed quickly,and things were what I would consider "hard core" for 12 hours. Thank goodness I didn't know the time once I started pushing, it would have been discouraging. I had actually requested a clock at my birth conference and the MWs said they would get one if I needed but to try without. I'm a control freak so not knowing what time it was something I worried about prior to actually being in labor.
Make sure you are surrounded by supportive people who know what natural labor looks like. I begged for an epi even though I knew I wanted a natural birth. It's painful stuff and my labor was normal length. But my midwife was there telling me how great I was doing and that what I was feeling was normal. I can't tell you how many times she told me these things. It really does make a difference to be reminded.
It was great to be in the birth center where drugs weren't even an option. I did everything in the water too. It helps immensely
My labor was 24 hours. I think the longer I went the more confident that I could do it without pain meds.... I was doing it! I even ended up needing pit and had to be in bed on my side with oxygen at the very end. It was totally do-able. Just one contraction at a time. Don't watch the clock. Listen to your body.
I had to be induced, and it took three days. Now, I wasn't in full active labor for all three days, but kept slipping in and out, sort of. Basically:
Saturday: go into hospital in the evening, have Cytotec inserted and IV started with saline. Start having mild contractions.
Saturday night: Given sleeping pill and then Cervidil. Contractions strengthen at first and then I fall asleep (weird sensation, deep sleep punctuated by waking up for hard contractions, whole night was one long contraction!) Contractions start slowing by morning.
Sunday afternoon: Take out IV, break my amniotic sack. Contractions grow harder throughout evening/night, but I can still sort of sleep between them.
Monday morning: Again, contractions tapered off. 9 a.m., started on very low levels of pitocin slowly ramping up throughout the day. Contractions start immediately, a LOT of rolling around on the birthing ball and walking around the room slowly. A lot of going to the bathroom. Learning how to moan really low register to help.
Monday afternoon: Transition. If I had any real memories of this time, I would probably cry. Or punch something. It sucked, but by this point I couldn't have gotten an Epi anyway if I'd wanted one (and I didn't) so I just soldiered through with a lot of support from DH and the nurse.
Monday early evening: Transition stops, pushing starts, 45 minutes and LO is born!
Basically, if it goes long, sleep while you can! Also, find out about the food situation. I was provided food and allowed to eat until I started on the Pitocin (and even then, they offered water and graham crackers). Yes, I threw up and had to void my bowels while delivering, but you know what? At that point, I didn't give a bleep. It's aaaaaall part of the miracle of life. Life is messy, so is birth. I think if I hadn't been able to eat between saturday night and monday evening, that would have been much, much worse!