I still do not know if I want to use medication or not during my delivery. If I choose not to use medication I am considering water birth. I have heard that it can greatly reduce labor pains. Has anyone delivered without medication and then in the water? Does it really reduce the pain?
Re: water birth vs not
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
I had a water birth almost 7 weeks ago with my first. It was wonderful. You aren't supposed to get in too early because it can slow things down, but in my case, it actually sped things up. I just knew I needed to get in the water... it wasn't a desire so much as a necessity. The midwife said no at first and then said we could try it but I might have to get out if things slowed.
Anyways, that wasn't your question. It really did make things much more manageable and comfortable. I couldn't get comfortable at all out of the water. It really does make everything feel so much better. It wasn't like it removed all pain completely or anesthetized, but it really was amazing. I'd highly recommend it, and wouldn't give birth any other way.
ETA: Oh, and I had no tearing. I think it was the combination of the water and the perineal massage we had been doing every night starting at 36 weeks.