THis will be my 4th baby. I had an epi with my other 3. I really didn't do much research on pain medications. With my first, I totally wanted to try and go natural, but the pain was so unbearable that I caved and got an epi. My contractions were so intense that I couldn't breathe or even sit still. I don't think I would have been able to sit still for the doctor/nurses to deliver. I also didn't want anyone near me when the pain was that bad. It was so hard to think positive thoughts or relax. After that, I was scared to even try to go natural. I really would like to go natural this time, but it seems like everyone who has gone natural says it wasn't so bad and my experience was awful. I usually have a high tolerance for pain, but my experience was terrible. Why are so many others able to do this! I know there are other options of pain meds, but I don't want to feel drowsy and I don't know much about side effects.
Re: Can't decide to go natural or have epidural
I'd like to go med free, but with a toddler at home and a husband who travels, I know I won't get in the practice and learning I'd need. It's not enough of a priority for me. So epi all the way!
I had a natural birth with my first and I'm planning to try a natural birth this time around too (due aug 9th.) I took birth classes at my local hospital, which offered some advice on pain management, but not much. I never made it to the last class because my daughter came earlier than expected.
To be honest, I didn't do much research on pain management. I hadn't heard of the Bradley Method or Hypno Birthing either. I went to the hospital with the mindset that I could do this on my own, without pain meds. Each contraction that came I focused only on breathing deeply through it, and telling myself the worst of it would be over soon. It's not easy, and it was very painful, but it can be done
Every labor and level of pain is different for each woman. Do the best you can and best of luck to you!
March 2013: First TTC trip to RE, On 1500 mg Metformin, April 2013: PCOS and Endometriosis, May 2013: DH Low volume; Femara 7.5 mg + IUI #1 = BFN, July 2013: Femara 7.5 mg + IUI #2 = BFN, August 2013: Femara 7.5 mg (X5) + Bravelle (X7) + Ovidrel + IUI #3 + Endometrin = BFP MC at 5w3d,
October 2013: Follistim (X14) + Ovidrel + IUI #4 + Endometrin =BFP!!!
I went natural without taking any classes or do hours of breathing exercises. I didn't really feel any of the typical classes clicked with me. I believe the female body is 100% capable of birth without medication. Women all over the world do it without medication, so can we American women. I went into it with a positive attitude, tried my best to relax and accept each contraction. I had a quick 3 hour labor and never once felt out of control. I hope you are able to go natural like you want, but if you can't, it's no big deal. Good luck!
Not to offend but I feel like this is the worst possible advice. If you have them insert an epidural, you are forever strapped to the bed whether or not they start the actual medication or not. Being tied down to the bed (not literally but practically, with monitors, wires, IV, BP cuff..) means you have very limited ways of coping and dealing with each contraction. Then in turn you will experience more pain than if you had the ability to get up and move around and do what your body is telling you to do to get through a contraction. Getting an epidural for a just in case c/s emergency is also ridiculous. Before my two year old came around I was an LDRP RN (now sahm) and we never put in epidurals for "just in case". You would be setting yourself for a possible cascade of other interventions or Side effects for no reason. In my years as an LDRP RN, we only ever had one true true emergency where the patient required general anesthesia and we didn't have time for the the anesthesiologist to insert a spinal. The ab y was born so fast after that, that it didn't even matter the dad wasn't allowed in the OR. He was there in the nursery to be with baby minutes after the baby was born anyway. Arm yourself with as much positive birth stories as you can, I second the documents- Business of being born, birth story, and more business of being born. Rad the books- Spiritual Midwifery and Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth.. You must have had good experiences with your previous epidurals that you were willing to have them again so that is good. For me I had such a terrible First birth experience that I knew exactly want I didn't want with number two, which meant natural in a birth center. Hoping for that again with #3 due any day now.
My Ovulation Chart
This.
I never took a class or did any breathing exercises and my labor/delivery lasted 16 hrs. A positive attitude and a great support team help a lot. Good luck!! You can do it!! Your body was literally made to do this!
Edit: Just realized this OP was from July...
DS, May 2011
EDD 12/3 - William Garrett
DD - Stella Gwen (5YO)