Natural Birth

Knhlittle · April 2014

Hey ladies, I know it's early but I am really leaning toward wanting to do a natural, drug free birth. I'm okay with being in a Hospital but I'd really like to do this without drugs if possible. I am a FTM so it's a bit scary. My husband supports this but he is also horrified! So just looking for advice to help prepair and also suggestions to any books/movies that would be helpful. TIA!

Carebella · April 2014

I also am hoping for a drug free birth but I haven't had the courage to delve into books and different methods but I know we will be looking into a doula. They are very well versed in knowing a wide variety of methods to help with pain management and relief.

You might have already discovered or known this but I only found out when I started looking at doctors and hospitals. But try to make sure when you're deciding on a hospital that you do the research to find one that is friendly to low intervention methods. Some hospitals are prone to the "better safe than sorry" methods where you're hooked up to monitors the entire time so you can't get up and walk around and some won't let you eat. Some have a tendency to push epidurals or c-sections when they might not be necessary. If you're low risk, some of these policies can actually hinder labor for certain women. There definitely are great hospitals out there, but just make sure your doctors and hospital is on board.

abbyful · April 2014

I highly suggest taking Bradley Method classes. I took them when I was pregnant with DS, and the knowledge & confidence definitely helped me successfully have a natural birth. (I had DS in a hospital.)

brianamah · April 2014

Yes to Bradley and yes to Ina May... she can get a little too out there sometimes but overall is great for reminding you that childbirth is what your body was made for so you CAN do it. I've known two people who taken hypnobirthing classes only to have their training go right out the window during labor, for some reason.

I recommend The Business of Being Born (on netflix), though I will warn you it really pushes the home birth agenda, so if you feel like that's going to turn you off, it might not be the best for you to watch. (I had a home birth and even I think that movie is heavy handed!) But I like it because it shows a number of unmedicated births and you can see the moms are FINE.

I never follow through on anything I set out to do, but I still managed to go unmedicated. Just believe in yourself!

Maelara · April 2014

Technically if it's a vaginal birth, it's natural :P

I honestly think the best way to go into birth is to have a plan, like wanting drug free, but also having an open mind that it's possible. Sometimes an epidural is needed to help you relax or a csection will happen. Or if you are unlucky and the baby comes sunny side up, you will have back labor which is suppose to be incredibly painful.

All that said, I have so much respect for women such as yourself who want to have a med free birth. I don't think I could do it! My plan is to go as far as I can without drugs but then bring them on! Lol!

mb314 · April 2014

Check out the Natural birth board on the Bump.

DH's father is a doctor, and he has a lot of medical professionals in his family, so he wasn't 100% on board with my choice of a midwife and a natural/unmedicated birth at first. We did Bradley classes, and those were great for getting DH to understand why I didn't want an epidural/pitocin/other interventions. The Bradley Method is very thorough - it's 12 weeks of classes, and you usually start sometime in your 2nd tri. It focuses on "Husband/Partner Coached Child Birth," and it really educated DH (who is not the type to go do the research on your own). The go over a lot of information about the different interventions, and when they are necessary and when they are not. They also give you exercise/diet advice, and give you tools you can use to give birth without mediation. I started the classes at about 20 weeks (if you're interested in them, I would look into them soon - in my area they fill up quickly).

I also liked reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It's "hippy" in parts, but it was a good read. DH and I watched the documentary "The Business of Being Born" together. It's on Netflix. The film is slanted, but it did help DH see how some hospitals can be "factories" for babies and push interventions.

We didn't hire a doula, but many people do and have good experiences. Other women like hypnobabies (it wasn't for me because I hate meditating).

Talk to you OB/Midwife about natural birth to gauge his/her reaction. You will want a supportive provider and will want to make sure that you give birth in an environment that respects your choices. I gave birth in a hospital, med-free, but my hospital was very natural birth friendly.

I also recommend laboring in a tub or very least a shower. My hospital had a tub, and it really helped me deal with the pain.

PineApple85 · April 2014

I second the PPs. I had DS med-free in a hospital and I was very pleased with my experience. I had a birth plan that included contingencies (what I wanted in case of a c-section, I knew what my choices were if I needed a break to rest, etc) but I went in well-informed on why I wanted med-free. Having reasons makes it easier to stick to your guns when you're hurting and tired.

Choosing a "med-free friendly" hospital is very important. I toured two and one was like an assembly line - very impersonal, "mandatory" constant fetal monitoring that wasn't wireless and only one suite with a tub that you couldn't use after your water broke.

I ended up choosing the other that is touted locally as "med free friendly" - had two suites with tubs that you could stay in until it was time to push, labor balls and stools were provided as well as squat bars on the beds for alternative delivery positions. After I had my son in a relatively complication-free labor and birth, my midwife noted that because my contractions never regulated (they varied in strength and time the entire labor) that she had no doubt that the other hospital would have pushed pitocin that was never even mentioned to me during my labor. It's a lot easier to go med-free if you aren't having to constantly decline an epidural or other interventions the entire time.

ETA: the "other" hospital is also typically the first choice by many mothers in the area. It has THE NICU in the city and is bigger, newer and in a better part of town. Don't judge a book by it's cover.

mussalynn · April 2014

Getting a doula will be very helpful, especially if you don't have midwives. Taking a really good prenatal class will also be very beneficial - the one I took was based on the Bradley method, but hypnobirthing is another popular one. Informing yourself (either in classes or on your own) on the phases of labour, how all the parts work (dilation, effacement, etc etc) and situations that can arise will help you to know what you want and how to advocate for yourself.

I second @Maelara in saying it's best to go in with a plan, but also keep an open mind. With my first I planned a med-free home birth, and ended up having a c-section due to breech baby. However, I kept an open mind the whole time knowing that anything could happen, so I'm perfectly happy with how DS came into the world. It is really sad to me when women beat themselves up after birth for things not going according to plan - just remember in the end the baby will come out exactly how it is supposed to.

PineApple85 · April 2014

mb314 said:

Check out the Natural birth board on the Bump.

Talk to you OB/Midwife about natural birth to gauge his/her reaction. You will want a supportive provider and will want to make sure that you give birth in an environment that respects your choices. I gave birth in a hospital, med-free, but my hospital was very natural birth friendly.

I also recommend laboring in a tub or very least a shower. My hospital had a tub, and it really helped me deal with the pain.

This and this. I ended up switch providers near the end of my 2nd tri because I had finally settled on med-free and my ob was not receptive at all.

I also labored over night and being able to labor in the tub was the only way I got any sleep. Even if it was only a few minutes here and there. By the end of it all, I needed all of my reserves and I may not have had the energy if I hadn't labored in the tub. I didn't have back labor, but I have heard it's especially helpful with that.

abbyful · April 2014

Just a note about "going as far as you can without drugs" (just a general comment, not directed at anybody), the worst part of labor is "transition", that's when most women are like "OMG, I need drugs!", but it's also the shortest part and means you are almost done!

Knowing that "this is the peak, it will be a short phase, I'm almost done!" got me through it. (Not gonna lie, transition is a bitch. In between contractions is when I would mentally pep-talk myself. During the transition contractions I was like "OMG, not sure if I can handle this!")

Knhlittle · April 2014

Thank you everyone!

mrsodonnell12 · April 2014

Go into it educated and always remind yourself that the pain is getting baby out, not. Physically hurting you. That helped me s lot when I was a ftm.

I agree with the other ladies, Ina may is amazing ams the Bradley method is pretty great

I went into my labor as a ftm with a very detailed birth plan and made sure everyone knew to not offer me drugs. That was huge for me. Transition is the worst but its sooooo close to the end. Its good to be open minded, but it's OK to specifically include your limits and what you for sure don't want in your birth plan. Pain meds were just not an option for me and I wanted to be sure everyone knew that.

momtojad · April 2014

I love Ina May guide to child birth. One of the most crunchy and beneficial things that helped me through labor was imagining a flower blooming and making a motor sound with my lips. These two things make it hard to clench yourself together promoting progress. It was also reassuring that everyone kept telling it is pain with a purpose and it is is suppose to hurt because your body is doing what it is suppose.

If it is something that you really want don't' let people discourage you with saying to leave your options open. I knew my options but I didnt' want to be reminded of them because they were easier then what I was doing. So many people say all that matters is a healthy baby but birth trauma for the mother is real if your birth goes totally wrong. The stronger you feel about it, I believe the harder you will push for it.

rahkitt · April 2014

For me drugs weren't really an option. It just never even came into my head as a possibility, I just focused on one contraction at a time, and as others have said, once it gets really difficult you're almost done! I would focus on the positives of going drug free, which is that you can move around however you want. If you get an epidural, I believe you also need an IV and a catheter. I was able to try lots of different positions to find what was most comfortable. With both kids I labored sitting upright on the stairs or the toilet, and then moved to a comfortable position to push. The first time I pushed with a squat bar and then delivered DD on a birth stool, and with DS it was all I could do to climb onto the bed on my side and he was born in 2-3 tiny pushes. Both my labors were short (5 1/2 hours and 1 1/2 hours) and I am sure part of that was to do with my mobility.

melissajam · April 2014

Maelara said:

Technically if it's a vaginal birth, it's natural :P I honestly think the best way to go into birth is to have a plan, like wanting drug free, but also having an open mind that it's possible. Sometimes an epidural is needed to help you relax or a csection will happen. Or if you are unlucky and the baby comes sunny side up, you will have back labor which is suppose to be incredibly painful. All that said, I have so much respect for women such as yourself who want to have a med free birth. I don't think I could do it! My plan is to go as far as I can without drugs but then bring them on! Lol!

I agree with this so much. The only reason my last labor and delivery was med-free was because it was so short (3 hours). By the time I arrived at the hospital I was at 7cm so I just went with it. At that point I couldn't have stayed still long enough to receive an epidural even if I had requested one!

ssstephanie214 · April 2014

My friend who is a midwife sent me this link,

What to Reject When You're Expecting (Consumer Reports)

At the very least, it was an interesting read. She's super crunchy. I don't take her opinions or suggestions as my own, but I am very open to reading what she sends me.

Maelara · April 2014

abbyful said:
Just a note about "going as far as you can without drugs" (just a general comment, not directed at anybody), the worst part of labor is "transition", that's when most women are like "OMG, I need drugs!", but it's also the shortest part and means you are almost done!

Knowing that "this is the peak, it will be a short phase, I'm almost done!" got me through it. (Not gonna lie, transition is a bitch. In between contractions is when I would mentally pep-talk myself. During the transition contractions I was like "OMG, not sure if I can handle this!")

Considering I'm the one that said I'm going to go as far as I can, I'm going to reply to this

I'm a STM. That said, my first delivery was a csection because my DD had both feet down breech. I would love nothing more than to have a med-free birth. I'm really hoping to try for a VBAC. The odds aren't really in my favor but I'm going to try. Anyway, just wanted to say I already knew about transition :P I really suggest all FTM go to prenatal classes so they learn about everything that can happen. My BFF decided she was too good for prenatal (she was going to do her own research and thought those classes were ridiculous because birth is 'natural') and she had no idea what she was going in to. Which she admits now. Our bodies are made to have babies but knowledge is power.

mussalynn · April 2014

momtojad said:

I love Ina May guide to child birth. One of the most crunchy and beneficial things that helped me through labor was imagining a flower blooming and making a motor sound with my lips. These two things make it hard to clench yourself together promoting progress. It was also reassuring that everyone kept telling it is pain with a purpose and it is is suppose to hurt because your body is doing what it is suppose.

If it is something that you really want don't' let people discourage you with saying to leave your options open. I knew my options but I didnt' want to be reminded of them because they were easier then what I was doing. So many people say all that matters is a healthy baby but birth trauma for the mother is real if your birth goes totally wrong. The stronger you feel about it, I believe the harder you will push for it.

I was not trying to discourage her, I was just reminding her to be practical and know that not everything is in your control, so the more comfortable you are with that, the less likely you are to feel traumatized if something doesn't go according to plan. I'm not talking about when the hospital staff tries to talk you into an epi when you don't need one, or using forceps instead of pushing longer, those are things you need to be knowledgeable about (hence why I said to take classes and inform yourself). I mean that if your baby's heart stops beating and you have to have interventions to get it out safely, don't beat yourself up because you didn't have your dream natural birth.

I certainly agree that birth trauma is real when things go terribly wrong, and it's so sad when that happens. I just don't put those situations in the same category as if someone went into it with no knowledge and gets upset when she ends up getting a bunch of unnecessary interventions because she didn't advocate for herself.

Maelara · April 2014

mussalynn said:

momtojad said:

I love Ina May guide to child birth. One of the most crunchy and beneficial things that helped me through labor was imagining a flower blooming and making a motor sound with my lips. These two things make it hard to clench yourself together promoting progress. It was also reassuring that everyone kept telling it is pain with a purpose and it is is suppose to hurt because your body is doing what it is suppose.

If it is something that you really want don't' let people discourage you with saying to leave your options open. I knew my options but I didnt' want to be reminded of them because they were easier then what I was doing. So many people say all that matters is a healthy baby but birth trauma for the mother is real if your birth goes totally wrong. The stronger you feel about it, I believe the harder you will push for it.

I was not trying to discourage her, I was just reminding her to be practical and know that not everything is in your control, so the more comfortable you are with that, the less likely you are to feel traumatized if something doesn't go according to plan. I'm not talking about when the hospital staff tries to talk you into an epi when you don't need one, or using forceps instead of pushing longer, those are things you need to be knowledgeable about (hence why I said to take classes and inform yourself). I mean that if your baby's heart stops beating and you have to have interventions to get it out safely, don't beat yourself up because you didn't have your dream natural birth.

I certainly agree that birth trauma is real when things go terribly wrong, and it's so sad when that happens. I just don't put those situations in the same category as if someone went into it with no knowledge and gets upset when she ends up getting a bunch of unnecessary interventions because she didn't advocate for herself.

It is unsafe to not leave your options open. Nobody is discouraging the OP, just being realistic. As @mussalynn said, sometimes the baby's heart stops beating and you need every intervention to get that baby out NOW. Nobody is saying let the hospital staff influence your decision on med-free or not. Make your voice heard so they don't ask, however, as I mentioned, sometimes an epidural is the only way to get your body to relax enough to get those extra centimetres. Otherwise, it's csection time. And really, what would you rather have? An epidural or a csection? Not a hard choice. When it all comes down to it, you do what you need to so that baby is out and alive and so are you. I sincerely hope you don't have to make that decision. I'm not trying to scary you OP. Just have an open mind. Interventions happen. You need to think of all possibilities. That way your birth plan encompasses everything. If you want a csection, do you want to wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsing? Do you want to curtain up or down? Do you want your spouse to cut the cord? Do you want skin-to-skin after? Because after a csection that is something you have to fight for.

Birth trauma is real, I had PPD and PPA after DD and some of it stemmed from feeling like I missed out on child birth because I had a csection. But the baby is more important.

abbyful · April 2014

kegcrc said:
I haven't made a decision yet, because I always figured I would get an epidural because if it was there, why not? But I don't have any experiences to really have an opinion on it yet. Can I just ask (anyone), what is the main reason for you choosing a non-medicated birth?

No medical intervention is without risk. Serious side effects of epidural are quite rare, but do happen. Paralysis, nerve damage, brain damage, etc. (That being said, there are risks any time anesthesia is used, you can die from getting your wisdom teeth out, it's just very rare.)

More common side effects are things like headaches (sometimes just when it's in, sometimes it triggers chronic migraines for years), chronic back pain, increasing risk of c-section, etc.

It also may have effects on the baby. Here's what American Pregnancy Association says about epidural affecting babies: "studies suggest that some babies will have trouble 'latching on' causing breastfeeding difficulties. Other studies suggest that a baby might experience respiratory depression, fetal malpositioning, and an increase in fetal heart rate variability, thus increasing the need for forceps, vacuum, cesarean deliveries and episiotomies."

mb314 · April 2014

kegcrc said:

I haven't made a decision yet, because I always figured I would get an epidural because if it was there, why not? But I don't have any experiences to really have an opinion on it yet. Can I just ask (anyone), what is the main reason for you choosing a non-medicated birth?

@kegcrc Once I started researching interventions and birth choices, I started getting concerned about the "cascade of interventions" that can come along with a lot of hospital births. Getting an epidural CAN (not always, but it can) slow down labor, and that can cause the hospital to want to speed up labor with pitocin, and that CAN put more stress on the baby and CAN lead to a c-section. Now, that is a generalization, but it is not uncommon, and it was something I wanted to avoid. And as a pp said, no intervention is without risk (no matter how small the risk).

Also, I liked the feeling of being in control during birth. With an epidural, you are typically limited to being in bed. Being active during labor and being able to move around usually helps labor to go more quickly. I liked being able to labor in the tub for pain relief, and I liked knowing without a doubt that it was time to push. I didn't need to have a doctor/nurse/midwife tell me to push. I had an overwhelming urge to do so because I could feel it.

I won't lie, the contractions were painful, but they weren't so bad that I'm not willing to do it again

mussalynn · April 2014

kegcrc said:

Got it. That's exactly what I was wondering about. I think I will take the advice of those in the thread and find the classes. It's so interesting that in the movies and media this is really never discussed. I assumed the majority of women got epidurals. Thanks for the info ladies! Now I have enough time to look into the classes.
I haven't made a decision yet, because I always figured I would get an epidural because if it was there, why not? But I don't have any experiences to really have an opinion on it yet. Can I just ask (anyone), what is the main reason for you choosing a non-medicated birth?
No medical intervention is without risk. Serious side effects of epidural are quite rare, but do happen. Paralysis, nerve damage, brain damage, etc. (That being said, there are risks any time anesthesia is used, you can die from getting your wisdom teeth out, it's just very rare.) More common side effects are things like headaches (sometimes just when it's in, sometimes it triggers chronic migraines for years), chronic back pain, increasing risk of c-section, etc. It also may have effects on the baby. Here's what American Pregnancy Association says about epidural affecting babies: "studies suggest that some babies will have trouble 'latching on' causing breastfeeding difficulties. Other studies suggest that a baby might experience respiratory depression, fetal malpositioning, and an increase in fetal heart rate variability, thus increasing the need for forceps, vacuum, cesarean deliveries and episiotomies."

Yep really the bottom line is this: take classes, read books, ask other moms about their experiences, just arm yourself with as much information as you can possibly get and then you can go into it confidently, knowing what you want and how to advocate for yourself. Also, make sure your DH is on board and make him go to classes with you! (Mine dragged his feet and was like "9 weeks, this is going to suck" and then really really enjoyed the classes, it was like a science class for him!) When you're in the throes of a contraction and can't talk, he is the one who will be advocating for you so make sure you're on the same page.

CarrieAnne09 · April 2014

I still haven't 100% decided what I want to do but I want to be as educated as possible. Before I got pregnant I was completely of the mindset that I was going to have an epidural because I was terrified of the prospect of childbirth.

Since I've been reading stories, hearing other moms talk about their birth experiences, and since getting pregnant I've changed my mind somewhat. I'm not as terrified about giving birth and part of me thinks I could potentially do this drug-free but as some of the moms have said if the pain is hindering my progression, there is an issue, or I just flat out can not handle the pain I'm not completely opposed to an epidural. I will definitely look into some of the resources mentioned here! Thank you for bringing up this topic.

Knhlittle · April 2014

kegcrc said:
I haven't made a decision yet, because I always figured I would get an epidural because if it was there, why not? But I don't have any experiences to really have an opinion on it yet. Can I just ask (anyone), what is the main reason for you choosing a non-medicated birth?

Well I'm still learning the benefits but so far I have learned it's healthier for baby, it let's them be more aware and receptive at birth(which really helps when learning to breast feed) with meds sometimes that baby has a harder time latching. Also it's let's us be more in control of our bodies, we can move around more and be a bit more in control. (I really like the idea of laboring in a bath tub). And also recovery is quicker. It seems all together better as long as you can look past the pain part.

Knhlittle · April 2014

One thing that really sucks and pisses me off is when people ask me about it and I mention I'm really shooting for non-medicated birth and they laugh in my face and say yea right you aren't gonna make it. Ugh! So annoying, especially since it's scary as hell and all I want is support and advice!

Knhlittle · April 2014

ssstephanie214 said:
My friend who is a midwife sent me this link,

What to Reject When You're Expecting (Consumer Reports)

At the very least, it was an interesting read. She's super crunchy. I don't take her opinions or suggestions as my own, but I am very open to reading what she sends me.

What does "crunchy" mean?

Mayasmum · April 2014

I had one birth in hospital and experienced the "cascade of interventions". I rushed there at the first hint of contractions and was then placed on pitocin to speed things up. The unnatural pitocin contractions were insane and then I chose an epidural. The pushing part was surreal as I had to rely on the nurse to watch the display to tell me when I was having a contraction. My daughter went into distress (because of the pitocin) and it got scary, all because I hadn't done my research to avoid that situation in the first place.

My second pregnancy I actually did research instead of naively and blindly trusting the hospitals (not that they are evil in any way, just that their priorities don't necessarily match my own). I fell in love with the idea that childbirth is a unique experience to womanhood and that we are built with the strength and grace to power through. I had a wonderful unmedicated homebirth the second time and it was powerful to feel every single second of the profound experience. I will also say that laboring with pitocin hurts worse than natural contractions!

Mothers are awesome, no matter how we bring our babies. The most important thing is to know what it is YOU want for your experience and your baby and not be shuffled along because you are uninformed.

Mayasmum · April 2014

Knhlittle said:

One thing that really sucks and pisses me off is when people ask me about it and I mention I'm really shooting for non-medicated birth and they laugh in my face and say yea right you aren't gonna make it. Ugh! So annoying, especially since it's scary as hell and all I want is support and advice!

I told my midwife I "hoped" to give birth naturally and she raised her eyebrows at me and laughed. There was no doubt in her mind, all emergencies aside, that I'd be capable of achieving unmedicated birth. And I did do it! You can too. It helped me to read birth stories on BirthWithoutFearblog.com and anything by or about Ina May Gaskin.

Mayasmum · April 2014

What does "crunchy" mean?

it means "hippy" or preferring natural remedies, alternative medicines, a focus on nature, etc

Knhlittle · April 2014

@Mayasmum‌ thanks!

manders9479 · April 2014

I am also trying for a natural birth experience and was wondering if anyone had any experience with hypnobirthing and if it was effective ?

Maelara · April 2014

lissydee said:

Maelara said:

mussalynn said:

momtojad said:

I love Ina May guide to child birth. One of the most crunchy and beneficial things that helped me through labor was imagining a flower blooming and making a motor sound with my lips. These two things make it hard to clench yourself together promoting progress. It was also reassuring that everyone kept telling it is pain with a purpose and it is is suppose to hurt because your body is doing what it is suppose.

If it is something that you really want don't' let people discourage you with saying to leave your options open. I knew my options but I didnt' want to be reminded of them because they were easier then what I was doing. So many people say all that matters is a healthy baby but birth trauma for the mother is real if your birth goes totally wrong. The stronger you feel about it, I believe the harder you will push for it.

I was not trying to discourage her, I was just reminding her to be practical and know that not everything is in your control, so the more comfortable you are with that, the less likely you are to feel traumatized if something doesn't go according to plan. I'm not talking about when the hospital staff tries to talk you into an epi when you don't need one, or using forceps instead of pushing longer, those are things you need to be knowledgeable about (hence why I said to take classes and inform yourself). I mean that if your baby's heart stops beating and you have to have interventions to get it out safely, don't beat yourself up because you didn't have your dream natural birth.

I certainly agree that birth trauma is real when things go terribly wrong, and it's so sad when that happens. I just don't put those situations in the same category as if someone went into it with no knowledge and gets upset when she ends up getting a bunch of unnecessary interventions because she didn't advocate for herself.

It is unsafe to not leave your options open. Nobody is discouraging the OP, just being realistic. As @mussalynn said, sometimes the baby's heart stops beating and you need every intervention to get that baby out NOW. Nobody is saying let the hospital staff influence your decision on med-free or not. Make your voice heard so they don't ask, however, as I mentioned, sometimes an epidural is the only way to get your body to relax enough to get those extra centimetres. Otherwise, it's csection time. And really, what would you rather have? An epidural or a csection? Not a hard choice. When it all comes down to it, you do what you need to so that baby is out and alive and so are you. I sincerely hope you don't have to make that decision. I'm not trying to scary you OP. Just have an open mind. Interventions happen. You need to think of all possibilities. That way your birth plan encompasses everything. If you want a csection, do you want to wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsing? Do you want to curtain up or down? Do you want your spouse to cut the cord? Do you want skin-to-skin after? Because after a csection that is something you have to fight for.

Birth trauma is real, I had PPD and PPA after DD and some of it stemmed from feeling like I missed out on child birth because I had a csection. But the baby is more important.

while all of this is true, you also have to keep in mind that many interventions happen because previous interventions were introduced. Sometimes the complications in labor and delivery are of our own creation. It is prudent to educate yourself about all interventions and their respective benefits and side affects. I think many would be surprised to find that a lot of what happens in routine labor and delivery is not evidenced based.

I agree

I think it's so important to educate yourself and advocate for what you want. My DD was both feet down breech and not moving. I had to have a csection. It was he absolute last thing I wanted but it had to be done. I was super scared the first time about the pain of birth and I probably would have let fear dictate my decisions if I didn't have a csection the first time. Not this time though. I'm actually excited for it

after feeling so let down that I had to have a csection the first time it made me want a natural, even unmediated birth the second time. Also, as someone said that medication can cause latch issues, the IV pain killers (morphine, etc) causes this too. Latch issues *can* make or break you. It didn't for us (we did have latch issues), none sufficient breast tissue did.

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