Natural Birth vs Pain Medication

Cass005 · October 2014

Hi Ladies, so I wanted to pick your brain on this subject. I currently wish to attempt a natural birth. However since I am a FTM I really have no idea how bad it will hurt and if I can handle it. So I'm definitely open minded to at least having an epidural. I was just curious of any repeat moms who wouldn't mind sharing their experiences with either method. And also if you did go natural did you use any calming method (i.e. massage, hypnotism, etc).

whimsy515 · October 2014

You can always go natural as long as you can stand it, or until they give the last warning to get an epi.

I had an epi. Baby came out very alert, not "drugged or dazed" like some people may think. My contractions started very fast and only 3 minutes apart, so I was happy to have a break, I found them more annoying than painful. Getting the epi didn't hurt at all, but I'm not afraid of needles or anything like that. It's up to you, you know how much you can handle, and good luck!

lesliegolem · October 2014

I wanted to go natural as well but once I got to 5 cm I was begging for the epidural!! It was great. It didn't become pain free but the pain was way more manageable. I'm going to try to go natural with this one but I am open to getting an epidural again if needed. I was on pitocin with my first so that may have made my contractions worse. You'll have to see what your contractions are like and what you're able to handle. Good luck!!

Unknown · October 2014

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allrightmeow · October 2014

ALE515 said:

You can always go natural as long as you can stand it, or until they give the last warning to get an epi.

I had an epi. Baby came out very alert, not "drugged or dazed" like some people may think. My contractions started very fast and only 3 minutes apart, so I was happy to have a break, I found them more annoying than painful. Getting the epi didn't hurt at all, but I'm not afraid of needles or anything like that. It's up to you, you know how much you can handle, and good luck!

Same. My contractions came fast and furious really early in the morning. I think I could have made it to the end epi free but, I was so tired from lack of sleep I welcomed the break.

1. Go in with an open mind

2. When you have a contraction you MUST REMEMBER to let your body rag doll. You'll be tempted to clench up and get tense. DO NOT do that. Close your eyes and take nice deep breathes. Have them turn the lights down in the room.

Good luck to you!

JubilantSquirrel · October 2014

I also went med free not by choice. I fully intended to get an epidural because I have a very low pain tolerance but I gave birth just 10 minutes after arriving to the hospital so there wasn't time. My only calming technique was to scream loud enough to wake the whole damn hospital.

Maybe try reading up on a few different calming techniques so you have options when the time comes.

yvanehtnioj · October 2014

lol @ the screaming loud "technique". that was mine too after dilating 8 centimeters in 4 hours. I went med free because I waited too long to ask for it and it ended up being too late. I thought I had a lot longer to go than I actually did. It did hurt but I didn't feel I NEEDED drugs until the transition contractions started. Then I was willing to do just about anything to make the pain stop. but if you make it to that point, the end is probably closer than you think. And the pain of pushing was actually a relief compared to the way I had been feeling!

marriedinaugust · October 2014

I went med-free by choice. Yes it hurt but the pain was manageable. DS was OP so I had horrible back labor. I took Bradley classes where I learned many ways of dealing with the pain. I only used a few techniques but it was nice to have a list of things to try. I agree with pp, it hurts much more if you resist the pain. If any muscles in your body tense up it will hurt more, you have to relax your entire body and just go through the contraction. It helped me a lot to be vocal by moaning. I definitely suggest reading some books or taking a class to help add to your toolbox.

serenbach · October 2014

FTM also, I just plan on going with the flow! If the pain gets too much for me (I may be induced early) then I may ask for pain meds, if not then I'll try power on through without. From what friends and family have said and yourself and other posts is that an open mind is the best thing as you have no idea how your boys will react and deal with the pain.
Good luck!

CandaceC1020 · October 2014

If you're interested in going med free, I'd recommend checking out a few books ASAP -
Birth Without Fear
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

dianeg1017 · October 2014

I went med free not by choice with DD but now with this LO I am going med free by choice because in my opinion it is better for baby. If I did it once I can do it again right? I went into labor on a Sunday night and had my DD on Tuesday morning. I stayed at 4cm for 2days. I was sent home from the hospital Monday night and early Tuesday I was told it was Braxton hicks but 2hrs later I went back to the hospital just to be told "oh you are too far along for drugs then 30min later my little Lydia was born. The pain is undiscribable. Anyone who says it is the easiest pain to forget is lying! You never forget that pain!

ashiscute · October 2014

I have had an epidural twice and I would not go without one as long as it was an option. With DD I was 5 cm and very uncomfortable when I got it. With DS I was 6 going on 7 cm and was in a lot of pain. I remember crying and asking DH why no one would help me while waiting for the anesthesiologist. With the epidural I could still feel the contractions but it was more like pressure and I was able to relax and nap a bit. Neither kid seemed to suffer from the epidural as both were alert and latched pretty quickly.

If you want to go med free I'd suggest reading up on it and taking a birthing class. You'll have a much higher chance of success if you are fully prepared.

soulcupcake · October 2014

dianeg1017 said:

I went med free not by choice with DD but now with this LO I am going med free by choice because in my opinion it is better for baby. If I did it once I can do it again right? I went into labor on a Sunday night and had my DD on Tuesday morning. I stayed at 4cm for 2days. I was sent home from the hospital Monday night and early Tuesday I was told it was Braxton hicks but 2hrs later I went back to the hospital just to be told "oh you are too far along for drugs then 30min later my little Lydia was born. The pain is undiscribable. Anyone who says it is the easiest pain to forget is lying! You never forget that pain!

Pain is absolutely subjective. What's excruciating to one person will not be to another. My med-free births were not bad at all. They were freakishly easy, and my contractions ranged from strong menstrual-type cramps to strong waves of tightening. My foot tattoos hurt worse, as did my Norplant removal years ago.

leela02 · October 2014

FTM here too so no firsthand experience, but all the moms in my family have told me their stories. Everyone feels pain differently and things often don't go as you expect so it's good that you're being open-minded.

Epi and med-free both have their risks and benefits and what's best for you and the baby really just depends on what happens.

For med-free, definitely have you and your partner read or take a class to familiarize yourselves with various coping techniques (position changes, yoga ball, shower/bath, massage, etc). You can also use these techniques during the early stages of labor, if you decide to wait until the last moment to get an epidural. If you can afford it, you can look into hiring a doula who can help you and your partner try different coping techniques during labor.

Beevol · October 2014

With my first, I went in with an open mind and a slight desire to go med free (I'm a doula and all that jazz) but ended up getting an epidural that saved me from having a c-section. My contractions were 45 seconds-1 minute apart for a million years (really more like 12 hours) and honestly, they didn't hurt that badly, but after having been in labor not able to sleep for 2 days, I needed a break.

I got the epidural at 3 cm and 100% effaced (after 2 DAYS of active labor) and passed out. They woke me up 5 hours later and I was 10 cm. My body just wasn't going to let it happen on its own. I gave two pushes (one for her head and one for her body) on my back, completely unable to feel my legs, and she came out screaming and grabbing for my IV (apgars of 9 and10). I did tear but the epidural saved me from feeling getting stitched up. It did not save me from feeling the post-partum "massage" which hurt way worse than any of my contractions.

With this next one, I plan to go in with an open mind again. Maybe this time my body will get the message and let my cervix dilate in a reasonable amount of time to go without sleep, but if not or if contractions that dilate teh cervix hurt worse than the ones that don't, then I will totally get another epidural.

mrs.k 07 · October 2014

I've had 2 med-free births by choice and I'm planning to do the same with my 3rd (due in 5 weeks).

Both of my labors were different in how the contractions felt. I am lucky that my contractions are probably on a 3 pain scale wise until my water is broken & I've had fast labors/deliveries in the past.

My biggest piece of advice is that your DH/partner is on board with whatever option you choose. If you choose to go med-free he can be your voice of reason when the pain gets bad. My DH was so encouraging and I never could have gotten through my first labor without him. My 2nd piece of advice is to make sure you have calming techniques when the contractions hit. When the broke my water with my first, I had no idea what to expect pain wise and I was tensing up from the amount of pain I was in, which made the pain even worse. I had to close my eyes, focus and breath through the contractions which made them a little more bearable.

Good Luck with whatever you choose!

dianeg1017 · October 2014

aeonlux said:

dianeg1017 said:

I went med free not by choice with DD but now with this LO I am going med free by choice because in my opinion it is better for baby. If I did it once I can do it again right? I went into labor on a Sunday night and had my DD on Tuesday morning. I stayed at 4cm for 2days. I was sent home from the hospital Monday night and early Tuesday I was told it was Braxton hicks but 2hrs later I went back to the hospital just to be told "oh you are too far along for drugs then 30min later my little Lydia was born. The pain is undiscribable. Anyone who says it is the easiest pain to forget is lying! You never forget that pain!

Pain is absolutely subjective. What's excruciating to one person will not be to another. My med-free births were not bad at all. They were freakishly easy, and my contractions ranged from strong menstrual-type cramps to strong waves of tightening. My foot tattoos hurt worse, as did my Norplant removal years ago.

I have 7 tattoos total including one on each foot and for me tattos are a breeze in comparison. I agree that everyone feels pain different and I have never heard anyone say a tattoo hurts worse than child birth or that they had a pain free birth. Period no matter your pain threshold there will be pain.

dianeg1017 · October 2014

OP no matter what you choose a good support system is key. Have people in the room that support your choice and that will help you through. Good luck.

PrimRoseMama · October 2014

With DD I cursed it out med free.

With DS I was exhausted & got an epidural.

For #3 I will go for the epi in the future.

SteffieR13 · October 2014

It sounds like you have a great mindset to go in there open-minded. That's what I did, and have no regrets. Just see how you feel, and go from there.
I decided to have some pain meds after about 12 hours of labor--it was fentanyl and I hated how it made me feel at first, but worked to take the edge off, but only lasts an hour. I did not ask for it again, dealt with the pain for a few more hours, and asked for the epi at about 6 cm. It didn't hurt to get it, but it was the craziest feeling to not feel my legs. It took the pain away, I felt some pressure, but I was able to take a nice nap before it was time to push. I did not have any problems with being too numb to push, and only had to push for 10 minutes.

Good luck, and know that whatever you decide will be right for you and the baby

Amstreagle · October 2014

You seem to have a very good mindset on the topic. A lot of people are very black or white on the topic and don't get it through their heads that a birth plan is just that and get very distraught when it doesn't go their way due to medical intervention.
That being said go in to it open minded and aim for what you want but don't get down on yourself if your birth isn't exactly what you pictured. In the end all that matters is a healthy baby and momma. Good luck!

abbyful · October 2014

Amstreagle said:
You seem to have a very good mindset on the topic. A lot of people are very black or white on the topic and don't get it through their heads that a birth plan is just that and get very distraught when it doesn't go their way due to medical intervention.
That being said go in to it open minded and aim for what you want but don't get down on yourself if your birth isn't exactly what you pictured. In the end all that matters is a healthy baby and momma. Good luck!

This bugs me. And I *don't* see that. Women who have birth plans know it's an "ideal case scenario", and most have "plan b" and "plan c" in the plan. Women with birth plans or who want natural births still have the priority every pregnant woman has: deliver a healthy baby.

Cass005 · October 2014

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate you all sharing your experiences and advice. My husband is 100% supportive, mainly because he would rather see me go natural only because of the effects it can have on the baby. I told him I understood his position but ultimately it is my decision and If I choose to get an epidural he should respect that which he does.

My hospital doesn't have a water tub which I was kinda hoping for however they do have these showers that can help with relaxation and that's always worked for me. I also plan on making hubby give me massages which always makes me feel better.

Someone commented about a norplant removal, I had that done. OMG it was so painful, but I was able to trooper through it. I'm hoping I can do the same here lol but I know I"m not super woman and I know every delivery is different so an open mind is something I definitely plan on having.

Amstreagle · October 2014

smeame14 said:

You seem to have a very good mindset on the topic. A lot of people are very black or white on the topic and don't get it through their heads that a birth plan is just that and get very distraught when it doesn't go their way due to medical intervention.
That being said go in to it open minded and aim for what you want but don't get down on yourself if your birth isn't exactly what you pictured. In the end all that matters is a healthy baby and momma. Good luck!
This bugs me. And I *don't* see that. Women who have birth plans know it's an "ideal case scenario", and most have "plan b" and "plan c" in the plan. Women with birth plans or who want natural births still have the priority every pregnant woman has: deliver a healthy baby.
Eh, for the most part most women are very happy with outcomes of birth whether it was the way it was planned or not. BUT I have read of women who feel like they "failed" because they planned to go natural/med free, but ended up having to get an epidural and/or C-section or that they failed their child because they had to deliver via c-section due to medical issues. Yes, you always can have a plan A, B, and C, but because plan A does not work out, they get down on themselves because they had to resort to B or C. The majority of women are happy with the outcomes despite things not going the way they planned, but there are those that are "black/white" on the situation.

Thank you. You worded this much more eloquently than I did.

KShaykin · October 2014

I feel like a lot of women these days are pro-natural birth. I personally knew I was not going to be able to handle the pain so asked for an epidural in advance. While there are mixed opinions on epidurals, I really wanted a natural birth vs. a c-section, so actually benefited from the epidural. Upon dilation, my doctor found that my daughter was sunny side up (face up, not breach) and told me that he would need to use forceps to deliver her. He told me that he would not do a forcep delivery unless I already had started an epidural and said that had I elected for no epidural, he would have had to do a c-section. With a third degree tear and 40 stitches, I am glad I had the epidural, and the natural delivery.

abbyful · October 2014

KShaykin said:
I feel like a lot of women these days are pro-natural birth. I personally knew I was not going to be able to handle the pain so asked for an epidural in advance. While there are mixed opinions on epidurals, I really wanted a natural birth vs. a c-section, so actually benefited from the epidural. Upon dilation, my doctor found that my daughter was sunny side up (face up, not breach) and told me that he would need to use forceps to deliver her. He told me that he would not do a forcep delivery unless I already had started an epidural and said that had I elected for no epidural, he would have had to do a c-section. With a third degree tear and 40 stitches, I am glad I had the epidural, and the natural delivery.

I would be wary to deliver with that doctor again. Automatic forecep delivery or c-section just because baby was face-up instead of face-down?! I'm not a medical professional, but that sure doesn't seem right to me.

@lissydee‌, any insight?

Edit to add:
@KShaykin‌ - I think better terms to use would be "vaginal" and "med-free". Most people take "natural birth" to mean med-free.

marriedinaugust · October 2014

abbyful said:

KShaykin said:
I feel like a lot of women these days are pro-natural birth. I personally knew I was not going to be able to handle the pain so asked for an epidural in advance. While there are mixed opinions on epidurals, I really wanted a natural birth vs. a c-section, so actually benefited from the epidural. Upon dilation, my doctor found that my daughter was sunny side up (face up, not breach) and told me that he would need to use forceps to deliver her. He told me that he would not do a forcep delivery unless I already had started an epidural and said that had I elected for no epidural, he would have had to do a c-section. With a third degree tear and 40 stitches, I am glad I had the epidural, and the natural delivery.
I would be wary to deliver with that doctor again. Automatic forecep delivery or c-section just because baby was face-up instead of face-down?! I'm not a medical professional, but that sure doesn't seem right to me.

@lissydee‌, any insight?

Edit to add:
@KShaykin‌ - I think better terms to use would be "vaginal" and "med-free". Most people take "natural birth" to mean med-free.

I am glad she ended up with a successful vaginal delivery and that everything turned out ok. But I also would have protested the forceps. There are plenty of ways to encourage a baby to turn and I would have tried all of them before going to forceps. My DS was sunny side up. I had a successful med-free vaginal delivery after 2 hours of pushing while the nurse and then midwife helped turn him.

And yes I do acknowledge there are some circumstances where the baby is stuck in a position that will not allow him to pass but it is possible to birth babies in less than optimal positioning without major interventions.

soulcupcake · October 2014

dianeg1017 said: I have 7 tattoos total including one on each foot and for me tattos are a breeze in comparison. I agree that everyone feels pain different and I have never heard anyone say a tattoo hurts worse than child birth or that they had a pain free birth. Period no matter your pain threshold there will be pain.

----------- Quote Box Fail -----------

You never have... until now. And, I said my foot tattoos, I didn't say every tattoo. The feet are known to be one of the most sensitive places to get a tattoo.

I've known plenty of women who have had relatively pain-free or easy births. Pain is felt differently by different people. Also, there are different types of pain, as a result to different types of stimuli. Some women experience excruciating menstrual cramps, and yet they were never a big deal to me.

I've never taken anything for menstrual cramps, or pain meds during the postpartum period. I also don't find pap smears or vaginal exams to be that uncomfortable, and getting an IUD and taking it out, piece of cake. While there was intensity associated with transition contractions, it wasn't the same sort of pain response as, say, breaking a bone or stubbing my toe. Some even describe contractions as intense in the "this is really hard work" way, like a really intense Cross-Fit workout, but not in the way that is often depicted in movies and the perception of childbirth in Western society.

I also like certain types of stimuli or pain. Again, everyone has a unique response to different types of stimuli. I blurted out a number of expletives when my car door shut on my left ankle (the car was parked on a slope), but I spent 9.5 hours getting inked, in one sitting. I've been asked if I have a "thing" for "torture" because I have two dozen and counting tattoos and a number of piercings (I like the feeling of getting tattooed and pierced). Stubbing my toe hurts like bitch, as did dropping a glass candle on my big toe. But my "labors"... easy peasy. But it's a very different process than an injury, and it makes sense that it's felt differently for each person.

And, technically, body modification is injuring the dermis and epidermis, but it's a feeling I actually like. Stubbing my toe or dropping something on it? No, no, no.

amieeyoung · October 2014

marriedinaugust said:

I feel like a lot of women these days are pro-natural birth. I personally knew I was not going to be able to handle the pain so asked for an epidural in advance. While there are mixed opinions on epidurals, I really wanted a natural birth vs. a c-section, so actually benefited from the epidural. Upon dilation, my doctor found that my daughter was sunny side up (face up, not breach) and told me that he would need to use forceps to deliver her. He told me that he would not do a forcep delivery unless I already had started an epidural and said that had I elected for no epidural, he would have had to do a c-section. With a third degree tear and 40 stitches, I am glad I had the epidural, and the natural delivery.
I would be wary to deliver with that doctor again. Automatic forecep delivery or c-section just because baby was face-up instead of face-down?! I'm not a medical professional, but that sure doesn't seem right to me. @lissydee‌, any insight? Edit to add: @KShaykin‌ - I think better terms to use would be "vaginal" and "med-free". Most people take "natural birth" to mean med-free.
I am glad she ended up with a successful vaginal delivery and that everything turned out ok. But I also would have protested the forceps. There are plenty of ways to encourage a baby to turn and I would have tried all of them before going to forceps. My DS was sunny side up. I had a successful med-free vaginal delivery after 2 hours of pushing while the nurse and then midwife helped turn him. And yes I do acknowledge there are some circumstances where the baby is stuck in a position that will not allow him to pass but it is possible to birth babies in less than optimal positioning without major interventions.

That's great you were able to do so, but not everyone can. After hours of pushing and trying a vacuum I ended up with a c-section. Sometimes, that baby just will not come, and sometimes the baby needs help. I didn't mind trying the "help" of the vacuum before c/s as I saw it the lesser of the two evils if it worked.

marriedinaugust · October 2014

amieeyoung said:

marriedinaugust said:

abbyful said:

KShaykin said:
I feel like a lot of women these days are pro-natural birth. I personally knew I was not going to be able to handle the pain so asked for an epidural in advance. While there are mixed opinions on epidurals, I really wanted a natural birth vs. a c-section, so actually benefited from the epidural. Upon dilation, my doctor found that my daughter was sunny side up (face up, not breach) and told me that he would need to use forceps to deliver her. He told me that he would not do a forcep delivery unless I already had started an epidural and said that had I elected for no epidural, he would have had to do a c-section. With a third degree tear and 40 stitches, I am glad I had the epidural, and the natural delivery.
I would be wary to deliver with that doctor again. Automatic forecep delivery or c-section just because baby was face-up instead of face-down?! I'm not a medical professional, but that sure doesn't seem right to me.

@lissydee‌, any insight?

Edit to add:
@KShaykin‌ - I think better terms to use would be "vaginal" and "med-free". Most people take "natural birth" to mean med-free.
I am glad she ended up with a successful vaginal delivery and that everything turned out ok. But I also would have protested the forceps. There are plenty of ways to encourage a baby to turn and I would have tried all of them before going to forceps. My DS was sunny side up. I had a successful med-free vaginal delivery after 2 hours of pushing while the nurse and then midwife helped turn him.

And yes I do acknowledge there are some circumstances where the baby is stuck in a position that will not allow him to pass but it is possible to birth babies in less than optimal positioning without major interventions.

That's great you were able to do so, but not everyone can. After hours of pushing and trying a vacuum I ended up with a c-section. Sometimes, that baby just will not come, and sometimes the baby needs help. I didn't mind trying the "help" of the vacuum before c/s as I saw it the lesser of the two evils if it worked.

@amieeyoung‌
And I said that I acknowledged that some babies will not come out. I would just not be comfortable with a Dr saying AUTOMATIC forceps for an OP baby. My sister had a very long labor, they tried forceps and a vacuum and ultimately ended up with a c/s. Her son was just stuck, we are very thankful for modern medicine when necessary.

skibunny59 · October 2014

I had a natural birth with DD and I hope to have one with this next baby. With DD we almost didn't make it to the hospital. I labored at home for a really long time because everyone always told me it was SO painful and I kept waiting for it to get more intense. It was only the last hour that it really got painful. Ever since I was 12 I always suffered from very painful periods and honestly for most of my labor that's what it felt like.

For calming techniques I used the shower and rocking back and forth on the exercise ball and the TENS unit.

I would like to go med free with this baby but we'll see what happens. Every labor is different.

drpayne · October 2014

Yes, it hurts. I couldn't have imagined how much. But it's manageable.

I had an epi with my first, not by choice. My second was a natural water birth. Having experienced both, I plan to go natural again this time.

Maebb · October 2014

StacyMarie33 said:
I went in knowing I wanted an epidural. I ended up going into spontaneous labor and had a very short labor and delivery. I was lucky enough to be able to get an epidural as I was running out of time. I was grateful for the relief from the contractions which started quickly after my water broke (at home) and were intense and minutes apart from the start.

I still felt the contractions (they were nothing compared to what I felt prior to the epidural) and had I also felt the urge to push. I had no complications and was up and walking on my own two hours after delivery.

Everyone is different and just keep an open mind going in. Do your research and discuss your expectations with your doctor.

My experience was similar to this one except regular contractions didn't start until a few hours after my water broke. I got an epidural, and it was wonderful. I still had control over my body and could feel to push, and it made the pressure/pain much more manageable. I will get one with this baby too as long as there's time.

NicoleWI · October 2014

Everyone is totally different. You have no idea how your labor will be or what your response will be. I know people who went med-free and thought it was fine. I, personally, found labor to be extremely difficult and painful. I LOVED my epidurals and had no issues whatever with them. No problems breastfeeding, or with babies being "groggy" or anything.

You just have to see what happens.

Cass005 · October 2014

NicoleWI said:

Everyone is totally different. You have no idea how your labor will be or what your response will be.

Yep thats what I keep telling myself. I'm open minded and if need be I'm fine with having an epidural. Like you said we'll see what happens when I'm there

Thanks again everyone for your input I appreciate it esp since I'm a total newbie
:P

JenLy2012 · October 2014

I went in like you did with an open mind to go with the flow. My water broke and I was in labor for a total of 35 hours after that (not all of it was active labor so it didn't hurt the whole time). By 10:00 that night I was at a 7 and exhausted. I needed rest of I got an epi and was able to sleep. 3 hours later I woke up and had her. I didn't push the button on the epi to make it more numb so I was able to feel the contractions and feel when to push.

For the next one I am hopeful to go med free because I was able to ride the pain out just not for so long. We'll see!

luvinlifeMN · October 2014

I posted this on another board, but rather then re-type, I'm pasting...

I had no idea what to expect pain-wise when I had my daughter. I went in with a plan that my hubby knew about as did my nurse who was very supportive. If I reached a point that I wanted medication, my husband was going to have us wait (per our plan) 30 minutes to see if it was a momentary weakness or something that I was really strongly wanting. I had read Ina's book and a bunch of birth stories and knew that often the time of 'quitting' natural birth was during transition. Giving myself 30 minutes would likely lead to being close to pushing and that is entirely what happened.

There was a moment when I felt totally out of control of my own body and I hated it. The waves of contractions were intense and right on top of each other. I told my hubby it was my 30 minute warning and when my nurse checked me I was a 10 and just had a little lip left. Not only was it too late to get pain meds, but by the time they would have arrived DD was born. Pushing was the best pain reliever ever - seriously. I remember my doctor telling me at my last appointment before birth that pushing was the one thing in labor that I could control so I pushed as hard as I could and it felt so good compared to a contraction.

Was labor fun? Nope. Was it painful? Yes. But it was entirely manageable because I knew how to control my breathing and what movements to try to help alleviate some of the pain. Surprisingly, laying down on my side holding on to the bar with my eyes closed helped me focus on my breaths. I thought for sure I'd want a bath, to be standing/rocking, etc. Following your body's natural lead will help you immensely.

People ask me now what my plan is for #2. It is the same as for #1. This birth will be different and I do not know how it will play out. We'll go in with the same plan in place and see where it takes us. I know my body can do it, but we'll see.

JNU76 · October 2014

I had an unmedicated birth with my first. He was 9 pounds and I'm a very small person. Calling it painful doesn't really do it justice, but once the birth is done the pain is done, and I plan to do it again this time if I can.

My biggest suggestions if you want to go this route are to hire a doula if you can afford to and if there's one in your area. It was the best money I've ever spent. She supported not just me, but my husband, so that he could be available for emotional and physical support without the pressure of needing to know what to do. She was also an advocate for us when we needed one and didn't recognize that there was a problem or were too overwhelmed to say anything about it. If a doula isn't available or affordable, you might want to bring a female friend or relative who has given birth before. My other suggestion is to keep moving, however your body seems to want to. Lying on your back in a bed can be much more uncomfortable than walking or rocking or whatever motion feels right. I'd also highly recommend reading "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth," both for the information and for all of the positive birth stories.

Some people like to have a code word, so that they can talk about medication or complain about the pain to blow off steam without really asking for and epidural. You can also request that nobody offers you pain meds, that you'll ask for it if you want it.

I think that every woman should have their baby in the place and manner that makes them feel safest and most comfortable, whether that's medicated or not, in a hospital or not. Only you can decide what your comfort level is. From my own experience, I'm glad that I did it unmedicated, and I hope to do it again. It was an amazing and empowering experience for me, and I left the hospital feeling like I was strong enough to do anything, even being a mom.

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Natural Birth vs Pain Medication

Re: Natural Birth vs Pain Medication

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