Anyone have a natural birth after an epidural the first time?

biancakoz · December 2014

With my first pregnancy, I was planning a natural birth but wasn't opposed to an epidural. At 4 cm, they broke my water and by 6 cm, I was getting sick and throwing up during and between contractions. I demanded an epidural at that point since I was in a lot of pain and had been up most of the night and all day. I am hoping to do a natural birth this time around and was hoping to hear from some women that may have had successful natural births with second or subsequent deliveries. Thanks!

mandi195 · December 2014

I'm hoping to this time after an epidural due to horrible back labor last time

cheechee3 · December 2014

Me too. I had a long labour in posterior position. I'm hoping things go majorly different this time.

BloomingMomma · December 2014

Yes! Just in october. Our first I was so scared I had an epidural. The second baby... Contractions started at 3am, baby born at 7am. I stayed at home until I started pushing. Then zoomed to hospital and baby born in ER. This is the last baby for us, but I think it may be worth thinking of home birth. The rush to leave made it feel stressful, almost panicked. Pushing felt good, and nursing was easier. Recovery was immediate. (2nd degree tear though)

The things that helped me was not talking to hubby at all, child's pose, and focusing on the rest part between contractions vs. Getting anxious about next one starting. Good luck! I hope you can have birth story you want

painttheair14 · December 2014

Yup! I found that being more educated about birth helped immensely!

I know there were more factors than just the epidural, but I tore a ton for #1 and hardly at all for natural #2. I attribute a lot of that to being able to feel contractions and move freely. Recovery was 100 times better with no epidural for me.

3GirlsMama · January 2015

I had an epidural with both my first and second, but neither my third nor fourth. First due to cytotec induction - caused massively intense double- and triple-peak contractions with no break. It was a god-send! Second due to my sister insisting on being at the hospital with me since she was pregnant, she needed to see a "live delivery." It was more enjoyable to get the epidural and hang out watching tv while she asked the doctors / nurses / anesthetist etc. all her questions.

I would recommend choosing your support people carefully and not allowing anyone else in the room! The epidurals worked nicely for me but I hated the itching and shaking that came along with it. My recovery was much better without the epidural than with.

Mama-Bear · January 2015

I had an epidural with DS1, a c/s with spinal for the next 2 deliveries, this is my 4th pregnancy and I'm considering doing Hypnobabies this time.

pixieprincss · January 2015

Yes. My first labor was very challenging and I went on to have a lovely second birth with no meds. DS2 story is here (with link to first birth story, too): https://moregreenforlessgreen.com/birth-story-baby-e/

biancakoz · January 2015

Thank you! I was worried that since I had an epidural the first time, I would chicken out and get it again. I know much more this time, and I am planning on laboring at home longer before heading to the hospital. Plus I'm hoping that it holds true that the 2nd time goes faster than the first and maybe my incompetent cervix will help the labor progress much faster

evelyntaylor · January 2015

I did 19 months ago. I almost got the epidural but she came quickly once I got past 8cm. Good luck!

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