Hello all! This is my first post here so bear with me! A little history: I had a baby at 17 which I placed for adoption and had a wonderful (yet typical hospital) birth experience. I had an epidural, and delivered in a bed on my back. Well fast forward DH and I are expecting our first together and he REALLY wants a home birth. I had toyed around with the idea since we got married, and logically I know I don't want to pump my baby with drugs/ cut the umbilical cord the second (s)he is born. But the thought of delivering with no pain medicine, no doctor and just a midwife scare the crap out of me! I don't have a high pain tolerance as it is, and DH is less than supportive of a typical hospital birth. I'm lucky to have husband who cares so much, but he doesn't have to birth this child. How do I get over this fear? Thanks in advance ladies!
Re: Just down right scared
Its 100% your decision at the end of the day, but keep in mind our bodies were meant to do this. Adrenaline and endorphins are naturally released throughout the whole process, giving you energy and numbing you. And although you feel everything the pain is different from that of breaking an arm or a leg for example. I had a completely intervention/ med free birth and yes it hurt and I was uncomfortable, but afterwards I felt literally great. The worst part for me was trying to pee afterwards, and you'll feel that regardless of an epidural or not.
All in all it is your decision and a healthy baby and mama is all that matters, but just know that your body was designed to go through birth and you can do it
Maybe see if you can find a midwife practice that works out of a hospital. Ask about their proceedures, and if it's not a good fit, feel free to move one.
I agree with pp perhaps consider finding a MW who works in a hospital? I think MWs would be a good compromise and you could still have an epi or other form of medicated pain relief if that's what you decide. A MW is there to support you in the birth YOU want.
Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
I agree that you and he should sit down and talk about this. It is your body that will be going through the labor and any fears you feel are valid. My husband cannot bear the thought of me in pain but I have very low tolerance for it. I highly respect any woman who has done it naturally but that is not my cup of tea.
Hopes this helps.