Who has thought about it?? Natural or medicated birth?

BBEA2006 · May 2015

I had an epi w/ my other 2 and had 2 wonderful labors, deliveries and recoveries but part of me wants to do it natural this time...just to see if I can. I really have no idea why!

Anyone else thought about it this early??

claireloSC · May 2015

Every woman in my family going back three generations had to have a c-section. The one exception is my aunt who had one natural birth and that baby ending up dying a few days later. So, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a c-section though I wish I could have a vaginal birth. Oh well, as long as I get a healthy baby who cares!?

MandersLuv17 · May 2015

I haven't given birth ever but I'm thinking I want to go natural. I've been reading up a lot on it and apparently the labor is much quicker as well as the recovery time.

NillaWafers · May 2015

I only have one experience, with my first. I got the epidural but it was turned off during pushing (IKR). I did feel like I definitely could push better with it off, one of the reasons was DS1's heart rate was dropping and they wanted him out ASAP. Turned out he tied a knot in his cord? LOL. But either way I really think there are benefits with both. I hesitate to make any plans cus births are so unpredictable!

I would love to try with this one, hopefully the labor gods shine down on me and I don't have to have a C-section and I don't have to be induced. That would be perfect!

dc072175 · May 2015

I'm a FTM and have definitely thought about this! Hubs and I agree drugs all the way!

Sovvy · May 2015

I had a c/s after a 35 hour labor with my son, I'll be trying for a VBAC this time. My only priority is the VBAC, if I end up with an epi, that's fine (and great, really, I just don't want any further complications or interventions).

Karenin · May 2015

I have since this is my third- 2 previous births, 2 fantastic epidurals, and I'll do it again this time. My second labor was very fast- I got to the hospital and I was at 8 1/2 (and I did not hang around at home to labor before heading out). I almost decided in the moment to forego the epidural, because it was awful but I was ok, but since I knew my baby was going to be around 10 pounds (she was 10.3 and I'm a petite person, that's what I get for marrying someone a foot taller than I am) I got the epidural and was VERY happy I did since I felt no pain, but I could tell it was a more physically demanding labor than my first, and with the exhaustion I was glad I had no pain!

mollyj931 · May 2015

I'll most likely have another epidural. My last two labors were awesome. I was induced the two previous times so I'd like to go into labor on my own but if I had repeat experiences I would be happy!

monaclemere · May 2015

I'm going to be totally medicated since this will be a scheduled c-section (my third). I'm thankful to get to pick a day and plan in advance. And since both my kids were 10+ pounds, I'm so glad I don't have to push anybody out- medicated or not!

Mommyduclos · May 2015

My first I got the epidural and my second in went natural. The labors were night and day from each other in every way possible but my baby was so much more alert, breastfeeding went better initially, my recovery was SO much easier with my natural birth. It totally could be linked to other problems but I think the couple hours of pain (super fast labor) was totally worth it, plus I felt so empowered in my body, so I hope to go natural but I'm not totally opposed to getting another epidural. Please don't take my comment wrong- going natural doesn't get you an award or whatever but it did just make me feel so amazed in myself and what I was able to accomplish.

PreggoInTheCity · May 2015

I'm a wimp and have a very low pain tolerance, so I plan to get all the drugs I can get! More power to you ladies that can/choose to do it without! Also, I do hope not to need a c-section, but am willing to do it if that ends up being the best way for me and baby.

abbi1995 · May 2015

I plan on having an epidural no need in putting my body through pain if I don't have to. My ob said my pelvis is narrow though so I might end up needing a csection regardless we shall see how it happens I just want to bring a healthy baby in to this world.

JNGettinMarried · May 2015

I had a scheduled c-section for DD... went to the doctor on Friday and was told she was measuring large (9 lbs 2 oz. at birth), then she pulled out some charts and based on my height and weight there was like a 95% chance she would get stuck in my birth canal. I'm still not sure I 100% buy into her charts, but it's hard to argue with those kind of numbers and when your gigantic and hormonal, knowing when you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel did not seem like a bad thing. So we scheduled the c-section for Monday. I was terrified. I read horror stories online about recovery but I can honestly say now that it wasn't nearly as bad as I was led to believe (pregnancy rule #1: Google is NOT your friend).

So I think my OB is pretty anti-VBAC, so I'm sure I'll schedule another c-section, but you can bet I'll be walking laps, eating all the spicy food I can get, and having sec on the daily to try to kick start a vaginal birth before then :-) I just really want to try!

bananers · May 2015

I went into my last labor with an open mind. My plan was to see how far I could go on my own, but I had no problem getting an epi when I needed it. Turns out that was at 5 cm after 5 hours of nonstop contractions. I didn't get a break in between like most people do and labor pain is no joke. I ended up being in labor for 19 hours and pushing for almost 2.5. There's no way I would have been able to do that naturally, so I'm glad I got the epi. At least I was able to rest up before pushing.

I know every labor is different though. If this next one is shorter I might be able to handle it, but we'll see. I think some women put too much pressure on themselves to have a "perfect" birth, but no one hands out trophies for going natural. Do what's best for you.

AngelEsshaki · May 2015

I will be a FTM and plan on being medicated. My husband is currently doing his pre-residency rounds in OB and has said that all moms that have come in wanting natural ended up going with an epidural. That should in no way sway anyone but just an added thought, something to prepare for. I will be happy when he is done in OB so I don't have to listen to all the stories when he comes home!!

danasphillips · May 2015

I knew I would get an epidural with my first, but I wanted to see how far I would make it on my own. I stalled at 5cm. Got the epidural and made it to 10 within an hour. I will probably do the same this time around, but I try to keep an open mind. The only thing on my birth plan last time was "vaginal birth, epidural, avoid 3rd and 4th degree tearing." Really hoping it works out that well again.

ChelseyBels · May 2015

If I could I would try to do it naturally, because I'm curious what a vaginal birth would be like. BUT, I have to have a scheduled c-section (had one with first before labor started).

daisy62103 · May 2015

I had epidurals for my first two I think mostly bc people had terrified me into in. I was so scared I wouldn't be able to handle the pain. Delivery went fine both times but I decided I wanted to go drug free for my third and it was by far the best experience of the three! It was much faster too. I woke at 10:30 pm with contractions but managed to go back to sleep until about 1:30. Got to the hospital at 2:30 and dd was born at 4:05. Definitely going drug free again this time.

willashbaby · May 2015

As for now I plan on taking it as it comes. Unmedicated at first as long as I can take it and whatever else needed from then on. My Mother had fairly quick labors so I'm hoping to take after her.

kkh225 · May 2015

I had my first naturally, and I think birthing naturally was such an empowering experience that I can't imagine planning to do it any other way. I walked into the unit at 10 cm (the lady at the desk told me I wasn't that far in labor because I wouldn't be walking and taking like I was). This time, I would like to get to the hospital a little sooner and have a hep-lock placed just in case, but I don't want/need fluids, meds, or anything, just some love and encouragement from my husband.

heawilliams · May 2015

kkh225 said:

I had my first naturally, and I think birthing naturally was such an empowering experience that I can't imagine planning to do it any other way. I walked into the unit at 10 cm (the lady at the desk told me I wasn't that far in labor because I wouldn't be walking and taking like I was). This time, I would like to get to the hospital a little sooner and have a hep-lock placed just in case, but I don't want/need fluids, meds, or anything, just some love and encouragement from my husband.

I had a similar experience. I was induced with DD and it didn't take the first time. At the second attempt, I refused meds. but then the pain got the better of me. The Dr. gave me morphine for the pain and so I could walk to get the epidural. I was at 5 cm at that time. I walked down the hall (10 feet maybe) and went from 5 cm to crowning in that little span of time. There was no time for an epidural. LOL my doctor almost didn't make it to the delivery. Hopefully this time I will do it natural the entire time, since now I know walking helps BIG TIME!!!

J3sp · May 2015

With my first I went in planning on natural, but open to an epidural. I was so hot I felt like I couldn't breath especially through contractions. It was December and I had the thermostat turned down to 65 (wouldn't go further) my DH had a jacket on and I was still hot! I told my DH I knew I could do it, but was it worth it? I got the epidural and it was fantastic! Especially through the tearing that happened. I was able to breath easier and the pain was one less thing I had to focus on. My labor was pretty fast. Once my water broke DD was here in 4.5 hours.

I am open again this time. I hear labors are quicker after the first. Hoping for natural, but wouldn't be against another epidural.

Rakastajatar · May 2015

i'm planning natural.

what does an epidural feel like? i just don't like the part of not able to feel my legs and not able to walk. that part scares me actually.

Rakastajatar · May 2015

Sinnet said:

I had epidurals for my first two I think mostly bc people had terrified me into in. I was so scared I wouldn't be able to handle the pain. Delivery went fine both times but I decided I wanted to go drug free for my third and it was by far the best experience of the three! It was much faster too. I woke at 10:30 pm with contractions but managed to go back to sleep until about 1:30. Got to the hospital at 2:30 and dd was born at 4:05. Definitely going drug free again this time.

this acutally helps a lot for me to go natural first time around! thank you!!!

Millie1984 · May 2015

I had an epidural with my first, and for me, it was the right thing to do. I have always had a very low tolerance for pain, and I believe it made my 13 hour labor possible. As of now I am planning to have another epidural.

amt20 · May 2015

I'm hoping to go natural. However, since I have never experienced labor before and cannot even begin to imagine that kind of pain I am open to an epidural. Although I will say that the thought of a needle in my spine terrifies me way more than labor. I do realize that once I'm in labor I may feel differently though! Hoping i can tough it out naturally thou but we'll see!

mimers07 · May 2015

I wish I were strong enough to say that I'm going to give birth naturally, but I caved with DS, and I fully expect I'll cave again this time around. That being said, I was induced with DS (balloon and all. NOTE: If you have to be induced avoid the balloon at all costs!!!), so I don't have any idea what it feels like when labor progresses naturally. Maybe it doesn't get as intense as quickly so the pain progression is more manageable? Maybe one of the more experienced moms can speak to this. All I know is after 12 hours, it felt like my spine was being snapped like a toothpick with every contraction, and I got to the point where I was begging my doctor for drugs. The epidural was the greatest relief I've ever felt. I guess I was one of the lucky few for whom it didn't effect my ability to push. I only pushed for 18 minutes. It's like DS was shot out of a canon!

Miliska · May 2015

I had a natural delivery last time with a midwife and I definitively want to go on the same route for this one! My labor progressed at a nice pace, baby was super alert at the birth and was crawling towards my breast himself, and I recovered in no time.

BUT I couldn't have gone through this natural birth if I hadn't done some pain management exercices before (I used the Bonapace method).

boxers&bling · May 2015

Definitely drugs. I had thought maybe I would try doing it without but I'm trying now to just think realistically. Who knows... Maybe I'll decide again to give it a shot without!

CBWifey · May 2015

With my first, hubby and I practiced Hypnobirthing, I was able to get to 7cm upon arrival to Labor and Delivery. I did unmedicated, and it was harder than I thought. Afterwards, I thought I'm getting an epidural, but now pregnant again, I'm wondering if I can do natural again, try to do better with the Hypnobirthing. I'm really on the fence...

babybluu · May 2015

Something that's personally important to me is to birth naturally. I really want to experience it. And I know birthing in a hospital will make it all tempting to get an epidural so have found a birthing center and midwife where I can go and have a water birth. I'm really excited! My insurance doesn't cover it so I'll have to pay out of pocket.

If it doesn't work going to the birthing center however, I will just try and stay home as long as possible before going to the hospital to try and stay away from an epidural. Even though getting one sounds heavenly.

kkh225 · May 2015

I once thought about going to a birthing center, but as a NICU nurse, I can't do it. We see a lot of complications that spin out of control from being missed at birthing centers and home births. I guess I would advise being close to a hospital in case anything seems off.

Also, find a doctor who supports natural birth and develop a relationship so that you know he or she will support your decision. My doctor never once advocated for any unwanted pain control because we had talked about my plans for 8 months. Good luck with whatever you choose. You will do great!

bekahbub14 · May 2015

When I went into labor, I wanted to do it naturally but also wanted to have a totally open mind - if I needed meds, bring it on! I had no idea what to expect. I ended up starting contractions at 3pm that became more consistent and painful around 7pm. DH had been calling the hospital to see when we should come in, and they told us to wait until my contractions were 2 min apart (!), which happened around 9pm. We got to the hospital and when they measured me I was already 10cm, and started pushing after 11pm - little bubs was born at midnight.

Looking back it all happened so fast, and although I KNOW I was in a lot of pain (I had back labor - ugh), I can't truly remember what it felt like. I plan to go into this labor with an open mind - planning for natural again, but open to meds if needed.

Honeyb416 · May 2015

My first was all natural and I delivered at a hospital. I had prepared myself and DH very well beforehand which helped tremendously. I wouldn't change a thing about the experience and I can only hope it goes as well this time around.

ChipMonster · May 2015

I'm going to start off by saying that each birth is equal because the end result is a baby in your arms. Regardless of the birthing method!

I started my last pregnancy with an open mind like most said, aiming for natural but open to drugs. I watched a documentary on midwives and birth and then I was convinced even more that I would try to go natural. I even made DH watch it with me. One night in bed, I asked him if he thought I could do it without drugs and he said no! I think that that is what made me even more focused! I had to prove him wrong.

My entire labour lasted 12 hours from the first contraction to the baby being born. The midwife came to check me at home and I was 5cm. By the time I made it to the hospital, I was 7. Because the baby had pooped inside, I had to be monitored for fetal distress. I couldn't walk, move very much. It was uncomfortable to say the least. But then the midwife turned to me and told me that I was done transitioning and that it was time to push. That gave me so much energy because I heard that transition is the worst (that was true for me. You work with your contractions when you are pushing). I mean, it wasn't easy, it did hurt but I tried to focus on my breathing like I learned during my prenatal yoga classes and I tried to keep telling myself that no one ever died from the pain of childbirth. I did it! And like a previous poster said, I was so amazed and proud of my body, it was really empowering!! Even my husband was in awe! He couldn't stop telling everyone how much I had impressed him! He didn't think I could do!! I sure did prove him wrong!

So I am going in this second time hoping for the same experience. I know however that things can be different. I'm not sure I would've had the same story if I was in labour for 20 hours.

Also, recovery went great. I was very fortunate. I had a very small episiotomy (1st degree) even though my baby was a giant 9lbs! And he was very alert after birth. It was a great experience!

ChipMonster · May 2015

Oops! Sorry for the novel!

RunnerMeg · May 2015

At 41W 4D I was induced with my son. I made it to 7cm of pitocin contractions before getting the epidural. Labor progressed well, but DS never dropped further than 0 station despite pushing effectively for over 3 hours. So I ended up with a c-section because of arrest of descent. Not surprised he didn't fit, he was 9lbs14oz and I am smallish

This time I would:
1. Like to go into labor on my own
2. Have Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)
3. And universe willing , a successful VBAC.

ChipMonster · May 2015

RunnerMeg said:
At 41W 4D I was induced with my son. I made it to 7cm of pitocin contractions before getting the epidural. Labor progressed well, but DS never dropped further than 0 station despite pushing effectively for over 3 hours. So I ended up with a c-section because of arrest of descent. Not surprised he didn't fit, he was 9lbs14oz and I am smallish

This time I would:
1. Like to go into labor on my own
2. Have Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)
3. And universe willing , a successful VBAC.

Getting induced was one of my biggest fears towards the end!! I hear that those contractions are the absolute worst!! Way to go to make it to 7cm!!!

danasphillips · May 2015

Rakastajatar said:
i'm planning natural.

what does an epidural feel like? i just don't like the part of not able to feel my legs and not able to walk. that part scares me actually.

Well, I waited until I was in extreme pain to get one, so mine felt euphoric (had no narcotics). I didn't even feel it when they administered it, but I guess they had it turned up a little high because I couldn't feel from my boobs down. They were like, whoa, we will turn that down, but I tried getting them to leave it because it felt heavenly compared to the pain before that. Once I had him, they turned it off and I was able to get up and walk around within 30 minutes. Just my experience though!

Annguz · May 2015

Planning for natural again. I prepared for one last time, but was induced and it was awful. I did make it 17 hours on my own before the epi. Had I dilated further, I would have kept going, but after 17 hours and pitocin, I had only dilated to 2cm. Sucked. Apparently bodies know what to do second time around. At least I am hopeful. I'm also terrified of epidurals. Mine made me shake uncontrollably.

EC2016 · May 2015

I have heard some bad stories about epidurals. Some people have told me about the Dr hitting a nerve and having continued shooting pains down their leg even years later. My friend got a uti from the catheter and told me it slowed her labor down. So my hope is to do it naturally but I am open to one if I really have to.

Who has thought about it?? Natural or medicated birth?

Re: Who has thought about it?? Natural or medicated birth?

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