Anyone else giving natural birth?

megancopeland91 · August 2015

This is my first child so as I'm sure all of you new moms and experienced moms I wanna make the best decision for my son and myself. As we are a military family, the base hospital we attend hasn't had the conversation with me about labor options unless I ask(which may be something all hospitals do but I don't know) So when I started to research about my birthing options I got more interested in natural birth. I feel that we all get scared of the pain of labor so we automatically jump to getting an epidural (which I did for the first 5 months) and numbing the pain that we are made to endure. I know that everyone's experience and outlook on this matter is different but I just wanted to hear about some natural birthing experiences.

Anj615 · August 2015

with my previous birth I ended up on petocin which resulted in an emergency C-section, but this time around, I'm shooting for a natural birth. Good luck Momma! I'm not ruling out an Epidural if I get going and realize I can't handle it, but in order to have the most likely chance of success I have also hired a doula (birth supporter) to help me during labor. I would highly recommend looking into doulas even if you're delivering with midwives (which I'm also doing provided there are not complications).

Also- consider Childbirth education classes or Hypnobabies, or something along those lines. I've heard they're amazing resources and I'm checking into them as well.

Good luck!

doe2813 · August 2015

I had both of my DD natural with no pain meds or epidural. Going into labor I was still set not having any meds and I had a great support system that reminded me when I felt like I couldn't do it that I could. The nurses were very pushy at times and even tried to encourage me to have a epidural and I'm so glad I didn't. Both of my labors only lasted less then 4 hours from the time my water broke till they were delivered so I don't know if the short labors made it easier not to have meds or if not having meds made my labor shorter. I plan on doing the same with this LO. Go in with a positive attitude that you can do it and make sure your support system knows what you want.

perrysaurus · August 2015

Shooting for a natural hone water birth!

1stComesLove421 · August 2015

Planning a water birth.

I planned it with our first, but ended up with pitocin and a light epidural. My water broke before labor, and after 20 hours I wasn't progressing and falling asleep in birth pool. They told me I needed to rest and relax or I wouldn't be able to push. Was able to push a few hours later without tearing! Had to birth in bed though, I wasn't allowed back in the water.

Not exactly what I had planned, but I plan to try again!

brittanispears · August 2015

doe2813 said:

I had both of my DD natural with no pain meds or epidural. Going into labor I was still set not having any meds and I had a great support system that reminded me when I felt like I couldn't do it that I could. The nurses were very pushy at times and even tried to encourage me to have a epidural and I'm so glad I didn't. Both of my labors only lasted less then 4 hours from the time my water broke till they were delivered so I don't know if the short labors made it easier not to have meds or if not having meds made my labor shorter. I plan on doing the same with this LO. Go in with a positive attitude that you can do it and make sure your support system knows what you want.

Did you have a midwife or a doula?

brittanispears · August 2015

This is my first baby and I want a natural birth but I haven't taken any childbirth classes up to this point. I'm looking into exercises I can do to help prep my body for labor and delivery. I think what I'm most afraid of is tearing. I'm already have a lot of pain and pressure in my hips and pelvis. But I'm trying to read as much as I can about delivery and pain management. I also haven't looked into hiring a midwife or doula. I'm not sure if that's something I want. I really want my husband and mom or sister to help me to focus.

jefinley1 · August 2015

As long as my pregnancy continues to go according to plan, I will be having an unmedicated birth at a midwife center. I think it is a really wonderful option for women with low risk pregnancies who are interested in the experience. I would need to transfer to a hospital in order to receive anything other than mild pain killers, which I would prefer to avoid as well. If you are doing L&D at a hospital, I would make sure you do some solid research or ask a lot of questions about the different phases of labor and coping with them, and then make a birth plan detailing how you would prefer for your birth to go.

I'm not doing it out of some idea of this being "how it's supposed to be," but for my own personal desire for it. I will accept any interventions my midwives deem necessary and make my baby and my general well being the priority. I think as long as you understand fully what you're getting into, are educated on the process, and understanding of the fact that every birth experience is different, and therefore may not go according to plan, it's a great option!

mandy903 · August 2015

I had a natural birth with my son and plan to again this time. I never hired a doula but my husband and I talk about how he can support me during labor. He has always been a great labor coach for me. This time I just told him the game plan. Positions I plan to try, counter pressure, him reminding me I am strong and capable. That the pain is only temporary. ..

I had an epidural with my first child and always regretted it. But didn't have a game plan in place that time. My son I used focus on a click at end of bed, deep breathing, humming, and rocking to get through contractions. I did rip some but it was quick and minimal and really not bad pain wise.

nbpa3027 · August 2015

I did not have pain mess with either of my kids. I am a bit of a different case because I have quick labors. With my daughter I needed pitocin and I was stil able to go without pain meds.

This sounds really silly, but for me, there was a point when each contraction wasn't worse than the previous one on the pain scale. They were about the same. So when I went into it with my daughter I tried to remember that at some point it would be more of the same, not infinitely worse.

Contractions also hurt a lot worse when you are tense. I would recommend practicing relaxation techniques. Also, being able to move around helps a lot because lying on the back is actually one of the worst positions to handle contractions. With my daughter, I was hooked up to all the monitors because I was on pitocin and I started to feel really claustrophobic because I couldn't move, which almost caused a panic attack.

Most importantly, go into it with an open mind. You don't have anything to prove to anyone and the biggest priority is to have a healthy baby and mom. Know what you want going into it and have a partner that is aware of your wishes and will be able to advocate for you, but remember that things don't always go according to plan.

strimble26 · August 2015

I am planning my first med free birth after two prior epidural births. I had great epidural experiences with my first two girls and very quick, easy births. I originally began thinking about the fact that with this third baby, due to my history of quick labors, that I may not get an option for an epidural, so I began to educate myself on ways to deal with the pain. After reading several books, I now plan to try for a med free birth no matter how long the labor. This is my last baby and I want to feel this baby come out and not be numb this time. I am reading the Bradley method and plan to use DH as my coach.

QueenWaldorf4 · August 2015

All birth is natural.
I think you're looking for the term med free.

McRad · August 2015

I am planning an unmediated birth for my first. I had found an online class (they also offer in person classes but due to sudden move cross country, we opted for online version) that focuses on med free childbirth. We are in week three and it really focuses on your body, wellbeing, and nutrition prior to baby's arrival. It also has gone into ways of managing pain and being a team, my husband and I, while going through the process. For example, we've discussed ways of rubbing the back for stress and tension relief, relaxation readings to calm the body, using tubs or birth in balls in the birthing center, etc. The class has also talking about the snowball an epidural causes which I had no clue about and was quite shocked at all the aftermath that happens due to having one. It was quite alarming to see the list of stuff that happens after.
I have found such relief knowing it is doable and there are other mamas out there shooting for the same experience.
I have found, too, that talking to other moms about a non medicated birth gets tricky because nine out of ten will say something sly and snarky about that decision. I've decided to not bring it up as I don't want to hear horror stories about their birth and how much pain they were in. Who is to say they prepared for a med free birth...?
But in the end, my husband and I both agree that the ultimate goal is to bring baby and me home safe and sound so if an emergency happens, we will of course listen to the doctors. But just because I'm in pain does not constitute an epidural in my book. My body was built for birthing a child and I want to experience it as 'naturally' as possibly.

cindykinnear · August 2015

I tried to have a birth without meds, but honestly, the pain was too intense. I had horrible back labor, and because I was induced, the contractions were right on top of each other from the get go. With my second, it was exactly the same. So I had epidural with both. I think it's great to have all natural delivery, but if you need the epidural, there's no shame in taking it. I am glad I did because I was actually able to rest for a while before I had to push. I plan on having another epidural with this one just because the others went so well once I got it.

Kbhunter · August 2015

Natural? I can't stand that term for birth.
Yes, the term unmedicated would be correct. :-/

strimble26 · August 2015

McRad said:

I am planning an unmediated birth for my first. I had found an online class (they also offer in person classes but due to sudden move cross country, we opted for online version) that focuses on med free childbirth. We are in week three and it really focuses on your body, wellbeing, and nutrition prior to baby's arrival. It also has gone into ways of managing pain and being a team, my husband and I, while going through the process. For example, we've discussed ways of rubbing the back for stress and tension relief, relaxation readings to calm the body, using tubs or birth in balls in the birthing center, etc. The class has also talking about the snowball an epidural causes which I had no clue about and was quite shocked at all the aftermath that happens due to having one. It was quite alarming to see the list of stuff that happens after. I have found such relief knowing it is doable and there are other mamas out there shooting for the same experience. I have found, too, that talking to other moms about a non medicated birth gets tricky because nine out of ten will say something sly and snarky about that decision. I've decided to not bring it up as I don't want to hear horror stories about their birth and how much pain they were in. Who is to say they prepared for a med free birth...? But in the end, my husband and I both agree that the ultimate goal is to bring baby and me home safe and sound so if an emergency happens, we will of course listen to the doctors. But just because I'm in pain does not constitute an epidural in my book. My body was built for birthing a child and I want to experience it as 'naturally' as possibly.

I have officially quit telling anyone my plan to go med free. I have been met with nothing but cynicism and snark. I haven't even been all gung ho about it when I mention it, I just casually mention that I am going to ATTEMPT med free and the default response is basically telling me "lololol, ok, good luck with that :eye roll:" I am not campaigning against epidurals, hell I have had two of them, I am just trying it different this time. I am not looking for a pat on the back, but was hoping for a bit more encouragement. Doesn't seem to be happening so I will be keeping my mouth shut and be even more motivated to do it without meds so I don't get the "I told you so's"

Nukke · August 2015

I had a med-free birth for my first, and I'm planning on one for my second. I trust my midwives and that they have my best interest at heart, and I know I won't be pushed to speed things along, etc out of convenience for anyone. They really encourage med-free births because they're easier on everyone. If they tell me they think I should get pitocin, it's for a good reason. If they tell me they think I need a C-section, it's for a good reason.

I loved going med-free. Sure labour hurt like a mother fucker, but it's called 'labour' for a reason. After I learned how to cope with my pain, it was a really amazing experience. I knew women from the beginning of time were capable of doing it, and (assuming there were no complications, and the birth was straightforward) I'd be able to do it to. And I did! And I felt like a champion.

Nukke · August 2015

strimble26 said:

McRad said:

I am planning an unmediated birth for my first. I had found an online class (they also offer in person classes but due to sudden move cross country, we opted for online version) that focuses on med free childbirth. We are in week three and it really focuses on your body, wellbeing, and nutrition prior to baby's arrival. It also has gone into ways of managing pain and being a team, my husband and I, while going through the process. For example, we've discussed ways of rubbing the back for stress and tension relief, relaxation readings to calm the body, using tubs or birth in balls in the birthing center, etc. The class has also talking about the snowball an epidural causes which I had no clue about and was quite shocked at all the aftermath that happens due to having one. It was quite alarming to see the list of stuff that happens after. I have found such relief knowing it is doable and there are other mamas out there shooting for the same experience. I have found, too, that talking to other moms about a non medicated birth gets tricky because nine out of ten will say something sly and snarky about that decision. I've decided to not bring it up as I don't want to hear horror stories about their birth and how much pain they were in. Who is to say they prepared for a med free birth...? But in the end, my husband and I both agree that the ultimate goal is to bring baby and me home safe and sound so if an emergency happens, we will of course listen to the doctors. But just because I'm in pain does not constitute an epidural in my book. My body was built for birthing a child and I want to experience it as 'naturally' as possibly.

I have officially quit telling anyone my plan to go med free. I have been met with nothing but cynicism and snark. I haven't even been all gung ho about it when I mention it, I just casually mention that I am going to ATTEMPT med free and the default response is basically telling me "lololol, ok, good luck with that :eye roll:" I am not campaigning against epidurals, hell I have had two of them, I am just trying it different this time. I am not looking for a pat on the back, but was hoping for a bit more encouragement. Doesn't seem to be happening so I will be keeping my mouth shut and be even more motivated to do it without meds so I don't get the "I told you so's"

I'll give you a pat on the back, buddy. Good for you for wanting to give it a try. I hope you're able to do it, I hope it goes fantastic, and then you can blow raspberries at all the people who rolled their eyes at you.

elmann1 · August 2015

I just want to successfully give birth to this baby, I'm easy going if its med-free or not or c-section. Whatever it entails. As long as Baby is healthy and alive at the end, I'm satisfied.

QueenWaldorf4 · August 2015

I find it really sad that people put down any form of giving birth.
In all honesty it's nobody's business but you and your partner.
I wish all you mommas the best of luck with your unmedicated births! Just remember if things in your birthing plan need to be tweaked for the safety of yourself or your lo you are still a badass!

J1D · August 2015

For the record, I personally take a slight- just slight so no big deal- offense to phrases like "we all get scared of the pain of labor so we automatically jump to getting an epidural (which I did for the first 5 months) and numbing the pain that we are made to endure". Nope, not true. I'm not scared of the pain of labor and have no intentions of automatically jumping on or for anything. Also I don't think I'm being MADE to endure anything. No, I don't LIKE pain and I'm not all "yippee! Time to rip open my vagina! I hope I tear!" But I'm not scared of child birth either.
As pp pointed out, all childbirth is natural but yes I plan to start out with a med free birth. But, since the only real goal of childbirth is to get the baby out with the baby and mama healthy and safe at the end, I am flexible and open to go with the flow and if I end up wanting an epidural or all the drugs then so be it. As a first time mom I have no idea what my tolerances are so I'll have to kind of figure it out as I go along. My very loose plan is to start med free and use the labor tub and then do what we need to do to get my baby out safely.
If an unmedicated birth sounds good to you, go for it!!! My different mama friends have had every kind of labor and birth ranging from unmedicated home birth to in the hospital scheduled c section with all drugs and it all just depends on what works the best for you and what your body and baby need to get through labor and delivery safely

komorebi · August 2015

This will be my third homebirth, fourth unmedicated birth. My experiences have each been unique but good. I'm hoping for another quick labor. It doesn't make it easier, but once it's over it's over so short and sweet is the goal. Lol.

If you do classes look for one that helps you with your goals. There are tons of great books out there childbirth without fear, birthing from within, Ina mays guide to childbirth are a few i love.

Nukke · August 2015

komorebi said:

This will be my third homebirth, fourth unmedicated birth. My experiences have each been unique but good. I'm hoping for another quick labor. It doesn't make it easier, but once it's over it's over so short and sweet is the goal. Lol. If you do classes look for one that helps you with your goals. There are tons of great books out there childbirth without fear, birthing from within, Ina mays guide to childbirth are a few i love.

My favourite of those was Birthing From Within

doe2813 · August 2015

@brittanispears No just my daughters father and my mom were in the room with me.

valerierose15 · August 2015

For those that are still offering snark and cynicism, I recommend watching "The Business of Being Born" and reading "Childbirth Without Fear."

jefinley1 · August 2015

@valerierose15 I didn't get a read on any snark or cynicism in this thread, so I hope you're talking about others we might come into contact with. I think everyone has had great insight, and offered a healthy dose of realism.

I'm not sure I could get members of my family to watch a whole movie in order to try to relate to my experience, let alone read a book, but I am very comfortable talking about my decision even if people are skeptical. I try to gently educate, but people are going to think what they want, and it isn't my job to change their minds. I don't really care! It's not like they're passing out medals for not getting meds. At the end we should all just have happy, healthy babies regardless, and hopefully a sense of peace at having made the decisions that work best for us.

Nukke · August 2015

doe2813 said:
I had both of my DD natural with no pain meds or epidural. Going into labor I was still set not having any meds and I had a great support system that reminded me when I felt like I couldn't do it that I could. The nurses were very pushy at times and even tried to encourage me to have a epidural and I'm so glad I didn't. Both of my labors only lasted less then 4 hours from the time my water broke till they were delivered so I don't know if the short labors made it easier not to have meds or if not having meds made my labor shorter. I plan on doing the same with this LO. Go in with a positive attitude that you can do it and make sure your support system knows what you want.

This x 1000. The hardest part of labour for me wasn't the pain, it was psychologically dealing with the pain when you're in your most vulnerable state. During labour not a single person-even once-mentioned an epidural to me. I knew they existed and didn't need the reminder. I gave DH the tools I knew I'd need to keep me focussed and motivated. The contractions were hard, but between them he said to me "just take them one at a time" because between contractions I felt completely fine-no pain at all. He said to "breathe down to our baby" during contractions which relaxed me significantly and helped me focus on our little one instead of my pain. And my midwife constantly told me how great I was doing. More than anything you need a genuinely supportive group of people around you to do it. It's such a psychological battle and is never felt so vulnerable and simultaneously powerful in all my life.

bishopgn · August 2015

I had an amazing natural birth last time and only hope I can again this time. Go for it, leave your mind open to all options and I bet you'll be successful

baconlady · August 2015

Different circumstances require different methods sometimes and it can end up being out of our control. I agree with the pp's no form of birth should be frowned upon or lesser than the other. In the end healthy baby and mom are the ultimate goal. Good luck with your desired choice and I hope it works out for ya! We are all superwomen and pregnancy and labor are not always easy!

tbasinski · August 2015

I plan to give birth naturally. With an epidural. I would love to know how someone gives birth unnaturally

I have zero fear of the pain of childbirth. I just simply don't see the point of being in pain unnecessarily. If I have a headache, I take pain medicine. Heartburn? Take meds. So for me it seems the logical thing to have an epidural. But for those who chose not to- good for you for having the type of birth that you want!!!

leah665 · August 2015

I'm a FTM, however I've been exposed to midwifery and low intervention and unmedicated births since I was little. My mom had all of us at home, and she even practiced as a midwife for a short time.

Having a low intervention birth has always been important for me and this far I have been lucky to have a low-risk pregnancy. So, I am going the unmedicated route. I believe our bodies are made for this and women have been doing it for thousands of years.

leighann1 · August 2015

tbasinski said:

I plan to give birth naturally. With an epidural. I would love to know how someone gives birth unnaturally I have zero fear of the pain of childbirth. I just simply don't see the point of being in pain unnecessarily. If I have a headache, I take pain medicine. Heartburn? Take meds. So for me it seems the logical thing to have an epidural. But for those who chose not to- good for you for having the type of birth that you want!!!

THIS!!!

Srhbgr · August 2015

strimble26 said:

McRad said:

I am planning an unmediated birth for my first. I had found an online class (they also offer in person classes but due to sudden move cross country, we opted for online version) that focuses on med free childbirth. We are in week three and it really focuses on your body, wellbeing, and nutrition prior to baby's arrival. It also has gone into ways of managing pain and being a team, my husband and I, while going through the process. For example, we've discussed ways of rubbing the back for stress and tension relief, relaxation readings to calm the body, using tubs or birth in balls in the birthing center, etc. The class has also talking about the snowball an epidural causes which I had no clue about and was quite shocked at all the aftermath that happens due to having one. It was quite alarming to see the list of stuff that happens after.
I have found such relief knowing it is doable and there are other mamas out there shooting for the same experience.
I have found, too, that talking to other moms about a non medicated birth gets tricky because nine out of ten will say something sly and snarky about that decision. I've decided to not bring it up as I don't want to hear horror stories about their birth and how much pain they were in. Who is to say they prepared for a med free birth...?
But in the end, my husband and I both agree that the ultimate goal is to bring baby and me home safe and sound so if an emergency happens, we will of course listen to the doctors. But just because I'm in pain does not constitute an epidural in my book. My body was built for birthing a child and I want to experience it as 'naturally' as possibly.

I have officially quit telling anyone my plan to go med free. I have been met with nothing but cynicism and snark. I haven't even been all gung ho about it when I mention it, I just casually mention that I am going to ATTEMPT med free and the default response is basically telling me "lololol, ok, good luck with that :eye roll:" I am not campaigning against epidurals, hell I have had two of them, I am just trying it different this time. I am not looking for a pat on the back, but was hoping for a bit more encouragement. Doesn't seem to be happening so I will be keeping my mouth shut and be even more motivated to do it without meds so I don't get the "I told you so's"

Yes! Just found out that one of my friends has been giggling with everyone behind my back, saying things like, "I wonder how loudly she'll be screaming for that epidural when she's 8cm." Really that doesn't bother me, what bothers me is that she has one kid, it was an 18 hour labor because he was stuck, she had an epidural that failed and they had to put her under and do an emergency c section. THAT IS HER ONLY POINT OF REFERENCE!

adriennerose80 · August 2015

Srhbgr said:

McRad said:

I am planning an unmediated birth for my first. I had found an online class (they also offer in person classes but due to sudden move cross country, we opted for online version) that focuses on med free childbirth. We are in week three and it really focuses on your body, wellbeing, and nutrition prior to baby's arrival. It also has gone into ways of managing pain and being a team, my husband and I, while going through the process. For example, we've discussed ways of rubbing the back for stress and tension relief, relaxation readings to calm the body, using tubs or birth in balls in the birthing center, etc. The class has also talking about the snowball an epidural causes which I had no clue about and was quite shocked at all the aftermath that happens due to having one. It was quite alarming to see the list of stuff that happens after. I have found such relief knowing it is doable and there are other mamas out there shooting for the same experience. I have found, too, that talking to other moms about a non medicated birth gets tricky because nine out of ten will say something sly and snarky about that decision. I've decided to not bring it up as I don't want to hear horror stories about their birth and how much pain they were in. Who is to say they prepared for a med free birth...? But in the end, my husband and I both agree that the ultimate goal is to bring baby and me home safe and sound so if an emergency happens, we will of course listen to the doctors. But just because I'm in pain does not constitute an epidural in my book. My body was built for birthing a child and I want to experience it as 'naturally' as possibly.

I have officially quit telling anyone my plan to go med free. I have been met with nothing but cynicism and snark. I haven't even been all gung ho about it when I mention it, I just casually mention that I am going to ATTEMPT med free and the default response is basically telling me "lololol, ok, good luck with that :eye roll:" I am not campaigning against epidurals, hell I have had two of them, I am just trying it different this time. I am not looking for a pat on the back, but was hoping for a bit more encouragement. Doesn't seem to be happening so I will be keeping my mouth shut and be even more motivated to do it without meds so I don't get the "I told you so's"
Yes! Just found out that one of my friends has been giggling with everyone behind my back, saying things like, "I wonder how loudly she'll be screaming for that epidural when she's 8cm." Really that doesn't bother me, what bothers me is that she has one kid, it was an 18 hour labor because he was stuck, she had an epidural that failed and they had to put her under and do an emergency c section. THAT IS HER ONLY POINT OF REFERENCE!

It's annoying. And you never know what's going to happen. My mom had all three of us unmedicated and there isn't a legal drug she met and didn't like. It just so happened she wanted to try it without an epidural and it worked each time. Then there is my friend who wanted to be as "natural" and "free" as possible - and then labor happened and all of that went out the window. If you want the drugs, great. If you don't want them, great. I really wish people stopped caring or using their experiences as a reason for why people have to do what they did.

cassiemcroy · August 2015

I'm planning on having a non medicated home birth and I couldn't be more excited! I think women's bodies were made for this and it's a very empowering experience... That being said I have NO clue how my labor will actually be and all i really care about at the end of the day is to be healthy and my baby to be healthy. I hate the people who try and tell you there's no way you can do it without medicine, cause there is and it's been done thousands of times before me, but there's no shame in getting medicine. I hope I'm able to handle it and not have medicine (just cause I really want this baby at home and think it's such an awesome way to give birth) BUT if I can't, i really don't care as long as I have my baby.

stephneejune · August 2015

Kbhunter said:
Natural? I can't stand that term for birth.
Yes, the term unmedicated would be correct. :-/

She is a new mom. Cut her some slack with jargon. We all understood what she meant.

AmyB421 · August 2015

stephneejune said:

Kbhunter said:
Natural? I can't stand that term for birth.
Yes, the term unmedicated would be correct. :-/
She is a new mom. Cut her some slack with jargon. We all understood what she meant.

Many other people on here are new moms as well and may be offended by the idea that their birth is considered unnatural because it involves medication.

komorebi · August 2015

@AmyB421 that would be silly though. I have said it before and I'll say it again, i prefer the term unmedicated because i know it gets the med people upset, but when the people who are overwhelming supported by the system want to get their panties in a bunch over phrasing, i can't help but roll my eyes.

@Nukke i agree. It's hard work but i can't imagine doing it any other way unless it was necessary. You'd think after several births id be totally good with prep,but i still have to get my head wrapped around it each time. I'm excited but hopeful that he'll be good to his mama!

AmyB421 · August 2015

@komorebi I agree with you but it appears we have to support everyone on everything or people get upset and then people get banned

Luccie · August 2015

I do not understand the PC parade around the use of the word "natural" in reference to childbirth. There is nothing wrong with doing things in a more medical way rather than naturally. I started this pregnancy open to having an elective c-section or epidural. And, I never considered either of these options natural because there is nothing natural about having pain numbing medication inserted into my back through a needle during childbirth. Nor is there anything natural about having a doctor perform medical surgery to extract the baby out of my baby. That's okay. Not everything in modern life is still "natural." Webster defines natural as "existing in nature and not made or caused by people . . . not having any extra substances or chemicals added."

With this definition in mind, I am failing to see how an epidural birth is on its face natural childbirth. Medical interventions are by their very definition un-natural. There is nothing wrong with that, but we should not have to bend definitions to make insecure women feel better about themselves. A lot of things are not natural. I do plenty of things that are not natural. But, I do not feel the need to make people who choose to do things naturally to stop using the term "natural" to make me feel better about myself. Of course, childbirth is unpredictable and with the evolution of modern medicine in the U.S., most women do not choose natural childbirth. Good for them. But there is no need to pounce on someone for using the term natural. Be happy about your choice to do things less naturally. You are still a mother, and it is still okay. But, you shouldn't require people to complete PC semantics to spare your feelings.

Rikki_5 · August 2015

I was originally going to go unmedicated, but now I am reconsidering. My thought is if I tear down there because it's my first and I'm not medicated, i.e. -- epidural, then I'll have to get a shot down there anyway and I'd rather not feel that. I'd rather not feel any of the "repair." I wish I was my husband and could just be the support person!! lol

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