Is anyone else planning an all natural no epidural birth?

AshleyGemini24 · February 2016

Everyone else thinks I'm absolutely crazy for planning to deliver Peanut without an epidural. But the way I see it, women have been birthing babies for centuries with out the aide of pain killers. I know there is no harm to the baby from an epidural. I'd still like to keep the birth as natural as possible.
Is anyone else planning to do the same.

Paturkey · February 2016

Yup. I think I'll probably do the same thing I did with DS - labored on my own (walking and on a ball) until I hit transition and couldn't take it anymore at which point I started gas & air (not sure if they do this much in the US, it's very common in the UK. It's nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and you inhale it as the contraction starts and then breathe regularly once the contraction passes). It was just enough to take the edge off. I also did prenatal yoga my entire pregnancy so had spent months and months practicing my breathing which helped a lot. Just like the BF discussion though, I'll add that I'm #teamgivebirthhoweveryoudamnwellplease. If you decide you want an epidural, do it. Mama's choice all the way.

PrimRoseMama · February 2016

I prefer the term "med free". Unless you are birthing an alien, almost all birth is natural. It can be hurtful for those that have had circumstances beyond their control dictate a section or epidural. I'm not criticizing you, personally. I've just seen that train of thought go to hurtful places on my last two BMB.

Anywho, I've done one med free & one almost med-free (epi at 9cm). I don't think it's crazy at all. You have to see how it goes for you as an individual. I got lucky in that labor didn't make me vomit, or have other side effects that can make med free unpleasant.

I am going to see how far I get with this baby. I am leaning towards the epi this time though. However, I progress quickly usually. So, if I have a labor like my daughter (4 hours) then I will just kick it old school.

Two of my med-free friends suggested hypnobirthing, but there is also The Bradley Method. I figure to heck with all the methods-- cursing like a sailor & being a terror worked pretty well last time, lol. I might see if I can keep my wits about me and not verbally abuse the staff this time.

Paturkey · February 2016

Agree with @PrimRoseMama about the terminology. Med-free is a more accurate description. (Or even for the title just drop the "all natural" part of it and leave "no epidural" as that's really what you mean, I think). Some would say that having gas and air doesn't count as med-free and that's true in the purest sense. But it really doesn't matter how anyone classes your birth, as long as you and baby come out of it healthy that's what matters.

PrimRoseMama · February 2016

@Paturkey : I'm not sure if we have the gas option here? I'm in Texas, and I've never been offered. I'd take it if it was an option though!!

moquat · February 2016

I'm strongly considering this option. Need to educate myself more.

Paturkey · February 2016

@PrimRoseMama I loved it! When I tried it earlier in labor I couldn't do it because it felt like I was suffocating (you need to really pull on the regulator with your breath) but as soon as I was in transition I could do it no problem. It would be a couple breaths gas through the contraction, then back to breathing normally. I think the medical name (probably branded gas or something) for it here is Entonox (?) so maybe ask your maternity unit about it. I also only labored for 2.5 hours so it's unlikely I'd have time for much more than this with my second LO!

Hillzy30 · February 2016

Nope. I had a c-section with DD and will probably do the same with this one.

SuperNerd42 · February 2016

I went epi free with my daughter and I plan to do the same again. It wasn't the original plan, but I moved from 2 cm to 8 1/2 too fast for the anesthesiologist to get there! In the end I was really happy with my labor and delivery so I'm aiming for that again, but with the epi waiting in the wings. At least that's my plan, we'll see what the baby has in mind

krzyriver · February 2016

I would love to, but someone told me that you have to have a c section if you have HPV. Which I *might* have?? An OBGYN told me I had it once, but they were filling in for my regular doc, so I don't know if I have it or if they just assumed I did because I had abnormal paps. And I always forget to ask my regular OBGYN.

Anyone know if that's true that you have to have a c section if you have HPV?

gherkins · February 2016

I plan on a med-free vbac this time around. I wanted a med-free birth last time, but DD was taken via section due to pre-e and IUGR. I am driving over an hour to be seen at a practice that has an 82% vbac success rate, - which is almost unheard of - have hired a doula already, and plan to do everything I can to succeed.

mrskratt · February 2016

I am "planning" a med free birth, but this is how my last one went:
labored at home for as long as possible, went in at 5cm dilated. Labored for 9 hours at the hospital and then pushed for 3 hours. No joke. My contractions started to get further apart, and the babies heart rate started to drop. I was forced into an urgent c-section after 24 hours of completely med free laboring. My daughter was completely jammed into my pubic bone and they had to get on top of me to yank her out. It was awful.
That being said, I NEVER want a c-section again. It was a horrible expierence for me. It was a long recovery and I so desperately want that med-free, euphoric birthing experience. Weird, I know

von1976 · February 2016

FTM here who is considering NB with no epidural. My husband thinks I'm nuts. Some of our friends have done it (by choice), so I feel like it can be done. I plan to make my "ideal" birth plan and then roll with it if something changes. I would like to avoid an epidural at all costs, however--a needle in my spine and the possibility of nerve damages scares me more than tearing (which is pretty horrific in itself).

LizaKate1213 · February 2016

@krzyriver that is not true. Here is the basic webmd link regarding hpv and pregnancy/childbirth.

https://www.m.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-pregnancy

I am not sure what I am planning yet. I had a perfect epidural birth with DS...muscle control remained intact and I was numb only in all the right places. I know the chances of getting that again are low. I also have learned about hypnobirthing and the Bradley method since then and am interested in learning more.

aggiefrau08 · February 2016

I would like to go as long as possible without the epidural this time since it stalled my previous two labors and both boys' birth weights were subsequently artificially inflated by all the IV fluids I got. I know I'm going to want it eventually, though, so it won't be completely med-free. I don't really care about med-free so much as trying to keep it from looking like the baby's lost more weight than they have and the doctors freaking out on me.

krzyriver · February 2016

@LizaKate1213 Thanks! I had tried to do some internet searching, but it's hard on my phone. I still need to check with my doctor about it, but it's a relief to know that it can't affect the baby if I do have it.

emmaaa · February 2016

I'm a FTM and keeping going back and forth. Ideally, I would love to do a med-free birth, but i'm going to leave my options open.

jeng100 · February 2016

With my daughter I wanted to do Med free. I took hypno birthing classes (which is awesome for anyone wanting to go that route). I labored for 9 hours, when they said I needed pitocin. I labored another 4 hours then before I caved and asked for an epi. After 26 hours of labor and no progression they sent me for a c section. Apparently my pubic bone has an extra lip on it making it hard for my cervix to dilate all the way. They said there's a pretty solid chance it would be the same outcome this time too. So, I'll likely be having a planned c section. But I really wanted Med free. If anyone is planning on it I highly recommend hypno birthing classes!

gherkins · February 2016

Oh, Jeng100, you should look into a gentle or family centered ceasarean! I if a repeat is required for me, that is my plan. It is very mommy friendly, best for baby, and generally leads to a better birthing experience!

kmtz89 · February 2016

I am 95% sure I will go med-free. Honestly I'm pretty sure here in Tanzania they rarely do epidurals anyway. Not to mention I know the specific story of one child in our orphanage whose mother died after they placed the epidural too high and paralyzed her lungs. I will not be giving birth at that same hospital but that still terrifies me.
So mostly, my choices are limited, hah.

DoubleAteam · February 2016

I don't think I will do an epidural unless its an emergency of course. I am not sure about going completely med free last time I had G Strep so I had to be on antibiotics for 4 hours before I could even really start having him, so things moved along slowy and my contractions of course got stronger and had less and less breaks between them so I ended up in the end having 2 doses of pain meds in my IV they only last maybe 10-15mins and only dulled the pain, but I was exhausted and was desperate, and shaky from how bad the pain was.

housewifehobbyist · February 2016

I'm also planning on a med free birth, but leaving my options open. I want the freedom to move/walk around as much as possible before transition, and I like the idea of being able to change my birthing position depending on what feels "right" but if something goes wrong or if the pain is more than I can handle I will go with the meds.

2015dee · February 2016

@emmaaa - I feel similarly to you. I'm also a FTM. I'm leaning towards an epi, but I am open to a med-free birth if I feel comfortable with it in the moment. I'm just trying to be open to different possibilities and probably won't decide until I'm in the moment (which I'm thinking definitely means I'll have an epi--ha!).

JamieK1882 · February 2016

@krzyriver I actually JUST taught about this in my class yesterday! Approx. 25-30% have HPV, and <0.1% of babies are affected. It's only dangerous if there are active lesions in the birth canal during labor and delivery (in which case a csection should be done). Usually the doctor will put you on prophylactic antiviral therapy in your 3rd trimester to prevent this.

mommy2owl · February 2016

As long as all is well I plan to have an unmedicated hospital birth. I had placenta accreta with my first and if it's not seen before hand with this one and I end up with it, I'd rather be in the hospital. Otherwise I'd go with a birthing center or home birth. The hospital I chose has birthing tubs so that's my plan for now, but I'm truly just going to relax and roll with whatever needs to happen.

kateleap · February 2016

I'm going to prepare for a med-free birth--especially because so much of the med-free language (Ina May style) is so empowering, it's actually really helping me to manage any labor anxieties. I'm also looking into Bradley Method classes--has anyone here done those before? I'm definitely in the "roll with it" camp when it comes to day-of--I just figure the more prepared I can be, the better I'll feel!

mrskratt · February 2016

kateleap said:

I'm going to prepare for a med-free birth--especially because so much of the med-free language (Ina May style) is so empowering, it's actually really helping me to manage any labor anxieties. I'm also looking into Bradley Method classes--has anyone here done those before? I'm definitely in the "roll with it" camp when it comes to day-of--I just figure the more prepared I can be, the better I'll feel!

First, I LOVE Ina May!
Second, my husband and I did a Bradley Method Class and we both loved it. Not only was it super informational, but we learned great techniques and my husband learned how to be the absolute best coach during labor. He was incredible. I highly recommend it.

krzyriver · February 2016

@JamieK1882 Thank you for the info! I've never had a problem with lesions, so hopefully I won't have to worry about that. But I'll be sure to discuss it with my doctor. If I do have it and there's a treatment to help prevent lesions, I definitely want to take precautions. I'd much rather have a vaginal, med free birth if possible.

SuperKristy85 · February 2016

Im a FTM and I would like to have a medfree birth but it does scare me. Although, I think I am equally scared of that epi! That gas and air method sounds pretty wonderful, I wish we had that here but I have never heard of it before!

PeggyOlsonFTW · February 2016

My plan is the same as last time: labor as long as possible sans-epi, get one if I need it and get the baby out in the safest way possible. If I end up with a csection, so be it.

With DS, I ended up getting an epi around 6cm I think because it just got too painful with the pitocin. It wasn't unmanageable, but it was nighttime and I needed to sleep and rest up for pushing. I couldn't do that without the epi. I was glad I got it. I pushed for four hours and ended up needing a csection because DS was just too big and not positioned correctly to get through.

My advice is to not get too caught up in a birth plan or feeling like you absolutely must go med-free. Lots of births don't go according to plan and the last thing you want is to feel uber-disappointed with your birth experience because you really wanted one thing and ended up with another. I know lots of women who've beaten themselves up because they ended up with a csection or an epi and didn't want to.

gherkins · February 2016

There's nothing wrong with being disappointed that your birth didn't go the way you planned. I was disappointed when my first ended up being a section, but that didn't make me any less happy to have her. Birthing naturally, if you've prepared for it, is often an incredibly empowering experience, and it comes with a number of benefits for mom and baby. It's possible to be simultaneously overjoyed at the birth of your child and disappointed in the manner of their arrival.

blaf322 · February 2016

Eek... You girls are more brave than I am! So impressed with you all! My whimpy butt will be taking the epi ASAP

cbamama641 · February 2016

Nope, I've delivered one baby without an epidural and I have no desire to ever do it again!

artcheese · February 2016

My plan is similar to @PeggyOlsonFTW 's. With DS I was GBS+ so they wouldn't check me before the epidural. I ended up getting it at 4cm and was disappointed because I really wanted to make it to 6cm.

At at some point you just think, whatever needs to be done to get this baby out is okay with me.

Also, it really should be changed to med free and not natural.

PeggyOlsonFTW · February 2016

gherkins said:

There's nothing wrong with being disappointed that your birth didn't go the way you planned. I was disappointed when my first ended up being a section, but that didn't make me any less happy to have her. Birthing naturally, if you've prepared for it, is often an incredibly empowering experience, and it comes with a number of benefits for mom and baby. It's possible to be simultaneously overjoyed at the birth of your child and disappointed in the manner of their arrival.

I assume you're referring to what I wrote. There's a major difference between "Oh man. I'm a little sad I didn't get my water birth/no epi/home birth/whatever kind of birth. I guess I'll just have to try again next time." And "OMG. My baby had a horrible start to life because I failed him/her and couldn't have the perfect birth I planned out." The latter, IMHO is a dangerous reaction and can lead to feelings of failure and depression. None of which is good for a new mom. That's what I was referring to.

cd92007 · February 2016

We did Bradley Method classes and I prepared myself to labor without medication. I'm so glad I did the classes because I was SO well informed. I would have definitely been induced had it not been for Bradley Method.. instead of induction I requested to just keep having my membranes stripped every day and that ended up working! However, labor was really fast and furious for me... my water broke and then the contractions came one on top of each other. I couldn't stay on top of them and couldn't relax (relaxation is key), so I ended up getting the epidural... I'll just say I'm so glad I did

nsquaredlife13 · February 2016

This subject actually makes me want to cry--I'm telling you, motherhood opens you raw and the emotions are stronger than ever. I wanted so badly to have a "natural" aka med free birth for DS. I'm very much a Type-A person, who needs to have a plan for everything. DH and I took Bradley Method classes, which I highly highly recommend for anyone looking to go med free. We watched videos and videos and videos showing so many different birth scenarios. I was pumped and we were prepared. I spent 36 weeks of my pregnancy in the mental state that I would be able to do this no drugs, no medical intervention birth, despite the fact that I was high-risk for pre-E. I took my prenatals, did my yoga classes, practiced labor poses... I did everything I could possibly imagine to prepare myself for game time.

At my 36 week appointment, I was told my little guy was Breech. I was so disheartened, and I felt so stupid for thinking that way because he was still healthy and I was still lucky. I suspected for a while he was breech, because I could feel a big buldge against my right ribs, but no one said anything. I had to have ultrasounds every 4 weeks throughout my entire pregnancy, but no one said anything. My midwife pulled all my ultrasounds and it turned out my little boy had been breech since about 24 weeks. He had actually been in the exact same spot at every US since 24 weeks. "There's still a chance he could flip!" I kept telling myself this. I went to spinning babies and read about every method there was, and we tried it all. I went into the icy cold swimming pool in early december to do somersaults, which supposedly helps a baby turn. I burned moxibustion. I went to a new chiropractor whose specialty was the Webster Technique -- a method known for helping babies turn.

My midwife had to pass me onto an obstetrician, because it was the hospital's policy that a breech baby be delivered via Cesarean. I NEVER planned for a CS. It was not a possibility because I was going to have a med-free birth. I was offered an ECV (external cephallic version, or version) at 37 weeks and told that if LO doesn't turn, then I have to have a CS at 38 weeks. This enraged me and motivated me to get my little boy to turn. I went to the hopsital and checked in for my ECV. They prep you as if you're going to go into labor, as it is actually a risk with the ECV. HOLY HELL it was the most pain I have ever felt in my life. It hurt, but I let the OB try for a few more minutes. Eventually I cried uncle. My little guy was not moving. They kept pushing CS at 38 weeks and I kept telling them no. I wanted him to cook for the full 40 weeks, or come when he was ready. My OB offered to perform 1 more ECV a few days later, and I was crazy enough to agree. My little boy was stubborn, and would not move. I felt defeated. I cried and cried and cried. I kept doing all the home techniques and somehow managed to convince my midwife to convince the OB to let me go to full term. I was having some BH contractions and the OB was convinced I'd go into labor early, but he agreed to let me go to 40+1.

The morning of my CS, 1 day after my EDD, there was still no action in the labor department. I went into the hospital, still emotional but insanely excited to meet my little boy. He was still breech, so we went ahead with the CS. My doula still attended, even though there was nothing for her to do. It was the most amazing day of my life. I was so emotionally charged, and felt so relieved to have my little guy in my arms. I wouldn't change it for the world, but I still have some emotions over the idea that things didn't go as planned. To some it may not seem like that big of a deal, but to me it was something I never planned for and I felt like it came out of nowhere. Obviously the most important thing was that my baby was earthside, happy and healthy and I was in 1 piece. That could NEVER be a bad thing.

I guess my point is, even if you're planning for 100% med free... always have a plan B. Always be prepared for multiple scenarios. Have your birth plan ready to go, your Doula and significant other prepared to act, but keep in mind that your baby could have a different plan. Things don't always go the way we want, and that is totally OK. The most important thing to focus on is getting your tiny love earth side, safe, healthy and happy.

ETA: Oh yeah, the point of this thread. I'm going to plan again for a med free birth. My OB stitched me up right so I could have a vaginal birth the next round, and my midwife and hospital are all VBAC friendly. But I'm also planning for a CS should things not go our way.

cbamama641 · February 2016

I will also say that with my first son, my plan easy to have no plan at all. Which was good because my induction was long, drawn out, and extremely painful. I'm glad that I wasn't set on med free or anything like that because it just wasn't happening. With my second I kind of fell into med free and it hadn't been a planned out process. Things just started moving quickly and after his birth I felt completely shell shocked. My sweet guy was in pain because he came quickly and his shoulders got a little stuck and we were both just like "WTF happened?!". I don't think it's crazy to go med free, but it's just not for me!

babyblues3 · February 2016

I have had two med-free births. One in a hospital and one at a birth center. It is very hard but in the end well worth it. In fact the birth center was great because I had DD in the morning and was home by dinner time.

This time around we are planning a home birth. I am still a little nervous because there is always the what ifs but feel comfortable with the midwives ability to be able to identify a problem.

AshleyGemini24 · February 2016

Really enjoyed reading all your Comments. And although we are planning a med free birth. I totally understand that plans change. And although this is my prefered birthing place , I am already determined that whatever has to be done to deliver Peanut safely will be done.

JCWhitey · February 2016

#1 was med free and intervention free. I only had a five hour labor and contractions for only three. It was amazing. I looooved going med free and not even getting an IV put in. Recovery was super easy, too.

#2... Had issues. 2 months of PTL where I spent a total of six nights in the hospital. Then my water broke at exactly 37 weeks so I thought I was good... Nope. I spent 2.5 hours in labor strapped to a gurney in the back of an ambulance and was pretty much having a mental breakdown and panic attack by the time I got to the hospital. That epi was AMAZING!!! It calmed me and she was born 30 minute later.

Depending on how this labor goes I will try for med free again, but that epi was awesome. If it weren't for the back pain and back spasms I experienced for 9 months after I'd get an epi again in a heartbeat.

Want a personalized experience?

Is anyone else planning an all natural no epidural birth?

Re: Is anyone else planning an all natural no epidural birth?

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013

Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014

Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013

Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014

Choose Another Board

Search Boards