I loved my med free birth with DD3, and also highly recommend the Bradley Method. Having DH as labor coach was one of the most beautiful and intimate experiences. Of course it was painful, but feeling my and DDs bodies work together to get her into the world was incredible. While the process was an amazing and out of body experience, the real magic is just seeing your baby for the first time which happens regardless of how baby comes into the world. I had an epi with both Dd1 and 2, and meeting their sweet faces was no less special than it was with DD3.
D&E 2/08/2008 DD1 7/31/2008 DD2 6/16/2010 DD3 5/10/2012 IUD surprise pregnancy/MC 2015 Little Rainbow Due 10/2/2016
I'm planning on trying for an epidural free birth, but I'm not going to get prideful about it to the point of silliness. This is my first baby, so I feel like I can't just say like, "I'm gonna be a warrior woman and go for it no doubts whatsoever." I'm going to try, I have labor support planned, I hope to be able to take some classes if we can afford it, but my main goal is what's best for baby and me. I'm having all my care done with CNMs so I'm happy about that and I feel like that helps.
PeggyOlsonFTW That's exactly the kind of situation I would anticipate me having an epidural. If I just stopped progressing and ended up needing pitocin, an epidural seems like the best thing for both me and baby. If you hold out on getting an epidural just for the principle of it and are so exhausted and mentally insane by pushing time, that's definitely no good for you and baby.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. It's so humbling as a first timer to read a story like yours where you very openly discuss the struggles but also the very real fact that we aren't in control of absolutely everything, and that you're not a less good mother regardless!
DS #1 was an induction on my due date. Opted for IV meds at about 4cm but never once got the Epi. I had back to back doses so I was extremely loopy and woozy, definitely NOT enjoyable. DS #2 was a week late and I walked at home as much as I could and when I got to the hospital I was already 7cm. Made it to 8cm but the pain became too much, so I asked for a very small dose of IV meds this time. I was alert and happy I didn't have those same feelings as the last time!
For this one, I want no medical intervention whatsoever. Since I'm in training to be a doula, it only makes sense that I "walk the walk" too.
Mommy to Gabriel (12) and Isaiah (10) and Step-Mommy to Danely (17), Diego (9) and Leo (4). Trained doula going for certification!
I'm planning on med free birth (if everything goes well!). My husband really wanted us to have our first child in a hospital (for safety reasons), I wanted something more low key. So we compromised and found a birthing center two blocks from the hospital that offers a meds free birthing experience and is a lot more personal and hands on.
Married: 9/1/14 TTC: 1/1/16 Found out we were expecting baby #1!: 2/12/16 Baby "Lefty" due: 10/26/16
My first was frank breech, and they scheduled a version for 38 weeks. Well, after my shower and after I had unwrapped every gift from the boxes/plastic liners, my water broke at 37 weeks. I should have known how stubborn DD would be then lol.
Anywho, my water broke with DS at 36+6, and we went ahead with another c/s. And my new OB will not entertain a VBAC, and I'm not inclined to push for it (see what I did there?). I'll stick with what I know.
Me! I am trying for a vac, and want as little intervention as possible to succeed! I am planning on doing hypnobabies to help with pain management and relaxing during labor. I got an epidural with my first, and it stopped working effectively an hour or 2 after it was given. I couldn't move my legs but still felt all of my contractions. Not worth it to try again!
I went epi-free the second time around, because I was determined for multiple reasons. Everyone thought I was crazy too, and MH was not really on board and therefore wasn't much help when it came time. The biggest piece of advice I always give is to have a support person- that is a MUST. Whether it's your SO, family member, or a doula. I will not be doing it again unless I just don't have time to get the epi, in which case it's a fast labor which would be okay too. Also, all of my friends planned to go med-free, and for different reasons ended up not. So have a flexible plan/don't get down on yourself if it doesn't work out. My bump-friends were actually a big inspiration in helping me be successful though.
Not to sound snarky but does it even matter if we're talking about a hospital birth?!! Its not like a hospital delivery floor is a stage where everyone can watch, or a home birth without an anesthesiologist! It's easy enough to have a full on epidural then lie and say ya didn't! Again totally dont mean to sound super snarky, it's just that the "au natural" stuff ends up sounding super super judgy. At the end of the day-- forget pain!! A truly natural birth involves giving birth like its the year 1600!!!!! If baby gets stuck, it's all over! (Among other things)
No natural doesn't mean it's 1600. Natural means a variety of things to different mommas, as clarified earlier. Also that comment was incredibly insensitive to those who have suffered infant loss in spite of a med free birth plans and/or all the medical technology available.
alysie89 said:
No natural doesn't mean it's 1600. Natural means a variety of things to different mommas, as clarified earlier. Also that comment was incredibly insensitive to those who have suffered infant loss in spite of a med free birth plans and/or all the medical technology available.
What are you saying? This is pretty much the judgement I was talking about. Your bringing losses is interesting as well. Thank you for reminding me why I left the bump before, after my own loss.
Not to sound snarky but does it even matter if we're talking about a hospital birth?!! Its not like a hospital delivery floor is a stage where everyone can watch, or a home birth without an anesthesiologist! It's easy enough to have a full on epidural then lie and say ya didn't! Again totally dont mean to sound super snarky, it's just that the "au natural" stuff ends up sounding super super judgy. At the end of the day-- forget pain!! A truly natural birth involves giving birth like its the year 1600!!!!! If baby gets stuck, it's all over! (Among other things)
just venting!
It's already been mentioned that the prefered term is "med free" and many people in this thread have been using that. We are not discussing things just to lie about them? I'm not sure what you are trying to get at with your comment, these are women discussing their experiences and their hopes and encouraging each other. It is not that one is trying to out-do another by claiming to be superwoman or anything by not having an epidural.
So again, I'm not really sure you understand the point of this thread.
As well as saying natural birth is when things go wrong and it's all over, is really disheartening and brings forward the topic of if you have a med free birth and due to an unfortunate set of circumstances loose an infant or have some complications, mothers blaming themselves.
I advocate the best birth plan for a woman is the one that she is most comfortable with and is right for her unique situation. So I'm not one to judge if it's cesarean or med free.
Everyone was sharing and encouraging each other. It was positive and supportive.
As for the bump and loss. I have lost 3 now, and while I haven't always been vocal about it, I have witnessed incredible support from this community. Many are very well informed and supportive and kind.
Nope. Had an epi with my first and plan to have another.
I went from 4cm to 10cm within an hour of the epi because I was able to relax. Labor was 12 hrs from the first contractions until baby was born. No regrets.
I plan on going med free. The hospital I plan on using is super open to a lot of birthing methods, including a water birth, which I am considering. (Hoping to get some tips from some experienced Bumpies later!) My reasons for going med-free have nothing to do with ideology. I have a deep fear of needles and the thought of someone putting a needle in my spine is simply unbearable. However I will do whatever is necessary to keep the baby safe. Right now my plan is try med free, and listen to the doctors. There is no "correct" birth.
I am definitely going to try to do the same, but knowing my low tolerance for pain I've already accepted I'll probably need the epidural lol. I won't feel bad if I get it and I'll feel really great if I manage not to need it! Lol but no expectations either way. Hope it works out for you, but I hope you don't get disappointed or discouraged if you feel you need it. I know some people do and it doesn't make you or them any less than!
I kind of like the idea of a med free birth, but to be honest I haven't had a lot of physically uncomfortable or painful experiences in my life and I'm really not sure how well I tolerate pain. So I think I'm just going to try to labor med free at home as long as possible and then play it by ear when I get to the hospital. I like my OB a lot and I don't see her pushing anything on me that isn't necessary for the baby. I think it's great to have all of the information you can, but I think having a strict plan is kind of setting yourself up for stress and disappointment. I know that a lot of unpredictable shit is going to happen, and I'm a FTM so I don't really know what to expect. At the same time, I'm not going to scare myself by thinking about everything that could go wrong. I'm just trying to go with the flow. Sometimes things are out if your control, and that's okay.
Great thread! I'm planning a natural home water birth with no meds, as much as this is under my control. I learned a lot from the documentary "The Business of Being Born," and have been really inspired by hearing several friends talk about their empowered natural birth experiences. I have an awesome midwife, a supportive husband and mom, and am excited to see what my body can do!
It's still so great to see all the support you ladies are giving each other. And although I am aiming for a med free birth for various reasons I support all you ladies who opt not to do so. Really though in all honesty I continue to stand by the fact that I will do anything and everything 8n my power to make sure Peanut arrives safely. I think that is the unanymous (sp.) VOTE here.
For my first I had planned to do med free. Well I ended up needing to be induced with all 3 of my kids. My labors a were fast and furious and I loved my epidurals. I am not against them and I had great experiences thanks to the relief that it brought me. I am very open minded with this one. It's hard to know what the circumstances will be. If I'm not induced I may try it without the epidural.....
I'm so glad to see so many other mommies that are med free! All of my friends think I'm crazy and that i will end up getting an epi. But I am determined not to I have heard about the risks and been told personal stories of it going wrong and I would rather not chance it. Both of my sisters had one with no problem but I have always said I wouldn't. My only support right now is my husband and my mom, so I am blessed to at least have that. And she had four of us one being almost ten pounds without meds, I think if she could do that then I can. This is my first pregnancy by the way and I'm 25, so it's not like I have had the experience yet, just personal preference I guess.
I've had two med free home deliveries, but I did need pitocin to stop bleeding afterwards both times. This time around I'm going to the hospital. I really don't want an epidural because I'm the kind of person who gets bad side effects, but I think I will take other kinds of pain relief this time.
I want to be able to get in the hot shower if I start having back labor like I think I will to help with the pain, and in open to having Tylenol as well. Just no needles.
Yes. I used a program called Hypnobabies to teach me pain management/relaxation for last two pregnancies. I delivered both without an epidural or any "damage" to my tender bits. I plan to do the same this time. I feel really confident. I am walking as much as I can...plan to continue to walk all the way through. Also doing some prenatal yoga.
I got an epidural with my first and it was heavenly. But, I came into L&D at a transition time at the hospital, and had to wait WAY longer than expected to get it and I was in absolute agony.
So this time around I plan on being more prepared for either situation. I think it's a good idea to read up on med-free pain relieving/meditation techniques regardless because you never know what might happen. I'm considering trying med-free this time, but still 70/30 in favor of doing the epidural.
I labored for more then two days. Started Friday, baby born 5am Monday. I had back labor, labored 9cm without any pain control before I asked for an epidural to avoid maternal exhaustion (but I was given a spinal instead), and waited another 12 hours for the last 1cm, pushed 45 minutes with no pain control. I know I can birth this next baby without any assistance if it's in a better position!
My biggest advice to any of my friends regardless of their desired pain contro is to educate yourself, don't let any practitioner use scare tactics or bully you, and have an GOOD advocate there for you. It is crazy difficult to advocate for yourself during labor. I had a team of 3 midwifes walk with me into the hospital at 9cm and it helped tremendously to avoid a c section. My husband, as much as I love him, was worthless when it came down to the final hours.
I realize now that you have to relinquish some control over you give birth, things usually don't go as you planned and you need to plan for this! I have a solid plan to go naturally but I definitely understand now that things change. There are true medical necessities for an epidural, and it is a fantastic tool to use to avoid c sections or other outcomes. I didn't realize this with my first.
Come prepared, come educated and chose your birth team wisely.
Not gonna lie, call me team "I hope it goes like my friend's first went, where they were in the hospital and baby was out in under an hour and didn't have time for an epi." Even I can handle pain for an hour. I don't think she was planning unmedicated, but there ya go.
My biggest thing is pitocin. I don't want to get prebirth pitocin (post birth where it lowers the bleeding risk, bring it on). I think my choice if they say things aren't progressing fast enough is to just do a c-section, though maybe they should be a wee bit patient.
I am researching for doulas here, not because I want necessarily to go med-free, but because I'm a lawyer. And one of the guiding principles of my profession is that everyone needs an advocate and that emotionally charged situations are best handled by professionals who know what you want and can speak for you. I want a birthattorney.
Love it. I also think people should give birth however they want to. I did a med-free hospital birth with my first, got an epi during transition with my second (induction), and I seriously don't know what I'm doing with this one. I think it's awesome you're planning a med-free birth, and the more you prepare for it the more successful you'll be. I did Hypnobabies home study with my first because there were basically no birth resources in my area, but Bradley is good, some people like Birthing From Within, and I also appreciated the book Natural Hospital Birth. Something else to look into would be hiring a doula.
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.
This is my situation as well. Med free vaginal birth with DS1 and an emergency csection with DS2 due to breach. The nearest vbac place is 1.5 hours away. Luckily my mom lives in the city since I have a history of fast labor. I wish you all the luck for a successful vbac!
I went med free with DS in 2005 and plan to do it again. I planned for water birth the first time but got to the hospital too late. I had to delivery in triage! Currently weighing my options for an at home birth versus in the hospital. My dad had a saying growing up "Take the Pain!" I kinda took it to heart. lol
Hugs to you nsquared, I had a very similar experience with my second, except we did the version, it worked, and then my baby flipped again sometime during my labor and we didn't find out until my water broke - she was coming out two feet first so My midwife turned me over to the on call surgeon. I am hopeful for a VBAC now with my 3rd but haven't decided yet if I will go for it or schedule a repeat c/s just bc my husband won't be around for the birth and I'm honestly nervous to do it without him! Good luck to you
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.
Hugs to you nsquared, I had a very similar experience with my second, except we did the version, it worked, and then my baby flipped again sometime during my labor and we didn't find out until my water broke - she was coming out two feet first so My midwife turned me over to the on call surgeon. I am hopeful for a VBAC now with my 3rd but haven't decided yet if I will go for it or schedule a repeat c/s just bc my husband won't be around for the birth and I'm honestly nervous to do it (or the c section!) without him! I figure that is future me's problem and we will deal with it a little farther into the pregnancy! Good luck to you.
Re: Is anyone else planning an all natural no epidural birth?
DD1 7/31/2008
DD2 6/16/2010
DD3 5/10/2012
IUD surprise pregnancy/MC 2015
Little Rainbow Due 10/2/2016
DS #1 born 05/25/2012
BFP#2: 06/12/2013 ---- loss
DS #2 born 4/08/2014
BPF#4: 2/1/2016 --- 2/23/2016 suspected molar pregnancy--- 3/15/2016 D&E - diagnosis MM
BFP#5 - 9/22/2016
* formally bornmommy
DS #2 was a week late and I walked at home as much as I could and when I got to the hospital I was already 7cm. Made it to 8cm but the pain became too much, so I asked for a very small dose of IV meds this time. I was alert and happy I didn't have those same feelings as the last time!
For this one, I want no medical intervention whatsoever. Since I'm in training to be a doula, it only makes sense that I "walk the walk" too.
TTC: 1/1/16
Found out we were expecting baby #1!: 2/12/16
Baby "Lefty" due: 10/26/16
Anywho, my water broke with DS at 36+6, and we went ahead with another c/s. And my new OB will not entertain a VBAC, and I'm not inclined to push for it (see what I did there?). I'll stick with what I know.
Me(29)DH(30)
Baby #3 EDD 10/6/2016
DS 11/2009
DD 1/2008
Also, all of my friends planned to go med-free, and for different reasons ended up not. So have a flexible plan/don't get down on yourself if it doesn't work out. My bump-friends were actually a big inspiration in helping me be successful though.
just venting!
Natural means a variety of things to different mommas, as clarified earlier.
Also that comment was incredibly insensitive to those who have suffered infant loss in spite of a med free birth plans and/or all the medical technology available.
Natural means a variety of things to different mommas, as clarified earlier.
Also that comment was incredibly insensitive to those who have suffered infant loss in spite of a med free birth plans and/or all the medical technology available.
What are you saying? This is pretty much the judgement I was talking about. Your bringing losses is interesting as well. Thank you for reminding me why I left the bump before, after my own loss.
So again, I'm not really sure you understand the point of this thread.
As well as saying natural birth is when things go wrong and it's all over, is really disheartening and brings forward the topic of if you have a med free birth and due to an unfortunate set of circumstances loose an infant or have some complications, mothers blaming themselves.
I advocate the best birth plan for a woman is the one that she is most comfortable with and is right for her unique situation. So I'm not one to judge if it's cesarean or med free.
Everyone was sharing and encouraging each other. It was positive and supportive.
As for the bump and loss. I have lost 3 now, and while I haven't always been vocal about it, I have witnessed incredible support from this community. Many are very well informed and supportive and kind.
I went from 4cm to 10cm within an hour of the epi because I was able to relax. Labor was 12 hrs from the first contractions until baby was born. No regrets.
My reasons for going med-free have nothing to do with ideology. I have a deep fear of needles and the thought of someone putting a needle in my spine is simply unbearable.
However I will do whatever is necessary to keep the baby safe. Right now my plan is try med free, and listen to the doctors. There is no "correct" birth.
DS#2 due 25 April 2019
It's a boy!
So this time around I plan on being more prepared for either situation. I think it's a good idea to read up on med-free pain relieving/meditation techniques regardless because you never know what might happen. I'm considering trying med-free this time, but still 70/30 in favor of doing the epidural.
My biggest advice to any of my friends regardless of their desired pain contro is to educate yourself, don't let any practitioner use scare tactics or bully you, and have an GOOD advocate there for you. It is crazy difficult to advocate for yourself during labor. I had a team of 3 midwifes walk with me into the hospital at 9cm and it helped tremendously to avoid a c section. My husband, as much as I love him, was worthless when it came down to the final hours.
I realize now that you have to relinquish some control over you give birth, things usually don't go as you planned and you need to plan for this! I have a solid plan to go naturally but I definitely understand now that things change. There are true medical necessities for an epidural, and it is a fantastic tool to use to avoid c sections or other outcomes. I didn't realize this with my first.
Come prepared, come educated and chose your birth team wisely.
My biggest thing is pitocin. I don't want to get prebirth pitocin (post birth where it lowers the bleeding risk, bring it on). I think my choice if they say things aren't progressing fast enough is to just do a c-section, though maybe they should be a wee bit patient.
I am researching for doulas here, not because I want necessarily to go med-free, but because I'm a lawyer. And one of the guiding principles of my profession is that everyone needs an advocate and that emotionally charged situations are best handled by professionals who know what you want and can speak for you. I want a birthattorney.
Me: 28 DH: 27
jon & kate
7.5.08
jon & kate
7.5.08