Nope nope nooooooooo. Did it with DD. Had an epidural with DS second time around. Definitely preferred it for obvious reasons haha I plan on an epidural with this one and I feel no shame for it.
Let me also say with DD I was horrified of that needle going in my spine. With DS, I was horrified of having to go through labor without meds again and happily welcomed that needle (which did not hurt me one bit and comparatively, was heavenly).
I love the variety of birth experiences being discussed.
My first dd was a hospital birth and she was a Sunnyside up baby so we had some serious problems with her head putting pressure on a nerve that told me to push well before I should have. Because I'm rural the anesthesiologist was over an hour away and I delivered before I could get an epidural. We also guess that I delivered before I was fully dialated, thus causing some damage.
My second, ds, was a home birth baby. I labored in my bathtub and in the living room before finally moving to the bedroom to deliver him. I really appreciated being in the comfort of my own home with just my midwives and having them be very hands off (at my request) so I could focus on what I was doing.
This time I think I will try to have another home birth and just hope for the best but be prepared to transfer to the hospital should it be necessary.
Business of being born greatly influenced us. We chose to go to a birthing center. It was amazing. I had a natural induction at 41 weeks after the NST came back with borderline results(not amazing). I labored for 36 hrs and was exhausted. I was so against getting an epi. The midwives suggested I transfer to the hospital to get an epidural/rest and have DD. DH was still advocating against that on my behalf. My contractions were super erratic at that point and I could barely speak. My inner monolgue was saying, I don't even care anymore. Cut this baby out. I'm done. Lol so far from what I really wanted. I was able to finally blurt out in a rather grisly voice, get me the epidural. Lol. Oh the fun of trying to get an epi when your contractions are happening so close together. I had so much relief. I couldn't sleep because I was too excited to meet DD but it was like a dream.
I was open to whatever with my second. I hate laboring in the car. I got a room with a tub and they started filling it right away. Couldn't hop in because I had to be monitored for 30 minutes first. I think I actually said, are you fucking kidding me. Well 20 minutes of restricted movements and I was demanding an immediate epi. Again, peaceful birth and serenity.
This time around I'm probably just going to get that epi right away especially if I'm expecting twins. I would love to at least try laboring in a tub but so far it hasn't gone as planned.
I always thought I was tough. I am. I'm just really not into the pain of contractions. I have never had to experience the ring of fire or my Dr sewing up tearing unmedicated. I can't even imagine. Bravo to you mom's who can do it unmedicated. Bravo to mom's who epi.
I did spike a fever both times with the epi but girls had great Apgar scores and all was well.
I had all three of mine without meds/epi but it was more so because I despise being numb in any way and sure as heck did not want my legs numb. It might have been different had if I had longer labors, but mine are really short so it's not as bad, I guess? I don't get numb at the dentist, either.
I did with my first- hospital birth, med free. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! It is intense, but you kind of enter a different brain space to handle it (sounds hippy trippy, but it's the only way to describe it). Hoping I'm able to do the same this time, and my dr is supportive as long as both babies are in good birth positions!
I definitely suggest reading Ina May Gaskin's book "Guide to Childbirth" - it is pretty out there at times, but also really encouraging. Also suggest taking a Bradley Method class to prepare and learn good coping techniques. Good luck!
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!
I just saw this! It took me a really long time just to accept that my plan got thrown out the window. I'm still not 100% but I'm always reminding myself that it's not the end of the world and my little boy was healthy and I was healthy.
I think it's perfectly acceptable for a new mom to have mixed emotions over her birth experience. I just hope all mamas can remember that were amazing, powerful, beautiful mamas who grew a human. We're growing freaking humans. How cool is that?
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
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
Good luck to you too! And having had an ECV you understand how painful those can be! That or I'm a big baby and have no business hoping for a med free birth lol.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
Yes! I am a Bradley Method teacher and was inspired to teach after a wonderful water birth with DS. It was hard. It was uncomfortable. But it was also the most empowering experience of my life. Our bodies are powerful and trusting in the process is freeing. I had DS in a hospital, with an OB, and still had no interventions. This time I am considering a birth center, mostly because I dont have any desire to be away from DS any longer than necessary- the birth center keeps moms an average of 6 hours after birth. I felt great after DS, and really wanted to go home sooner than the 24 hours they wanted us to stay. I hope to have a similar experience this time around, assuming there are no complications or medical need for intervention. Please PM me if you have questions about this topic, I teach on it every week and have seen many moms be successful with a med free birth, most in hospitals!
I planned a med-free birth for both my previous babes. The first one ended up being induced because of issues with his heart rate dropping, and that ended in an emergency c-sec after about 37 hrs of labor. My second, I had a Foley bulb put in after about three weeks of prodromal labor. Was progressing steadily until I hit the transition phase and got stuck at an 8 for almost 7 hours at which point all the hypnobabies practice in the world couldn't get me out of the fear and pain zone. Got an epidural, but also a successful VBAC.
Hopefully third time is the charm. I'm still going for med/intervention free.
@sheviolentlyknits I love your name. I had a Foley bulb too but it was used to help me dilate more during my natural induction. How does it help with prodromal labor (forgive me if I'm unintentionally asking a dumb question)?
Whoops nvm. I guess I didn't fully understand what prodromal labor was until I just looked it up. When others have talked about it with me they were earlier along in their pregnancy and called it "false"labor. They were not given the fb because baby wasn't ready.
Iam planning on natural birth ,have 5 children in 4 natural one with epidural. But I dnt wanna go thru it without going thru natural birth with this last one...you not crazy it's best in worst feeling every. .u can do it
I give so much credit to med-free mommas. I knew it wasn't for me so I planned for an epi with DD. I was induced and had 38 hours of labor. Thankfully she was just being stubborn and I was still able to deliver vaginally. I waited until 6cm for the epi and honestly could have gone longer but my doctor was very kind and said that no one was giving me a medal by waiting if I wanted one. There was also a full moon and the anestheologist was in high demand so I put the request in early!
I loved having the relief, but I did have a hot spot where it didn't take which required a kicker with more meds every few hours. Between that and the pitocion to induce contractions my body was on drugs forever. The birth went great (just 3 pushes), but I was so out of it, I felt like I was half there. also the detox of coming off all those drugs afterward was awful. I had the shakes, cried etc.
This time around, I am hoping for a shorter labor and will hold off on the epi as long as I can. I do still plan to get one though. Birth is empowering no matter if you go med-free or not and I look forward to the relief so I can concentrate on pushing!
Me (35) & DH (35)
Married: August 2009 DD #1 born 6/12/14 DD #2 born 10/31/16
I would love to but I was informed at my OB visit that if I try a VBAC I will have to have an epidural incase there is an emergency. That was a real bummer to hear that,but if that is what it takes to allow me to VBAC I will do it.
DD was med-free (not by choice, there just wasn't time) I was not mentally or physically prepared and it was INTENSE, but... I survived and have a beautiful 4-year-old wild child of a daughter. DS I went for the epi as soon as I could since my water had already broke. I'll tell you what, I had no idea labor could actually be pleasant haha Needless to say, I'll be taking the epi again if possible. That's just how I'm rolling.
I haven't done my research yet so I'm still undecided. As of right now, I think I'd like to labor med free as long as possible. If I have a quick labor and can get through totally med free, I will. If it's long and drawn out and I need to rest, I'll go for the epi. I have nothing to prove and have no qualms about getting an epi, the only thing I worry about it is feeling loopy and out of it for the first few hours of my kids life. I worry about getting the shakes, throwing up or being in such a haze that I won't remember anything clearly. Maybe that's just from morphine? I haven't heard of an epi having side effects like that but like I said, I need to do my research. Any BTDT mamas have thoughts?
Me: 32 & DH: 37
Married: November 2014
TTC #1 Since: October 2015
BFP #1: 11/18/15 - CP BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16 IT'S A BOY!!!! DS Born 10/16/16
I haven't done my research yet so I'm still undecided. As of right now, I think I'd like to labor med free as long as possible. If I have a quick labor and can get through totally med free, I will. If it's long and drawn out and I need to rest, I'll go for the epi. I have nothing to prove and have no qualms about getting an epi, the only thing I worry about it is feeling loopy and out of it for the first few hours of my kids life. I worry about getting the shakes, throwing up or being in such a haze that I won't remember anything clearly. Maybe that's just from morphine? I haven't heard of an epi having side effects like that but like I said, I need to do my research. Any BTDT mamas have thoughts?
I was totally clear, not out of it at all. I only had a few side effects. I had an epidural fever and they gave me antibiotics via iv. I had major edema both times (swelling in my feet/ankles) no big deal. The second time they left the pain meds rolling through delivery instead of cutting them off sooner and it took me a while to regain movement in my legs. The first time I had no issues with that because it was cut sooner and therefore I had more time for the drugs to wear off. It was more of an inconvenience to the nurses trying to transfer me out of the labor area but not bothersome for me. I will mention this, the after birth pains were pretty intense (esp the after the second birth) and I opted for pain meds after delivering. I'm guessing those that go through labor med free would shrug at the after birth pains. Your uterus shrinking back down hurts and those lovely nurses massaging it. .....
Totally planning for an all natural water birth. The water helps with 60% of the pain. The only thing is that most hospitals don't allow you to birth in the water, only labor. However birthing centers will allow you to and there is always the at home birth option.
I'm hoping for a med-free birth with as much time in the tub as the hospital will allow me. I got that last time, and it was hard and painful, but great. Fingers crossed that the next birth is as uncomplicated.
@sheviolentlyknits I love your name. I had a Foley bulb too but it was used to help me dilate more during my natural induction. How does it help with prodromal labor (forgive me if I'm unintentionally asking a dumb question)?
It actually happened with both my kids that I had regular, timeable contractions for a couple weeks that weren't actually active labor. It was so annoying! Literally having contractions all day and all night and just WAITING. Ugh! Both times the contractions started around 36wks. DS was born 38+5, DD was 40+2.
With my first they ended up keeping me and inducing me because his cord was pinched between his chin and his shoulder and his heart rate would drop about every fourth contraction.
With my second they just ended up sending me back home the first time I went in and the nurses were kind of rude about it. After another week I told my doc I was sick of the stupid non-labor contractions and we scheduled an induction, but luckily we started with the FB and never had to use pitocin or anything.
Also, thanks! Knitting and Bob Dylan are two of my favorite things
I would love to but I was informed at my OB visit that if I try a VBAC I will have to have an epidural incase there is an emergency. That was a real bummer to hear that,but if that is what it takes to allow me to VBAC I will do it.
Is that hospital policy or your ob's? If you want to do a med free VBAC you should be able to. Maybe contact your local "I Can" branch to see if there is a more non-intervention friendly option near you.
I would love to but I was informed at my OB visit that if I try a VBAC I will have to have an epidural incase there is an emergency. That was a real bummer to hear that,but if that is what it takes to allow me to VBAC I will do it.
Is that hospital policy or your ob's? If you want to do a med free VBAC you should be able to. Maybe contact your local "I Can" branch to see if there is a more non-intervention friendly option near you.
It's my OB rule because I had to have an emergency section 2 yrs ago when I gave birth as a surrogate. She said I am at higher risk for abruption. The "older" partners won't even let me try a VBAC so I have to keep my fingers crossed that my OB is on when I go into labor.
I always imagined I'd have an epidural, but I'm currently not sure because I'm afraid of not being able to move around and I want to be able to deliver in a position other than on my back. I also have had back surgery, so I'm not sure if that will in any way interfere. However, I can guarantee I will NOT be med-free even if it's not the epidural.
With my first, I had planned on laboring as long as possible and getting an epidural when the pain got too intense. Didn't happen that way. I was on Heparin and my last shot was 7 p.m. My water broke a little before 10 p.m. Got to the hospital and they did a blood draw to make sure I could get an epidural when I wanted it, but apparently it was too early to test and the anesthesiologist wouldn't even read the results. By the time they retested, it was too late for the epidural. I ended up giving birth at 3:48 a.m.
I have to say that a short labor is not necessarily an easier labor. From the time I arrived at the hospital (around 10:45) until the time I gave birth, I had almost no break between contractions. I was in the tub for as long as they let me, but that brought me very little relief. I would gladly take the epidural in a heartbeat. But now I know that birth plans tend to go out the window and I'm going to try to be flexible with this second one.
I am planning to deliver at a birthing center with a midwife. Pain meds won't be offered so I am working on getting mentally prepared. This is my first pregnancy.
I always imagined I'd have an epidural, but I'm currently not sure because I'm afraid of not being able to move around and I want to be able to deliver in a position other than on my back. I also have had back surgery, so I'm not sure if that will in any way interfere. However, I can guarantee I will NOT be med-free even if it's not the epidural.
I had an epi and the nurses had me on my side and on my knees when pushing. Didn't work, but I wasn't confined to laying on my back.
@MRSCORKER I had an epidural at 8 cm, (and I think if I hadn't been induced at 41 wks and had gone into labor on my own and labored at home some first I wouldn't have had one at all,) and although I know lots of people have no "loopiness" whatsoever, I was definitely feeling drugged afterwards. Thankfully I remember the first hours, but I felt so out of it at the time I kept crying and saying to my husband "I'm not gonna remember this!" I also had the shakes for three days after birth. It was enough to make me want to try without meds this time around, especially if I don't end up with pitocin contractions. So basically I was grateful for the epi because, man, pitocin is a bi**h, but I do wish I hadn't felt so drugged and exhausted for the next couple of days. They say you get a natural high after giving birth med free, and I'd love to experience that this time rather than what I felt.
@katlarissa I can attest to the natural high! I didn't feel any of the exhaustion or pain until a few hrs post-birth, just felt so relieved and happy. And for me the pain of labor really let up once I got to the pushing phase, so it was mostly making it through "transition" that was grueling and painful (and my transition lasted hrs because baby was OP). Pushing was kind of a relief- contractions spaced out and hurt less, and you really feel like you are making progress toward meeting your baby, so it is kind of exciting.
I haven't done my research yet so I'm still undecided. As of right now, I think I'd like to labor med free as long as possible. If I have a quick labor and can get through totally med free, I will. If it's long and drawn out and I need to rest, I'll go for the epi. I have nothing to prove and have no qualms about getting an epi, the only thing I worry about it is feeling loopy and out of it for the first few hours of my kids life. I worry about getting the shakes, throwing up or being in such a haze that I won't remember anything clearly. Maybe that's just from morphine? I haven't heard of an epi having side effects like that but like I said, I need to do my research. Any BTDT mamas have thoughts?
I had a really long labor (26ish hours) and I went med free, but ended up having to get an urgent section after 3 hours of pushing. They gave me a spinal tap. I didn't have any negative effects, even with being in all the medication after the section. I remember pretty clear! Depending on how long your labor is anyways, it might be sort of a haze to look back on a year later. Because it is exhausted, and then spending the day having visitors come and visit. I think if you tolerate heavy medications well, you would be okay with an epi.
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 plan on doing Hypnobabies with this birth! Did you really like the program? I hope it's something I can stick to, and use and it be effective!
@ammiddleton3 I did Hypnobabies with my first and it was great. I did all the work which helped me get to 7 cm at home in the tub, but then at the hospital it kind of went by the wayside - mostly because I forgot to pay any attention to the part about pushing baby out, which took almost 4 hours and a vacuum, so definitely try to remember to listen to that bit when you get towards the end.
I'm totally getting an epidural/meds/whatever I need but I'm SO excited I just found out that the birthing suite my hospital has includes an in-room jacuzzi.
@ammiddleton3 I did Hypnobabies with my first and it was great. I did all the work which helped me get to 7 cm at home in the tub, but then at the hospital it kind of went by the wayside - mostly because I forgot to pay any attention to the part about pushing baby out, which took almost 4 hours and a vacuum, so definitely try to remember to listen to that bit when you get towards the end.
That's awesome advice! I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get a doula this time, but I think they would probably help with staying focused! At least I hope. I only got to about 7-8 with my son. So I have no idea what it's like or how to push! So hopefully I can stay calm and focused!
Re: Is anyone else planning an all natural no epidural birth?
My first dd was a hospital birth and she was a Sunnyside up baby so we had some serious problems with her head putting pressure on a nerve that told me to push well before I should have. Because I'm rural the anesthesiologist was over an hour away and I delivered before I could get an epidural. We also guess that I delivered before I was fully dialated, thus causing some damage.
My second, ds, was a home birth baby. I labored in my bathtub and in the living room before finally moving to the bedroom to deliver him. I really appreciated being in the comfort of my own home with just my midwives and having them be very hands off (at my request) so I could focus on what I was doing.
This time I think I will try to have another home birth and just hope for the best but be prepared to transfer to the hospital should it be necessary.
I was open to whatever with my second. I hate laboring in the car. I got a room with a tub and they started filling it right away. Couldn't hop in because I had to be monitored for 30 minutes first. I think I actually said, are you fucking kidding me. Well 20 minutes of restricted movements and I was demanding an immediate epi. Again, peaceful birth and serenity.
This time around I'm probably just going to get that epi right away especially if I'm expecting twins. I would love to at least try laboring in a tub but so far it hasn't gone as planned.
I always thought I was tough. I am. I'm just really not into the pain of contractions. I have never had to experience the ring of fire or my Dr sewing up tearing unmedicated. I can't even imagine. Bravo to you mom's who can do it unmedicated. Bravo to mom's who epi.
I did spike a fever both times with the epi but girls had great Apgar scores and all was well.
O16 April Siggy
I definitely suggest reading Ina May Gaskin's book "Guide to Childbirth" - it is pretty out there at times, but also really encouraging. Also suggest taking a Bradley Method class to prepare and learn good coping techniques. Good luck!
I think it's perfectly acceptable for a new mom to have mixed emotions over her birth experience. I just hope all mamas can remember that were amazing, powerful, beautiful mamas who grew a human. We're growing freaking humans. How cool is that?
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
New Bundle of Joy- EDD 10/27/16
Hopefully third time is the charm. I'm still going for med/intervention free.
O16 April Siggy
O16 April Siggy
I loved having the relief, but I did have a hot spot where it didn't take which required a kicker with more meds every few hours. Between that and the pitocion to induce contractions my body was on drugs forever. The birth went great (just 3 pushes), but I was so out of it, I felt like I was half there. also the detox of coming off all those drugs afterward was awful. I had the shakes, cried etc.
This time around, I am hoping for a shorter labor and will hold off on the epi as long as I can. I do still plan to get one though. Birth is empowering no matter if you go med-free or not and I look forward to the relief so I can concentrate on pushing!
DD #1 born 6/12/14
DD #2 born 10/31/16
DS I went for the epi as soon as I could since my water had already broke. I'll tell you what, I had no idea labor could actually be pleasant haha
Needless to say, I'll be taking the epi again if possible. That's just how I'm rolling.
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16
O16 April Siggy
E born 6/2014
With my first they ended up keeping me and inducing me because his cord was pinched between his chin and his shoulder and his heart rate would drop about every fourth contraction.
With my second they just ended up sending me back home the first time I went in and the nurses were kind of rude about it. After another week I told my doc I was sick of the stupid non-labor contractions and we scheduled an induction, but luckily we started with the FB and never had to use pitocin or anything.
Also, thanks! Knitting and Bob Dylan are two of my favorite things
I have to say that a short labor is not necessarily an easier labor. From the time I arrived at the hospital (around 10:45) until the time I gave birth, I had almost no break between contractions. I was in the tub for as long as they let me, but that brought me very little relief. I would gladly take the epidural in a heartbeat. But now I know that birth plans tend to go out the window and I'm going to try to be flexible with this second one.
LFAF April Siggy: TV/Movie BFFs
BFP #4 1/2016, DD born 10/2016
So basically I was grateful for the epi because, man, pitocin is a bi**h, but I do wish I hadn't felt so drugged and exhausted for the next couple of days. They say you get a natural high after giving birth med free, and I'd love to experience that this time rather than what I felt.
Depending on how long your labor is anyways, it might be sort of a haze to look back on a year later. Because it is exhausted, and then spending the day having visitors come and visit. I think if you tolerate heavy medications well, you would be okay with an epi.
Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013
Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014
That's awesome advice! I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get a doula this time, but I think they would probably help with staying focused! At least I hope. I only got to about 7-8 with my son. So I have no idea what it's like or how to push! So hopefully I can stay calm and focused!