Epidural or Natural ?

Laura - posted on 07/12/2011

to Natasha: Actually I've had the epidural twice, and funny thing was, the really young girl got it in first try and perfectly. It took TWO experienced doctors to try to get it in with my second baby and they worked at it for like 30 minutes! So you never know who's going to do a good job :)

Natasha - posted on 07/11/2011

My first came so fast getting an epidural was impossible, my second took forever to come out I just took the epidural and my thrid pain was getting bad ordered the epidural and had to take it out asap because she decided to come out all on her own slipped out i barely pushed. LOL it was amazing! So depends I would recommend you get an older doc thats been doing it for years because a student will probably mess your back up and hit a spinal vein or something.

Liz - posted on 07/11/2011

i got the epidural with both of my girls lets say i felt everything with my first one i ripped so i had to have stiches not sure what hurt the worst me getting ripped or the stiches

Michele - posted on 06/21/2011

I had natural birth for all 3 of my kids. I would personally go through the pain than let someone give me an epidural. With my first I did not know what to expect and the pain was incredible( and he was my smallest baby at 8lbs5oz). My second who was my largest(10lbs14oz) was my easiest. I had fantastic midwives and it was just so easy( if I can say that). With my 3rd and last it was the worst. I was induced and it was so quick and painful but I managed to go without drugs. I believe woman are born to have kids and are able to deal with pain. But everyone is different and should do what's best for them.

Jessica - posted on 06/21/2011

I had an epidural with my daughter. with my next child i fully intend to all natural, but i have no dillusions. if i can do it, great, if not, then thats fine too. i hated the epidural with a passion. i couldnt get out of bed, couldnt feel anything, therefore i couldnt push right. they unplugged the epidural more than 2 hours before i had her, so i felt the whole thing at the very end. 1 1/2 years later my back still hurts from time to time where the epidural was inserted. and i just hope that i can handle natural the next time, because i cant imagine the back pain being worse from a second and or third epidural :/

Kelsey - posted on 06/21/2011

with both i didnt want the epidural...

For my first child they gave me Demerol to relax and sleep so i can contract every 5 minutes (i was only feeling the tips of the contractions not the whole thing) but when i woke up i felt nauseous due to the medicine so they gave me the epidural to numb the feeling right after they started the epidural i was ready to push but i couldnt push with it so they took me off and since i only felt the tips of the contraction i pushed for almost 2 hours she kept sucking back in lol

with my second i didnt want the epidural and i didnt get it... i started to have back labor bad and i finally caved but right after they stuck the needle in my Dr came in and said i was ready to push so they didnt even hook the epidural up and she was out in 2 pushes... after that my Nurse said the epidural does not help with back labor so it didnt matter if i got it or not...

Jenna - posted on 06/21/2011

I had an all natural water birth. It was amazing! I also did something called hypno-birthing. I purposely went to a birthing center with a midwife so I would not be able to ask for the drugs. There were a couple moments I doubted myself, especially when I was out of the water. But because of my husband, the water and the hypno-birthing I was able to have my baby the way I wanted. I had my daughter at 8:55 am and our family went home that day at 3;30pm. It was also comforting knowing all the ladies that were delivering my bundle, no new faces just the same 5 from the start! I can't wait to have another it was truly amazing!! So good luck to all the women out there, everyone deserves such a great experience. Regardless what we go through it doesn't seem to matter once they are in our arms!

Rachel - posted on 06/20/2011

I had a home birth. I had a tub, which was SOOOO nice! Everywhere was uncomfortable, except the tub. Since we were at home, I didn't have access to an epidural, which was perfect for me. I LOVED having a tub. It makes the contractions so much gentler. Also, for me... pushing was SUCH a relief. I felt like I was putting the pressure on and I had more control. We also attended a course of Bradley classes, which focuses on relaxation and support of the woman as her body works.
I would recommend finding a good midwife and/or doula in your area. Most midwives and doulas will go to a hospital with you and provide you with the support you need. They also support your husband in supporting you, which is SO necessary. :-)
I hope you have an even better experience next time!

A - posted on 06/20/2011

For my first I was induced at 9 days overdue and couldn't take the pain and got an epidural. That turned into a nightmare for me and actually slowed down my labor, which caused a near-emergency situation at the moment of delivery forcing the doctor to literally rip my daughter from me to get her out. Took me three months to recover from the tears and blood loss. 28 hour labor in total. 7lbs8oz.
For my second I had a midwife (will personally never use another OB again) and I contracted at home until the pain got too bad and I said to myself and my husband that I needed the epidural. So we rushed to the hospital (30min away) where my contractions increased and my body began to push and i couldn't stop it. My son was born 2 minutes after getting through the doors, totally natural and on his due date. 6lbs 8oz.
For my third I used the same midwife. My water broke twelve days before my due date and, since I had delivered fast with my son we all expected me to do the same. 20 hours later we met the midwife at the hospital after having spent several hours walking around, taking castor oil and a induction coctail and nothing worked. We walked around the hospital for a while and then the midwife informed me that we were reaching the 24 hour mark with my water being broken and that they would have to augment and give me pitocin. Remembering from my daughter, within a half hour I was in active labor and less than two hours later my second son was born, no epidural and drug free 11 days before his due date. 7lbs 8.5oz.
I didn't think I could do it naturally until my first son was born and showed me I could. With my daughter I couldn't, I needed the epidural. If you can, walk around, rock your hips, get in the tub or shower and get in whatever position makes you comfortable...all that will help manage the pain. But a healthy baby and mom is most important, how you two get there doesn't really matter.

Sally - posted on 06/20/2011

1st baby--Doctor lied to me to force an induction I didn't want. Nurses lied to me to scare me into an epidural. I honestly believe that if we'd been left alone she'd have come out faster and with less pain and they wouldn't have had an excuse for the episiotomy or vacuum we didn't want either. If they hadn't vacuumed her out, they wouldn't have had a excuse to keep her screaming on the other side of the room for 45 minutes while not allowing us to touch or talk to her, I know that trauma caused her eating and sleeping problems for the first couple weeks and I wouldn't be surprised if it contributed to the anxiety issues she has now.
2nd baby--I was very eager to have a midwife and to be at the hospital as short a time as possible. As long as I could bounce on my knees and stay in my own little world I was fine. I didn't freak out until I got to the hospital and had to talk to other people. Luckily :), my labor sped up in the car so the 2-3 hours we thought we'd have at the hospital was actually 20 minutes. My midwife did not get there in time and I absolutely scandalized some poor resident by refusing to lay on my back.
Get to a childbirth class that's based on what's best for mom and baby instead of the standard hospital procedures one. Make a list of all the coping mechanisms you learn and post it where you wll be laboring so you don't have to remember it. Don't let the hospital make you lie on your back attached to machines. Assemble a team of people who will support you and help you get through it without drugs. You are stronger than you think and YOU CAN DO THIS.
Good luck

Charity - posted on 06/20/2011

I had epidurals with both of my deliveries. Both times my blood-pressure was so high I was in danger of having a stroke. My first I felt a little guilty at first. My second I was not allowed to be alone in case I had a stroke, anything that brought my bp down was a relief. I was just glad she came out healthy, and I didn't have a stroke while delivering her.

Chelsea - posted on 06/20/2011

With my first;
I was 7 days late, woke up about 5 in the morning, went to the toilet, came back and my waters broke just before I got back in bed [luckily!] So woke up the other half and started ringing my mum and stepmum to let them know. The OH started washing up last minute dishes while I sat there on the bed just trying to deal with it as much as I could. decided that we should leave for the hosp about half 6, got there about 7. In the hospital, they have a delivery suite and a midlife led unit. When I'd been on the tour, I'd decided I wanted to go to the MWLU. When we got there, was told that it was full and I'd had to go to the delivery suite. So we went, got put into a huge room, had a check up and that was it. Was left to it. once or twice a midwife would come in and do a check, never got offered any pain relief apart from paracetomal which I took and threw up straight away. Next time someone checked it was about half 9/10 and I got told that it was time to push. About 6 people then came in the room and off I went. Isabelle arrived at 11.03AM weighing 9 pounds 1 oz. I was then offered gas and air for the couple of stitches.
Tbh, it wasnt the best experiance, felt like the mws/drs didnt give a crap.
With my second;
He was 13 days late! I'd been having pains from about 7 o clock in the evening but didnt really think anything of it as it was more of a sharp pain in my bladder, than period pains I had with Izzy. Speaking of which was still awake at 10 o clock at night! Madam didnt want to go to sleep, which turned out to be a good thing! OH was dozing and I decided to try and go to sleep. Pains were getting really bad and I went to the loo, wiped and saw blood. So I started to freak out a bit, woke OH up and then started getting the need to push!! I told him to ring up my stepmum as she was going to watch Izzy for us, and to ring the hospital.
So, Im there, trying to get dressed, while telling OH to get Iz ready, while telling him to ring up everyone and shouting at him for not doing it fast enough because I was freaking out that I was pushing already! I was thinking, 'My waters havnt even broke yet' Stepmum came, we got everyone in the car and she drove to the hosp. And I was pushing the whole 20 min drive there! Got there, gave Izzy a kiss and went the long walk upto the maternity bit, having to stop every 10/20 seconds to push. Got there, got told to go to a little 'beforehand' area. Got told to pee into a cup, and nearly cried with frustration when I couldnt. Came out and told her I couldnt, got up on the bed thingy and I started to have to push again. Woman started freaking out, asking if I was pushing, then examined me and told me I was 10 cm! I was like OMG! She ran off and got me a wheelchair and I got wheeled a whole 15 steps into the MWLU [YAAAAAAY] Got put into a lovely small cosey room, a lady came in, introduced herself, examined me and told me to start pushing! It was 11.45PM. I was like 'But I've just got here, he cant come right now! She said 'He'll be here before midnight' So away I went. Jayden arrived at 11.56PM in his sack of waters, weighing 8 pounds 3 oz. It was a much better experience even if I was shaking after which I was told is a normal reaction to such a quick birth. I never got pain relief with either of my bubs and while I wish I'd at least been offered pain relief options with Iz, I'm proud of myself for doing without both times. x

Sheri - posted on 06/20/2011

I didn't get my first epidural until the birth of my sixth child. I went natural for all the others, and even had two homebirths. However, #6 decided to take his sweet time coming out. After 24 hours of labor, my doctor was concerned about the baby's heart rate and told me it was an epidural or a c-section. I chose the epidural. Getting the epidural was the hardest part! Sitting absolutely still through all those contractions was a sacrifice in itself! But once I got it, I finally understood why so many women love it. That birth was practically pain-free.

However, and this is a biggie, since I couldn't feel anything, I didn't notice that the nurse holding my left leg was pushing too hard. Long story short, she dislocated my sacroiliac joint and I lived with excruciating pain for the first month of my baby's life. I feel like I missed so much. I was happy I was breastfeeding since that was the only time I got to spend with him.

So, an epidural does make the pain go away, but you do have to have a nurse who knows what she is doing! Or insist on stirrups or something!

If I were to get pregnant again, I can't honestly say if I'd choose an epidural or not. Most of my labors were 5-6 hours, so going natural wasn't too bad. Number 6 just had to go 26 hours!

And don't feel guilty about choosing the epidural. No one is prepared for what labor is REALLY going to be like. You just do your best with the information and choices that you have. A healthy baby and a healthy mommy are the ideal outcomes, and you do what you need to in order to achieve that!

Stifler's - posted on 06/20/2011

ZHaha Jodie that's what Damian reckons too, the only thing the gas does it help you concentrate on your breathing. The only time oyu feel it is when they up it and you're like OOH HAHAHA and then 5 minutes later it's not working again

Delia - posted on 06/20/2011

Yes Jodi, childbirth in the U.S.A is not a pretty picture. The movie "The Business of Being Born" does a good job of showing it like it is. Statistically, we're one of the worst nations out of the western industrialized countries in which to have a baby. There's very little evidenced based practice going on in the hospital Labor and Delivery wards here.



One of my favorite birthing chairs to use with patients comes from Australia. You ought to see the hunt I have to go on each time to find that dusty thing - usually stashed in one of the many unused showers, or somewhere in a closet. Who needs a birthing chair to push a baby out or a shower when over 80% of your Moms have epidurals in place and will push the baby out in bed, or have it pulled out of them on the operation table?

Leigh - posted on 06/20/2011

I had epidural with my first and it was great after 6 hours I gave in had a sleep and pushed him out all 9lb12oz of him, with my second it was totally different he come alot more quickly and was here after a 2 and half hour labour no time to get pain relief as much as I did want it, I remember saying I would never go through that again it was extremely painful and my body went into shock afterwards, that said I'm now 25 wks preggas with my 3rd I can honestly say I would like pain relief but I reckon if we have a fast delivery again I have to be prepared I've done it once so I know I can do this, I must admit afterwards I was up and about having a shower and home by the afternoon so its swings and roundabouts I'm looking into a water birth this time :)

Sara - posted on 06/20/2011

i got the epidural with my daughter and it didnt work. one of my legs left like it was asleep so i didnt feel anything in my one leg. to bad all the pain was in my tummy and back.

Jessica - posted on 06/20/2011

Well I went into labor in the middle of the day, and was in labor all night so I was getting very over tired and wast not able to handle the pain So I ended up getting an epidural, which I think was good because I had time to rest before I had to push and my delivery was a very enjoyable experience. i would do it like that again to be able to enjoy the birth of my child without the pain becoming overwhelming

Toni - posted on 06/20/2011

Jeannette Wills- I had three boys and back labor with all three. I also had the contractions in my abdomen. I am not sure what you would call that...
I used nubain before the epidural when I had my first son and (again I react differently than most to meds) I was flying through the hospital, but actually only sitting in the doorway. My nurses, as I hear it, were getting quite a laugh from me.

Jodi - posted on 06/20/2011

With my first I did have a go at the gas......my mum and I joked (when I was finally in between contractions), that the only thing it REALLY did was to shut me up and make me focus on my breathing (which isn't a bad thing). I didn't really feel it did anything for the pain, but it changed my focus a bit. But hey, if I could still be making jokes at my mum in my final stages of labour, I probably wasn't doing that badly either.

Stephanie - posted on 06/20/2011

i didn't get an epidural but i technically didn't do natural. i had one dose of nubain (an iv pain drug) it didn't get rid of the pain but dulled it enough that i could handle it. i wanted to go for natural and was not going to have an epidural. after going to a lamaze class i decide that if i needed help that i would get nubain. it worked for me and i would consider it again if i needed it. i would be interested in trying the "gas" if it became avaliable.

Jodi - posted on 06/19/2011

Delia, we have it available here in Australia. It is the FIRST option usually offered, THEN pethidine, and if those two are exhausted, epidural is the option. Well, that's the way I understood it anyway. There are at least two options available before you have to use an epidural. But then, our hospital system is publically owned and free - it has nothing to do with being a money earner and everything to do with making the experience best for mother and baby. The mroe I hear about your health system in the US, the less I like it.

Jacqueline - posted on 06/19/2011

i went natural on both of children my daughter is 19 months old and my son is 4 days old

Delia - posted on 06/19/2011

Louise, I'm curious which country you live in. When you say "gas" which drug was used? Here in the U.S. we're trying to get Nitrous Oxide reintroduced (wish us luck, since it's not much of a money maker for hospitals as compared to Epidural anesthesia) but to date there are only 2 or 3 university hospitals which offer it.

Louise - posted on 06/19/2011

my 1st i had pethidine and i was really sick after,not to mention it had a very bad effect on my son who had to be resucitated.My 2nd they tried to say i wasnt in labour and tried to take me upstairs to await established labour and i nearly had him in the corridor ,so wasnt any time for anything.My 3rd i arrived at hospital and gave birth 3 mins later no time again.My 4th i had gas n air for the last 10 mins and had an placental abruption.So my 5th was induced and was to quick again,and baby number 6 was induced again they said at 12.10 midnight i wasnt in labour only 3 cms then im screaming and ringing the buzzer for help at 12.30 saying im in agony.She looked and got me in a wheelchair and rushed me to delivery.10 mins later i have my son.I used gas n air for 10 mins and i wish i didnt cause i started hulusinating ( bad spelling lol) as i was so tired and hadnt slept for 30 odd hours by then.Number 7 is due in oct and i will take it as it comes.I will never have epidural as im a wimp when it comes to needles.So i guess i will just have gas n air if anything.

Chanda - posted on 06/18/2011

I had an epidural for my son, but it was not planned that way. I had just had my checkup and the doc told me I still had at least a week to go. Imagine my surprise when my water broke that night. Since I wasn't "due" yet, I had been up since 4am. After working out at the gym, going to work, doing yoga and then eating dinner, my water broke and came out in a trickle - no gush for me. Also no contractions. They had me walking all night long trying to get things moving, which they did slowly. The contractions finally started to kick in at a pretty good pace, but I wasn't dialating much. Finally, at about 10am the next morning, my nurse told me I needed to rest or I wouldn't have the energy to push and would need a c-section. I really didn't want an epidural so they tried something else first, but it didn't work. I finally gave in, got the epidural and passed out for about an hour. When I woke up, I was ready to go and so was the baby. It was wonderful to feel the pressure, but not the pain, as I gave birth to my son. Every woman is different. Don't feel bad because you don't keep up with some image in your head of what "should happen". I hadn't planned on taking anything, was in fact looking forward to having a natural birth, but I am very happy with the results. It was nice to have good memories of each push, rather than excruciating pain. Good luck. God bless. = )

Cassandra - posted on 06/18/2011

natural!

Delia - posted on 06/18/2011

Jeannette, I had excruciating back labor with #1, no back labor with #s 2 or 3, and your painful back labor with #4 and "basic" back labor with #5. I found back labor to be much more painful, but I was more experienced by #5 and did lots of pelvic rocks on hands and knees as well as kneeling on the bed until he turned. I also had taken Birthing From Within classes, so I was "in a much better place" mentally.

Jeannette - posted on 06/18/2011

@ Rose and Toni: I had back labor with my son. I was wondering if you both had back labor during all births (if you had more then one) or if you had "normal" contractions for any other births. I was just wondering which would hurt more. For me, back labor hurt, but it wasn't amazingly bad. And I went without any meds.

Delia - posted on 06/18/2011

Toni and Rose, there's an excellent book called "Back Labor No More". It's a quick easy read with good information. Spinning Babies classes also help address that issue.

Delia - posted on 06/18/2011

I had 5 undrugged hospital births. It helps to start with a strong commitment to go drug free if you want to do that, BUT these suggestions make it both possible and tolerable when giving birth in a hospital setting:

#1) No IV so that you may walk freely and change positions unencumbered. Drink your fluids instead, and if you desire, get a saline lock for access to your veins (not necessary though).

#2 Intermittent monitoring so as not to be strapped down (that means monitors strapped on aprox. 10- 20 minutes out of each hour and OFF the rest of that hour). Remember that continuous monitoring has not improved the outcomes of babies, 30 years after becoming the mainstay of L/D units, though it has dramatically increased the number of C/sections (most of which are unnecessary).

#3 Get out of bed, get out of bed, get out of bed! Contractions are more painful lying down. Try mixing up walking, hands and knees position, standing while leaning on your bed, and resting in bed on your side.

#3 If they have a shower, use it. If they have a birth tub, even better. Sometimes you can rent your own birth tub to labor in, and have it set up in your hospital room. While you're at it, ask for a birth ball or bring your own.

#4 Don't go to the hospital too early! You'll probably labor better in the comfort of your own home. For your second baby, wait until contractions are 3 minutes apart and have been 3 minutes apart for an hour.

#5 Hire a doula

Lovis - posted on 06/18/2011

Dont be mad at yoursef for that the main thing that matters is that your baby is healthy.

Keli - posted on 06/18/2011

do what makes you happy. i tolerated my whole labor without needing a epidural. all labors are different,i didnt feel i was in alot of pain when i had my son so it wasnt necessary for me

Lovis - posted on 06/18/2011

I planned to get the epidural from the beginning and I did go to about five cm before I got it so it would not wear off. I was so glad I could not feel a thing.

Claire - posted on 06/18/2011

I wanted to have a natural birth with just gas and air but there were a few problems as my contraction went up my sons heartbeat dropped to 10 beats per min so i had to have an emergency c-section my sons now 8yrs one week late weighing 5lbs 2oz. We also have a younger son born 5 weeks early due to not growing,low fluid so they decided to perform another c-section he weighed 4lbs 15oz now 5yrs old and has severe developmental delay but i would have tried to have them both on just gas and air

Our son was diagnosed a couple of years ago as having slight cerebral palsy (8rs old now). Our youngest has been diagnosed with severe developmental delay. Youngest is now 5yrs old.

Toni - posted on 06/18/2011

My last two were vaginal and natural. no drugs. ouch, but like I said worth it. :) I might also add that it was better for both baby and I because I have a hard time letting loose of the drugs affects. I react harder than most and it lasts longer than it should.

Joy - posted on 06/18/2011

I went half way natural (if there is a such thing). I only took pain meds which really don't stop the pain from the contractions. I never had to push because once I was fully dilated my son kind of slid right on out. I definitely will go natural again and try without the pain meds!

Joy - posted on 06/18/2011

I went half way natural (if there is a such thing). I only took pain meds which really don't stop the pain from the contractions. I never had to push because once I was fully dilated my son kind of slid right on out. I definitely will go natural again and try without the pain meds!

April - posted on 06/17/2011

Amber, that is so true. a lot of people say "natural" but what they really should be saying is "vaginal". doing a vaginal birth with pain meds isn't "natural".
I had an emergency C-sec after a failed induction for medical reasons and then two more later but if i had any "vaginal" deliveries i probably would do the epi. i don't know why women feel the need to endure pain to prove something. we take meds for headaches, cancer etc, why not to speed up and better enjoy a birth? no need to live in the dark ages. my husband loves me the same and thinks the same of me no matter how i delivered and that should be the same for all women. do what you want and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

Jacci - posted on 06/17/2011

I was induced as my water broke three weeks early and after 12 hours no contractions. My labour was labour on steriods I lasted 8 hours and caved and beat myself up for taking the easy way out. Now looking back on the experience it doesn't bother me as much - you do what you have to do - and you managed to get enough rest to birth your child and that is what you needed - good enough! And congrats!

Toni - posted on 06/17/2011

I agree Rose, I also get back labor and hurts like the dickens, but it is why we are here. And the pain is quickly forgotten. :)

Rose - posted on 06/17/2011

i went natural 5 times it hurts alot as i also get back labour but our bodies are meant for this, unless you are having a c-section then i personally think that a woman needs to let her body do what is natural. but that is just my oppionion

Katherine - posted on 06/17/2011

Well when I had my daughter Triniti I was 18, I had a high risk pregnancy and they told me I might lose her twice due to some things, well after going through all that I didn't want to chance during labor getting any type of medications if possible, I went in on the 5th of July at 4 cm and 95 % effaced and they ended up breaking my water, and putting me on pitocin to fasten the labor, I ended up going through some pain and they offered Stadol seeing that I hadn't slept for almost 2 days by that time. Stadol didn't really take any of my pain away but it did help relax me and I was able to half sleep while dilating the rest of the way. 2 1/2 hours later I got lucky and started pushing and by that time the effects of stadol had worn off * or at least .. I didn't feel sleepy anymore lols. With my son Todd Jr. I had a totally different pregnancy it was perfect til the end * I still felt fine but my son was being a week bigger then he was posed to be ... they told me he wouldn't be any bigger then 8 lbs but that was a lie lols * .. I went in wanting to do it natural I went in on August 28th at 10 a.m at 2 c.m dilated 65 % effaced they once again broke my water around noon and put me on pitocin around 4ish or so well they checked me around 8-9 and they checked me I was only 4 c.m and 90% effaced .. and the doctor recommended I get the epidural so I can relax and try and get some sleep and they would put me on the full amount of pitocin b/c if not and I didn't either change dramatically by 7 a.m on the 29th or start pushing then I'd have to go in for a c-section ... and I def. did not want that so I said ok with the epidural. And I got veryyy lucky and started pushing at 6:30 in the morning and had him at 7:58 a.m he was 9 lbs 6 oz. and 21 1/2 in. long. I am pregnant again with my 3rd/last child. And I have intentions on doing the exact same attempting to do it natural again but I def. don't want to get close to a c-section lols. They had told me that my son this time is starting to look a week bigger as well so I am guessing I am looking forward to another 9 lb kid lol but who knows I"ll find out in Oct. But anyhow something that I had found helped me while attempting to do it natural and going all that time without anything is distract yourself, and def. know what to expect while going in there and what I mean by that is .. we know it's painful of course it would be our body is going through and has been going through soo many changes to adapt * might be wrong choice of word but I can't think of what else to use lols * to just to carry and birth this wonderful miracle we have been very lucky to be able to do, as you said above we and our bodies were meant to do this so somewhere in side us * to a point of course * we are naturally made to work with this pain, and naturally meant to give birth. When I was going through those hours of pain and uncomfort I found ways of distracting myself I'd either take my breaths while looking up at the lights on the ceiling * Which I also happen to do during a tattoo or piercing not the breaths part but relaxing and zoning out into the light it helps me forget and not fixate on what is to come * and or with my son while I was in labor, I actually had my cell phone with me which was able to go online and I sat on it and chatted with ppl on facebook/myspace * I forget which one was around at that time I think it was myspace lol * And I was texting ppl .. when they had asked me what I was doing or when I was going to pop, I would tell them I was in labor at the hospital and no one believed me lol but I was chatting through contractions to help relax me a bit and again not fixate on when the next contraction was coming and or how much it could or would hurt so to me it kept me relaxed calm and able to think more and I had * for the most part * and better suited labor and I am going to do the same this time .. and maybe bring my brother's nintendo ds as well lols. But I think everyone has their different " sense " of relaxtion and different way of concentrating on something else .. just do what is comfortable to you and remember although we had other plans in the beginning, sometimes the labor or pregnancy or baby in that matter just might have something totally different in store that might make you get medication without you even wanting too. I am glad in a way though that this is going to be my last time at this but sad at the same time lols, the birthing/labor actually isn't the part I dislike I could do that thousands of times * not literally but u know what I mean lols *, I hate when after you spent all that time pushing and delivering and labor they have to push down sooo hard on your stomach for the clots ... I HATE that feeling on my stomach ... it's funny how I can handle the birth more then I can the after affects lols. But thankfully I have a higher pain tolerance .. it comes in handy sometimes lols.

Susan - posted on 06/17/2011

My oldest is 21 and my youngest naturally born child is 12 ( I also have 1 adopted child). I had an epidural with all 5 of my children however I was also induced with all of mine as well. I had discussed having an epidural vs natural thoroughly with my doctor and my husband. This was a very safe and wise decision for me. The medication did not effect the baby what so ever and I was able to rest during the middle of labor and save some of my strength for the actual delivery itself. I was wide awake and ready for each of my childrens deliveries. I did have deferent OB docs for some of my kids and the each agreed this was the safest and smartest way to go. You also have some energy to enjoy your newborn right after the birth. Good luck to you. Having a baby is the most amazing experience.

Carmina - posted on 06/17/2011

hello :) i was induced 1 week early and stuck with the drip in my arm so i was very restricted. i stood the whole labour, it was 5 hours and i had a LOT of gas haha. 2 contractions 4minutes and my baby boy was out with no tearing! apart from the gas i suppose it was natural, it was the best thing ever. im hoping to do the same with my next little girl, due in 19 weeks :D i hope it goes just as fast though, because i probably wont have the drip to speed things up :( lol

Kristian - posted on 06/17/2011

I had my son natural he is my frist and i had to be induced though because i was pass my due date. I had to walk the hospital and all that. Then my contractions started kicking in so i took warm hot showers.I also fall asleep through the contractions i guess i was in so much pain. The next moring at 630am it was time to push.

Madison - posted on 06/17/2011

I went ahead and got the Epidural, but mine started to wear off a little before I started to push. So I did feel some of the pain. It didn't make me drowsy but definitely made me loopy.

Toni - posted on 06/17/2011

Birth #1 I had the epidural, and they punctured something and I had a headache for 6 months afterwards. Come to find out I had to have a blood patch to stop it, which is another epidural of your blood, that hurts worse than the original epidural, which hurts immensely!! Plus I was groggy and couldn't enjoy the birth of my first baby. Everyday I wish I hadn't done it.
Births #2 and #3 I went natural and drug free and loved it. it hurt, but as soon as baby was out and in your arms, there was no recollection of the pain. :) I am sad that I will never get to experience it again. :(

Melissa - posted on 06/17/2011

I never planned on going natural. I am a very petite woman and know my limits when it comes to pain. When my uterus stopped growing to accommodate my growing son I knew it just wasn't in the cards.

And after being in labor for three days I knew I would need one. I did! Another day went by and by evening number four they had delivered my precious, wonderful and rambunctious baby boy by c-section.

My uterus quit contracting and my cervix stopped dilating by seven cm's .... so yeah, it was either that or a one way ticket to the great beyond for both of us.

I am VERY happy to have had this pregnancy in the modern age of medicine or neither of us would have survived. :)

Callie - posted on 06/17/2011

I wanted to go natural but ended up with an epidural. The doctor/nurses decided my contractions weren't 'regular' enough and gave me pitocin through my IV (which the hospital requires) without telling me. I reacted badly and after 1 contraction that lasted 15 mins. I asked for an epidural. It took hours for my epidural to wear off and I still get weird burning in the nerves of my right foot (told its prob. from the epidural). Because of that and several other things I'm planning a midwife homebirth with our next child.