i'm not sure if i want to have my baby natural or do the drug things, what do u think, need help?

~Jennifer - posted on 11/24/2009

Thank you for your responses to this question.

Cathy - posted on 11/23/2009

Until you get there you can't make any kind of decision...my sister had an horrifically painful 20 something hour birth with her first and wanted whatever drug was available.....but I have had all 4 of my sons with no pain releif at all...with my first I was put into hospital the night before for an induction, in the morning when they came in to apply cream and hook me up for the induction needle they found I was 7cm dialated and said I was probably in labour all night...thats why I couldn't sleep :-)..it just felt like strong period pain...no induction needed. The next four hours were uncomfortable but not so bad that I needed pain relief. My second son I had at home (not through choice), once again I was to be induced the following morning so we were packed to leave early... but my son decided at dinner that the time was right and about an hour after my waters broke my husband delivered him(breech) on the lounge room floor...needless to say there were no drugs in the house so he was delivered natural as well. My third son came in 40 minutes, barely giving us time to park the car at the hospital and get to the birthing unit...........no time for drugs!! And the darling baby of the family arrived very unexpected at just 26weeks!!! With a new dr to the hospital (who did not speak very good english) telling me to go home as I was not in labour and my three younger children looking on, husband firmly telling dr that he NEEDED to listen to me... our tiny son was born in less than 30 minutes after arriving at hospital....he took the shortest time, was as long as a biro and hurt like hell...but there was no time for drugs ............. At the end of the day each woman is different, each delivery unique, each decision you make entirely yours....whatever you choose I hope that the end result is a healthy baby who brings tears of joy to your eyes...don't let anyone take that special moment away from you by making you feel bad about the decision to with or without drugs.....it is your decision entirely!!! xxxxxxxxxxx Goodluck!!

Kelli - posted on 11/23/2009

Its not so bad at first with the pain...but the longer it takes to b in labor the worse it willget but that's only if they have to induce u into labor..That is what the doctor had to do to me due to being 4 days late. I was in labor for 19 and half hours. I had the pain medication because i was in to much pain. I did have my baby natural. Each persons body is different when it comes to how long you will be in labor. I hope that you have an easy birth with no problems.

Colleen - posted on 11/23/2009

You know, I've had five kids and heard thousands of labor stories and everyones' experience with each delivery is different. My first one, pain management was not made available and my labor was 24 hours, 6 of it hard labor! I was 19 and felt like superwoman afterwards. But at 32, 34, 36, and 42, I couldn't have done it that way. Each time I had to have pitocin to help the labor along, which also makes labor more difficult. I think having an epidural actually relaxed me and helped the baby come out faster. Each delivery was successively shorter, but they still really hurt!! I would say keep an open mind to it and decide what's best at the time. This whole business of having a delivery plan - you can chuck that out the window. Nobody knows what's going to happen until it happens.

Lois - posted on 11/22/2009

My labor had other problems (the cord was wrapped tight and short around her neck, so she couldn't get out without choking or with "help") so the end wasn't at ALL what I'd planned...and it was pretty fast and furious, so not too long. I too wanted to do the "natural"thing...was all set up to do it in water but it didn't work out that way. So, given that kind of thing, don't really decide anything definitively until you get there: ANYthing can happen.



But one thing I noticed...;it was REALLY obvious and hard to miss!! was that if I stayed on all fours, I didn't hurt almost at all. Those few MINUTES when the idiot "sage-femmes" made me lay on my BACK so they could check how dilated I was, were pure and unadulterated AGONY!!! So, my best advice is either have an advocate/Doula to advocate and fend off the traditionalists or find a hospital that is OK with it, and choose your position. I've never understood why they ALWAYS show women on TV, flat on their back, when it's really NOT the best way (in my experience) to do it at all. I THINK the real reason is...it's convenient for the DR, who has everything right way up and at his waist level, so HE doesn't get a sore back!!!

Ilze - posted on 11/22/2009

Quoting Katrina:

i'm not sure if i want to have my baby natural or do the drug things, what do u think, need help?

I'm taking a birthing class and she said that u only really frrl bad pain for 2 and 11 min out of the 14 to 17 hours of labor.

I had all three babies naturally, no painkillers nothing, my first birth was 5.5 hrs the next 3 and the last just over an hour.  Now i know this sounds great but remember the faster the birth the faster the pains.  When in labour i go into my own concentrated world, the pain is great but i find it's handleable as there is a baby at the end you will just adore.  Go in with an open mind and all will be fine, don't listen to all the bad stories cause some of us have plenty of good ones.  i did antenatal Yoga and that helps greatly with breathing etc..  contact me direct if yo like.  Regards Ilze, happy mum

AMEY - posted on 11/22/2009

There are so many things I want to say right now, but feel I would be kicked out of this circle if I voiced them... Angry opinions duly noted, I will say that you can only do what is right for you. No one else BUT you will go through that pain. If you have a bad tooth that needs pulled, do you get it pulled without pain meds or doyou get the meds? Your pain level is up to you, and you should not believe any nonsense about only being in pain for 2-11 minutes! Every person is different, and every labor is different. With my first child I labored for over 12 hours of HARD labor before I was diolated enough to even GET the drugs. By then due to a deformed spine, my contractons had actually created stress fracturs in my back and tailbone. After the birth is when I found out my back was deformed. Yes childbirth actually broke my back. knowing this going into my second labor, I begged for the drugs earlier. by the time she was born, most of it had worn off of me and my baby. I was able to conserve my stength throughout the labor and participate in the 2nd delivery more.



What ever you decide, do not lat anyone make you feel less than perfect about your childbirth because you are the only one going through your pain and how you decide to manage it is up to you.

Kate - posted on 11/22/2009

my advice is to wait till your having your baby i wrote on my birth plan that i would like to decide when i was in labour wot pain relief i wanted the best choice for me and the midwifes were happy with me saying that

Joy - posted on 11/22/2009

I had 2 of my 3 natural. It is painful but not for long. Doing it natural was best for me. But you also have to think if you can handle any kind of pain on what to do,

Shelly - posted on 11/22/2009

I had three of my children with epidurals, and my two oldest boys natural(not by choice, they were just really fast getting here). I can tell you from experience, I enjoyed the whole birthing process much better with the epidurals. I could relax and focus on the beauty of my child being born instead of how much longer is this gonna hurt! I recovered in about the same amount of time with all of them, and none of them had any side effects from the 'drugs'. Really, it's all about pain tolerance. How well do you handle pain? With my first natural birth, the doctor jokingly told me she would not deliver another of my children without the epidural, because I was really mean! Some people, however, can breath through it and keep there composure!! What kind of person are you?

Janelle - posted on 11/22/2009

The most important thing is to educate yourself. It's your birth. The doctors and nurses won't remember this day, but you will for the rest of your life. Read the Birth Book by Dr. Sears. If you are really brave, watch the documentary "The Business of Being Born." There is no shame if you use drugs, but educate yourself about them first. Understand the meaning of "infomed consent."

I agonized over the decision. My super hero sister had 3 natural unmedicated births. I wasn't sure if I could handle it, but I was scared of the domino effect of interventions. So I got a doula and a put together a birth plan. In the end, the only one who listened to the birth plan was me, my husband and our doula. You might luck out and get a nurse who will give you the time of day, but don't depend on the hospital staff to hold your hand through the birthing process. And your doctor will show up when you're ready to push the kid out. Our doula made all the difference on the big day. She helped me physically move around, she served as an advocate for us when the staff kept trying to 'tie' me to the bed. She helped me understand that what I was feeling was natural. Our doula helped me in ways that my husband could not. Don't get me wrong, my husband was awesome, but this was his first baby, too! (find a doula at dona.org) In the end, I got a shot of staedol when I was at 8 cm and it relaxed me enough to finish dialating, but other than that I was med free.

Kelly - posted on 11/21/2009

Hi Katrina,

You need to do what you think will work best for you and your baby. Pain is hard to guage as we all feel and cope with pain differently.The best advice I was given was "when the pain is so unbearable you don't think you can go on, the good news is you are nearly there". I had two natural births. The first was induced and lasted four hours, the second went for two hours. I just made sure I was really fit and healthy and did lots of squatting and pelvic floor exercises throughout and after my pregnancy. I also beleived I could handle the pain. It really is worth it at he end when you hold your new little treasure. And the amazing thing about pain is you just can't recall how intense it was. All is forgotten when your beautiful baby arrives.

All the best,Kelly

Kelly - posted on 11/21/2009

Hi Katrina,

You need to do what you think will work best for you and your baby. Pain is hard to guage as we all feel and cope with pain differently.The best advice I was given was "when the pain is so unbearable you don't think you can go on, the good news is you are nearly there". I had two natural births. The first was induced and lasted four hours, the second went for two hours. I just made sure I was really fit and healthy and did lots of squatting and pelvic floor exercises throughout and after my pregnancy. I also beleived I could handle the pain. It really is worth it at he end when you hold your new little treasure. And the amazing thing about pain is you just can't recall how intense it was. All is forgotten when your beautiful baby arrives.

All the best,Kelly

Megan - posted on 11/21/2009

I tell my friends to keep their mind open. You only really know whats right for you personally till you are there. I had 1 with some medication and novicane downstairs cuz they knew thay would have to give me an epsiotomy(spelling?) and 1 with nothing becuz he came out too fast and I preferred the 1st birth, even tho it was 3 times as long!

Chasity - posted on 11/21/2009

I would have to agree with Kelly and say that you can't really know until you are in labor. I do think your instructor is either lying or has an incredibly high tolerance for pain. Also, no one can predict how long labor will last. To say it's between 14-17 hours is ludicrous! My entire labor with my first child was 23 hours and 51 minutes. I don't mean to scare you, but I don't want you being deceived or unprepared for what could happen either. I have 3 kids- My first he was "sunny side up" which means he was born with his face up instead of down. This caused excruciating back pain. I had an epidural as soon as they let me (I was in labor for 19 hours and 33 minutes-not counting the 4 hours and 18 minutes before I went to the hospital-so thank God for the drugs!). Also, my son had (and still kinda does) very large head. The Dr. gave me an episiotmy to prevent ripping and it DIDN'T HELP! Even with an episiotmy, my son still ripped me. Again, thank God for the drugs! Another downside was I had to have a catheter which to me was more painful than the epidural. My 2nd was induced due to complications. I was given pitocin to start contractions and some gel or something to help soften my cervix. I was allowed Demerol because they didn't want an epidural to slow down the process. Demerol worked great for the first 45 minutes, but quickly wore off. I could feel every contraction and sensation as I labored for only a little over 4 hours. I was able to get up almost as soon as she was born and go pee (a plus. Without an epidural, you don't need a catheter.) My 3rd was emergency c-section. We barely got to the hospital in time for her to be born. I had fully dilated from 1-10 within 38 minutes of arriving and when they checked me, they felt feet! So, i had to have an emergency c-section because less than an hour after arriving, my water broke and she had already started to come out WITHOUT ANY PUSHING! By the time I was on the operating table, her toes were touching my knee! That's right, she was already half way out before the Dr. got there and cut me open. She was born healthy and happy and thank God for the anesthesiologist who put me to sleep! I would have preferred to be awake to see her born, but due to the emergency, they didn't have time to give me an epidural. Anyway, my point is, every labor and delivery is different. Every woman is different. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for considering drugs. I wanted all my births to be natural (my mom did it with 3 out of 4 of her births), but it just didn't happen that way for me. Ultimately, the decision has to be yours and yours alone. You know your body better than anyone else and if you can do it natural, that's awesome. If you need Demerol or an epidural then that's ok too. What matters is that it's your decision. Hope this helps!

Julie - posted on 11/21/2009

I have four kids....I had planned to go natural also but ended up with pain control methods. The drugs did not help me...however had 4 very sucessful epidurals though. Please talk with your doctor as there are some potentiall harmful side effects.



There is nothing wrong with planning to go natural and asking for something during labor (there is a point in labor it would be too late to get an epidural)



Pregnacy and labor questions are always hard becuase theprocess is so different for each woman.



Best of luck and follow your heart....you will know what you can tolerate and cant. This is the first decision of many, in your journey of being a mom, that will have different answer for everyone!



And as far as your instructor, she may be influenced by her personal belief on pain control options for women....as I said discuss with your doctor before hand the benefits and possilbe side effects of drugs and epidurals...



Congrats on the the newest family memeber !!!!

Kimberly - posted on 11/20/2009

i have had both. with my first son i thought i was tough and could take the pain so i signed the waiver for no drugs to be administered. I found out i can't handle pain i am glad i did do natural though. it only hurt me during contractions and my labor did not last long thank goodness. but i blacked out with my other son as soon as they gave me the drugs. I dont know if this will help or not.

Cindy - posted on 11/20/2009

I agree with the advice to wait and see. I'd intended to have my son naturally. However, he was overdue therefore induced. My labor was long and the contractions on pitocin were intense. I tried the natural way for several hours, but then was exhausted and not dilating fully. After I asked (several times - be persistent if you need) for and received an epidural and a brief nap, dilation and delivery progressed quickly and with little discomfort. This experience completely changed my opinion about having an epidural. If pregnant again I will try natural delivery but am open to taking pain meds if needed, especially if induced.

Debra - posted on 11/20/2009

I intended to have my first naturally. But she was sunny-side-up creating severe back labor and I ended up doing drugs because the pain was too severe. My second and third were delivered drug-free and were both beautiful experiences. I think it's good to intend to give natural childbirth, but don't be a martar if the pain is just too much and makes it emotionally unsafe for you and your baby. Just remember to take it one contraction at a time. Otherwise it's just too overwhelming!!! Best of luck to you and your beautiful new family.

Kristy - posted on 11/20/2009

yeah someone one lied major to u hun i was in labor for 3 days w/ my first and that was pure back labor! my 2nd kid i was induced and i had pain meds w/ both it helped that i have a low tolerance for pain meds. so if taking any major pain med knocked u out more than 2hrs i would say meds natural sucks and is painful1 good luck

Tae-Lee - posted on 11/20/2009

I suggest you just go with the flow. Dont make any definate plans, because things can change. There may come a point in you labour where you have just had enough of the pain, and want something to take the edge off it. Gas is good, especially if you concentrate on the noise it makes when you are taking it. Has your instructor actually had a baby, in my 3 1/2 hour labour, the pain was really bad for 3 1/2 hours. It 'gets worse' at the end, during the pusing stage, but remeber, if you get this far without drugs, U dont need them. You will be too busy concentrating on pushing than how much it hurts.

Hope this helps, even a little bit.

Corral - posted on 11/20/2009

i would not suggest natural birth. I have 2 kids, and with both i have had an epidural, which only numbs mommy from the wwaist down, the baby does not get any of the drug, unlike using the i v. i strongly suggest epidurals.

Donna - posted on 11/20/2009

OK!!! (midwife talking here!!!) It's best for you and baby to do without analgesia (physically speaking). However, human beings are so much more than just anatomy and physiology. When the time comes, you'll know what you need. Some women fly through it without any pain relief, others take everything that's going. What's most important, is that you come away from the experience feeling that it's been one of the best days of your life, and that you'll gladly go through it again. My number one tip for you, is DO NOT BE AFRAID. The midwives and Docs looking after you are very well trained, so don't worry about your well-being or that of your baby's. You only need to focus on each and every contraction as they come. I hope it all goes well for you. Regarding analgesia - there's a world of choice out there - just don't forget about non-pharaceutical options such as the birthing pool, and try and stay mobile for as long as you can. Good luck!! (You can do it!!!) xo

Stephanie - posted on 11/20/2009

Dear Katrina: Going natural with my 3rd child was the best life experience I have ever had. My 1st was a C-section and 2nd was a vaginall-epidural birth. I had always longed to go natural but was scared of the pain. Six weeks before due date w/my 3rd I read "The Birth Book" by Martha Sears. It changed my life! It's a book that teaches you how your body is designed by God and how to go natural. The only "bad" experiences I have ever heard from natural childbirths are the ones who 'had' to go natural for one reason or another. When you are prepared and know how to breathe, bounce on a ball, or lie in a warm pool of water, etc....the only pain you experience is the labor pains. I felt like I had severe menstrual cramps, but nothing that made me cry. I walked, bounced on a birthing ball and took hot showers to help w/the labor. I had a Birthing Plan (a must for any mom to be) so I did not have the internal fetal monitoring device. If you go into the hospital without a birthing plan stating that you want an external monitoring device, the hospital will put an internal one into your vagina and then hook you up to IV's (just in case, they say - it's all about the insurance). So if you have these hook ups, you will not be free to roam the halls, get in the shower, etc. So take control of your birth and have everything written in a Birthing Plan for it to go as you want. I had in my BP that my husband was to announce the sex (I never found out beforehand; I like surprises!) So, I read The Birth Book, then switched from my male OB/GYN to female mid-wife - 5 weeks before delivery. I arrived at the hospital at 9 a.m. in labor and delivered at 1:15 p.m. My other births I was in labor forever because the drugs stalls labor BIG TIME! I was so disappointed with my C-section and Vbac births - I didn't feel a thing! It was like I didn't even give birth. What the doctors do not tell you is that your perinium automatically numbs itself when the baby's head crowns. After all, isn't it the thought of a 7+ pounder squeezing out of our vaginas as the scare tactic that keeps us from natural childbirth? So if you can suffer through the labor - which could be easy or severe - as soon as the head crowns, you don't feel the baby coming out anyway! It feels as if you are having a bowel movement. It was incredible! I recommend going natural to everyone. Of course everyone's birthing experiences are different. You can always have in your BP to go natural, but be able to take an epidural upon your request. They will then keep you posted up until it's "too late" for meds. I had a friend do that. She opted for the epi and then regretted it. She kept listening to her husband who couldn't stand her "being in pain". She later regretted that and when she had her next child she went natural and loved it. She's now due in April to have her 3rd and she's going natural again. I hope this helps! God bless you and your family!

Samantha - posted on 11/20/2009

Wait and see how you feel. Everyone experiences labour differently as you can see from all these posts, some don't hardly feel a thing and many people are in agony. I have done it with epidural and without and it was way more painful without meds as the gas did nothing for me but my baby was alert after and I felt my recovery was quicker without medication but I would have preferred the epidural. First labours are always longer anyway so make the decision based on how you are feeling, how painful it is and how tired you are. Medication is there to help you so use it if you need it! Best of luck and know that you are making the right decision for you and only you will know what you need.

Dianne - posted on 11/20/2009

Dear Katrina, Having your first baby is a very scary thing, because it is all new and unfamiliar to you! Many people will tell you of their experiences, but they are not you! Babies are very precious and to have your baby naturally is part of being a Mum and it will be the most beautiful, loving and closest feeling you will ever have with your baby. When that little one comes out and you get to hold her/him after all you have endured is the most precious thing and tears will flow not of the pain you went thru but of the joy and love for your beautiful healthy baby! No one knows if the actual birth will go for a short time or for a long time, or if you will have lots of contractions that you may feel are going forever but in reality only for the period of time it takes for your precious baby to push their way out into the world and into your loving arms!! Which ever you decide tho is your decision to make! As a Mum of 4 sons and now 11 grand children, with the joy of watching 6 of those precious ones come into this world, it is one of God's beautiful miracles that will stay with me forever! Take care and enjoy your motherhood to come! Di

Sara - posted on 11/20/2009

I had one child naturally, and one with an epidural. It's a toss up. It does hurt, but some people can handle it. My first child was natural and my birth plan was to see how it went...by the time I asked for the epidural it was time to push and 15 minutes later I was a mom. With my second child I hadn't slept much and was curious as to what it would be like with drugs. Both experiences were positive. You can always go in and see how long you can take it... when it gets to be too much , ask for the drugs. My best advice is not to be too set with any particular plan. Good Luck!

Mary - posted on 11/20/2009

I am a mother of 7 and my first six were all natural. I had rather fast labors (22 minutes was my shortest aprox. 6 hours longest) The difficult pain is when you are ready to push but then you push and it is so satisfying to feel that accomplishment and hold that sweet baby. My 7th was c-section because she was placenta previa. I had my first epideral. it was a lot less scary than I thought it would be. but I prefer the natural way. Just don't decide it has to be one way and then be disappointed when something happens to change it. You still get a beautiful baby at the end!

Linda - posted on 11/20/2009

Just as each child is different, so each labor will be different. The important thing to remember is not so much the how the baby is born but that the baby is born. It is great to aim for a medication-free labor, but it is not a sign of weakness nor failure to have something. Labor is painful, more for some than for others. I have 4 kids and I did have a shot of something that's no longer on the market with the first one, just to take the edge off the pain. I could still feel it, but I didn't care! ; ) I've been involved in childbirth education in the past. You need to know your body, how you respond to pain and how much you can take. Remember, too, that it's a different type of pain, coming in waves with breaks in between. But just like waves in the ocean, some people can handle bigger waves than others. and you know what? That's okay! Consider your options, and do what you and your coach feel is best for YOU and YOUR baby. Good luck!!

Julia - posted on 11/20/2009

She is lying. thats a matter of your pain tolorens. i had two children natural. My sisters and mother all had the drugs : ). i would say go through the first part, if you cant take it get the epodural, if you can dont. its not like you have to go into the hospital and deside right away, you only have to deside when your at like 6 cm or something like that. My doctor told me that just the delivory can last on avrage 1 to 2 hours. so the 11 min is crap

Andrea - posted on 11/20/2009

are you strong??? are you pain tolerance??? if you are go natural if you are not go with drugs ,cause it HURTS!!!!!!

Ashley - posted on 11/20/2009

Everyone's experience is different when it comes to giving labor. My advice would be to see how much you can handle, if it gets too bad ask for an epidural. For some women, giving birth doesn't hurt. For others, like me, it is more painful than you ever would have thought. I got an epidural and I am glad I did. I got to rest a little while and I was happier. You will know what to do when the time comes.

Stacey - posted on 11/20/2009

Wow sorry but you're instructor is full of it. Not only can she not know how long you're labor be..especially if it's your first but also how long it may take you to push. It could very well be minutes but then it could be hours..even a couple of days in all.

Although I ended up with 4 c-sections I went through 3 labors with twins, once with my 3rd pregnancy and again the last. Mine we're very rapid labors. 3rd I went into labor and was fully dilated in under 90 minutes..but it was so intense and painful because I didn't get a chance to get used to them they started at 3 minutes and were every very quickly. My last one my water broke and within an hour they were ever 3-5 and then every minute within 2 hours but 2 contractions back to back at a time. Each one of mine were completely different from the other. I didn't get meds for any of them until in the OR..if I had the choice I would at least try natural..you can always get something later on

Latasha - posted on 11/20/2009

WELL LADY ALL I CAN SAY IS IT'S UP TO YOU I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND DID JUST FINE IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT HOW YOU CAN TAKE PAIN THAT'S ALL

Latasha - posted on 11/20/2009

WELL LADY ALL I CAN SAY IS IT'S UP TO YOU I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND DID JUST FINE IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT HOW YOU CAN TAKE PAIN THAT'S ALL

Emmalice - posted on 11/20/2009

Quoting Katrina:

i'm not sure if i want to have my baby natural or do the drug things, what do u think, need help?

I'm taking a birthing class and she said that u only really frrl bad pain for 2 and 11 min out of the 14 to 17 hours of labor.

I don't think it is a matter of how much pain, but how well you handle pain.  I don't mind the dentist or getting needles.  I never bruise because I am calm when I get them.  You are your best judge.  There is nothing wrong with not being able to "handle" the pain as much as the person in the next bed.  We are all individual and should not worry about being judged by others.  I just had a feeling in my heart that Epidural was not going to be a good for me so I didn't want it.  In fact I was so against it (for myself) that I signed a birthing contract that the nurses abided by.  In the last hour of labor, I did need something to take the edge off.  I am not sure what they gave me, but it only allowed me to sleep between contractions so I still felt every pain.  I did this through both pregnancies and I wouldn't changed it unless absolutely needed. 

Remember it is your pain and there is nothing wrong with asking for help during your labor to be able to enjoy it.  The end result is a beautiful healthy young soul. 

Best of Luck,
E♥

Laura - posted on 11/20/2009

Everyone is different so no one can tell you how much or how little pain you will feel - that is effected by your personal pain tolerance, the position of the baby, how quickly you dilate, if your cervix is posterior (baby's head is lower in the birth canal than your cervix.) etc. I found it was most helpful to talk to people with a genetic build similar to mine - my family. Do your research and decide what is best for you!

Nicole - posted on 11/20/2009

that is the funniest thing i've ever heard. i've had two babies vaginally, and one by c-section. i am pregnant with my fourth and we will try for a v-bac. i can tell you after being in labor two times for over a 24 hour period cumulatively you will feel pain, bad pain. i think the pain your instructor is referring to is when the baby crowns. i still consider the pain of labor very intense and received an epidural for the last few hours for both of my vaginal births. one of my best friends is a mid-wife who exclusively delivered babies at home, and she ended up going to a hospital for an epidural (after about 15 hours) and then delivered both her kids by c-section. i would go into the experience with an open mind. anytime you set up a blockade for yourself you will only end up disappointed. see how much you can handle, and don't be embarrassed or upset if you do end up choosing the drugs. because of the epidurals i was able to enjoy the actual delivery and was relaxed enough to watch them in the mirrors provided, because i didn't feel "the ring of fire". good luck!

Diana - posted on 11/20/2009

Every mother is different. Labor can be short or extremely long. I have 4 boys all delivered c-section, but not by my choice. My sister has 2 children both delivered naturally with no drugs. She had a long labor, but she was happy she did it naturally. My girlfriend went into labor and we barely made it through the ER doors. Don't let anyone scare you. Every case is different. Go with what your heart tells you. I know you can't have any epidurals if you are too far into labor...delivering, so make your decision with your spouse prior to delivery. You know yourself better than anyone else. You'll know it you'll need it or not. Congratulations!

Priscilla - posted on 11/20/2009

okay your instructor must have never been in labor....I have a very high pain tolerance so I didn't feel any pain until my water broke...by then I was dilated to nine....I felt pain for more than 12 mins..... I didn't have any medication b/c I was dilated so far once I could feel the contractions...the final outcome is up to you but I would suggest looking at your options for pain...there are non medicated choices as well as medicated

Joyce - posted on 11/20/2009

I have had two kids now and both were natural. I went too fast to have anything for the first and I was 18 years old. The second one came a month and a half early and I did get something for pain through IV. However it made me sleepy and never really took the edge off and I was only in labor for maybe an hour. I suggest you do lots of walking it helps to move labor fast. It did hurt but it was over quick. Don't get scared, you will be ok.

Kelly - posted on 11/20/2009

Each person's pain tolerance is different honey...so don't let anyone tell you it doesn't hurt. It hurt like hell for me, but I chose to tuff it out for 2 out of 3 births. The first 2 times I went through labor it was fast and furious, but the 3rd baby was a long and hard labor, so I chose to have an epidural. Unfortunately, they messed it up and it didn't work properly, so I had pain anyhow...crappy!



Ultimately it's all up to you at the moment of truth honey! You may choose to have an all natural birth, then at the last minute cry out for the epidural or pain meds...believe me, it happens! LOL

Kelly - posted on 11/20/2009

Each person's pain tolerance is different honey...so don't let anyone tell you it doesn't hurt. It hurt like hell for me, but I chose to tuff it out for 2 out of 3 births. The first 2 times I went through labor it was fast and furious, but the 3rd baby was a long and hard labor, so I chose to have an epidural. Unfortunately, they messed it up and it didn't work properly, so I had pain anyhow...crappy!



Ultimately it's all up to you at the moment of truth honey! You may choose to have an all natural birth, then at the last minute cry out for the epidural or pain meds...believe me, it happens! LOL

Erin - posted on 11/20/2009

I am due to give birth to my first baby in January and have done a LOT of research in this area. I have chosen to try my labor medicine free and do it the all natural way and have been taking a hypnobirthing class which is truly amazing. The key (or so i hear) to labor is to remain calm and relaxed. When you stay relaxed, your cervix dialates much faster and you tend to have a less painful labor because your muscles aren't all tensed up. I would recomment learning how to take deep, slow breaths and how to maintain that through your pain. I know this pain does not compare, but everytime I am uncomfortable or have any kind of pain right now, I practice with breathing techniques and relaxation and it usually helps to dull the pain quite a bit until it goes away. Just some suggestions for you! Good luck!

Kate - posted on 11/20/2009

It really comes down to the individual. Some womens bodies are made to have babies. Big or small. Personally, I have had three, all with epidurals, because I couldnt handle the pain. First was 36 hr labour and I was in excrutiating pain, anf incrediably exhausted, for 6hrs. The next two werent any easier. Its best to keep an open mind whilst your in labour and have a birth plan and a good partner. You will be rewarded with the most precious gift anyone can imagine. Good luck

Chanda - posted on 11/19/2009

ok...I'm going to contradict everyone. Have a plan! If you are thinking natural be prepared for the pain. If you think you might want an epi tell thrm when you get there. If you wait until you are in pain it may be to late. With my son I had one had a great delivery I could feel what was happening but it wasn't very painful and the Dr. was able to make a cut to keep from tearing for faster recovery...with my daughter my water broke and I went fast they tried to give me an epi after putting it off (didn't work) screaming pain and I tore bad, but I had not prepared for natural child birth. But either way you end up with your little blessing.

Puanani - posted on 11/19/2009

I did it without the first time, the last two times I took something for the pain. Personally for me It was more pleasurable not having all the pain. I was more involved and in tune to the birth of my babies.

Jennifer - posted on 11/19/2009

I don't agree with that. I have had three babies, and all three of them were different!! I was enduced with my first one. I had really hard stomach labor, the shakes and my epidurals didn't work at all! With baby #2, I had back labor. No one told me it felt like you had to have a bowel movement, so I didn't even know I was in labor until hubby came home and put things together for me. It was rough but not terrible. With baby #3, I just got out of the hospital... I was enduced yet again, but this time my epidural took too well. They didn't tell me you could only have so much all together. They gave me a triple dose to start and it numbed my whole body. I couldn't even breathe! They had to stop the dosage for about two hours, so I could start feeling things again. At 8 centimeters, I started feeling the contractions. I always felt the pressure, which is what you are suppose to feel, but no pain. They told me I couldn't have anymore, so they gave me statal. A lot of good that did!! It didn't even put me to sleep in between contractions. I had to go through everything from then on without any medication. Needless to say it wasn't anywhere near as bad as the other two were. I had stomach labor with this one and I did it all by myself.

My husband was ever so kind to remind me that this was how I wanted to have our first one! If I knew what I know now I would have still done everything and all of my births the same way I did them. Because they were all different. But no I don't agree with her. My first one, I waited for 7 centimeters for my epidural, the second they gave it to me at 9 centimeters, and the third they gave it to me at 4 when all I wanted was the tube to be put in! All of them were painful!!!

I also, took birthing classes and I learned nothing from them. The breathing caused me to hyperventilate. The only thing I learned was how to numb my body with 10 second breaths in and 10 second breaths out. that is what helped me through this last one. Just take my advice...don't shun the whole thought of not having any drugs, keep that option open! But if you do decide to do this natural, think of something really happy, and breathe long, slow, deep breaths. I thought of the soft head of hair i would be able to touch in just minutes and it helped me more than anything. I was even smiling at that thought. Good luck and God Bless!!!

Debbie - posted on 11/19/2009

the instructor is pulling your chain! They don't call it labor for nothing. It's hard work and the pain is nearly unbearable. I had my last child natural, only because he came so fast there was no time for an epidural or an iv pain releiver. I would say guage your body, it will tell you if you can do it without drugs.Good luck!!!

Nadia - posted on 11/19/2009

I had my baby girl naturally without drugs, giving birth is not as bad as you think. For me it only burned for 5 mins but contractions might hurt for a few hours. After giving birth you forget about everything. I have high pain tolerance too so it depends on everything. I didnt take the drugs either because alot of questions were going threw my head like how the hell am i gonna push? am i gonna be buzz?

its up to you.