I'm planning a medicated free birth, any advice?

Kristel - posted on 09/29/2011

I tried to do it and couldn't. Just be open minded when you go into the delivery room. If you can do it, awesome but if you can't just remember you aren't the only one who has gone in and had the same thing happen.

Chelsea - posted on 04/08/2011

low groans from your belly, not yelling or scraming from your throat, low tones relax your muscles which helps with the pain high or loud yelling tightens the muscles in your neck and every where else when your tense up your cervix cant relax and open as easily and will make the contraction hurt more and be less effective causing longer labor. low, deep and from the belly :) good luck

Annette - posted on 09/27/2009

My friend had a water birth... she didn't complain about pain.



If you are having a normal birth, you have to really decide not to take the medicine. But you can't be romantic about childbirth. It will hurt. So practise relaxation techniques and the special braething technique. Best wishes:-)

Jill - posted on 09/27/2009

don't do it LOL, the truth is a lot of people plan for there labor and delivery and it just doesn't go the way they plan, I want drugs and a lot of them. But no she came too fast, a friend of my so no to drugs, she got them for both of her pregs.



Walk alot though out your pregency, that will help you the most during labor and delivery

Theresa - posted on 09/27/2009

i had my little boy with no pain relief but i didnt plan it that way i actually wanted some haha but my wee one had different ideas in fact never mind not getting the chance to have pain relief he was in that much of a hurry i didnt even make it to the hospital infact i actually delivered him myself on my bathroom floor at home

Warri - posted on 09/24/2009

well I had meds but I wish you the best of LUCK !!

Bethany - posted on 09/24/2009

take a hypnobirthing class! i was induced - not by choice - but i was able to use hypnobirthing to go drug-free!! it was amazing. having a midwife helps, and much support from your birthing partner! good luck! it is well worth it.

Kim - posted on 09/10/2009

Find a good midwife, they have tons of herbs and things that can help you to relax plus they teach alot more relaxation "tricks" than conventional doctors. Just take one contraction at a time. thats the only contraction you worry about. Its when you start thinking "this is never going to end" that you give in to the pressure to have medication.You didnt say if you were having a hospital birth or a birth center, but i would recommend a free standing birth center. They will give you all the support you need to have your baby the way you want.

Rosalind - posted on 09/09/2009

God be with you!!! :)

Kelly - posted on 09/09/2009

i think go for gold, my second labour was without drugs 'not by choice i can assure you though' but keep your options open. wait until your there and take it as you go don't think any less of yourself if change your mind

Susan - posted on 09/08/2009

Hi Amanda, Have a midwife, have a homebirth, and have a doula. I walked this path in the past and am absolutely convinced that this is the way to do it. I wouldn't have become a midwife myself if I wasn't certain of it. Blessings!

Willisa - posted on 09/08/2009

I have had 3 children and the last was a birth without medication. I have a high tolerance to pain so I think the first thing you should ask yourself is if you do. Women have done it for thousands of years! Just remember that you can always give in and no one is going to think bad of you for it. Good Luck!

Michelle - posted on 09/07/2009

I had two natural childbirths. Like many of the moms here, I had midwives, who were fantastic. I also read a book on hypno-birthing and took a child birthing class which was incredibly helpful. The common thread in these posts is to try to relax and breath through the contractions. Also, I was lucky my births were relatively easy, but don't get down on yourself if things don't go as planned. I had two close friends who were due around the same time as me for our first babies. I'm the only one who's birth went as planned. My friend who wanted meds didn't get them because her labor progressed too quickly to get them and my other friend who didn't want them ended up taking them in the end. The end result.... three beautiful babies. Best of luck to you!!!

Allison - posted on 09/07/2009

When I had my babies they didn't have epidurals- they are 31 and 28- so I had no choice. They gave me some Demoral and that was it. I won't lie, it was rough but I am so glad that I could do it. Just keep telling yourself the pain will be over once the baby is here.

Marise - posted on 09/07/2009

If you can do it without pain relief good on you! i know there was no way i could have with my first. afta 23 hours i needed something to take the edge off and it did. another 7 hours later she arrived. my second was much easier only 2 hours from when they broke my waters but once again had some sort of pain relief. the way i see it bloody heroic of any woman who can go without, but for me loved the gas... be open minded! good luck.

Gry - posted on 09/07/2009

I gave birth at home, without any "drugs". It was a planned home delivery. My midwife knew lots of little tricks. Places on the body where you can apply pressure to relieve pain and such. Also that thing with needles - acupuncture? I have no idea what it is called in english :-) you know what I mean. In DK we cant just get doped up either, it is policy to avoid it if you can. You might get a little of that stuff you breathe through a mask.

Michelle - posted on 09/06/2009

I can tell you that it was my best and last child that I did not have any medication or apesiotomy (sp?)!! When I was done I felt fantastic, awake and so glad that I did not have any medication!! Make sure you don't scream and lose control of yourself....makes the pain worse.....maybe you should take some yoga classes where you can teach yourself relaxation exercises......I put my hand over my eyes and closed them and just breathed really slow through all the contractions!! Hope this helps and good luck to you and your new one to be!!

Linga - posted on 09/06/2009

Hi Amanda, If this is your first birth, be prepared for the most intense pain you've ever experienced in your life. Also, expect to be patient with your body.

Michelle - posted on 09/06/2009

Shop for a hospital that is natural birth friendly. I know that sounds crazy but there are lots of hospitals that are more of a baby factory and less about natural birth. Also, if you can watch the movie "Business of Being Born". This will help empower you to take charge of your delivery. I watched it with my husband and he is now 100% on board. I had my daughter in a hospital with a midwife the first time and will do the same this time too. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Lindsey - posted on 09/06/2009

I think you are making a great choice, first of all. Second-look into Hypnobirthing. There are classes offered that teach you how your body works for you during birth, and teaches you how to relax yourself the whole time. I had my first child in July 2008, and we went with HB. It was fantastic. 7 1/2 hours from the time my water broke until he joined us, no drugs, and very little pushing. No problems. www.hypnobirthing.com has more info :) Good luck!

Jemima - posted on 09/05/2009

Hi Amanda, my three children were all delivered naturally and i loved all their births. I stood up and walked around through all the pre labour and then stood in the shower with my lovely husband rubbing my lower back during contractions i believe the gravity really helped to speed up my labours, none of them lasted longer than 5 hours, 2 in less than 3. I agree about being strong about saying no to things you don't feel comfortable with as long as it doesn't put you or precious in danger. Try and relax and let your inner mother animal come out i know it sounds funny but birth is such a primal ceremony and the more you can still your inner self and listen to your body the less fear you will feel and as a result less pain, remember that contractions are just muscle contractions this really helped me. Finally prayer, before and definately during was my secret weapon against pain. Birth is such an amazing wondrous experience and you get a baby at the end. All the best. Peace and blessings...

Cindy - posted on 09/05/2009

Try having an underwater birth. It takes alot of the pains away and helps you to bare them easier. you just wear a swim top and sit back and try to relax. Also a lot of walking helps during pregnancy.

Cassandra - posted on 09/05/2009

I agree to keep an open mind. After 14 hours of (unmedicated) contractions that were one minute apart, I was literally falling asleep during my 30 second breaks in between the intense pain. At that point, I got checked and found out I was still only 6 cm dilated. Which meant that labor could still go on for many more hours. I was so exhausted that I wouldn't have physically had the strength to push when the time came. The last thing I would want would be to pass out from exhaustion when the time came to push and have them do a C-section after all of that. So I got the epidural and I got a couple of hours sleep and progressed very quickly while relaxed on the epidural! Not long after I woke up, I was fully dilated and ready to push. I'm still pro-unmedicated birth, but you might want to put a time limit on it!? Don't exhaust yourself so much that you have no energy left to push!

Cassandra - posted on 09/05/2009

I agree to keep an open mind. After 14 hours of (unmedicated) contractions that were one minute apart, I was literally falling asleep during my 30 second breaks in between the intense pain. At that point, I got checked and found out I was still only 6 cm dilated. Which meant that labor could still go on for many more hours. I was so exhausted that I wouldn't have physically had the strength to push when the time came. The last thing I would want would be to pass out from exhaustion when the time came to push and have them do a C-section after all of that. So I got the epidural and I got a couple of hours sleep and progressed very quickly while relaxed on the epidural! Not long after I woke up, I was fully dilated and ready to push. I'm still pro-unmedicated birth, but you might want to put a time limit on it!? Don't exhaust yourself so much that you have no energy left to push!

Katherine - posted on 09/05/2009

perineal massage. look it up. it really works.

Helen - posted on 09/05/2009

Quoting Amanda:

I'm planning a medicated free birth, any advice?

I'm planning to have a non medicated birth, it's my first child. Does anyone have any advice. Tips, or stuff that may have worked for them?

I went to relaxation and breathing classes, it really helped and I only had medication when I had to have a C section.

Melissa - posted on 09/05/2009

I definitely agree about keeping an open mind going into the delivery....Don't be too hard on yourself if you decide you need medication. I was dead set on giving birth without medication and almost made it but my water had been broken for too long and they needed to give me pitocin to strengthen my contractions! I was exhausted and couldn't fathom the thought of stronger contractions....I ended up getting an epidural after 18hrs....I will try to go natural though again. It was the most amazing experience and I am very happy with how things turned out. I highly recommend a doula, having relaxing music in the background and the shower and birthing ball are lifesavers!!!!! They definitely help you to get through the contractions and pain. I recommend making a birth plan but be flexible and just take labor 1 step at a time...either way will be a positive and rewarding experience in the end :) Good luck!

Marielle - posted on 09/05/2009

Hi Amanda,

It makes me very happy to read that you are planning a non medicated birth. When I had my son I had a non medicated birth. It was just so beautiful and perfect. You will have to convince the people that will be there for you that this is your wish. If at any time the doctor comes is and wants to talk about lets say an epidural, make sure that he will not ask you. Because when you get tired and things get tough, you might say yes and regret afterwards. Who will be there for you? For me it was my husband and he was such a help. Remember that this is tough for him too, seeing me going through all that. People that love us want to take the pain away, so like I said: convince them you want this. I did yoga during my pregnancy and that was really very helpful too!

Elaine - posted on 09/05/2009

Quoting Cyrenna:

Have a mid-wife catch your baby and a doula to assist you and your partner. Give birth at home or in a mid-wife run birth centre that offers birth pools. Go to childbirth yoga classes and natural/active birth ante-natal classes and read up as much as you can on natural childbirth so you can make an informed choice. By following this process you will automatically surround yourself with natural birth professionals who will give you all the advice you need.

Well that seems a bit too stress full just relax, enjoy and push the little bundle out!!!

Wendy - posted on 09/05/2009

I have had 3 drug free labours and 3 beautiful healthy girls.

My first labour I thought I'd just see how I went but was hoping not to have to use drugs, with the 2nd I hopped in the shower as soon as I got to the hosp and found that using the water spray on my back and pubic area was a fantastic pain releiver. With my 3rd I actually used Hypnobirthing as well as the shower. Which is relaxation and visualisation tecnique which was as close to a pain free labour as I think you an get without using drugs.

With all 3 labours I think the main thing was to have a focus, stay calm so to keep breathing (breath in strength and breath out pain actually works!!) and just deal with the contraction you have at the time, not thinking too much about the next one.....each one down is one less you have to deal with.

1 suggestion I have in regard to the nurses/midwifes was that I told them that I didn't want to be offered drugs, that I'd ask if I wanted it. I think that I may have taken it if it was shoved under my nose. Maybe have a sign or gesture that you can use if your unable to talk that your partner will no that you need something. And don't mean unable to talk cos your in pain as much as unable to talk because your so focused.

I hope some of this may be useful to you and I'd love to hear how you go.

Goodluck.

Leonie - posted on 09/05/2009

Be well prepared but don't dwell on what can go wrong and don't listen to stories about how much it hurts. It doesn't have to be painful for a normal uncomplicated birth if you are not afraid.



Look into hypnobirthing, take up yoga and meditation, get yourself a doula who you really feel comfortable with and have one to one care from a midwife if you can. You need to feel completely safe, totally trust your carers and be relaxed - you need to make sure you do not fear birth! If you can manage the environment and people around you so that you feel safe, nurtured, and unafraid then the main causes of pain in labour will simply not be there for you. You may find you need to "reprogram" your beliefs using hypnobirthing and positive affirmations to get past any fears or worries you have about labour. Also get a good understanding of the physiology of birth.



I've had two drug free births - the first in hospital was a 28 hour labour - it was painful but not unbearable. The second was a home water birth - 6 hours - intense but not pain in the way we normally think of pain - more like hard work my body was doing. It was an amazing beautiful experience.



You can do it!

Dawn - posted on 09/03/2009

The best advice that I can give you is keep your mind and options open for anything. Nothing goes as planned. I went in expecting to have a natural birth and ended up having to have a c-section because my daughter wouldn't fit through my pelvic bone and I stopped dilating even though they had me maxed out on Oxytocin. But anyways, don't freak out if your plans get changed. It happens, you can't help it :).

Suzanne - posted on 09/03/2009

Hi Amanda! The only advise I can give is do what is right for you. I am a huge supporter of natural child birth and that is how I delivered my son. We went through the Bradley Method classes and I took some prenatal yoga where I learned valuable relaxation tools for the birth. I strongly believe that my son and I were much better equipped to start our life together through the natural process but again, you need to make that decision yourself. Best wishes!!

Nicole - posted on 09/03/2009

Quoting Amanda:

I'm planning a medicated free birth, any advice?

I'm planning to have a non medicated birth, it's my first child. Does anyone have any advice. Tips, or stuff that may have worked for them?

Hi I have had 3 births 1st one no drugs not even gas I got into the pool which was fantastic and just relaxed as much as I could between contractions, 2nd birth c-section and 3rd a half empidural so i could still feel the contractions so I knew when to push felt like I was still in control except the edge is taken off the pain, I had to have one as I was going into distress.  So just play it by ear and be prepared to have a back up plan.  good luck

Clair - posted on 09/02/2009

If you havent already looked it up, take a look at Hypnobirthing. If you can take the classes then do, they are really worth it 9and they can help in other aspects of your life for relaxion) but if not then get the book and read that and practice lots.



I used Hypnobirthing during my induced labour and ended up being on the inducement drip and in labour for 24 hours and ended up using a little gas and air towards the end (which actually made it worse as I lost control of my ability to relax myself). I ended up having to have an emergency c-section due to complications so cant say about pushing a baby out as I didnt get to do that, but as for labour it was fine with just doing Hypnobirthing and actually fell asleep in the middle of labour as I relaxed myself so deeply. My midwife was so shocked, she was calling others in to take a look as she could not believe I was so relaxed and after my labour she herself said she was going to look into hypnobirthing more!



I hope everything goes well with the birth of your first child, being a parent is amazing.

Michelle - posted on 09/02/2009

I did it with my first one - 30 hours of labor. It was the hardest thing I've ever done but I would do it again. I agree with the post below that the feeling of accomplishment afterwards is great! I just had it in my heart that I really didn't want a C-section or an epidural (since I didn't know how my body would react to one and since they usually lead to C-sections). I was at a birthing center and the water slowed down my contractions when I was at 10. I ended up being transferred to a hospital where they gave me pitocin immediately without asking . I had my baby in about 30 min. after I got there without medicine. If I had gone to the hospital first, I would have had a C-section. I don't regret my decision at all. During labor, find something repetitive to do to help you through the contractions. Try not to freak out, just breathe and try to relax. Mostly, just hang in there, it won't last forever.

Vicky - posted on 09/02/2009

I did. It was my second and I am so glad that I did. I started way in advance mentally preparing myself. And when my water broke, over and over I just thought keep pushing and it will be over soon. I noticed when I pushed the pain was more bearable. I was determined not to have any medication.

Mendy - posted on 09/02/2009

Just remember that you can get out of bed and move around as long as they haven't broken you water yet. This will help you a lot. Remember gravity is your friend for this event. Just stay focused and keep your mind thinking about what you will be rewarded with at the end. I made it all the way until I had to have an emergency c-section. My contractions were less than a minute apart and hard, but I was only dialated to a 4. My sweet baby girl was starting to have a hard time and her heart rate dropped so I was rushed to the O.R. I was thankful that I hadn't had anything up to that point. It made it safer for her.

Charleigh - posted on 09/02/2009

If you are planning on a non medicated birth then you should stick with that plan, you should also make sure you do some research just in case of course because everyone should plan ahead as much as they possibly can. I can tell you that I have three children and that my first child was born without any drugs and he weighed 10 pds 2 oz so trust me if you really want to do it drug free then go for it and don't let anyone else sway you either way! This is your choice and your choice alone. Congrats on your first baby!!!

Avanelle - posted on 09/02/2009

i'd say rethink the medication free birth.

Mary Kay - posted on 09/02/2009

I am a Doula and I help women have natural birth births. I am with them from the start of the pregnancy and I am their birthing coach as well. I do prenatal massages to relax them, teach them breathing exercises, and stress management. However, it is ok if you decide at the last minute that you want an epidural or pain medicine. Many women opt for that at the last minute. However, most of my clients that want to go natural birthing do a great job with help from a Doula.

Ricki - posted on 09/02/2009

Amanda, I had my first two children with no medication and my third with an epidural so I feel that I can give you a very honest and personal opinion on this given my experience with it. I was not the happiest camper with the pain when I was in labor with my sons (my first two) but if you don't lay day and you get up and walk through the labor pains it not only helps the baby come faster but it eases the pain. That is the best advice I can give you, I don't know why when a woman goes into labor here in the US the dr's and nurses expect us to go straight to bed which is the most painful thing you can do.



That all being said the pain was nothing I couldn't stand and since I was forced to have an epidural during my last pregnancy due to complications I can honestly tell you the side effects are NOT worth the few hours or minutes of less pain. We always are told there may be side effects when we are given medicine but we also tell ourselves that it wont happen to us. I have found that the side effects from the epidural have lasted me the 7 whole years since my daughters birth and almost every woman I have spoken to that has had an epidural went through the same thing I have been going through.



The migraine headaches are the worse thing and the pain in my hips and lower back are almost unbearable from the insertion point of the needle. I am not telling you to fear the epidural if it is needed but know what you are getting into and don't think you are actually helping yourself get through the pain by getting one right at the end of the labor. It can slow the labor process down and you don't experience the real birth like you do when you don't have an epidural, plus measure the amount of time the epidural will give you pain relief verses the risk of the side effects that are very real. Many nights I have spent paces the floor at home from the pain in my hips and legs caused by nerve damage from the epidural. Also I would like to note I was at a awesome hospital with very competent doctors and nurses so I can't think it was because of inexperience that this happened to me.



The pains you will have from labor is nothing when measured against the length of time you could experience pain after the epidural. It really wasn't worth the few hours of rest I got from the epidural during the birthing process. In the end my daughter was actually pulled out instead of really being pushed out because I couldn't tell if I was actually pushing or not and two people including my husband had to hold my legs because I could not feel them to move them myself, so this meant he was not holding my hand when I gave birth.



The pain was significant with the two boys and I was very young when I had them but I made it through fine and healthy and of course did not have to worry about the side effects of anything other than the actual birth. Just research both sides on the internet, look up the side effects of the epidural and know what it can do but also know this doesn't happen to everyone. And don't be afraid of having a natural birth if you choose to do so, it made me a stronger person because I did have a natural child birth. I knew if I could get through that I could get through just about anything. Which is good because the pain in my legs, lower back and the migraines have been so extreme that I needed the discipline I gained from going through natural child birth. That is just my experience, I hope it helps you.

Zoe - posted on 09/02/2009

i gave birth no medication i did alot of research about it first there is a really good website belly belly it has the pro's and con's. you need to have someone very supportive and that will remind you to breath. the breathing thing really helped i didnt do classes just went with my instincts big long breaths. i and i had my twins sister with me she kept me focused. the one thought that helped me was that it was all for the baby. i was in the shower most of the time and the sitting position worked for me and rocking your hips side to side. letting gravity help basically. i pushed the head out half the way while i was standing and did the rest on my knees leaning on the bed.



think of it as a natural process your body was designed to do. i had a really good midwife who was all for natural birth. all i know is i wanted to be able to be mobile straight away after. but if you really want to do it the natural way then you will



good luck

Eileen - posted on 09/02/2009

Be sure if you are delivering in a hospital that you have a birth plan written out and have discussed it fully with your OB, spouse etc. For every intervention, the rate of a C-section increases. My daughter was a natural birth and posterior (21 years ago). I have since learned that a good midwife will have you doing exercises that will help the baby position correctly. Chiropractic is wonderful both pre and post partum, not to mention for the baby. I have many friends that have done home births.

Also, do you have a neonate plan? Do you want your newborn to get HepB (a vaccine for a sexually transmitted/IV drug use disease)? If a male, do you want him cirumcised? All of this needs to be put in writing beforehand, otherwise your wishes may not be even considered or you may be easily swayed and regret it later. A great book that is an easy read as well as empowering is by Ricki Lake called "Your Best Birth".



Best to you!

Kate CP - posted on 09/01/2009

Quoting Alison:

Yeah don't have a natural birth....Epidural all the way.....Even though mine only lasted two hours out of ten...at least i got two hours...

Would you people PLEASE stop doing this?! She's asking for help with a natural birth! Not asking to have her mind changed or scared into an epidural because some one else couldn't handle the pain of child birth!!! If you don't have anything constructive to add to this post then PLEASE don't add anything at all!!!

Alison - posted on 09/01/2009

Yeah don't have a natural birth....Epidural all the way.....Even though mine only lasted two hours out of ten...at least i got two hours...

Kara - posted on 09/01/2009

I recently gave birth to my first and I was able to have a non medicated birth. Congrats first of all for making this your plan...just remember it's a plan so be open to change. For me, the biggest support was my husband. He encouraged me the entire time and never left my side. Whether it's your spouse, mother, or midwife, make sure you have a commited support system who is also in agreeance with your choice to go medication-free. The other thing I did was remind myself that this pain is temporary and in the end you get a pretty amazing reward for all your hard work. Just focus on each contraction and push individually and you'll do great!

Lori - posted on 09/01/2009

I had a non-medicated birth for my first one and everything went incredibly well! First of all, I stayed home as long as possible and made it to the hospital while I was in transition labor. That way, there was no chance of them giving me an epidural or or pitocin. Then, I used yoga and visualization techniques to help me through the very short "hard part" which only lasted an hour. I visualized my cervix like it was the "stargate" opening up! Hard labor lasted about an hour, and in 4 pushes, my beautiful son arrived! Unfortunately they gave me an episiotomy, I think things were going too fast ... the advantages of having a non-medicated birth, I felt FANTASTIC immediately after the birth, I was up and about and had that beautiful "glow". I wouldn't change a thing, except for the episiotomy which really sucked!



Good luck and happy birthing,

Lori

Angel - posted on 09/01/2009

Good luck to you. I wanted to do that too but the pain was too much for me. Little did I know I would be in labor for three days. By the third day I just couldn't take it anymore and I was so sleep deprived...Best wishes

Carrie - posted on 09/01/2009

all you have to do is listen to the doctor and nurses and they will pull you through. I did it and it was the best thing that I've ever done. I was worried first and asked for the epirdural but it was too late but now i'm glad i didnt have it. Feeling ecerything is the best thing and it didnt hurt either. The best thing is olding your new baby in your arms after all the work you've done