I'm suprised!

Angela - posted on 04/30/2010

i had no choice but to have epidural it would of been the only pain relief i didn't have but they had to rush me along for c section at the last minute other wise i wouldn't of had an epidural at all

Angela - posted on 04/30/2010

my first daughter was by emergency c-section after 10 hours of labor. my second was all natural. no gas, nada.....i was in labor with her for more than 12 hours and she became hung on my cerevix. the doc had to perform a double epesidomy and reach in with both hands (NOT an exerience i recommend) in order to turn her and get her out. she weighed just an ounce under 10 lbs. combine that with a tilted cerevix and i should have never be allowed to attempt a natural birth. and, still, with nothing to ease the pain, i still prefer the natural method. i was the very last person to see my oldest daughter!!!!

Miriam - posted on 04/30/2010

I'm from Romania and I also gave birth in the natural way, no drugs no epidurals. And I didn't imagine that giving birth can be such a nice experience!

Pamela - posted on 04/30/2010

I had 4 children without an epidural....yes it was painful....but I chose to go natural....one of my sisters has always had epidurals...and she had to have help to push as she couldn't feel a thing....I wouldn't change how I had my children....I was alert...and able to do it myself...but to each her own!

Kimberly A - posted on 04/30/2010

I did not have an epidural and am so glad I didn't! My first baby, (now 13!) was a c-section because she was breech and backwards. Not to mention the pre-eclampsia. So when my second (who is now 5) was born, completely naturale because she came 5 weeks early and within 1 hour 15 min. (almost in the ambulance actually), I was ecstatic. Scary? Yes. Painful? Yes. Priceless? Oh yes!!! I wouldn't trade that birth for the WORLD!! I was up and moving around within the hour. So worth it. By the way, I am in the Northeastern Part of the U.S.

Helen - posted on 04/30/2010

I had an epidural with my first born. It slowed the labour and i could not feel my contractions and my legs!!! Second time round was with gas and air. It was much better but only to find out that after giving birth to a beautiful daughter the after birth (Placenta) would not come out!! So what happened. I HAD TO HAVE AN EPIDURAL TO GET IT OUT. I FELT CHEATED.

Teresa - posted on 04/30/2010

I had no pain meds, no epidurals and no gases for either of my children. I figured I was fairly healthy and the docs had no concerns. Add that to the fact that women have been doing this for millenia and I decided to rely on my body, breathing and natural instincts to get me through. Worked just great!!

Cheryl - posted on 04/30/2010

I had all 3 of my children naturally with no drugs. With my first child I was in labor for 36 hours but only 12 hours of really hard labor. At one point I did ask for an epidural but by then it was too late and I am glad about that now. With my second child I was only in hard labor for 3 hours so no time for anything and my 3rd child was my easiest labor of all. I wanted to avoid drugs because I did not want them to affect my baby. Labor is hard work and yes, it does hurt and the unknown is scary, but it isn't anything women can't handle, Women are often stronger than they think they are. It is good we have these drugs for when it is medically necessary but I don't think they should just be handed out on request before labor is even really going because of the affects it can have on the baby. My babies weighed in at 7 lbs.7oz, 7 lbs.12 oz and 8 lbs.12oz and I always thought it was funny that my biggest baby was my easier labor and deliver.

Cheryl - posted on 04/30/2010

I had three children without any medication. I am afraid of needles and the thought of one going in my back scared the living daylights out of me. I had big babies ( my son was 10 lbs. 2 oz.) but I just focused on the fact that the pain was temporary to get me through.

Sallly - posted on 04/30/2010

I agree, I had four children, one was a c-section because she was breach, but the others I only had a touch of demerol to take the edge off, what a feeling of accomplishment to feel your body deliver that baby, I would not want to have been numb for that

Kristi - posted on 04/30/2010

It is surprising and unfortunately somewhat the nor here in the states. My birth plans both specifically said I preferred NO MEDS and in both cases it was offered... I had two beautiful boys naturally...without epidural....i too felt the birth process was very natural...and beautiful albeit painful...it is worth the experiencing the journey!

Melinda - posted on 04/30/2010

i didn't have a choice, had to have an emergency caesar after being induced for 8 hours and not even dilating 1cm. i really wanted to have a completely natural birth, i hired the tens machine (which i found did bupkiss!) and i even held off having the gas until just before they wheeled me to surgery and no let between contractions. personally i didn't really like the feeling of the epi and i had a bit of a leg twitch when they put the needle in. i didn't have any complications from it and recovered well from the caesar but i didn't like the feeling of knowing and feeling the pulls of surgery but that my lower half was not there. i don't think it will be any different the next time around as the non dilation would have been from surgeries i had on my cervix, so although i hope to have a normal labour next time i probably won't let it go on so long that it becomes an emergency. in the end i have a beautiful baby boy and i am happy regardless of how the labour progressed.

Christina - posted on 04/30/2010

My water broke, but my son was "sunny side up" so he got stuck in my pelvis. I felt a lot of back labor, and kept throwing up. I was on a pic. drip for 40 hours. I had the urge to push but they turned the pic off becuase I was only 9.5cm. I never dialted anymore, so after 44 hours they called for a c-section. The worse part was when I was getting back to back contractions that lasted two minutes each. I didn't even get enough of a break to take a breath in between, but I didn't ask for the epi, even after the doula mentioned it. I just cried, and they turned the pic off b/c they were afraid my uterus was going to rupture!

Kathryn - posted on 04/30/2010

I had gas and air with my first and my 2nd & 3rd came so quickly I never had a chance to be given anything.

Jennifer - posted on 04/30/2010

My labor was induced because of pre-eclampsia, but I did not have an epidural. I did have some IV pain relievers about halfway through mostly because I was tired and wanted to sleep. However, by the end they were worn off - they kept asking me if I wanted the epidural but I refused. I don't like the thought of anything in my spine. Though it was rough and took lots of energy, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. You hear all kinds of horror stories about birth, but mine was not one. And I also had some complications that caused more pain than the actual birth. We have natural pain relievers that kick in when we need and it's so far helped women for thousands and thousands of years!

Christina - posted on 04/30/2010

I was in labor for 44 hours without an epidural. I only had one after they decided to deliver my son by c-section. There were women in the rooms next to me that were screaming their heads off even after they had the epidural! I didn't make a sound. We had a doula with us, but I didn't need her. I didn't even need to do the Lamaze exercises we learned. It was a beautiful experience. I'm not upset by the c-section either. My son was starting to show signs of distress, and I'd rather be safe than sorry :)

Sheri - posted on 04/30/2010

All three boys were natural for the most part. First barely made the hospital and delivery room. I kept waiting for contractions to become bad and close together. Second was at home with herbs no regular drugs. Third was induced. Doctors drove me nuts as I was older. I would never allow that again. I would drive myself to the middle of no where and deliver in the woods or field all by myself. No extra drugs really. Your fine till 7 cm for the most part and from that point on it is too late for the drugs to really do much. So why take them. Yes, afterward you can take stuff to relax and sleep so that you heal faster and bond with your child.

Stephanie - posted on 04/30/2010

I didn't want anything but had gas that made e sick had one shot of pethadine in the morning than had my son in the afternoon. Pretty much drug free :) I loved it. y sister wanted an epy but they couldn't get it in so she had some top shelf drugs, she couldn't cope with the pain :( she was indused though. I will never have that done.

Vivian - posted on 04/30/2010

I didn't have epidurals or any other help for my first two kids. I agree with your sentiment about the relief when the head came out. and that sense of contentment is indescribable . I had a c- section for the third because of overdue and some weak heartbeat problem but he is healthy.

Stacey - posted on 04/30/2010

Never had drugs in any of my 3 labors yup u heard me 100% natural births

Mandy - posted on 04/29/2010

As long as bubs is born healthy and happy and I am healthy and happy it doesn't matter.

Rebecca - posted on 04/29/2010

I'm also in Australia unfortunately I had an epidural because it was recommended to help loosen my muscles and help me progress further because I was dead set against a c-section. Unfortunately I also had to have a c-section!

Danielle - posted on 04/29/2010

I have had three children, and different methods for all three. For my oldest, they gave me Demerol in my IV...didn't really do much for the pain, but I did sleep in between contractions. The worst part of that was I also slept through her whole first hour of life.
For my second I had an epidural, and I was glad I made that decision at the time I did.
my third and also biggest baby(9lbs) was born with nothing more than the pitocin they induced me with. I must say this was a whole different and amazing experience because I could feel every part of his delivery even him moving around which I didn't get with my first two.

Helen - posted on 04/29/2010

I'm about to go through my 3rd labour. It makes me laugh that I keep going back for more punishment and pain, by choice - if any one else inflicted hours of intense pain and suffering on themselves by choice, they'd be committed!!

All jokes aside, labour is one of the most amazing and personal experiences a woman can have. I felt such pride after my first son was born (yes, using pethadine). My second was a difficult labour that left me too exhausted to really connect with my son, and possibly contributed to the post natal depression that followed?

I'm 4 weeks away from giving birth to our 3rd boy. I'll go into that labour the same way I did with the others, just waiting to see how things go and have the right meds on standby. My friend is due on the same day. Will she use the drugs? I have no idea! What I do know is I have absolutely no right to tell her how she should handle her labour. Epi, Caesar, Waterbirth, Homebirth, all natural, pethadine, gas - we're all still mums who love our newborn babies, and know just what we can handle.

Alison - posted on 04/29/2010

I didn't have one. There the same in the UK. They like you to try other methods and meds before they resort to giving epidurals. I had other meds and they don't relly do the job of stopping the pain, but it still helps a lot. I had a longish labor so I'm very pro pain relief.

Tosha - posted on 04/29/2010

I didn't, but it made the 6 days of patosine to deliver my 34 week 4lbs 10oz 20 in Baby. I think drugs are a good form of keeping the mom and baby relaxed. When you do push the Drs turn off the drugs so you can be in touch with your body feels everything. Its just a matter of your what a woman want.

Sarah - posted on 04/29/2010

I was completely natural with the first one, but I was dialted weeks before I ever had him. The week before I had him I was 5 cm and was like that for a week before we finally went into the hospital because I was bleeding and was already at 8 cm! He came very fast after that so nothing was needed. I did get very sick right before I had him. With my second I was having pain on my cervixs for several days like he was rubbing on it. When I went in I was 6 cm. It took several hours before I finally deliverd him, only after having a shot of something in my iv. The shot did Nothing for me! It was too late by the time I got it. He was in the NICU after his birth and the only thing the shot did do was start working right when I wanted to go and see him and I couldn't walk! With my third, I went in the night before with contractions, but my water never broke. The next day they finally broke my water, but I was still only at 6 cm. After they broke my water it was very painful. I had a midwife at the hospital who helped me out a ton! I got very sick with this one and the pain was horrible, but the midwife made sure she helped me out anyway she could and also helped me go slowing while pushing, which meant no tearing! I have to say that the last was the best. I tore with the first- realy bad. After I had my third it felt like nothing had really happened. I was back doing my normal stuff right away. I am now pregnant with my 4th, and am hoping to go natural, but have had several sister-in-laws who had their kids natural and had epidurals and they really enjoyed their experiance with the epidural. I have come to the conclusion that as soon as my water breaks is when the pain gets worse. I am hoping to wait until I am dialted really far before having my water broken, but if it breaks early I may just do the epidural although I am terrified of having a needle put in my back!

Heather - posted on 04/29/2010

I had a drug-free delivery. My logic was that although plenty of women have died giving birth, no one ever died from the pain of it. However, after doing it I would not judge or begrudge any women who have - it was a 14 on my 1-10 pain scale by the end! (Since I have never gone through anything I would classify as "unbearable", I wasn't sure what was a 10 to me, but i certainly found out!) After being born I could walk around (We took a walk around the maternity ward later that day because we were tired of being in our room!), my daughter had no problems latching on and nursing, and I was allowed to go home the next day instead of staying two nights. My doctor said that the baby was very alert and that drug-free babies often do a little better with nursing and alertness after. I would do it all over again exactly the same, not just because of the quicker recovery, but because it felt so right for us!

Tami - posted on 04/29/2010

My first pregnancy was cut short by a car accident and had to have an emergency c-section. My last two (15 years later!) I wasn't going to be cheated out of any of it! I had both completely natural, by choice, and would never do it any different. The first was 14 hours, she was posterior so it was a little more painful than it would have been, but so worth it! The second was 4 hours from first contraction to birth. Still painful, but knowing the reward, so worth it. Women just have to know that it will end, and the outcome is so much more rewarding that letting the drugs take over!

Betty - posted on 04/29/2010

I've had 3 children, expecting the 4th. Only one of them was with an epidural (the first). I would never get the epidural again! There is such a great sense of accomplishment and pride when you can do it the way nature intended! I encourage every mom to try their hardest not to get it! Looking forward to another natural, drug-free delivery in July!!!

Rene - posted on 04/29/2010

I had an epidural with my first. I got scared when I hit transition and gave up. I won't do it again. Something went wrong, I felt all the contractions on one side, nothing on the other and when it was time to push I couldn't feel anything. My son was in distress because I couldn't feel to push. They had to do a vacuum assist. Everything turned out fine, but the "what if" has me completely scared of going through that again. I had a completely natural water birth with my 2nd. It was wonderful! I trusted God's perfect design of the woman's body. I had my praise music to help me focus and I was set. My daughter was delivered to "This is the Air I Breathe". I'm now pregnant again with #3 and I'm looking forward to another natural childbirth. I'm taking a Bradley method childbirth class this time. My suggestion is to educate yourself and your coach as much as possible. Watch the videos online of nautural childbirth. Seeing so many women give birth is very empowering and it helps you know exactly what to expect.

Alyssa - posted on 04/29/2010

I have one child and went all natural.It was great! He was alert and I was able to walk around within an hour.All the pressure of the baby pressing on your pelvis naturally numbs you.Delivery itself was easy.It's the contractions that are tough to get through but it's possible and worth it in the end

Jenny - posted on 04/29/2010

I had an epidural with my first, and it didn't go well! I came very close to an emergency C-section. I wish I'd known better... With my second I had nothing (well, I did have a pitocin drip since he was 2 weeks late and in no hurry) and it was a breeze! The nurses kept trying to give me something for the pain afterward but I didn't need anything. With the first I had to have surgery afterward and a bunch of drugs. I can't tell you how much better my second experience was!! The weird thing is, apparently in my local hospital NOBODY goes natural. Every new nurse I saw complimented me on it! Is this the trend these days? Ladies, if it's at all possible, learn that breathing and go natural!! :)

Katherine - posted on 04/29/2010

With my son who is now 3 I had an epidural. I was exhausted, and needed a rest but contractions every 30 seconds made even the shortest of rests impossible. I didn't want to feel no pain I just wanted to rest my head for a few minutes and maybe stop throwing up...I had to push for 3 hours every contraction after my water broke. The rest helped, but I'm sure the epidural reduced the effectiveness of my pushes. He was nearly (though thankfully not) vacuumed out...one intervention quickly leads to another!

My daughter, now 5 months old was a different story. I had no medical interventions whatsoever. The resident kept pestering me to break my water (I declined in favour of a wait-and-see how it goes approach). This time I was rested, and was only at the hospital for 3 hours before she was born! My pushing pains got her out quickly, 7 minutes from start of push to placenta!

My second birth experience was fantastic! (the first was special too, but I was stuck in one spot for a bit...) I could have gone home that day, and danced my way there! Recovery is so much faster without the drugs. I would encourage any woman on the verge of birthing to forgo pain relief for as long as possible, along with any other interventions. It is SOOO much better the natural way!

Amanda - posted on 04/29/2010

I didn't have it with my first, but that is because she was coming to fast and by the time he got to the room it was too late! I had an epidural with my other two, but I could still feel what was going on, it just was like pressure, and not painful like the first one. If I were able to have more kids, I would still go with an epi.

Anna-Marie - posted on 04/29/2010

I didn't have an Epi or any other pain medication when I had my son. I had made my mind up and was at a birthing unit where there was no one to administer one even if I changed my mind! They did have access to Pethidine & Gas but I didn't need it. I do believe all women have different pain thresholds and I did what was best for myself and my baby =) There is no dishonor in having an epidural just as there is no honor in not having one. It's what is right for you that counts.

Lizelle - posted on 04/29/2010

Hi, in NZ the same. Every second mom I speak to had 'n epidural. I used the gas, but it didn't really helped me.
For me an epidural will be the last option.

Sarah - posted on 04/28/2010

I was considering NAMING my baby Epidural. I got one with both labors (it sped my labor up and allowed me to get a little rest before they were born) and I would get one again!

Crystal - posted on 04/28/2010

I had my daughter naturaly. Granted I didni't even get a chance to request them due to being dialted to a 7 when I got to the hospital, but that is the way that I had already decided to go so it was ok. Yea it hurt like hell, but if I ever have another child I will do it that way again.

Vena - posted on 04/28/2010

I had four children all over 9 lbs. and all four of them 100% natural.

Sandra - posted on 04/28/2010

I had 4 all natural which i definately think was worth the pain because of the experience.My 2nd was 36 hrs of back labor and i almost chickened out but made it thru, and then my 4th i had been induced and the pitocin wasnt dilating so they kept cranking it up and in the end was having double contractions and started hyperventilating and got pretty scared and asked for the epi, mostly cus i was afraid if i couldnt get my breathing to calm they would have to c-section, but i had an amazing midwife ( my doctor made it 2 min.to late lol) but she talked me thru it and got my husband to help and i hung in there and got thru it.So im glad i had all natural. I would say i would never get induced again tho

Christina - posted on 04/28/2010

Hi I am a Grandma now, but I listened to my Dr. and the nurses when I was almost time to deliver; and they all said it as better for the baby if no drugs were used[ pending unforeseen problems like a C section]. I just relied on God, and had 3 babies just using Lamaze.

Imelda - posted on 04/28/2010

I had 3 children now 4, 2 and 8 mos. I didn't have epidural on any of them. First baby I labored for 6 hours with nubane , 2nd baby 1 1/2 hours with nothing at all, and the third baby I was induced mainly because my OB was concerned I will not make it to the hospital with the fast labor on my 2nd one, I also had 2 doses of stadol. I am so thankful that I didn't have epidural at all, this goes to show that women can labor without pain meds. I just wished I didn't have any drugs with the 1st and 3rd as I was still groggy after they came out and could not really enjoy those first few moments with the baby. I joined a natural birth group with my first pregnancy and that's where I learned and encouraged not to use epidural. I was tempted and have asked for epidural with the 1st and 3rd birth during labor but have discussed the birth plan with my OB and husband and asked them to NOT give me epidural even if I asked unless it is absolutely necessary.

Linda - posted on 04/28/2010

Epidurals weren't an option when I had my children. All three were natural births, but I was lucky in that all were fairly easy births.

Tiffany - posted on 04/28/2010

I have had one child and he was born with out any drugs.. I hope that others can see how much easier it is to even heal with out the drugs.. i was able to walk out of the hospital with all my bags on my shoulders and take care of business..

Dawn Marie - posted on 04/28/2010

I have an awesome midwife who I love! I have five children who were all born at home naturally. Most people think I'm crazy. I look at birth in a similar way to running a merithon, sure it's hard and your muscles might cramp and burn but I would never want to be druged up before the race. I love my midwife because she lets me be in control and helps things happen and only pushes when she knows I need the exta boost. Birth is a awesome experience and I love experiencing it completely, naturally the way it should be.

Stephanie - posted on 04/28/2010

I did it without an epidural, but I had fast births.

Tara - posted on 04/28/2010

As far as your doctor/midwife/nurse is concerned a "natural" delivery is a vaginal delivery. If there is medical intervention like forceps, vacuum or c-section then it is considered not to be a "natural" delivery.

That said, I was induced twice with my first daughter - after 5 days in labor and not dilating they sent me home - then at almost 3 weeks overdue I was induced again. At that point I went for almost 10 hours without any pain medication but was so exhausted from the labor and vomiting (something that was a constant through the pregnancy) I asked for an epidural when I was 6 cm - best thing I could have done with that labor - it allowed me to relax enough to rest a bit, then when my daughter decided to arrive 12 hours later it allowed me to push properly - I felt the urge to push, didn't have any problems pushing and felt her birth easily.

With my 2nd daughter I was 10 days overdue and went into labor spontaneously, didn't have any intervention or drugs because I progressed too quickly (6 hours start to finish). Both girls were big babies (9lbs 1 oz and 9 lbs 8 oz) and both were in odd positions (my 1st girl was face up and pressed against my spine with the cord wrapped around her neck, my 2nd girl was sideways so her shoulders were vertical in the birth canal instead of horizontal, plus the cord was wrapped with her as well).

I honestly didn't give a rat's butt whether or not I had drugs, no drugs or a c-section as long as my babies came out alive and healthy.

Signe - posted on 04/28/2010

I have had two children naturally. Well not quite natural with the first. I had to be induced with pitocin but didn't have an epidural. My second child was what I wanted. I got to go into labor naturally and deliver naturally. Sure it hurts but it's supposed to hurt and I was so proud to be able to do it. Such an amazing experience!

Heather - posted on 04/28/2010

My first was drug free, although I had not ruled out pain relief, it was just too late and where we were did not offer gas and air. For my second, I chose a hospital that did not offer pain relief other that gas and air as I wanted to be close to home because of my son, I had gas and air for the last 10 mins and for the stitching afterwards, I do not feel it has made any difference to either of my children and feel you should not rule out anything. Everyone is different, instead of concentrating your energies worrying about whether or not to have it, see how you go and just concentrate on that beautiful baby at the end, do what's right for you, your baby will not mind, heck it wont even remember!!!