I Really want to go natural for my second child! .. Any tips?

Diana - posted on 04/05/2010

After having a horrible experience with the epidural during my first delivery, I decided to go natural with my second one. The first one was 7 lbs 2 oz and took over 28 hours to deliver and my second one was 9 lbs 1 oz and took a total of 4 hours. I am so glad that I had a wonderful husband to help me with my breathing and keep me as focused as possible. I feel that keeping calm and relaxed was the key. Good luck!

Cherie - posted on 04/01/2010

Hi Audrey.... you can do this! I had my son Asher 6 weeks ago without any drugs. I found the labour to be extremely painful but the exhilliration from the moment Asher's head was born and the hours/days after that were so worth it! There were four things that we did to help us give birth to Asher naturally and may help you too: (1) being informed about what interventions are commonly used and when they are or aren't necessary; (2) having a birth plan to give to the midwife and obstetrician which conveyed our wishes for a natural birth; (3) having a birth partner (and an additional support person) who was well prepared to assertively communicate and negotiate with the health care providers in the hospital if need be (because the hospitals are bound by numerous policies which often result in interventions being used, we wanted to be prepared to negotiate around the ones that did not have well researched foundations. Gregg was well prepared to ask - what are the risks of taking the intervention, what are the benefits, what if we wait and see what happens naturally - to avoid unnecessary interventions; and (4) having a list of natural pain relief strategies and affirmations to remind me of why I wanted a natural birth to be read to me or for me to think of during the labor.



For us, half the effort was avoiding unnecessary interventions which can lead to other interventions being needed and the other half was dealing mentally with the pain involved. We used acupressure and sterile water injections (which were a great help for the back pain) but I found having the affirmations in my mind to think about were the best to get me through. We were lucky enough to have an obstetrics practice who are known for their low rates of intervention and supported us in our decisions to let things happen naturally.



Best of luck to you! I hope you and bub are able to have the birth you desire.

Denise - posted on 04/01/2010

I had my second child natural it went a lot faster; everyone also says that its easier too, because you know what to expect so to speak. My first child it seemed like it was forever I had back labor for two days and didn't realize what was happening. I still was induced. Relax is my best advice and you will be fine. Congrats and let your body do what comes natural. BE blessed and good luck

MICHELLE - posted on 04/01/2010

I have 3 childern and I went Natural with all of them....Now all births are different. My first two where 13hr. and my third was only 35 min. In saying that, it really depends on how much pain you can handle. Yes it dose hurt but recovery time is zero. You can try walking and also there are presure points around your body that will help with labor. The best of luck and I pray you have a happy and fast labor.. :)

Mandy - posted on 04/01/2010

I was recommended a book called Birth Skills by Juju Sundin and Sarah Murdoch. It was really helpful, lots of suggestions for distraction techniques etc. Some of it I used (stress balls were excellent) some of it was useless and some of it I planned to use but just didn't get around to it. You may like to get it and have a read before the big day!



http://www.amazon.com/Juju-Sundins-Birth...

Heather - posted on 04/01/2010

On march 22nd I gave to a 9 lb 12 oz baby boy all-natural :) V-BAC. One word: Hypnobirthing! www.hypnobirthing.org I took the hypnobirthing course in Colonie, NY with Barbara Davison. LOVED IT!



90% of moms are going to say I'm nuts for saying this, and that'sokay: Do hypnobirthing 100% and labor does not need to hurt. My labor was not painful. It was intense, it was wild, it was WORK. But pain? nope. The recovery, yes some soreness.



Bottom line: you can do this!

Heather - posted on 04/01/2010

On march 22nd I gave to a 9 lb 12 oz baby boy all-natural :) V-BAC. One word: Hypnobirthing! www.hypnobirthing.org I took the hypnobirthing course in Colonie, NY with Barbara Davison. LOVED IT!

Constance - posted on 04/01/2010

HI Audrey, I didn't want to post this only in your feed b/c you have had so any responses to your questionI wasn't sure of you would get to it. I had my first child in January. I was in labor for four long days and I even had back labor. It was very painful and I thought it would never end. I didn't sleep for 2 days. Then I started dozing between contractions.

My fiance, James, had to take work off through trhe labor b/c it was so painful. I could not do anything for myself. I was unable to sit on a toilet the last day and had to pee on towels. lol

Through out my pregnancy I was bound and determained to go all natural no matter how long or painful labor was.

I successfully had an all natural labor and delivery. I am so happy I did. I really feel like know exactly what is lke to give birth. Pain and all. The tips I can share with you are things I would tell anyone to try. I hired a doula and she was so helpful. I donJames constantly had to press a tennis ball on my back to help with the pain.t know what we would have done without her. I labored at home till my contractions were 5 minutes apart and I was dialated to 6. I labored on a ball and in the bath tub most of the time. I also leaned against the back of a chair constantly moving my hips back and fourth. This movement helps open the your pelvis and properly position your baby.

When I finally was admitted into the hospital I labored on the ball for about 20 minutes and then spent most of the remaining time in a birthing tub. This is the best desicion I couod have made. Having my daughter in water was a wonderful experience. I loved it. The water helped with pain anagment and it also helped my mood. I didn't yell or scream at my loved ones which was also in y birth plan.

If you have the proper support and are up for the challenge I know you will be able to go all natural. The feeling was so rewarding. When I held my daughter for the first time I knew all the pain and tears were worth it. I forgot about the pain instantly and have been loving her ever since. Good Luck!!!! I would love to hear how it turns out.

Maria - posted on 04/01/2010

My second baby was born without any pain relief whatsoever as I gave birth at home!!! Labour was 2 hours! I spent it walking around the garden, eating toast and honey and drinking tea, such a difference to being in hospital. No stitches and I was in the supermarket the next day. Listen to your body, do what YOU feel is right and it will all be okay. Breathe and focus on that empty fish tank!!! Best of luck, it will all be brilliant!

Amy - posted on 04/01/2010

You can do it! Get a Doula if you can - I had a doula with both of my labor and deliveries and they were great! The first time I tried natural and didn't make it, but the second time he came so fast that there was no time for any drugs. The doula helped me breathe through the pain and showed me how to manage it and have a wonderful labor experience. yes, it hurt and it was scary - BUT in the end I had an amazing experience and am so happy it happened the way it did.



I should add that with my second child, I stayed at home as long as possible and walked around until the contractions were too close together to ignore. We actually walked in to the hospital. I didn't know I was so far along. But movement definitely helps, if you can, don't let them strap you to a bed where the pain is all you can think about. Also, water worked too - I was able to get some relief from the contractions in the hospital shower w/ my doula and husband rubbing my back.

Heather - posted on 04/01/2010

I've had two kids naturally. First time we used Bradley Method. The second time we did Hypno-birthing. First labor was 36 hours. Second was 6 hours. I would say Hypno-birthing prepared me better and gave me the tools I really needed to relax into the natural labor. I felt really traumatized after the birth of our first, and really at peace after the birth of our second.



Educate yourself. surround yourself with people who are POSITIVE about birth and everything that goes with it. Fear is really something that makes you doubt yourself and your ability. For longer than epidural technology has been around, women have safely been having babies naturally and going on to do it many more times.



YOU CAN DO IT!

Deirdre - posted on 04/01/2010

Doing what is best for you and your baby is natural... I never had a labor as long as yours and if it was intense you did what you could. Don't beat yourself up over it. I have had four kids, and all but the last were without drugs. My best advice is to make sure yu can be mobile, as walking really helped progress things for me, and I couldn;t with my last. If you are athletic at all, get your breathing into the rhythm you use when really working hard... my swimmming breathing pattern was better than any Lamaze I had learned. Good Luck!

Amy - posted on 04/01/2010

I had all three of my children natural. Something that's a must is taking Red Raspberry Leaf throughout your pregnancy. I buy it in capsules from Nature's Sunshine. This strenghtens your uterus, birth canal, and lessons the pain of childbirth. I also works wonders for morning sickness and improve the quality of your milk for nursing. I took it the whole time I was nursing too. Red Raspberry also helps with your bleeding after delivery. It's a must!!! Taking vitimin C and drinking chlorophyll water while in labor helps with strenght. Chlorophyll water is also a must for nursing mothers - increases supply and quality of milk. Great for colicky either through mothers milk or drinking from bottle. (liquid chlorophyll from Natures Sunshine as well) Feel free to contact me with any questions. Good luck!!!

Jessica - posted on 04/01/2010

if you are like me for my second and then you won't get the choice, my first one labor took over 14 hrs and i had an epideral that wore off right before time to push :) but with my second, almost a year ago, he decided to come 12 minutes after I was admitted in the hospital so I wish you luck and it happens that way for you!!!

Del Ray - posted on 04/01/2010

With my 2nd birth I wanted to go natural and I did. My son was born 4 weeks ago. I didn't even know I was in labor. When I finally went to the hospital I was 8 centimeters dilated. We got to the hospital at 5:21 am and I delivered at 6:35 am. It burned when he was coming out. My husband said I pushed for only 10 minutes. I felt great afterward.

Heidi - posted on 04/01/2010

I had the same intentions with my second but I'm sorry to say, I ended up having an epidural. All my good intentions went out of the window. I was 7 hours, 50 mins with him & had forcepts & stitches. With my first I was 36 hours in labour & had to have an emergency c section. Do what's best for you when the time comes, we all have good intentions, lol.

Jeniffer - posted on 04/01/2010

second labors are generally easier, go for it hire a doula they are incredible

Renee - posted on 04/01/2010

If you're really set on it my advice would be to have a homebirth for a few reasons..



I wanted a natural birth but I decided to have it at the hospital y'know just in case. Well right from the get go I felt like I didn't have many options because my waters broke ages hours before the contractions so it was oh we have to do this to prevent infection and we have to do that to speed up contractions well apparently that makes them hurt more too so there went my no epidural stand. And because they put a fetal monitor up there I couldn't even go for a shower like I wanted and had been doing before I got there. I would have done a water birth but they built the baths wrong and health and safety wouldn't let me use them. They wouldn't have let me anyway because the waters broke and it could lead to infection but it didn't make sense because they gave me the antibiotics anyway.



Not only do you have hospital policies forced on you (you do have a choice but who feels like arguing when you're in labour?) but if you're at home you are in your own environment and feel more comfortable. And it takes temptation away. The midwife can give you some pain relief though you need an anaesthetist for an epi.



I don't reccommend it if you live a million miles from a hospital though.. Just in case. And as for pain relief - there is no point in anything except an epi. They just suck all they did was make me feel disorientated and sick. Plus using them halts your natural endorphins - the best thing you can do is relax and distract yourself. Walk around and crosslegged (like someone mentioned) really opens up your pelvis same with the exercise ball and toilet so they are really comfy positions to sit in. When I went to the toilet I would sneakily sit in there longer because it was more comfortable during contractions and they wouldn't let me sit on the ball anymore because it was interfering with their stupid monitor which is a legal document blah blah blah.



Anyway good luck and don't let them push you into anything - read up information is power.

Rosa Lee - posted on 04/01/2010

Your decision......just know that it feels like pushing out a bowling ball!

Flor - posted on 04/01/2010

I have 3 children, my first I did get an epidural but the other 2 I had without meds, it did hurt alot and with my 3rd child (second time no meds) I did begin to second gan to second guess myself. But i got my concentration back, focused on breathing and before I noticed I was done. In the end I was glad i did it. It was much quicker for me once the contractions really start hitting hard and fast. I had no discomfort post labor and recovery was so much quicker. I will say this, you need to prepare before the labor, both mentally and physically. Do alot of walking, appropriate exercises and overall just be as active as possible and that will help your delivery.

Cassandra - posted on 04/01/2010

i have had natural births twice now but i do not have long labours 8 hours for my second child but my first was only about 2 hours so it was painful but not too long. try ur best but if u cant dont worry. please dont see it that you gave in at hour 18 you had alredy gone through so much more than many ppl. do what right for you

Barbra - posted on 04/01/2010

My first labor was 26 hours and I gave in after 21... my second was sooooo much easier... i almost gave in at the 10th hour cuz i was worried because of what i went thru the first time but a couple hours later he was born.... my advise.. take it as it comes... do what you need at the time...

Daisy - posted on 04/01/2010

P.s. never lay on your back if you can avoid it it makes the pain so much worse I did that early on in labor and got sick all over my couch GROSS:) but move around find a "comfy" position I really liked leaning forward on something with my knees slightly bent... My other trick was to open and and close my hand if the contraction was really bad it gave me something else to do.

Joy is onto it a darkened room and your own music that was a god sent for me as well!!!! You can do it or you will get drugs but in the end you will have a beautiful baby!

Jane - posted on 04/01/2010

I had a dreadful first baby - but i did hypnobirthing and reflexology and i had a 100% natural birth on my second one. Though it was a bit quicker than i expected and we had no chance to get to the hospital. But hypnobirthing was the way forward for me.

Daisy - posted on 04/01/2010

You can do it!!! I did with my first born and it was awesome. The best part was after he was born and the pain stopped and a rush of endorphins hit me I was high as a kite everything was so great and wonderful. My suggestion for getting through is once you have reached 5cm dilation hope into a warm bath or pool. Before you reach the 5cm's try a warm shower. That's what I did and it worked a treat infact I showered for hours and then went to a birthing center, where I found out I was already 7-8cm's hoped in a pool and I swear it was like the pain was nothing. I quickly transitioned and I was a little bummed cause I was into the contractions in the pool and the new pushing thing was a bit weird haha.



But go with the flow, try and stay home for a while and above all stay as relaxed as you can it will be fine women have been popping out babies for centuries:)



Good luck!!! And congrats to your second bundle of joy!

Dawn - posted on 04/01/2010

My first son's labor was around 15 hours total, from 1st contraction to delivery. I thought that I would have died from pain, if I didnt have an epidural. However, the labor with my second son, ( just 2 weeks ago) lasted only an hour and 7 minutes! so i didnt have any time to get any pain meds. I would have much rather been in labor, for 5 days, than to ever go through the labor I just went through. I would not recommend natural labor. an epidural may make things go a little slower, but at least you can enjoy the experience. Whatever you decide, good luck, and congrats!! Just remember too, that 2nd babies are generally faster anyways.

Andrea - posted on 04/01/2010

Be sure of what you want and make sure that everyone else who may be involved in the birth knows too. I had a water birth with my first child and recommend it. I was in very slow labour for about 16 hours then labour proper for about 3 and was in the water for the last 2. I had lavendar oil burning in the room and my choice of music playing. I used gas & air for some of the time. Go for it. I don't have the opportunity for the same experience this time and I envy you the opportunity. Good luck. x

Oona - posted on 04/01/2010

I have not gone that route myself, but I have a few friends that did it - the feedback they always have for moms such as yourself is, its ok to change your mind midstream and be prepared it may not go as you planned.

Other women i know said they did it and it really was not that bad.

I hope you will be able to have it natural, as you prefer. Congratulaitons!

Joy - posted on 04/01/2010

My first delivery was medicated and I really wanted my second to be unmedicated.. more natural. The epidural made me very ill...so the thought of puking for 8 hours straight again was the incentive I needed to educate myself and get a supportive team on board to help me do it. I read, "Mind Over Labor" which helped me mentally get ready and I had a friend who was trained and acted as my Doula. There is no way my husband or I could have made it without her. My husband counted with each contraction 60...50..40...30 so I knew how close I was to relief...once 30 came the pain subsided. He also did massage (counter pressure) on my back during some of the contractions. Squatting progresses labor too. My friend was in my ear encouraging me to relax/telling me I can do it/bringing me water and dealing with the hospital staff so all I needed to do was focus on my body/baby. What she said that really helped me was "one contraction at a time" Your instinct will be to run (clench up) from the pain but if you are able to let your body go limp (shoulders/hands/ face) this really lessens the pain...you need someone to remind you to relax. Also, I had a darkened room with the sound of the ocean playing the entire time. Take control of the room...make it what you need. Tell the staff not to offer you drugs...you will ask if you want it. You are not in a hospital b/c something is wrong...rather, something very normal and natural is happening. It is easy to get "white coat" syndrome so create the surroundings that will put you most at ease.



We used a rope during contractions and while pulling...my husband on one end and I on the other. Walk A LOT and never make a decision DURING a contraction. Most people will say they want drugs while in the height of pain. It is such a mental thing. I am a BIG wimp and I cannot believe I was able to do it. The hardest thing I've ever done. If you and your support team are committed and have the the attitude that needing drugs is not failure. Success is defined by a healthy baby..that's all. Blessing to you and your family:)

Alison - posted on 04/01/2010

Hi, I had a long labour first time round and ended up with an epidural. Second and third time, much shorter labour (I think this is quite typical) and used a birthing pool which reduced the pain of the contractions a lot and made the whole delivery process much easier (didn't even have any tearing). I know the thought of using a birthing pool can be a bit daunting but this one was at our local hospital, with medics available if required (I am in the UK) and as soon as my son were delivered the water was removed and I could have a shower. I had 2 very supportive midwives present (as well as my husband) who really helped. Did exactly the same for my third child. No idea how this would work in the US with health insurance companies, but it was a much, much better and easier experience than when I had an epidural.



Good luck.

Erika - posted on 04/01/2010

Shelley: YES! you can have a VBAC - Vaginal Birth after Cesarean....and if your provider tells you they don't "do" VBAC's or the hospital then find another! Go to ICAN.org (International Cesarean Awareness Network) Their reccomended reading list is AWESOME. Find a meeting near you and get the local scoop where you are at. Statistics and Odds are all in your favor, however doctor's and hospital malpractice issues are often dictating the type of care you recieve.

Amanda - posted on 04/01/2010

Hi Audrey...my first labour was very long and intensive, then second time around...I went to the hospital at 11pm and the nurse told me I was having mild contractions but to go home as bub was back on back so it was once again going to be a long and intensive labour...I decided in my mind that I wasn't going home and this labour was going to happen! (Its all about will power and trying to stay as relaxed as possible)...I got into the shower sitting backwards on a plastic chair with a pillow between me and the chair...at 1am I asked for pain relief, so when I got onto the bed so check if i had progressed...baby was already crowning! I wasn't allowed pain relief and she was born at 1:15am...so my advise is to go with what your body tells you to do! and if your able to move around while you are in labour, get up and walk, rock back and forth on your hands and knees, use an exercise ball and sit on a chair in the shower if need be! Hope all goes well good luck!

Jacy - posted on 04/01/2010

go for it! get up walk around see if they will let you use the shower or a tub if they have one. look up labor eases and such. it wont hurt to try again and you may end up succeeding. good luck!

Robin - posted on 04/01/2010

Read "Husband-Coached Childbirth" by Dr. Bradley. Awesome book with awesome ideas! Helped me go natural for 5 births.

Jessica - posted on 04/01/2010

I think that going natural is the way to go. Like you with my first kid i was in labour for 36 hurs and gave up after about 20 and had an epidural and i didnt feel anything i thought that was the way to go. Than with my second loabour started and i thought that i still had 20-30 hours left. So i stayed home. After about 5 hours i started to have alot more contracts alot closer. So me and my boyfriend decided to it was time to go the hospital becuase all of a sudden they started coming a minute apart lasting a min. So after we got down stairs. I all of a sudden had the urge to push. Well we ended up having our baby on our bathroom floor and my boyfriend delievered her. I am not recommending doing it at home but doing it nautral is the way to go i would have to say. For the main reason you feel ALOT better right after as well as i found that my recovery was alot faster. So my advise would be to go naturally but take labour as it comes and if it becomes to much than get the epidural but if u can tough it out than do that. But i think if my labour was 30 hours long again i dont think i could have done it naturally.

Hope that helps

Good luck and Congrats :)

Jamie - posted on 04/01/2010

I had a natural childbirth with my second after having an epideral with my first. With the second, my labor was much longer, but I had a different support network. I delivered her with midwives and her father in a birthing center.



I was one of the most amazing experiences of my life -- and I would never go back the old way. Yes, there is pain, but there is also something else that happens to you when you experience childbirth in its raw form.



Best of luck to you.

Jamie

Kirsty - posted on 04/01/2010

wow, 28 hrs, my longest was about 7hrs all 3 of mine were natural, i just beared the pain walked heaps bent over bed with each contraction and i also used a fit ball to roll or bend over with my contractions! these are just some tips i used, good luck and hope all goes well with ur labour, xxx

Amanda - posted on 04/01/2010

I had an emergency c-section for my first and a natural for my second. The natural did hurt beyond belief but it was an amazing experience. Whenever I have my next baby it will be a natural birth. I felt that the control was taken away from me when I had a c-section but I was in complete control when it was natural. I was in labour the first time for 3 and 1/2 days before the crazy nurse realized that something was wrong with the baby. The second lasted less then 24 hours from my first contractions(which I slept through the first 4-5 hours) to the delivery.

Rachel - posted on 04/01/2010

you can go natural as long as you had no complacations from the first one. also the doctor will look at the reason you had the c-section. I tried to go natural with my last and was not able to because I was not able to push him over this lip or something so I had to due a c-section after a very very long day of trying to push him out. so it all depends on the situation. Hope this helps

Brittany - posted on 04/01/2010

Use Gas, I know that sounds unsafe and kinda stupid but it helped me on my third. My labor went to fast to get anything for pain. oh yeah and BREATH! or u will pass out. Trust me. Ask for a nurse to stay with you and help you thru it. make sure that daddy is there too! I couldnt have done it with out my man there! Or at least ur closest family member the one u trust the most. Try doing lamas classes as well. I have never done them but kinda wish i had! They can give u lots of tips as well! Good luck dear and God bless :)

Annetta - posted on 04/01/2010

I had my second son natural. I chose a spinal cocktail verses other options. I chose this because it was just a shot in the spine. The only catch is, this lasts about 3-4 hours. So if you have fast labors then I think it would work. I went fast with my first and my second went faster. But remember,everyone reacts to meds differently and tolerance to pain differs as well. Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 04/01/2010

come on girls we are not men , we are the strong ones

Jennifer - posted on 04/01/2010

it hurts but it is bareuble i had one nornal birth and one bretch with out any pain relief , sorry but giveing child birth is not that bad

Angie - posted on 04/01/2010

I had an epidural the 1st time and natural the 2nd. Natural is THE WAY to go!!...Find focal points,block out everyone and BREATHE!!!

Nicole - posted on 04/01/2010

Walk! My first child I did not exercise at all because I was working two jobs and doing student teaching. I had no time at all. With my second child I developed gestational diabetes. I walked a mile everyday in my living room or did light cardio. I even walked the day I had my second son. With my first I had an emergency c-section after three hours of pushing and a total of 21 hours of labor. My second was 3 hours of labor. I didn't want to do it naturally I was forced into it. Mason wanted out fast. I can tell you that it does hurt, but the amazing thing about your body is it goes away fast and you don't remember the pain. Walking it helps.

Erin - posted on 04/01/2010

I have 5 children. Four hospital births, one at home. Two with obstetricians and three with midwives. Three medicated and two were natural births, one by accident and one on purpose. I also served as a doula for a friend for two of her births. So, I've been around the block a time or two. A couple of things are really important:

First - don't listen to horror stories. Surround yourself with positive people and experiences. A lot of pain is actually fear. If you try to fight against labor, it will become painful. Remember, you are dealing with sphincter muscles, and they do their job marvelously if they're relaxed. They can also be extremely painful if you fight against them. Labor is not a pathology (a problem to be "fixed"), it is a physiology (something your body was designed to do). If you submit yourself to the process, it can be just marvellous.

First-and-a-half (it's that important) - DON"T go to the hospital too early. They have protocols and regulations that will encourage them (if not require them) to "hurry" along your labor once you get there, which is typically a detriment both to having a successful natural birth and to birthing pain-free. (yes, pain-free birth is possible, and it's wonderful!)

Second, I very highly recommend a book by Ina May Gaskin called "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". It made such a huge difference for me, mostly in the confidence and understanding it gave me when I was going into my fifth labor.

Also, if you can, get a doula - either hire a professional doula or have a friend who will do that job for you. She is your advocate and your caretaker. Let her know what YOU need to have your birth environment be what will make you comfortable and it's her job to make that happen. No matter what they say, it is YOUR birth experience, not the doctor's. They have SOME things that are required of them, but much of it is just what they WANT to see happen, and you can change things if you have a persistent advocate, but you don't need to be the one doing that AND having the baby at the same time.

You can absolutely do it. It is worth it in so many ways, and you will treasure the experience forever. I've done it both ways, and I can tell you that from experience. You will be wonderful!

Peace to you and have a wonderful baby! :)

Melissa - posted on 04/01/2010

I drank Raspberry LEAF tea 2 X day as it is supposed to help tone your uterus to have efficient contractions. because efficient contractions make a labour go faster. I also took primrose oil and that is to prevent being over due. well I ended up with 16 days early and 1.5 hour labour. I originally wanted a waterbirht but by the time we made it into the hospital there was only 6inches or water in the tub by the time Jayden was born.

Shara - posted on 04/01/2010

My first birth, the doctor talked me into an epidural and I ended up with a c-section for failure to progress. My second one I gave in and had an epidural and then found out I was fully dilated as soon as it went in. Then the baby went into distress (caused by the epidural) and she was pulled out with forceps. So the third time around I was determined to go natural. It was the best experience ever! I will always recommend to everyone to have a natural childbirth if at all possible. I know medical interventions don't always cause problems, but a lot of times they do. And the recovery from a natural childbirth is a lot easier - trust me. Here are some good tips to try to ensure you have the birth you want:

Remember that your second labour will most likely be a lot shorter than your first - you probably won't have to go to hour 18.

It takes the longest to dilate to 5, after that it goes a lot quicker, so if you can hold out to 5, you can probably hold out until the end

Have people around you who will talk you out of the epidural if you start begging - you won't always be thinking clearly!

GO IN THE SHOWER - or the tub if your water isn't broken - it's amazing how much pain it relieves.

Read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" - it is an amazing book that will definitely help you in your quest to natural childbirth.

Good luck! I hope all goes well for you! As long as you are prepared, you should do fine. Start practicing breathing, relaxing, meditating - anything that calms you down now and you'll do great!

Stacey - posted on 04/01/2010

I went natural with both of mine....23 and 27 years ago. We ended up having to do an emergency vacuum extraction with the second one but I did the Bradley Method and it worked fine. Second child usually comes sooner but you never know. My labor's weren't as long as yours, only 3 and 5 hours. 18 is a LONG time.

Jill - posted on 04/01/2010

I am 38 weeks and I'm going natural this time around. I had a 21 hour labor with my first and did half natural, but once they started the pitocin, that plan went out the window. Don't let them augment your labor, because those contractions are not natural and they can harm baby by depriving of oxygen. I suggest getting a doula and watch the documentary The Business of Being Born. You'll be glad you are giving your baby the best start possible by not choosing drugs. My sister had a baby yesterday and had a 30 hour labor from start to finish and she had no drugs. She also had a medicated first labor. She said this one was even better, even though the pain was bad at the end. She said it was all worth it! I think the key is NOT to listen to people's birth stories that are scary and negative. Of course childbirth is painful, but people have been having babies without drugs for 1000's of years and you can do it too. A really good book with positive birth stories is Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. The first half of the book is dedicated to positive natural birth stories. They empower you and make you feel like you can also be one of the women who enjoys their child's birth and isn't just a bystander next to a fetal monitor. Good luck!!



Jill