Natural or Epidural birth?

Blackwood - posted on 04/27/2011

To be honest, you can have a "plan" all you want, but until you're there in the moment, it may not work out the way you want or planned. I know so many woman that planned on certain births and ended up with a C-section or inductions, some planned on an epidural just to have the baby come too fast. Some wanted at home water births to have thier midwives say, we need to get to the hospital. My plan was always to get to the hospital. My water broke on it's own, had to be induced, only made it too 3cm to end up with a C-section. This time around, I'm not making the decision to go ahead with a planned C,but to see what happens. In the end it really isn't up to us. Best of luck, just don't set your self up, to end up with an opposite situation and to later be disappointed. Healthy baby and healthy mom is the best end result.

Amy - posted on 04/27/2011

YES!!!! Natural all the way.

I tried to do epidural with my son - it did NOT take and I felt it all. It was oh so do-able!! I'm not using anything at all this time. No pain control at all. Due to the epidural I now have lower back problems like crazy.

My first was an emergency c section. Second was basically feeling it all since the epidural didn't work. I'd choose a natural birth ANY time. I know it doesn't matter to some women, but I felt like such a failure with my daughter and the natural birth knowing that I did it [i consider without pain meds since it didn't work] was SO empowering. I am woman, hear me roar! Now let me cuddle the sweet little guy!! :)

Really check out epidural information. Some of the side effects are just creepy. Not to mention you have to stay stuck on your back -holy uncomfortable - and that laying on back slows labor and increases chances for c section.

Riannon - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Krystal:

I know that having a baby is a scarey thing,but the last thing you should be worrying about is what you should do when you go into labor! I worried my 1st pregnancy because every1 told me how painful labor was,and I didn't even enjoy the pregnancy. You have a life growing inside of you,and not all women will be able to experience what you are at this very moment. I suggest you concentrate on the joy of that,and decide when,and if the time come about pain medicine. I say that because with all the worrying I did, Guess what? I had my son in 45 minutes and I didn't have a chance to feel anything but pressure. After that I never worried again! I had 3 more after that,and my longest labor was 1hr 49min. I never had to take anything. I can say that all my activeness really did the trick as far as short labors,and that will be the only advice I will give you! Good Luck to you & God Bless you,and your soon to be new bouncing baby.

As a doula I help all of my clients come up with a birth plan.  It is not set in stone and it doesn't always go the way you hope but it is a guideline of care that you are asking of the staff.  If you make no choices going in you will not be in a position to make them during labor.  Do you really want someone to make your birth choices for you?  There is no need to worry.  Create a plan and let it go.  After the plan there is no more worry.

Riannon - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Carol:

Hey, don't worry about which. If you get a wonderful Christmas gift in the mail, do you care if it came UPS or USPS? Get on with the business of raising and enjoying your baby. Get your priorities straight now and you won't sweat the little stuff.

Grandma Carol

Hey Grandma Carol!  You are probably the sweetest person with great intentions.  Unfortunately, telling a woman not to worry about her birth is like telling a three year old boy not to worry about his penis.  No matter how hard he tries his hand will be right back in his pants to check on it.

Everyone woman, no matter what her choice, should definitely care whether their baby came from UPS or USPS!  This is the first step into being a mom.  A chance for every woman to make her first decisions about what is best for her and her baby.  It is also a time for dad to learn how to advocate for the mother and baby.  Birth is one of the first steps in parenting and a little thought should go into it.

If you think about how your birth will go and want to make some kind of (tentative) plans then your priorities are straight.  You are doing what is right already without even making a choice at all.  As for the small stuff...the brand of diapers, color of carseat, style of carrier.  Those are the small stuff.  Bringing your baby into the world in a way that is healthy for the both of you...HUGE!!!

Cristi - posted on 10/26/2009

I planned to have a natural birth but my water broke and I started contracting 2 min apart and they were very strong, I was only dialated to 3cm >< I stuck it out for 7 hours like that until my contractions were only 1 min apart, I could not get a breather! After 7 hours of intense labor I was exhausted and very ready for it to be over but when the doc checked me I was only 4cm!! I was so upset that I had not made much progress I begged for an epidural! It was so nice after I got it, I wish I would of got it sooner! I shot up from 4cm to 10 in a couple hours of being relaxed. My epidural had to be repositioned because it only worked on my left side and my right side was still in pain. I never did feel complete relief, it wore off by the time I started pushing so I ended up having a natural birth after all and it sucked!! I wish I could of had a huge dose before pushing the baby out. Most painful thing I've ever experienced but so incredibly worth it!!

Karen - posted on 10/26/2009

Hi Rachel,



I have two boys, now 7 and 9. With the first, I was totally committed to doing a natural birth. I hired a doula, had a complete birth plan, the whole nine yards. After 8 hours of intense labor, I asked my nurse about getting some relief. She told me that I was doing great and in an hour or so, I would have my baby. The doctor confirmed that, so I labored on. Well, long story, short, at hour 17, I was given permission to start pushing. I pushed for almost 2 hours. The babies heart rate started to slow and they wanted to do a c-section. I was fortunate, one of my other docs came in and instead, gave me an epidural, which relaxed everything. They ended up using the vaccum and my Jesse was born very soon, thereafter. I was exhausted.



With my second, I asked for the whole cocktail. The stadol [like a couple of glasses of Chardonnay] and the epidural. The labor was 7 hours start to finish. I still felt his birth, but the agony of labor was minimized in a huge way. I was able to actually enjoy and felt so much better after his birth.



I say get the epidural and the Stadol. Natural birth is not what it is cracked up to be!!!



Love and Light,



Karen

Tina - posted on 10/26/2009

I have had both. My first two pregnancies I had natural birth...it was wonderful. I was not the screaming banshee you see on sitcoms. I loved feeling so aware of my child and my husband was right there encouraging me. My third child came 9 years after my second. I was in my 30's. But this time was different. {while on birthing table=When babies are born they are usually born facing up to the ceiling or sometimes downward facing the floor. My last child was turned in a way that she was facing my thigh on exiting the birth canal...That increased my pain level beyond what I could tolerate and I had the epidural. I was glad to have had it and I still was aware and connected to everything. However, if you have an epidural doesn't make you a weak person...it just makes you an informed person. Only you can know what your pain threshold is and you know you have a widow of opportunity to manage that pain and opt in for the epidural. You and your doctor will make a birth plan and you can plan for any changes as you go along. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. It doesn't last forever and your new baby will become a major joy in your life.

Joanna - posted on 10/25/2009

I've had both. I've never been against epidurals though. With my first, I was 17, and was in labor but didn't know it. I got to the hospital and was 8 cm so I didn't have the choice. I did very well though, so with my 2nd birth I wanted natural, but it was different and I couldn't bear it, so I had the epidural. The epi felt kind of funny, not painful, but it made my back feel funny, and of course I the pushing part still hurt even with the epidural. And I couldn't go to the recovery room til I could feel my legs, which I didn't like either. My suggestion is try for natural but go in with an open mind!

Jennifer - posted on 10/25/2009

The best advice I can offer is to keep and open mind. It is great for you to have a birthing plan, but know it is not written in stone. I too wanted a natural birth, but after being 2 weeks late (with real contractions), 2 days of induction, back to back to back contractions for more than 40 hours my body needed a break. It's a good thing I finally got the epidural. Later that night I needed an emergency c-section and I was at least able to be awake for the birth of my first baby. My birth was everything I said I did not want, but it was still one of the most amazing moments of my life.

Laura - posted on 10/25/2009

Hi,

I think the best advice I can offer is to take it as it comes and keep in mind that no matter how bad the pain gets you'll have a beautiful little baby once it's finished!!!

I am such a sook when it comes to pain....so I thought that there was absolutely NO WAY I'd go through my labour without pain meds...

My waters broke the morning of my due date so I went to the hospital and was told to come back home, as wasn't dilating at all. By midnight I was throwing up and having contractions so went to hospital and waited 8hrs to be taken to delivery.

At around 5am the Dr said I had dilated 3cms so they'd leave me to progress naturally but by 9am my dilation had stopped so the decision was made to induce...At 2.30pm I finally gave birth to an 8lb1oz beautiful little girl who was post-terior (facing the ceiling) with NO pain meds and only a small tear that needed two stitches.....

It was definitely not a comfortable or pain-free experience but once they put my baby in my arms and were helping me attach her for a feed I didn't remember any of the pain.

Good luck to you, and whatever happens will be the perfect way for you cos it will still be the most special and BEST day of your life so far......

Jennifer - posted on 10/25/2009

i had an epidural with all three of my children and was fine after the drugs wore off. Giving birth is a long and tiring process and for me it seemed to conserve my energy to get through the rest of the day. I also had complications with my third child that i do not contribute to the epidural but would have been extremly painful if i would not have had one.

Bekki - posted on 10/25/2009

Quoting Nickiea:

Definitely go natural. My first child was delivered naturally and my second child was with an epidural. The epidural was basically pushed on me by the doctor and nurses because I had been on induction meds all day long and I was having really strong constant contration. But those fools didn't think to check why I was have such strong contraction and gave me the epidural while I was in active labor and it didn't work at all except in my right foot. I am still having back pains in the spot where they placed the needle. If you can, avoid gettting an epidural. It will spare you all the problems you will end up with in the end. Natural birth is not that hard to endure especially if you have a good tolerance for pain. What usually helps best during childbirth is being able to sit up. When sitting up pressure is taken off of your spine and pelvis which is much more comfortable than laying down. Walking and stretching thoughout your pregnancy helps make natural birth easier as well.

Saying "problems you will end up with" is inaccurate. Not everyone has problems, in fact that isn't something that is all too common. It depends on the need of the patient and who is administering the spinal block.

If you were induced that is why you were given the epidural that is common because the contractions are double what they would usually feel like, and without that epidural your heart rate could have went out of control and put the baby at risk. Epidurals are there for a reason some mothers dont take into account that whatever you feel your body reacts to. Pain makes your blood pressure rise, and your glucose which in turn raises both in your child as well. Which is why many natural births (NOT ALL, it depends on your body and situation) tend to be given a c-section. Emergency c-sections are usually given because the baby's heart rate is falling or the stress of pushing is adversly affecting the child.

Bekki - posted on 10/25/2009

Quoting Melanie:

I had a natural birth on my daughter. i was so nervous to start off with as i wasn't sure I could take the pain. 36 hours of labour with no pain relief and I would do it all over again without. I had an epidural to be stitched up after the birth and also had epidural for c-section on second child. I don't recommend it. I couldn't feel my legs for at least 24 hours. I couldn't get up to feed my daughter so it was the next day before i held her properly. I think if your mind is set on coping with the pain then go for it. I would suggest trying to be as fit & healthy as possible. I used to walk a lot whilst i was pregnant so it helped during labour. xx

Something was wrong with your epidural then. Epidurals do not last more than a few hours. If you couldn't walk for 24 hours you were given far too much medication or you still had the pump attached and infusing.

Regardless epidural medications last mere hours.

Bekki - posted on 10/25/2009

Quoting Rachel:

Thank you Haylli. I am going to try to go as long as I can during labor.

There is a small window to get the epidural so once you hit the end line which in most hospitals is 9 cm you lose the option. Talk to your doctor you may be a great candidate for natural birth or you may be a bad candidate. It all depends on what kind of pelvis you have, there are 5 different kinds of pelvis and certain ones cannot do natural birth and end up needed emergency c-sections.

Melanie - posted on 10/25/2009

I had a natural birth on my daughter. i was so nervous to start off with as i wasn't sure I could take the pain. 36 hours of labour with no pain relief and I would do it all over again without. I had an epidural to be stitched up after the birth and also had epidural for c-section on second child. I don't recommend it. I couldn't feel my legs for at least 24 hours. I couldn't get up to feed my daughter so it was the next day before i held her properly. I think if your mind is set on coping with the pain then go for it. I would suggest trying to be as fit & healthy as possible. I used to walk a lot whilst i was pregnant so it helped during labour. xx

Gina - posted on 10/25/2009

Hi Rachel,



like you I wanted a completely natural birth... but for two nights I hard a hard time sleeping and then the next day when I gave birth to my baby girl I was so exhausted. I could not relax throughout the contractions so she could drop more lower. I kept tightening my muscles up every time I had a contraction. The pain was pretty intense, and I was beyond exhausted so I decided to have an epidural. Let me tell you-- BEST decision I ever made. Frankly I was disappointed at first because I really wanted a natural birth but despite the cirumstances I ended up doing the epi and it really helped me relax a lot, and got to sleep for at least two hours, and I felt refreshed, and after having woken up I found out I was already 9 cm dilated. I was so ready to give birth to her! The delivery was actually easy as pie, and my epi was starting to fade by the time I gave birth to her.



Good luck to you, in whatever decision you end up making, and on a safe delivery of a healthy baby! :)



p.s., forgot to add that my labour was almost 20 hours, and then the delivery took 20 to 30 minutes.

Annette - posted on 10/25/2009

I have two children, the first one I had when I was 20 years old, I did not have an epidural, I pushed for a short time and gave birth to a beautiful 6 pound 9 ounce baby girl... 14 years later, I had visions of doing the same thing... after an hour of pushing with no sign that my daughter wanted to come out they told me I needed an epidural and some rest, and after another shot at pushing her out they told me she just wasn't going to come out... and they gave me a c-section... I didn't have any choice. But I had a gorgeous 8 pound 11 ounce baby girl at the end of the day.



I have to say that after an hour of pushing and the fact that I just didn't think I could keep going, that the epidural wasn't that bad, being pain free was amazing after the hour of pushing. I would do that again if I had to.



So, age, conditioning, baby size, and conditions all take a factor.

April - posted on 10/22/2009

Keep an open mind about pain management!!...that way you don't feel like a failure if you choose to get an epidural during labor.

My mid wife was kinda of pushing for a natural child birth...I told her I would try, but if I wanted pain management she better give it to me!!!! And she did, but it was because when my water broke the baby turned breech and I had to have a c section. I went natural til 6 centimeters and it was painful. The epidural relieved the pain but made me sick to my stomach and feel weird. Good luck with your delivery!

Nickiea - posted on 10/22/2009

Definitely go natural. My first child was delivered naturally and my second child was with an epidural. The epidural was basically pushed on me by the doctor and nurses because I had been on induction meds all day long and I was having really strong constant contration. But those fools didn't think to check why I was have such strong contraction and gave me the epidural while I was in active labor and it didn't work at all except in my right foot. I am still having back pains in the spot where they placed the needle. If you can, avoid gettting an epidural. It will spare you all the problems you will end up with in the end. Natural birth is not that hard to endure especially if you have a good tolerance for pain. What usually helps best during childbirth is being able to sit up. When sitting up pressure is taken off of your spine and pelvis which is much more comfortable than laying down. Walking and stretching thoughout your pregnancy helps make natural birth easier as well.

Kristy - posted on 10/22/2009

Hi Rachel,Congratulations.I am a mother of 3 and each one was different.My first one I had something that went into my drip that took the edge off the pain and then they numbed me down there and it wasn't bad at all.The 2nd I had natural and I didn't think it was any worse than the first.The 3rd they induced my labor because my Doc.was leaving for vacation and I was a day over due.The same thing happened with my second and I wasn't as comfortable with the Doc. that filled in so I didn't want that to happen again and agreed to be induced-That was bad....lol...being induced was alot harder than natural or the drip that took the edge off.They still gave me stuff for pain although I dont know what it was but it wasn't an epidural..I chose not to have the epidural starting with my first because of the "stories" I had heard like the hospital put it in too high in my hometown and numbed the woman from the waste up instead of down and her heart stopped.She died but the baby didn't.That freaked me out and scared me too so I told them I didn't want anything to do with that.Then my sister-in-law had the epidual and she had the side effect of real bad headaches for almost a week.Her head hurt so bad she couldn't take care of the baby.She didn't feel anything during birth but did after.In all I say when you get to the bearing down pain and it's time to deliver it don't matter,God made us to be able to bear the pain and we will.Natural wasn't any worse than the other and yes you can do it.I myself don't recommend the epidural.As soon as you deliver as bad as it hurts,when the baby comes out the pain is gone-no side effects,no wrong choices of taken chances...I wish you the best and hope I helped you some.Only you know yourself tho and if you want a natural birth go for it.Follow the women "first instincts"...lol.........God Bless and Goodluck

Amy - posted on 10/22/2009

I had a natural birth with both of my girls...not by choice...but it really wasn't bad. We had taken lamaze and that helped so much.

Sheryl - posted on 10/22/2009

Learn all you can about the birthing process and the different stages. I HIGHLY recommend Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Once you understand the changes in YOUR body and the baby's body, you can better deal with the pain. I've had ALL 8 of my children naturally and NEVER regretted it. Try to keep moving, as I've found that is a big thing for helping. There does come a time (transition) where that's hard to do. At that point, I go more into a "zone of my own". I tend to rock back and forth, dance, or get into hands and knees (I get back labor, so that helps!). You CAN do it! Our bodies are MADE to deliver babies:)

Coreen - posted on 10/22/2009

i am a 27 year old mother of 3,i have had a epidural birth and 1 c-section and 1 natural birth and i was in labour alot longer with my epidural birth then i was with my natural birth.i would go natural anyday and as u said women have natural births everyday,i would go natural birth.

Sarah - posted on 10/21/2009

By the way, I also had had no choice but to have an epidural after my first 2 hours of pushing. I had a large baby who also was presenting face up, an epidural wasn't in my original plans, but when you have children, you learn to adapt. I had the epidural because my choice ended up being, have one and try to have a vaginal birth, or have one and end up with a c-section. In the end, I had no long-term side effects from the epidural, my son was not born drugged up, he came out crying and perfect, I got him on my chest for an hour before they took him to weigh him and measure him. I didn't regret the decision at all.

Sarah - posted on 10/21/2009

I had no epidural throughout my labour until I had been pushing for 2 hours and the baby hadn't moved. I then received an epidural and was eventually (after 2 more hours of pushing) able to get my baby out. I think if I do have another baby that I wouldn't be so reluctant to have an epidural again. I was in so much better control of my labour after the epidural because I was more conherent and able to voice what I wanted for my labour. I realized after having most of my labour without the drugs that there are no prizes given for going drug free. The main thing is that mom and babe are both born healthily. I would recommend keeping an open mind and make the decisions you think are right for you once you are experiencing the labour because only you know if you are strong enough to handle it or not.

Becky - posted on 10/21/2009

i think you should go with what YOU want!! i had an epi with both of mine because i am a sissy and cant take pain. lol if youcan do it natural good for you!! your a stronger women than i am!! good luck congrats on the baby!!

Vandna - posted on 10/21/2009

I think nothing can beat the natural births. Both of my children had a natural birth and if I compare myself with the ladies who had epidural, I feel myself blessed.

Joanne - posted on 10/21/2009

I had my son all natural! I would encourage you to do the same because its on the safer side! The epi has different side effects to each mom and you don't know what that maybe! My biggest deterrent was my Lamaze instructor who lost all her hair because she had an allergic reaction to it! Everything is always better the natural way and I have had sisters who did it that said it didn't help because they weren't able to stay still while putting it! All these things factor in! Good luck with your decision!

Sarah - posted on 10/21/2009

I had natural births for both of my boys. The first one was a breeze, didn't feel a whole lot of pain til he crowned. My second one was an induction, and I went all natural again. I was in a lot of pain, but I knew that I could do it. I forgot the pain as soon as I saw my sons. So it is something that is totally up to you, but if you know that you can do it, then go for it. We are expecting our 3rd in April, and I'm going all natural again. Good Luck!

Krystal - posted on 10/21/2009

I know that having a baby is a scarey thing,but the last thing you should be worrying about is what you should do when you go into labor! I worried my 1st pregnancy because every1 told me how painful labor was,and I didn't even enjoy the pregnancy. You have a life growing inside of you,and not all women will be able to experience what you are at this very moment. I suggest you concentrate on the joy of that,and decide when,and if the time come about pain medicine. I say that because with all the worrying I did, Guess what? I had my son in 45 minutes and I didn't have a chance to feel anything but pressure. After that I never worried again! I had 3 more after that,and my longest labor was 1hr 49min. I never had to take anything. I can say that all my activeness really did the trick as far as short labors,and that will be the only advice I will give you! Good Luck to you & God Bless you,and your soon to be new bouncing baby.

Leah - posted on 10/21/2009

I've had 4 children...and even though there are some risks...(I know people who have had bad headaches that last a few days afterward..my sister has a numb spot on the bottom of her foot from nerve damage she got from her epidural)....but that said, I think having an epidural makes so much more sense. Not all anesthesiologist are as good at giving them, but all in all.....it's a whole lot better to not be in excruciating pain...especially back labor...I was induced with my 3rd child and I was dilated to 6 before I even felt much pain...but with induction the pitocin is upped every little bit and I knew not to wait...I had an epidural that made the delivery absolutely pain free...it was the best, and the shortest of 4 deliveries...and I healed up way faster that time too!

Ann - posted on 10/21/2009

Had 3 out of my 5 babys natural no drugs!!! Hurt like hell had a great husband to help me! As soon as you baby comes out all the pain is gone!! its amazing! your babys not all druged up and you may be tierd but your feeling good and you can bond with your baby! its so inportant to bond with your baby as soon as ther born with i clear mind and body!! good luck!!: )

Carol - posted on 10/21/2009

Hey, don't worry about which. If you get a wonderful Christmas gift in the mail, do you care if it came UPS or USPS? Get on with the business of raising and enjoying your baby. Get your priorities straight now and you won't sweat the little stuff.



Grandma Carol

Ashley - posted on 10/21/2009

My epidural helped me progress through labor faster because without it I could not relax through the contractions. I went form 2 1/2 cm. to 10 cm. and the urge to push in 45 min. after the epidural. and I also have a friend who with her fourth child wanted to have a natural birth. But she ended up getting a small dosage of the epidural medicine to take the edge off the pain. But if you can do it naturally it is the best way. good luck!

Roseann - posted on 10/21/2009

HI, i see that you have had lots of replies but everyone counts. I had natural drug free births with both my kids, how are 9 1/2 years apart. They say it is supposed to be easier with each child that wasnt the case for me. Second one was 10 times worse then the first. I definatly had more knowledge the second time around and had more reasons for doing it natural the second time. The first time i was teriffied to get a needle in my spine and that was pretty much the only reason. With my second child, i knew what the drugs do to the baby and i just couldnt bring my self to do that to her so i would have less pain. The pain is so worth it and it is true you forget about it, you dont forget that you had pain but you forget how bad it was. In the end it is all your choice and you have to do what works for you.

Hope this helped if even just a bit.

Rosie

Julia - posted on 10/21/2009

I have had both and I prefer the natural all the way. When I had my epidural with my first pregnancy I now have migraines and so does my son. I had never had a migraine till after the epidural. By the way the only reason I had an Epidural I had to have a c-section with him. My 2nd was natural and so worth it.

Amethyst - posted on 10/21/2009

I had the epidural and if I could go back in time, I would NOT change that decision! I, too, wanted a natural birth, but in the end, I dilated 6cm in less than 1 hour and I could no longer take the pain! I knew that there are risks involved with an epidural, but what doesn't have a risk? Hope this helps and good luck!

Michelle - posted on 10/21/2009

I have never had an epidural. There are risks (as with everything) and I've never considered having one. A needle in my spine doesn't appeal to me. They can also make the baby sluggish and slow to nurse. I didn't want to risk my first bonding experience. On the other hand I don't judge if someone does get an epidural. I say research the epidural and take Natural Childbirth classes. Be as knowledgeable as possible. I know if you are determined you can do it! I will be 43 when my fifth one is born in March 2010. I'm not looking forward to the pain but its well worth it!

Krista - posted on 10/21/2009

I had both of my boys natural and loved every minute of it. Both of my boys came quickly so by the time I got to the hospital I was dialated to an 8 so it was too late to get an epideral. I will say that I did think about it with my first one, but since he did come so quickly and I could not get one I was glad that I didn't have the epideral. It is all up to you and what is BEST for you and the baby. I would not have changed anything with both of my deliveries. Loved each and every minute of it. If you think you can go naturally, I say go for it. Good luck and God Bless You and your family.

Angela - posted on 10/21/2009

I recomend a natrual child birth. I have had four natrual births and if you know how to stay come and let nature run its corse it will be ok,plus once the baby is out you will forget about all the pain cause you will have your new baby.

Riannon - posted on 10/20/2009

One more thing...after reading some of the other posts I noticed some of the language used could be a bit frightening. I am a postpartum doula and I have yet to hear a natural birth mom say I really should have had the epi. I have on the other hand had many epi moms say they wish they had done it natural. It is a totally personal choice. The pain does not make most women "whacked out" and it is tolerable enough that you don't have to "yell at everyone in the room". With the right support you are capable of doing whatever you feel is best for your body and your baby.

Riannon - posted on 10/20/2009

Both of my children were born via a natural birth. I think that if it is possible every woman should give it a shot. Not all births allow for it but when you can go for it! You are right, you can do it. The benefit of a natural birth is not introducing anything unnecessary to yourself or your baby. In comparison to my girlfriends my children were more alert and I was able to get up and move around much quicker. The recovery seemed a bit easier. Good luck and most of all, create an experience that you are looking for.

Joyce - posted on 10/20/2009

All three of my children were natural births.... no pain meds. Having a very good birthing coach is very important. Did I have pain, you bet I did. My mother was my coach, and she kept me focused with my breathing to reduce the pain. You can do it, and I remember every minute of their births. Heidi 1977, Mike 1982, and Joe in 1984. My daughter gave natural birth to her two daughters 12 and 11.

Jennifer - posted on 10/20/2009

Well I had a natural birth with my first one and ended up having a c-section with my second because she was breach. I would actually recommend having the pain medication. While, yes, the pain is intense...it is something you can make it through. The biggest difference I saw was my how I felt afterward and the amount of time it took to recoop and build my energy back up. Haveing a natural child birth was absolutely DRAINING! I'm sure the fact that it was my first child had something to do with it, but the first six weeks passed in such a blur for me because I was so exhausted the entire time. Between having a new baby, getting up in the middle of the night to feed and everything I had a really hard time buidling my energy up to do anything. That was not the case at all after my c-section and technically my body had a lot more to heal from.

Kelli - posted on 10/20/2009

I had an epidural with my first and that was the worst recovery, mainly because it took so long to wear off and I couldn't get out of bed for like 5-6 hours after I gave birth. I had natural births with my second two and it was a much more enjoyable recovery, I was up and moving right after birth.

Andrea - posted on 10/20/2009

i also have another comment. i had a high risk pregnancy and problems at birth. he really shouldn't have made it and it was rough on me emotionally, physically, mentally. he is my miracle. i think now too much emphasis is put on what way you should go. there is no right or wrong way. as long as your baby come out and makes it. it is your personal decision. don't let anyone pressure you and keep an open mind to both ways. i went with an epi because i am diabetic and AMA and knew I'd need the help to focus and save my energy. (: the c section was a complete surprise. be prepared and research all of it so you at least know what is going to happen whatever way you choose- and just in case you have to do something else...

Andrea - posted on 10/20/2009

ohhh, hot topic... just don't be closed to an epidural. i am glad i did as i ended up in emergency C surgery and was already prepped. good luck! always ask a million questions!!!

Lori - posted on 10/20/2009

My first two were natural and my third i had an epidural. Thats great hon if you want to go natural.And its okay if you change your mind.I look back and wonder why i didnt get one with the first two.It was relaxing to get the epidural with my third and i could have normal conversations with everyone around me instead of screaming at them.That is a very personal decision and either way,its an amazing experience.Congratulations!

Sarah - posted on 10/20/2009

I have had 2 and didnt want to feel anything!!! However if that is what you want go for it. I went all the way to 9 with my son and just wanted to die.LOL! so if you can do it thats awsome! Good luck!

Krys - posted on 10/20/2009

Another note....the epidiral meds also affect the baby...mine was so wide eyed and awake after birth.