Planning a drug-free birth

Jessica - posted on 02/04/2010

When I told my husband that I was totally set on taking advantage of the drugs that the hospital offered during labor, he was against it. He was terrified of something going wrong and me and the baby getting hurt. When I went into labor, I discovered that it wasn't as horrible as everyone had been telling me. After months of trying to convince him that drugs were ok and everyone got them, I ended up telling him that I thought I could do it on my own. The only moment I really thought I wanted the epidural was right before the exam when my doctor told me I could start pushing. Once I was into the pushing phase, I didn't think about it again! I'm proud to say that I had a drug free birth and plan to with my next, due in June! I'm telling you, as someone who has been through it and someone who changed her mind, GO FOR IT!!! Don't let everyone else get to you, because you're the only one who has to do it! Take it with a grain of salt and just be aware that, in the heat of the moment, should you really want the drugs, that they're there, and everyone is going to say told you so afterward! But, with or without, you'll still have a precious little one to love and cuddle! Good luck with your labor and delivery and I hope you get to go about it in the way that you want! :) *One word to the wise: you can request, ahead of time, that the nurses not bring up medications during your labor for pain. This way, you won't think of them and they'll know that you don't want them! **Labor in a tub, if your hospital allows. It was so relaxing with my first that I got all the way to 8cm with very little discomfort! Plan for what you want and make sure the doctors know it too! GOOD LUCK!

Michelle - posted on 02/04/2010

I HAVE DONE IT 3 TIMES, @ 16 yrs old, 21 and 25 yrs old! U can too! Just think, you will have a happy healthy baby, drug free! Good luck!

Dana - posted on 01/30/2010

hello. I am a proud mother of a son i deliever drug free!!! and i'd never do it any other way. it's so rewarding. I've just talked my best friend into at least trying it out. I've had people tell me they couldn't feel 'pushing'? i felt every push.. and i don't know if i never really hurt that bad because i knew the outcome was goin' to be my baby boy or what but i'd never have pain meds during delievery!!! YOU GO GIRL!! I totally support you!!

Denise - posted on 01/30/2010

well I have 4 children and only with 1 of them did I have the option and I didnt really have an option then either, 3 of them I had to have an epideral no exceptions, but with one of my boys he was so big and he came early and there was no time for drugs, he was my biggest baby at 8 lbs. 9 ozs. and I had him completely natural. I will tell you the pain is horrible, however, I recovered faster than I had with all my other babies, and he was so much more alert right after birth and the pain .....totally worth it. I won't lie to you at the time, I wanted to die it is excrustiating ...but your body is made to handle it and it's all part of the process...and I will say once you see your little baby you soon forget the pain....hang in there and good luck!

Shontelle - posted on 01/30/2010

Do it! I had a drug free birth, and that was not my plan. But once your water breaks, the contractions dont get any worse then that. Just breath through them and stay calm, and eat ice. It works! And once you have to push, it doesn't hurt, it's a BIG relief. Don't take the drugs, you dont need them. You can do it. I promise, and your baby will thank you. Congrats. and good luck!

Jessica - posted on 01/30/2010

I have one child and one on the way, I had drugs with my first and def. plan to have an epidural with this one, but I completly support you and your decision to do this... go you!!! I am a wimp will be the first to admit it, so go you and dont let any one change your mind but you... I know lots of women who have done it ... hell my aunt had twins with no drugs ... go you you can do it if you set your mind to it you are alot stronger than me !

Lisa - posted on 01/30/2010

I wanted to have an all natural birth as well, no IV, no drugs. Wells, i got half my wish. I was in labor for sevaral hours before going to the hospital so they had to do an IV drip on me, but i told them no drugs at all and i did it. the dr said that they had to give me an iv because my blood pressure was up a little and they needed to make sure in case of ermergncy they were ready. it is all in th power of your mind and body. i was in a lot of pain but after 2 1/2 hours of pushing, i delivered a 10 pound 22 1/2 inch little girl. I have never felt so proud of myslef as i did that day. not only did i have a healthy beautiful baby, but i did not need drug intervention. I did it on my own. dont let anyone take away your positive thinking.

Kate - posted on 01/30/2010

All I ever wanted was a natural drug free birth and got a similar reaction to the one you have received. Didn't stop me though and I have since had 3 drug free births. f you have you heart set on it don't let anybody's discouraging remarks sway you, it can be done!! Good luck

Leta - posted on 01/30/2010

Hi Moriah,
I just wanted to let you know that with my first baby I had the epidural and it took away the pain, but it also slowed the birth process down. They had to give more drugs to increase my contractions and get the process moving again. By the time my baby was born, the pain meds had worn off so it was for the most part natural. With my second child, my early contractions were so mild that when I got to the hospital there was no time for meds and I had her natural as well. The birth was faster and just as painful as the first, but I was proud of myself that I did it without the meds.
My mom had all of her 3 without meds and my sister had all 7 of hers at home on the living room floor with a midwife. I used to roll my eyes at her too. Thought she was crazy actually, but now I am proud of her for that.
I think that you will do fine and I don't think that you will buckle under the pressure to take the meds if you really don't want to. Just be true to yourself and your convictions and don't worry what others think.
God bless you and your little one.

Kimberly - posted on 01/30/2010

i think for a first time its a bit crazy, but good for you. and even then sometimes the labor and delivery takes so long that the epidural wears off. just keep concentrating on pushing, your mind will make the pain go away, and then when its all over you will be filled with such joy when you first lay your eyes on your little creation. some people also roll their eyes at silent births, but it is such a waste of energy doing all that yelling and screaming. i birthed three and never acted like that. good luck

Amber - posted on 01/30/2010

I had 2 drug free births and with my last one, I had to give in and take fentnol to take the edge off, but Im so happy to say that I had no epidural with any of my babies:) Yeah it hurts, but the pain is soo worth the reward. ( I wanted a water birth too, but its not offered where I delivered, so I was in the shower LOTS) GOOD LUCK

Amyjo - posted on 01/30/2010

LOL Listen to me . Even superwoman would hollar for drugs during labor if she knew she could have them! It has to be a choice YOU make and stick to. I've had 2 natural drug free births with both I simply asked my Dr NOT to offer me ANYTHING. When people suggest it turn it off.. tell them to please respect your decision. Woman had babies for hundreds of years without interferance from medicine. SO CAN YOU. And another thing. You will appreciate life so much more after you have a baby naturally. Knowing that YOU did something amazing! All the pain is over and you are left with that wonderful baby and believe me it is ALL worth it. Plus doing it naturally you can feel your contractions therefore you know when to push and you CAN push HARD so it all happens much faster and is over quick!
Stick to your guns. You are a WOMAN you are strong.. show them all!!!
And remember should birthing plans change due to reasons beyond your control.. then that is How it is supposed to be.. for your safety and for the safety of the baby, what matters is that you try! Good Luck!!

Carolyn - posted on 01/29/2010

i aplaude for your way of thinking ..... not many people would do it that way..... just remember ...yes its going to hurt ...but once you hold that preous baby in your arms the pain will be forgotten ...i wish i could say ive been through it but i had to have mine c.section .... good luck to you and i hope all goes good for you

Rachel - posted on 01/29/2010

I was the same way at first. Then I got into it and had contractions that were so hard that I couldn't move. Just go into it with an open mind. If you want to have it all drug free, that's really your decision. And a water birth is a good idea to help with that if you are really intent on a drug free delivery. Maybe think about hiring a midwife or a dhoula instead of going to the hospital. Then you can deliver your baby at home or at a birthing center where the option of a water birth is available. Honestly though, the best advice I can give, go into your labor with an open mind to all your options.

Kimberly - posted on 01/29/2010

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. I was very sick with my first one and I ended up having to have an epidural. That part alone was scarey. My second one was delivered by and old fashioned farm doctor that didn't like drugs except in an emergency and I can't tell you what a difference it was! When my son came along I knew I didn't want drugs and was very surprised that it wasn't the doc that tried to talk me into them, it was the nurses. I ended up with a shot in the arm that was supposed to take the edge off. It didn't do a thing for me, but my son slept so hard for two days he wouldn't even wake up to eat. Labor and delivery sometimes can throw you off kilter, so don't be ashamed if you do need them or want them. They are there for a reason but they are widely overused. Make sure that your Doc knows your wishes and know what their policy is for administering them

Katie - posted on 01/29/2010

I have had two babies both completely drug free. My oldest I was induced and everyone told me that because it was drugs making the contractions and not my own body that I would need an epidural. I told them all no and went through the net 15 hours drug free. You just need to listen to your body and yourself, just know that when it is really really bad, you are most likely at the end. Always reassure yourself that you can do it. I know that by the time I felt like a wanted an epidural I was at the end. My daughter I thankfully went into labor all by myself. just take each contraction one at a time. You can do it!! back in the old old day they didnt have drugs and women did it just fine!!! Stay strong,

Melanie - posted on 01/29/2010

Is homebirth an option for you? Continue to educate yourself and those around you, but be open-minded as well. Do not put super-high expectations on yourself, because labor can always throw you for a loop, and you don't want to be let down if it doesn't turn out perfectly, i can tell you from personal experience. With that said, you CAN do it. Coming from a mom who just recently had a home VBAC completely peaceful and natural. It was 100% easier than my first experience :)

Annette - posted on 01/29/2010

good for you wanting to have a drug free birth. good luck!

Catherine - posted on 01/29/2010

my husband says the same thing to me too, that i won't be able to handle it. he told me in honesty that he only says it because, if he says i can't I'll make it my will and prove him wrong and show him the opposite.

Purrain - posted on 01/29/2010

Moriah,hey there i think its great that you want to have you baby natural,i had two sons and they were both brought in this world natural and drug free and it wasn't bad.
like you i was scared to death but its not as bad as you might think and hey the doctor will be right there if you should change your mind ,but remember drugs will slow the delivery down,if you go natural it'll be over in no time...good luck....

Sarah - posted on 01/29/2010

Girl you can do it!!! I did it totally drug free with my first one and I do not regret it at all! You will recover faster and feel amazing when it is over. I know I did and the baby was so alert and easy to handle. You have my support!

Kellyann - posted on 01/29/2010

i have and well it is hard but stick to your guns i did and am going too again on april 23rd no matter what my husband says or anyone else no one will ever convince me to change my mind and well everything turned out fine all natural for 17 and a half hours of labor and hubby did say and the nurses that i was such a trooper and hubby did request that next time he was gunna take the drugs

Jennifer - posted on 01/29/2010

I was able to do it twice! It was very hard and with my second child. I wanted to give up and get the meds because I knew how bad the pain was going to get. But my husband was very supportive and I was able to get through it. And I'm glad I did.

I listened to a great meditative/concentration cd both times which I found very helpful. Also if you can rock on the birthing ball, that helps. I had my husband and my mom rubbing my back and putting cool wet towels on me the first time and the second time my husband and my sister were both there to walk laps with me and help me through the labor. I prepared for my deliveries by reading a great LAMAZE magazine and it told me I had the inner strength to do it without pain meds. You just have to believe in yourself and it doesn't hurt if your husband could start believing too! Best of luck to you!! And congrats on your soon arrival!

Anita - posted on 01/29/2010

Hello, I had a DRUG FREE and NATURAL Delivery and let me just say that of course it hurts but it was well worth it, and with ice packs on the pads the hospital provided it helped alot. i got so many negative reactions from people and thats what made me want to have a drug free delivery even more. Dont let the Negative attitude of people affect you in any way. You can do it just keep telling yourself that.
GOOD LUCK

Angie - posted on 01/29/2010

No credible person is going to disagree with the statement that delivering a baby without pain meds is safest for mom and baby. No one ever died of being in pain. I am a HUGE wimp and I was able to deliver all of my children without drugs. Let your doctor know that you really want to do this and find out who the best nurse to support this is at the hospital you will be delivering at. Work with the 15 minutes rule; have your husband ask you to wait 15 minutes after you ask for pain meds before he goes to your nurse. There may be times you want (not need) pain meds and sometimes just waiting 15 minutes is enough to get you through the rough spot. I am so tired of hearing women be unsupportive of those who chose not to have pain meds. If your husband isn't being supportive check into hiring a doula to help you deliver your baby without drugs - it's the most unselfish thing you can do for your baby.

Cheryl - posted on 01/29/2010

Yes quite common unfortunately, alot go for pethadeine. You stick to your guns because the only one you have to be happy with is yourself and if you can cope with a bit of DISCOMFORT its worth it. I can tell you. Just don't DON'T stay on your back.

A bit of history for you my first(in a Queensland hospital) I was stuck on a bed on my back(young and nieve and had only gas( that made me feel sick), my second and best so far was in a birthing suite in Sydney alot of paceing back and forth and HOT showers(bliss) no bath option available as they were limited. My third (Canberra) I was two weeks overdue and the doctors pressured me into an induction using scare tactics(not some thing I'd recomend) but still not believing in administering drugs to my newborn as what you get your baby gets too, I only agreeed to having my waters broken but I/my baby had to be monitored so stuck on a bed again. I can tell you its no walk in the park but if you want it bad enough you can cope with it, there are other ways of pain relief.



One thing you have to understand men/ and other people don't believe women are strong, but we have a strength that you cant really explain. Do your research on different pain relief and congratulations, give your hubby a couple of heat packs and get him practicing massaging your back and heating the packs their a good buy and come in very handy for pain relief at the end of it all their proud, mine still dosn't know how I cope...... I wish in hindsite that I'd have gone over two weeks and pushed it to the third to go into labour naturally, hindsite is always clearer and your the one that has to live with your decisions.. What ever you go with you decide because there are pros and cons for both sides, I've been happy doing the drug free option and coping with the pain as you do forget, but my births have been pretty straight forward for my next I'm on the waitng list for the birth centre in Canberra (fingers crossed I get in but limited bathes again first in basis again) aslong as I'm not stuck in a bed.

Don't be stubbon either if you need the drugs you take them you dont want to stress your baby, do your research on all drug free and also the drugs that the hospital use so that you are atleast informed...

All the best. Cheryl.

Mary - posted on 01/29/2010

See if there is a natural childbirth or lamazze class available in your area. It will have like-minded people who can encourage you. I had seven children all delivered vaginally without medication. You CAN do it. Unless there are complications, you shouldn't need medication.
A key during childbirth is to relax. Don't let yourself tense up in response to the labor pains, but instead deliberately relax the muscles (like you do when you urinate). Otherwise you're fighting what your body is trying to do, and you will actually increase your pain and possibly even prolong your labor..

Annie - posted on 01/29/2010

I understand your frustration, but maybe the nay-sayers have already had children and therefore know what they are talking about. I knew I wanted natural childbirth as there was no way I was going to put any drugs in my baby's system. But then.......the birthing time came and there was one point where all that went way the hell out the window! hehehe I was so uncomfortable I wanted something - anything. But thank goodness it was too late and he was coming so I did end up going au natural and all was well. :-) I guess if I had any advice to anyone having their first kid is to not say you'll NEVER do anything or that you'll ONLY do such and such. It's all such a learning experience and until you go thru it you don't really know what to expect or how you'll react or feel. My boy is six now and I remember the childbirth like it was a week ago. :-) I am sure you'll have your natural birth and be just fine. Your husband will have a new respect for you and so will any other nay-sayers.

Gina - posted on 01/29/2010

People like to scare pregnant women. I don't know why. When I was pregnant with my first, the NURSES teaching my birthing class told me horror stories and I left crying.

I won't lie and say that it was a picnic, but focus on your breathing and on the precious little baby that you will meet when it is over. YOU CAN DO THIS! Women have been doing it since the beginning of time. I had the most euphoric feeling when it was over. I can't even begin to describe it. Let us all know how it turns out and GOOD LUCK!

Lourdes - posted on 01/29/2010

Hi Moriah,
I understand how you are feeling. I have two beautiful angels and I felt the same when I was pregnant witl both. Unfortunately, I let the stress and the fear brought on by allot of the negative comments get to me during my first pregnancy that after holding off for as long as i could, I gave in and asked for an epidural. After the whole thing was over though, I regretted it as only once it was too late, i realised that it was not as bad as I imagined it to be. I was much happier during the birth of my 2nd child and I did not have any drugs to help with the pain. Though it was more painful for me the 2nd time around as I was induced. You can do it. Don't listen to anyone else... just tell them "thanks for the concern" and that you will "keep their suggestions in mind". But it is what ever you want. Just work on the breathing techniques and you will do just fine. All the best to you!

Yvette - posted on 01/29/2010

Good choice! Good Luck!

Simone - posted on 01/29/2010

I have two healthy children 8 and 5 both of which were drug-free babies. i too decided from day one i was not going to bring a child into this world "drugged up." truth be told sometimes the drug options do not even work, they work improperly - stealing the best part from mom because they are having to focus on keeping you alive and you dont get to experience the rush of joy that takes all that pain away when they give you your son or daughter for the first time. worse yet, i have heard some can cause paralasis, if not only temporarily... sometimes permanently.

you are the mom, you know what is right for your babies and noone can make that decision but you. discus it with your doctor and make sure they understand (and agree) that its your body your baby and ultimately your decision.

i commend you for your decision. Good luck on your new venture as a new mommy, there truely is nothing more beautiful than that!!

Emily - posted on 01/28/2010

I have had 3 drug free births, the last of which was at home in water. I think that a large percentage of births that end in intervention are due to women being discouraged during labour because they are in pain and vulnerable, it is very easy to lose sight of what you want when you are having contractions and just want it to be over, sometimes all it takes is one person to say you cant do this take the drugs and you will go down that path.



My advice would be to investigate your options, my first two babies were born in a birth centre, as at that stage I didnt feel confindent in delivering at home and the birth centre offered me a home environment with hospital facilities, it also offers a midwife assisted delivery which is statistically less likely to end in intervention, I was never made to feel that i would be better off using drugs during my brith, my midwife was aware of my drug free preference and did not suggest the use of drugs at any stage during my labour. If I had however asked for them they would have been available. Of course with a home birth this is not an option, unless transferred to a hospital drugs are not readily available. A birth plan is also a great way to get the birth that you hope for, as well as a supportive birth partner (if your husband is not convinced you can do it drug free maybe consider hiring a doula or having your mum or best friend available to be an advocate for you and your birth plan). Above all with this being your first baby, my advice would be to allow yourself to be flexible, every birth is different and sometimes best laid plans fall astray, If you can go into birth with the expectation of having no expectations then you will you come out of it with a beautiful baby and no feelings of resentment or dissapointed. Using drugs during labour is not a sign of weakness or failure, we are all different and each birth is an individual thing. Good luck, I really hope that your birth experience is a beautiful one :)

Jessica - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi Moriah

Congratulations on your pregnancy!! I was like you and wanted a natural birth, or at least to try and have one. I think you have to be open to whatever happens because as the other girls have said you just cannot predict how your birth will go.

I recommend getting a doula, who is a birth support person, their whole job is to help you get through the labor. We had a doula for our birth and she was fantastic. She laboured with me all night at home and then came to the hospital with me in the morning and stayed until the night. She was amazing, when I was home with her I did not even think about getting pain killers, she kept me focused and in the zone and although it was painful she made it a very safe environment for me.

But by the time we got to the hospital it was 10AM in the morning and I had been in very intense labor since 4pm the day before. My contractions were 2 mins apart but I was still only 1-2cm dilated. At that point I chose to have an epidural and it was a good thing I did because my son was not born till 8:44pm that night!!

I was so proud of what I managed to do drug free and equally proud of my choice to have the epidural when I did because I was physically and mentally exhausted and eneded up having a 29 hour labour so I did need the pain relief. I think if it was not for the length of my labor I could have done it naturally but because I just was not making any progress for me I did not see the point in going through all those hours more in agony.

You will know what is right for you when the time comes, everyone is different and ever birth is different. The most important thing is that you keep and open mind and put the health of you and your baby first.

Best of luck

- Jessica

Jennifer - posted on 01/28/2010

I don't think that people are necessarily being mean to you but I do understand your strong convictions. I believe that you have to plan for the type of birth you want but be open to what happens and what your and the baby's needs are. My good friend just had a baby and told me she wanted to go naturally and I gave her the advice that do it as long as you can but do not be too disappointed or mad if you need meds/epidural, I have had two babies and it is hard if you can do it naturally, I applaud you but if you need something you should take it and know that epidurals do not hurt the baby or the mother. Good Luck! You should post when you have the baby and let us know, I will be cheering for you!

Laralee - posted on 01/28/2010

I support you...it was the same way with me...no one believed I could make it through without drugs but there was no way I was gonna let them put a needle in my back. I'm a 5'1" 100lb female who was having a baby by a 6'2" 200+lb man...he was probably the worse when it came to not believing that I could do it but I DID!!! & proved them all wrong & had a 7lb10oz 21" baby boy...It's all in the mind...like they say...mind over matter...believe in urself, be strong & good luck...hopefully everything goes ok & u r able to make it thru without the drugs

Natalie - posted on 01/28/2010

@ Carolyn

That is not easy when you a military family. We can only go to the military hospital, they only have the beds, no other options and we also can't just take a midwife or a doula /c the insurance doesn't allow it.
I would've loved to go to a birthing house and have a water birth. That's still my dream but it won't happen.

Carolyn - posted on 01/28/2010

I do have to tell you, my daughter-in-law just delivered her first all natural and drug free. It was absolutely wonderful. No it wasn't easy but so worth every painful moment. She does not regret any of it. The best advice I can give is get a experienced bradley coach and find out as much as you can about what to expect. Let your breathing be your focus and only think of that during each contraction. If you let your body do what it was designed for, you focus on breath during each one, stay focused and it is an amazing thing. I was able to witness as well as my son, her mom and her sister. The most amazing experience of my life. Best of Luck and do not give up your dream. Dreams really do come true when you believe in them. God Bless.

Natalie - posted on 01/28/2010

Honestly, more power to ya for wanting to go all natural BUT i would stay open-minded. Since this is your first child you do not know how your body will handle labor, maybe your labor and delivery will not be what you expect.

I wanted to go all natural with my 1st as well but i ended up getting an epidural and i was happy with that choice. When i got to the hospital i was already up for 24 hours and my son didn't come until 8 hours after that. After about 3 hours at the hospital i couldn't take it anymore and after the epidural i could relax and rest to get some energy for the birth.

With my second i went all natural and YES, it was great. But my labor was so fast i didn't have time to get any meds and i'm glad i didn't.

Now i'm pregnant with my 3rd and i'm saying if my labor is that short again i'm gonna go natural again but if it feels like it's taking forever and i can't bare it anymore i will take the meds.
There's nothing wrong with either method.

Aren't you glad we live today and have a choice? :-)

Debbie - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi good for you I had all 5 of my children with nothing but lamaze. I took it with my first and did it with each of the other four. I also breast fed all mine and to this day they have no allergies and had no ear infedtions as babies.This was looked at as crazy when I had my kids who all have at least one of their own now

Julie - posted on 01/28/2010

I did it twice. It is your choice your body both of my boys were so alert and on my first delivery I got to go home in two days. I personally think that it is worth it. Goodluck!!!!

Priscilla - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi, Yes I have. But the thing is. I kept an opened mind. My husband just took my clues. I have 4. The first two I made it to the end. Actually, my #2 (son) the doctor wasn't finished giving it to me.I was pushing when he came back w/ the button for me to push to get the med. So, you can do it. I think for me, the fact I was in control of what to say. My first I was so sick, that my husband had spoken up.he saw I was at the end. 33 hrs. I delivered just as it started to work. Funny the after birth was a breeze that time. The med had fully kicked in. Just keep an open mind. God gave me the strength. I kept focus as much as I could and your husband may be unsure of himself to see you in pain.(mine fainted on # 3 delivery)

Hang in there.

Desiree - posted on 01/28/2010

You can do it!!!!!. Stay motivated and educated and put together a birth birth plan.!!! I am an active Doula in Chilliwack. and i encourage you to do what you feel you need and want to do. I normal drug free birth is possible. Society has scared women into thinking that they cannot give natural drug free births... its maddening. women need to support women. Visit the DONA International web sit. My name is Desiree Owens I am also a Registered Massage Therapist in Chilliwack. Good luck. Stay positive.

Whitney - posted on 01/28/2010

If you believe it you can do it! I did! I had my first child in september and throughout the whole pregnancy all I wanted was a drug-free natural birth, and yea I got zero support except from my husband who believed in me. You have to believe in yourself and tell your husband to believe in you and then when the time comes you can do it I promise! Its not easy, it doesnt feel good...but what kept me going was the realization that the pain will pass and its only temporary, and in the end its all for the greater good! Good luck with everything and i hope you find the support you need!

Tracey - posted on 01/28/2010

My cousin felt exactly the same way as you.She was going all natural and did some research on epiderals and the side effects etc...she was absolutely gonna go natural and then she hit seven centimetres dialate and beg for the epideral...I have had the opportunity to have both and I can't say either way was easy!! I hated how the epideral made my legs numb and I was confined to the bed for the whole thing and said i wouldn't do it again, but then with my second one i held off as long as i could and then he came so fast i didn't have time to get the epideral.So I think that you should go in there with the intentions of having it natual(too the recovery is much easier without the pain killers) and then depending on your threshold of pain cause everyone is different decide at the time!! Do what is right for you and not what everyone tells you! It is possible the most painful think I have endoured in my life but I'm sure people dying of cancer are going through much worse!! Hope that helps heeh

Dianne - posted on 01/28/2010

I like Kelli Bell's suggestions. Stay in the shower as much as you like.
If you want to use a tub, buy a kiddy pool and stay at home using it, as long as you can. You don't have to go to hospital unless your water has broken, you are bleeding, or your pain is out of control. The great thing about the tub is that it will help to soften the pain.
Good luck and best wishes.

Connie - posted on 01/28/2010

Moriah I am so sorry that you are not getting the support you deserve in your choice to birth your baby unmedicated. I am a homebirth midwife and I have witnessed a great many natural, unmedicated births. Not only can you do it but you will be a strong, liberated woman from the experience. The moms I work with do NOT regret their choice to birth as they were intended too.

If you are birthing in a hospital there are a great many challenges to having an unmedicated birth and I strongly suggest finding yourself a Doula to help you through the process. Find women in your area that are like minded and a doula can help you to find those groups.

There is a large group of women that do and will support you through YOUR journey.

Maggie - posted on 01/28/2010

I had two drug free natural deliveries and they were wonderful! I'm happy that I did it because my babies were so alert when they were born. I think people only hear the horror stories about birth and don't trust their bodies or themselves to be able to do what they were designed to do. That, coupled with doctors pushing drugs on people every which way, makes people doubt that ANYONE can give birth without them. I know a lot of people who have had (planned) home births and did great.

Just ignore the people and let the doctors in L&D know up front not to even offer you any drugs. My hubby and I had a password - if I said the password then I'd had enough and wanted drugs. In two days of labor with the first and 12 hours with the second I was never even tempted to say the word.

You're going to do great. Just breathe, relax, and know that every contraction brings you one step closer to your baby!!!

Kelly - posted on 01/28/2010

I had my first child at age 38 and although I had not always planned on a drug free birth it was the option I chose. I have no regrets. I also had a lot of naysayers including hospital staff. I was blessed with a healthy 8 pound 7 oz baby girl after 25 hours of labor - I'm sure that it was the hardest day to live through but I knew it was the right decision for me and I just "politely" declined when offered until I had enough of that and then asked that the nurses and my doctor not ask me assured them that if I changed my mind - they would be the first to know. It was a lot of pain, don't for a minute think it is not going to be but certainly not anything that I couldn't deal with and I know you'll be the same. If there is an emergency - those decisions will be made at the time by all parties....but you can't dwell on that now.....I would just say to those naysayers that as a woman it is your choice and that you expect - no demand - their respect. Good luck and I pray for the end result to be healthy and happy.

Jenny - posted on 01/28/2010

My little boy is 3 months now and i also had a natural birth. I laboured at home for as long as possible, then when i was examined at the hospital i was already 8cm dilated. I then used g&a and got in the pool. Its such a shame your hospital doesnt have a birthing pool, i found it fantastic.
Have you looked into hypnobirthing at all?? A friend went to some sessions (though they were expensive) and she also had a pool birth with just g&a. I was given a hypnobirthing cd, and used the breathing techniques from antenatel classes. The physio was brilliant, she said to 'greet every contraction with a sigh' so your relaxed as it starts. As long as you can keep relaxed it much easier to cope with. I also went to a masseuse who specialised in pregnancy massage, he did a 2 hr session with my husband and i which was great during pregnancy and labour. I was actually so relaxed i managed to doze off inbetween contractions!
I found the best thing was to go in with an open mind, that way you wont be so hard on yourself if you do need pain relief. I put in my birthing plan that i didnt want to be offered anything but would ask if i wanted it. I really hope everything goes well and you get your natural birth, ignore what other people say, if you think you can do it then you'll be just fine :)