What was the worst part of Labor and Delivery??

Maxine - posted on 04/16/2010

I guess the labour pains were the worst.I found that if you do have a birth plan it may go out the window.I said i would walk alot and found that didn't happen.Contractions hurt(sorry)i laid on the bed and only had gas.Everybody deals with pain differently.I had a ceasar for my first so with my second it was all new to me.When labour started i guess i forgot about being scared or nervous.Epidural was a no for me (sticking a needle in my spine no thank you)heard too many go wrong with friends.Do what you feel you need for the pain you can stand. I ended up having forceps and no tearing.Good luck.

Laura - posted on 04/16/2010

I've had four children, and each delivery was different. Please don't get scared about the stories women are sharing. Your experience will be unique. You are lucky to be giving birth in a country where we have excellent medical care, for both you and your baby. Giving birth is labor. But it only lasts for hours. Your baby will give you amazement for years. Keep your eye on the prize. The discomfort may be mild, or more challenging. You can handle it. This is a big part of what pregnancy is all about.

Jascinta - posted on 04/16/2010

well i have two baby boys.. 1 is 15 and a half mths, the other is 6 wks. both were natural with no pain relief- i didn't even bother with gas. i wont bother with what pain is worse etc, but i know that staying in a comfortable environment for a long as possible before going to the hospital helps. also warm bath/showers. breathing through each contraction( as if to calm yourself- as opposed to tensing). and when it comes time to push, i believe we have the urge for a reason.... push with all your might!!!! until the very end of each contration- not pushing hurts a hell of alot more! and plus the more you can push the quicker its over and done with. i personally chose not to worry to much about the birth leading up to either of them because i've always figured we were made to do it, its gonna happen- why fight it? just embrace it, with a smile if ya can lol. i had two wonderful experiences... and i really hope it all goes well for you too. just try not to plan too much. take it as it comes. and stay happy and relaxed. good luck :)

Cathy - posted on 04/16/2010

Tiffany, everyone is different - I wouldn't even ask for stories, it will only make you more nervous. Just remember, women have been having babies since the beginning of time - before epidurals, before hospitals, in fields! With all the great technology and comforts available to you - you will do JUST GREAT! If you ask any mother - even those with horror delivery stories - they probably have more than one child - so - even the worst is worth it once you hold that baby! Don't worry - just look to the end result - that will get you through anything. Good Luck!

Amanda - posted on 04/16/2010

I am stepping away from the pain aspect of labour and delivery because the worst part for me was my mom missed her grandsons birth.

but talking about the pain, i think i got lucky. i did not feel my contractions til about 5:30 after i got up to pee and my contractions stopped so i had to get pitocin. i got the epidural but the tube that goes into the back fell out most of the way so it obv didnt work. they gave me the gas mask. I dont remember the pain of having my son. he is 11 weeks old now and i am glad that i had things pretty much naturally lol.

Lisa - posted on 04/16/2010

I think every individual is different! I had two great labours, well yes there was alot of pain but i expected the worst on both, maybe i over prepared myself. my first i was in labour for 20hours, The hospital wouldnt give me the epidural till i was 4cm and that was a whole 18hours long. The pain is bad but copable and it you forget about it the second ur bundle pops out. My 2nd labour was so much quicker and i decided not to get the epidural, again very very painful, but lasted no longer than 2 hours, i went in to take a pee and baby popped out, made experience (not tryin to scare) but when you keep thinking about the reward at the end of it, it takes the edge of d pain and you can cope more..

Nicole - posted on 04/16/2010

You are making things worse for yourself by asking about the worst experience. Many people have different experiences of labour, some have horror stories and others have 'text book' labour. The best thing to remember is that trillions of women have been through it before, and the reward at the end of it, no matter how hard it may have been, is that you have a new bundle of joy to love and cherish. You can't describe the experience of labour without going through it yourself. My advice is, relax and go with the flow, if the pain is too much to bear, have an epidural, but don't ask for one straight away, I had the gas in the late stages of my labour and that was all I needed. Good luck. :))

Sandy - posted on 04/16/2010

dont be scared of the pain! It definately hurts, but like many others have said, its a different hurt with a goal at the end. I've had two births, my first I had an epidural up until I was dialated, then I had to push and felt everything. The second was all natural. I preferred the second birth, the pushing, crowning and birthing part was so easy because I think my body had built up to it. With my first, it was agony because i went from no pain at all to full throttle! There is a really good birthing book which deals with pain managment (remember, you need to find ways to occupy your mind and deal with the pain) called Birth Skills. This was a saviour for me. I used stress balls, lavender oil and a hankerchief and a gym ball. Good luck - you will be fine, that's why we are women!

Ashley=) - posted on 04/16/2010

Just to say when your in the situation you will no what to do and if you want to take pain relief..i just want you to know being a first time mom if you need to use pain relief and especially the epidural thats perfectly fine we cope in our own way and it doesn't make you any less of a mom for using it whats important is getting to the point where you can finally hold your little one and how you chose to get there and use what ever or not its your choice and feel proud of the decisions you make.Raising them determines a good mom not how we deliver them.Wish i knew that when i was having my first..what i think matters more than what others think..wishing you the best dont fear just relax and go with the flow once in labour.:-)

Jen - posted on 04/16/2010

i say the contractions n epidural n spinal block i had both cus the epidural didnt work for me on its own. but once i past tht needle it was bliss i kept falling alseep i had to go to theater n i was asleep on the op table the man had to keep waking me up cus i needed forceps.

Karen - posted on 04/15/2010

To me the worst part was waiting for your baby to come.. They say every womens pregnancy are all different. The epidural does help with the contractions and the pressure that your sister was feeling from what the doctor told me is that is when the baby is ready to come out so as soon as you feel that pressure u should let your nurse or doctor know. Cause when i felt it my son was ready to come out. It is normal to be nervous even with my second child i was. If you have questions about any thing that the nurse or doctors are doing feel free to ask them they are very helpful and gives you detail to detail. As for the epidural they give u the button to push when ever you feel the pain. When they put the epidural in they are helpful with the procedural as well and talk u through. My sister was gonna try and go with out the epidural but the pain was to painful so get the epidural i hope i helped any more questions go ahead and write me i am here

Heather - posted on 04/15/2010

Oh I also want to add that my epidural worked great. I never had any pains or problems from it at all and I noticed someone else stated they heard you won't get an adrenaline rush afterwards if you have one which is most certainly not true! I was so exhausted during the pushing I thought I would crash when it was over but once my son was born I had biggest rush of euphoria ever!!! I couldn't sleep for days except for naps here and there which I actually had to try to take. Baby and hubby were sound asleep and I was up and about cleaning up the hospital room, filling out the baby book, just feeling on top of the world. I was able to deliver vaginally and breastfeed as planned and everything. I know everyone is different and has different experiences with or without an epidural. Just thought I would share a positive experience with you since you plan on getting one too.

Angie - posted on 04/15/2010

The hardest part for me is what you're going through now! It was so difficult not to know what to expect. Trust your body and you'll do great. I didn't have any pain meds so I don't know about the recovery from that but the recovery from birth wasn't a big deal. Good luck, you're in for the most wonderful event of your life!

Heather - posted on 04/15/2010

I was also very scared and even had kind of a phobia about it. About the pain and about something happening to the baby and me. I had been that way since I was young and thought I could never do it, but when I wanted a baby I finally didn't let the fear stop me and I got pregnant. Well, even though I was happier than ever I was still secretly scared. The part I was scared most of was the actual pushing him out. I still can't imagine something so big coming out of something so small. And that was the hardest part. The contractions are manageable and the epidural did wonders for that. The pushing isn't painful at all. It's actually kind of relieving but it is exhausting! The moment the baby's head and shoulders come out is the worst part of it pain wise (some describe a burning feeling, but the the best I can sum it up was an incredible sense of pressure) but just give your biggest push and put everything into it because it is so quick and as soon as the baby was out I was relieved and happier than ever and in shock trying to take it all in and as soon as he was out there was no more pain. I didn't even realize I had an episiotomy until I asked if there was tearing...lol. It was a little "pinchy" getting sewn up down there, but it won't even phase you. I never had any real pain following delivery. Maybe just a little sensitivity. Then there will be a little cramping from your uterus contracting back. Usually nothing more than what feels like a little period cramping. I felt great immediatley and felt like myself. I felt active right away too and was happy I could bend and stretch again and sit forward. Lol. Some people have more problems than others. I feel very lucky. Hopefully you will too. Needless to say it was the best day ever! Good luck and just enjoy the last days of your pregnancy. My son made the most awesome rolls and waves in my belly in the last few weeks and I even got to see a foot sticking out once. Don't be too scared. You'll be ok and just keep telling yourself that almost every woman does it and some even more than once so it can't be all that terrible... lol. That is what I told myself when I was pregnant. And the nurses and docs will take good care of you and make you feel comfortable. Oh, on a more personal note, though, sex was painful for a while. Like a few months I think. I did wait about seven weeks too (cuz that's when my post delivery check up was and I got the "green light"). But eveyone is different there. Anyway, good luck! :-)

Laura - posted on 04/15/2010

Congratulations and good luck for the next few weeks!! The worst part for me was that fact that it happened so quickly!! Now, I'm not complaining at all but to go from mulching my garden to holding my baby girl in under 4 hours was way too intense to deal with for me! As it was my first baby I was told and reassured that I need not rush to the hospital as it is usually 12 hours or so from when you actually realise that something is going on. Well, let me tell you when you're racing to the hospital so fast you don't even blink before you've gone through the next town, it's super scary!! 15 minutes of pushing in the hospital and I was holding my little angel! It was a fantastic labour and I didn't need any stitches or anything which I am so grateful for but a little bit more notice would have been great!! Good luck, you'll do great!!

Jessica - posted on 04/15/2010

with my first pregnancy the epidural was great for the contractions but when it was time to push i couldnt feel when i was contracting so they turned it off and i felt everything so i basicly had a natural birth pushing for 2 hrs straight... but with my second the epidural was the best thing didnt feel contractions, pressure nothing it took like 3 pushes and my baby was out,,

Nakia - posted on 04/15/2010

I have two kids a a 5yr old girl and 28month old little boy. My daughter was 2 weeks to the due date. Since this was my first baby my husband and I did the child birth class, believe it ,it works I was able to have natural vaginal birth. I was in labor for 3 ys before my daughter came and I didn;t have to have stitches, I was up and going two days later. So yes my first pregnancy was great all around. However my son a whole another story. He was 10 days late, my labor was induced. I got toxicsema and was in labor for 13 hours end result i had a c-section with lots of drugs....:)

Tanya - posted on 04/15/2010

I would have to say the labor pains were the worse for me. I'm guessing my labor started around 7 or 8am but I didn't realize I was in labor until 3:30pm (and that's when my sister in law had to tell me I was in labor). I didn't know I was in labor because that portion wasn't painful. It just felt like mini menstral cramps or gas, so I never put any thought towards it. Now, when those pains hit, that was a whole different story. In my birthing class, they say to carbo load. I would suggest doing this during phase 1 because when I decided to do it, I was in phase 2 and lets just say, rice can fly pretty far and I owe my sister in law a new throw rug (LOL). My pain was so bad that my sister in law thought I was going to rip off the rail on the hospital bed. But let me tell you, epidural became my new best friend. I have a few friends who are currently pregnant and one of them isn't doing an epidural, so I asked her if I could have it (LOL). I did have to have a c-section which obviously going thru it, not too bad, but once the epidural wears off the pain kicks in and the tylonol 3 and motrin weren't helping. All in all, I knew I would just have to work thru the pain. My other issue was that I also had a kidney infection during labor and delivery which they couldn't figure out, so they released me. I went to the NICU to feed my daughter and I got sick so her nurse wheeled me down to emergency and that's when they did a bunch of tests on me and finally figured out it was a kidney infection. Now once everything was hunky dory and we were both about to be released after a week in the hospital, my dr. tells me not to drive for 3 weeks and I told her that wasn't going to work for me. I wasn't planning on going on a road trip, but I really hate being dependent on someone for something so simple as going to the store or bank. so she said that was fine.

Amy - posted on 04/15/2010

My worst time with my daughter was right after the water broke. My contractions had started at 8am but they stayed at 8-10 minutes apart all day. I was home alone while my husband was at work and my 4 yr old at daycare. They came home at 6pm and about 2 minutes after they walked thru the door my water broke, the pain increased 10x what it was and the contractions were immediately 1-2 minutes apart. I got to the hospital a little after 7pm and I was already over 7cm. I barely got my epidural in time and was 10cm, She was then born at 8:48.

My advice would be to definitely get the epidural and make sure you don't wait too long to get to the hospital. My husband had arranged with a couple neighbors to keep an eye on me those last few days and to help get me to the hospital if it was needed. All the pain is forgotten, the sleepless nights worth it, the first time you see her smile.

Gislaine (Gessie) - posted on 04/15/2010

Hi Tiffany,, to answer your question,,,,, in my opinion is the fools around you,, not friends but the nurses ,,, they drove me nuts!!!! When I had my doll,,, all the horor stories u hear about the PAIN,,,,, FOR ME, going to the dentist for a root canal is worse,, truly for real:) I signed for an epiderral but of course the anesthisiologist to administer it shows up when its too late,, time to push so I did all naturally and really a root canal is worse,,,, They do not like to give epiderrals so sometimes they wait on purpose I think,, there can be major major side effects and its a tricky thing to administer so just relax about it,, the more u worry,, the more freaked out u will get... good luck,, remember the dentist:)

Angelica - posted on 04/15/2010

Well Tiffany, Congratulations, I have a 3 year old daughter, I had her when I was like 38 weeks and 6 days, first of all i was having contractions every like 3 mins, so the docs gave me some petosin, so it could accelerate my contractions, so having contractions every minute was painful, but worthed, I did not feel the epidural in my back, and even though I had an epidural, it didn't work it only worked( had effect) on my right leg, so I felt everything, and i couldnt even stand up, cause I couldn't feel my leg, but I think what it was more difficult, was the pushing and taking deep breaths at th same time, because you really dont get a chance to take a breather when baby is coming, its like a crash course, you have to breath( take deep breaths) and push at the same time, like ten times in a row, so that was difficult for me, but afterwards its was easy, when I saw my baby girl, I totallly forgot the pain, or even freaked with all the blood that you loose, I just felted rejuvenated when I saw her, its a blesing, really

Corinna - posted on 04/15/2010

For me the whole experience was awesome! I refused the epidural because I knew the pain of delivery would go away but the epidural can cause you pain for a long time if it does not work out right. Plus it might not even work. I did not even really feel her come out although she was 7.9 pounds and her head was 13 inches big. When I started to have pain from contractions I tried to take a deep breath and distract myself by calming my mind, trying not to think of anything. It's all in your mind. Don't be scared. It is the best experience I ever had cause at the end I knew I would have my baby girl! I went through the whole pregnancy by myself. No daddy, no family around but one of my best friends was there with me in the hospital. I do admit the worst was the pushing. I was wondering how she would come out but then it was not so hard at all. Just the pain from the contractions but they were not as bad as I thought and at the end you will forget all about it when you hold your baby! I am ready for another one!

Deb - posted on 04/15/2010

Well, my first baby I had some drugs and a pudendal block, it all hurt, next baby about the same, 3rd baby only had 15 mg of Demerol then came to fast to deaden anything, so was pretty much natural childbirth there. The epidural will take care of your pain, wish I would have had one! You will do great, and what ever hurts you have will heal and you will have a wonderful baby for a reward. God bless and good luck, and you are right, this baby is coming out one way or the other. PS you need to be at 4 cms before they will give you the epidural, so you will get to feel some contractions and then will know the difference and the pain relief after epidural-its great.

Jessica - posted on 04/15/2010

with my 1st kid i also had an epidural. im not that good with pain. especially labor pains. my kid was a big baby though. i didnt feel any pain when they were inserting the epidural and no pain while i was resting before actually pushing. once it came time to push i felt alot of pressure(down there). i will tell you that it did hurt when his head was coming out but nothing like alot of ppl had explained to me. after that he kind of slide out. with my 2nd kid i also had an epidural. but with her beeing my 2nd it was much easier. hope my experienced helped you!

Coco - posted on 04/15/2010

Like others said before, your body was made to do this. They delivered in woman in a coma! If you understand what your body is actually doing, it's less scary.
I had my son naturally, no pain killer. But I think some have more or less pain tolerance than others. I pushed for like 4 hours, but didn't really notice, because your first time you're preparing for the worst pain of your life. But it wasn't THAT bad, that's why I'm going for second!
Anything can happen, true. But just know that the pain you're feeling is a good pain.

Your question shouldn't be: what was your worst pain
but more: How did you deal with your worst pain.

For me prenatal classes helped me understand what my body was going to do. Closing me eyes for concentration helped. Moving around, changing position, rocking back and forth, is a good distraction and actually helps the baby to be in a good position. And repeating myself that this pain is good, it's not for no reason, I'm suppose to hurt, so that baby can come out.
Be strong and good luck!

Joyce - posted on 04/15/2010

Consider the worst BM you ever had. You will think your entire bottom is going to burst. Just relax, Your body was made to do this and it will. The more uptight you get the harded it will be for you. Practice breathing and relaxing. I had three. If it had been that bad I wouldn't have done it the second time. Its going to be O>K>

Ellauise - posted on 04/15/2010

Both my babies were born naturally without any pain relief. My first labour was 12hrs and my second was 6hrs. The contractions were pretty painful towards the end and the pushing was very sore, but it was all worth it to see our gorgeous babies!!! Don't worry about what everyone else says, we are all different, there was a lady next door to me in hospital screaming her head off while I was in labour and I freaked thinking that that was what I had coming, but as I found out later, we were actually at the same stage of labour, her baby was just in an awkward position, she ended up having an epidural and a c-section and all was fine. Good luck.

Dianne - posted on 04/15/2010

Hi, the fear of the unknown was the worst part!!! Some words of advice that I was given before having my first which helped. If you are all uptight and tense it makes it worse, so think of each contraction as what it is...the muscles are trying to relax to allow your precious new life to get out thats what the contracting is about, so the more we tense up with each one, the more we are fighting ourselves. Rescue remedy (bach flower) helps to calm us down and doesnt hurt the babe. ANd apparently our facial muscles kinda align with the ones in the pubic area so i was told to smile thru each contraction not grimace cos the muscles at the other end will grimace too, teehee I know it sounds funny but surprisingly it worked, not that I smiled angelically but i did try not to screw my face up lol. The best thing is focussing on your coach and breathing as youve been taught cos it really does make a difference if they breathe u through each contraction. And the epidural is fantastic for creating a pain free delivery. Above all remeber this is the beginning of the rest of your life with a precious gift that will bring you more joy then anypain you may experience. good luck

Marianne - posted on 04/15/2010

After you have your baby, it's all forgotten & just looking at your sweet, perfect baby - who is JUST what you'd hoped for!!! - makes it all be forgettable.



ps - This is a pic of me with my 3rd Granddaughter who is 1 mo old here.

Katie - posted on 04/15/2010

I had my first baby in August 2009 and I would say the worst part for me was no rest, O had contractions 1 1/2 min apart for 11 hours and no change in dialation (I was at 2 when I went in) and I was just sooooo tired I had to get an epidural and after that I slept for 4 hours and they woke me up and said ok its time to push and yeah it hurt but with the epidural it wasn't bad at all (the pushing was nothing compared to the 11 hours of contractions) Good luck with everything. as soon as you see your baby your pain is gone! IT IS AMAZING!

Nadine - posted on 04/15/2010

You may find there isn't enough time for the epidural to be done as your labour may progress quickly? as it is your first you just don't know how things will progress. Just remember there are disadvantages to having pain relief for you and baby and your bodies natural endorphins do a good job as well. Just stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize, your baby. Keep that adrenaline away as it can slow down and stop labour, don't worry about it till you have to. Mother of 3 boys and an antenatal educator.

Leslie - posted on 04/15/2010

I was in labor for 21 hours but most of it was painless. After 3 or 4 hours I got IV pains meds, I don't remember what they were called but they really relaxed me, made me feel like I'd had a few drinks! That only lasts a few hours and then I had an epidural. I was really nervous because I had heard all the horror stories but all of the nurses assured me that the complications are really rare and it works just fine the majority of the time. The only part I felt was the tiny prick and burn of the local numbing shot. Then everything got numb and all I felt for the rest of the time was just enough pressure to know I was having a contraction (barely). I only pushed for about an hour and then got to meet my little boy! Oh yeah, don't feel bad if you are a little spaced out after the birth and it takes you a few hours to get used to the idea that that little baby is yours, your body has just been through a huge trauma and the drugs add to the feeling. I looked at my little guy,laughed when he peed on the nurses, held him for a few minutes and then I think they took him to the nursery and I passed out! But by the day after he was born I could pick his cry out from the babies in the nursery so it was all worth it. I'm sure you'll do great! Good luck.

Sharon - posted on 04/15/2010

The wor part was when the epidural wore off. ow.

Nerida - posted on 04/15/2010

I had an epidural and a spinal block with my first baby, the pain was gone but then I couldn't push effectively as I couldn't feel anything. Second and third babies were without the epi - much better. Recovery is so much better without an epi, I would not chose to have one again. Yes, labour and delivery hurts, you have to embrace the pain and let it work for you. Like you, I was scared of giving birth the first time, but, in all honesty, don't be scared, giving birth is the easy part - raising a child is much, much, much, much, much more difficult! Good luck!

Kacy - posted on 04/15/2010

I just had my 3rd and every delivery was great! Yes, I had an epidural. Really experienced little pain, just uncomfortable after bc of the stitches. I am no fan of pain, I am not a hero! It is hard work to get them out, and you are sooo tired when it is over but then again you have this little baby which you have grown for 10 months and you know what? It doesn't matter because you did it!!! Good luck, and I bet it goes well for you too.

Kathy - posted on 04/15/2010

With my first labor, I was induced. I had a nurse who tried to talk me out of it and showed us a stupid video. That royally pissed me off. I dialated slow and did puke during labor which I would say sucked the most. The second time around, I went into labor naturally. That time I just followed my body's feelings. I breathed through the contraction in a way that came naturally. When the pain started peaking to the point where I couldn't concentrate past it, I got IV pain meds. When they wanted to start pitocin, I refused til I had my epidural. My labor was much smoother and easier. I wish my first went as good as the second. Try to stop worrying. Your body knows what to do Stay relaxed as possible during the contractions, get pain meds if you need them, and just follow your body's lead. Do what is best for you and your baby. I had a csection then a vbac. Both were good experiances in the fact that I had two healthy babies in the end. Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 04/15/2010

Hey Tiffany, I think it's totally natural to be nervous about delivering your first baby. I was induced at 39 weeks & 5 days and I was extremely anxious! I am a VERY anxious person to begin with, so the idea of having to pop a baby was SO incredibly scary to me! I had an epidural, but lemme tell ya...make sure they remember to turn your epidural pump ON lol. The anesthesiologist had like 12 women who were going into labor at the same time I was, so he was running around like a chicken with his head cut off apparently! Anyway, he forgot to turn my epidural pump on, so I got the first initial dose & then it wore off like 20 minutes later or something. LAME. And even though my epidural was all screwed up & I didn't get much relief, I STILL had to pay for the dang thing. Anyway, you're going to be just fine. Everyone's labor and delivery is different. And even though I was in a lot of pain during the contractions, once they put your baby in your arms, you forget ALL about it & just focus on your precious little one! :)

Heather - posted on 04/15/2010

please dont listen to people who say you dont get a rush after A - having an epi or B- if you would need a csection... because you do... just remember, the most important thing is to have a safe and healthy delivery, for you and the baby...no matter how you deliver, you are still bringing the miracle of life in to the world, and that is an amazing thing.

Kate CP - posted on 04/15/2010

Tiffany, I know you're scared but you're going to give yourself a panic attack by asking this question over and over. It's childbirth, not the end of the world, honey. You'll get through it and be a stronger woman for it, too. Every birth is different and beautiful. I can guarantee you that your birth will not be like any other woman's. Go with the flow, listen to your body, and know that this a normal thing women all over the world do every day.

Helen - posted on 04/15/2010

Hi, I am a mother, grandmother and midwifery student. I just wanted to say, everyone's pregnancy, labour and birth is individual to them and the best preparation is to look forward to it and stay relaxed and mobile. Upright positions and changing positions and using lots of non-pharmacological aids like water, massage, focussing on things etc are the best way to ensure a quicker and safer labour and birth. I just got a book by Juju Sundin (2007) Birth Skills - and it is great easy reading that I would recommend. I hope you have a midwife or a good support person to help you through. Go well and don't let fear be your guide.

D - posted on 04/15/2010

My labours went relativly quick. The waiting around and contractions were probably the worst part. When you get to push, you actually get to do something so that is good. The baby has to come out somehow. Don't freak yourself out about it because that will do no good. Just have a plan and try to stick with it. Things may change but just be able to go with the flow as well. After everything is said and done, you get to have a baby and that's the best part!!

Bernice - posted on 04/15/2010

Your post made me laugh because I can remember 22 years ago feeling the same way. I started dreaming horrid things. Anyway, one of my babies was 10 lbs and I had no episiotomy. It all depends on your doctor. Mine was very very good and wanted to take all the time in the world to get my little girl out. Epidurals work wonders but sometimes they don't work. Go to Lamaze classes and learn all you can and you will do fine.

Krystal - posted on 04/15/2010

hi im 19 and i had my son 2 weeks before my 19th birthday, hes now 11 months old, i was in labour for 2 and half days (contractions was not painfull enough to break my waters properly. my hind waters went but my front waters was still blocking him from comin). The 2nd day i went in the evening to the hospital and nothing for 6 more hours so they poped my waters, my contactions were very painfull after that but i only needed gas and air, and within that hour my son was born weighing 6lb 12oz, the only thing that actually hurt me was when he was crowning, it was like a bad stinging/burning sensation and i tore a little (2nd degree tear) but the rest of his body came out in one push (pushed 4 times altogether). i really didnt find labour and birth that bad and it was a great experiance for my first time, im now 9 weeks pregnant, so i will be giving birth again around the 18th november 2010. and im not even nervouse/scared about it. once my baby boy was out the pain just dissapeared, obviously the placenta has to come out but i hardly felt those contractions when it pushed out. you will be fine hun, im only goin to have gas and air again because they wont be able to keep me still long enough to give me an epidural. (not affraid of needles at all, i can even watch when they stick it in and inject me or take blood .i just dont like the thought of that big needle going into my back). plus it makes half your body go numb (from your belly downwards) and you cant get out of bed till the epidural wears off. i also have a very high pain threshold to. through most of my labour i just breathed in and out and just tryed to relax through each contraction, the more you fight the tenser your body will be, the more it will hurt. but yea the most painful bit for me was pushing his head out. hope this helps in some way lol. good luck and i hope everything goes well for you and your baby. :) xx

Alannah - posted on 04/15/2010

I had no medication at all during my delivery. The only part that was really bad was the crowning (when his head came out). And since I had no drugs, literally less than a second after he was born I had the biggest adrenaline rush in the universe (you apparently don't get this if you have the epidural). Also, epidurals can increase the chance of needing a c-section and are linked to lower rates of breastfeeding. I don't know if you plan on nursing or not, but it's definitely something to be aware of if you are!

No, it's not possible to have a baby with absolutely no pain, but you really do forget all about the pain just seconds after the baby is born!

Loretta - posted on 04/15/2010

I am 20 and I had my son almost a year ago naturally and at home with a midwife. It was the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me before. The contractions were not bad and I was able to sleep through them in the beginning (Labor was 8 hours.) When it came to transition (the shortest but most intense part of labor) I was stuck for 2 hours because of a lip in my cervix that didn't want to move out of the way, which made for hard back labor... but there were positions and ways to ease that. Once it finally moved out of the way, it was 3 pushes unanticipated on the bathroom floor with my husband supporting me from behind and then came the beautiful little baby! I remember an hour later telling my husband that I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! I would say the most painful part for me was the "ring of fire," but that was only for a minute. It was really surprising to me that I felt really good in between contractions as I could feel the endorphins (sp?) running through my body. I would say alot is going to have to do with your pain tolerance... I had periods that were worse than that, so when it came to the labor it was no big deal and I got a prize for my work at the end! Also something else I would like to mention.... with the natural drug-free birth you dont have to worry about post partum depression/baby blues and your baby will be more alert and most likely be able to hold his head up at birth!

Angie - posted on 04/15/2010

I wish someone would have told me to expect the unexpected. I was like you, for sure going to get the epidural. I received 2! neither of them took! Pushing my daughter out was the worst pain EVER! I couldnt breath because it hurt so bad my Dr had to use forceptes to help me with her big head.lol and from the forceptes I tore all the way to my butt OUCH! Then I refused to pee for a couple days because peeing would burn like a mofo. Sitting? ya didnt do that either for a while. But now that my daugher is 9 months old... it was all worth the pain. At the time I delivered her, not so much. I couldnt believe people actually wanted to have natural births lol. I hope I didnt scare you, you could deliver like my friend who only pushed through 3 contraction and had her son. But you should defintally video tape it, its crazy to watch. lol and hear yourself. Well best of luck with your delivery! I hope yours goes better than mine.

Gwen - posted on 04/15/2010

I didn't think ANY of it was that bad. It is painful, but the pain is only temporary. Keep a positive attitude. My mom looked me in the eye before I left for the hospital and said "You CAN do this. Everything will be okay." Your body is an amazing creation and knows what to do. Take lots of deep breaths and let mother nature do the work.

Theresa - posted on 04/15/2010

For me the worst part was feeling I needed to push, but the stupid doc wasn't there yet so the nurse wanted me to wait. That was when it got very paimful. UNtil that point I could handle the pain pretty well. I didn't have any pain meds though, so I don't know what it's like with an epidural. Assuming your hospital has jet tubs in the room, sit in the tub as long as you can. It really feels good and helps ease the contractions. Plus if you have any back labor it helps that too. It's not as bad as ppl will tell you. For some reason everyone wants to tell you their horror stories. It hurts yes, but it's so woth it when they put that baby in your arms. If it was so horrible no one would have more than one child. Good luck.

Kristina - posted on 04/15/2010

First off, it is very scary, but you'll look back and have only faint memories...I had an epi. and it worked great for me. You might not feel the urge to push, but you will be hooked up to a monitor and they will tell you when to push. The 2 scary parts for me...the baby's blood pressure kept dropping and I had to change positions (pre pushing) a lot....it was the unknown that was scary! The second was the healing afterwords. The next week I was very sore and no one told me how much pain the healing was ( I had stitches) I cried taking my first BM 3 days later...so take my advice and take laxitives! I wish I took them sooner! Every labor and experience is different, just focus on the end result! Good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2010

im23 and i had my first baby 9months ago. i had a posterior labour(babys back to my back) was in extreme pain i cried for an epidural, then i had a reaction to it: my blood pressure dropped and i started shivering(even tho i wasnt cold). i was also induced because my waters were broken for over 24hours and no sign of baby. while the epidural was working for me i went from 2 to 8cms in about half an hour. just as they had to stop the epidural i could feel pressure so i went from pain free to active pushing straight away, i had an episiotomy. so after half hour i couldnt push any more (i was in labour for 34 hours at this stage and in unbelievable pain) so they had to use both suction cup and forceps to get baby out. i felt like i was being ripped in 2! but after all that once i had my baby on my chest i forgot about it all and it was definitly worth it all. dont be scared all labours are different, and i would do it all again believe it or not!!! my friend has 4 kids and she did all 4 with no pain relief at all just gas and air and they barely hurt her. good luck and really dont be nervous sorry if i scared you xxxxxxxxx