Natural Childbirth VS Epidural/Medication/Interventions

[MrsPinecone]

I think you shouldn't generalize.

I had 8 hours of Pitocin, and wasn't writhing in agony. Actually, I barely felt the contractions that I was having every 1-1.5 minutes. Ask the mods... I was online for pretty much my entire Pitocin experience.

I ended up with a c/s, but it had nothing to do with the Pitocin and everything to do with his 15" head not fitting through my pelvis.

[cintinative]

I'm not going to say either way what is right for you, but you can wait relatively late to get an epidural. With my second, they were very behind and after they gave it to me, they checked and I was 10 cm. So, they had me push and 2 pushes later, my baby arrived. Honestly, if I had known, I would not have gotten the epidural. But I was glad I didn't have it for more than maybe 5 minutes. No problems with nursing him either.

[loladooder99]

Originally Posted by MrsPinecone I think you shouldn't generalize. I had 8 hours of Pitocin, and wasn't writhing in agony. Actually, I barely felt the contractions that I was having every 1-1.5 minutes. Ask the mods... I was online for pretty much my entire Pitocin experience. I ended up with a c/s, but it had nothing to do with the Pitocin and everything to do with his 15" head not fitting through my pelvis.

Im not generalizing. What I was trying to say is that drugs can lead to complications! I wished I had never taken it because you never know how your body will react and since everyone is different you have no idea if it will be okay or not. To each their own but I wished I had been more knowledgeable and I am trying to help out others by spreading the word that taking drugs before reading up on them is never a good idea. Or having a c-section unless its medically necessary.

[holamelitta]

After doing my research when I was pregnant, I decided I really, REALLY wanted to go natural, and I had a lot of people look at me like I was absolutely crazy for making that decision. In the end, I did do it naturally, and I would definitely do it all over again. I have heard so many stories of pitocin and epidurals leading to complications. I know it doesn't work that way for everyone, but I've heard a lot more bad stories than good. I found a couple things that really helped: first, the birthing ball; second, the shower (or a tub, if you have access to one). These both eased the pain so much for me. I also discovered that I did NOT like the external fetal monitor because I had to lie on my back while wearing it, which made the pain much worse. Like a pp said, it was mostly like really bad menstrual pains (although when I say that, I'm speaking as someone who has had cramps bad enough to make me throw up and literally writhe in pain). But just when you think you can't take it anymore, then the hard labor is over.

Really, when I think about having another one, the postpartum pain scares me more than the labor pains do. DD was 9 lbs. 2 oz., and there was significant tearing, which made for a pretty painful recovery. However, I found the whole thing to be very empowering. I felt like if I could do that, I could do anything! I figure if I can do it naturally with a 9 lb. 2 oz. baby, I can totally do it again!

[kathkeane]

You are a better woman than I am.

[qtlittle1]

I just had my baby boy yesterday.

I decided to go step by step and see how it went. They diagnosed me with pre-eclampsia and I was 39 weeks and a few days. They broke my bag of waters and I was induced with pitocin. At 7 cm when the contractions were too long for me to handle, I decided to try the IV pain meds (since I was already on the IV). Overall, for me, it was not painful (my sinus earaches are 100x more painful) and I was actually falling asleep between contractions until we came to the final pushing part.

[CJOVANALST]

I had two children naturally and will do it again if given the chance. All women should remember that they have to do what works best for them and their babies. I know from the second "PREGNANT" popped up on th HPT I wanted to deliver without drugs/epidural. I am actually in awe of women who get an epidural! I am so deathly afraid of those things... I can't even watch them on TV... it makes me queasy.

I always emphasize to pregnant friends/family that they should be educated on all their options, but especially the one they choose. AND to be open to changes in your plan. Have everything in place to support your decision (at least the things you can control) and let everyone know they are to help you on your quest. Remember though, you always have the benefit of an asterik * followed by your own disclaimer.

I personally felt that because I "knew" what natural childbirth was supposed to be like, I felt more in control. I almost gave in with DD#1 but then remembered something my step-mom told me. She said "when the words 'I CAN"T DO THIS. I AM TOO TIRED. I CAN'T DO THIS.' come out of your mouth, your baby is about to be born." This was true in both of my deliveries. Although disputed by my best friend concerning both of hers.

As far as DH getting a say in the pain management area, I say no way. My DH thought for sure I was going to get an epidural and he absolutely did not want me to get IV meds because they might get into the baby's system. I simply told him that I appreciated his feelings, but the decision was ultimately mine and we would see what happened in the delivery room.

Take everyone else's birth stories with a grain of salt (even mine) because they are all so very different and might influence you negatively or make you feel bad about your decision. Does it really matter the road you take if it ends with a happy, healthy mommy and baby?

[loveebella]

Ok I have had one inducton no epi and one all natural. The induction hurt way more,but I just thought to myself if I know I have to make it to a ten then the pain at 5 cm dialated cant be that bad.The nurse kept harassing me to get one I just kept telling her I will let you know if I need one. Once I felt like I was going to die (JK) from the pain it was time to push.
When I had my 2nd I went to the hospital and they sent me home saying the contractions were not strong enough. I told myself I am not going back until it is time for this baby to come out. So when I went back 1 wk 1 day later I was dialated to a 8").
I had no paimeds at all with either one. My 1st (induced) had a hard time nursing I nursed him for 6 months.After he was born he was so sleepy he would not wake up to eat so idk if that had anything to do w the pitocin? that neing the only drug I had. My second latched on a little to well. I was like Nurse please help me this boy is killing me. ALl in all it is whatever works for you and your baby.If the paon is to much you can alwasy ask for some meds nothing is set in stone. All that matters is that you and baby are ok :)

[mazzymay]

My 1st one I had a shot in my leg of something and that was it. I was 18 and it wasn't "too bad."
With #2, she was three weeks early and ended up being 9 pounds 5 ounces. I got a 4th degree tear with her. I got some injection and then a spinal. Both of which wore off when it was time for me to push.
With #3, I was induced at 38 weeks 2 days. I had some injection thru the IV and then when they broke my water I opted for the epidural. I was ALWAYS afraid of getting one. That was by far my easiest and best labor and delivery. I had only a superficial tear that didn't even need stitches.
With #4, I am having the epidural. As soon as I'm able to get it, I want it. This is my last time giving birth and I want it to be as pain free as possible. LOL I'll more than likely be induced with this one, too. After the 4th degree tear, my drs are a little more careful. As long as I dilate before 38 weeks, I'll be good to go. Shouldn't be a problem since I usually start at 36 weeks and am 3-4 by week 37.

I SO regret not having the epidurals with the first two. My birth experiences would have been much better if I would have opted for the epidural.

[gabriel_maddie]

I have had 7, and I have another due in August. I had epidurals with all of them, although with 2 of them, the epidurals never took. With my 5th epidural, the anesthesologist messed it up (it never worked and they wouldn't believe me that it wasn't working), they left it in for the entire day (after delivery), and my 2 pregnancies since then I have had back problems and a difficult time getting an epidural. This time, I am hoping to go with meds just through the iv, and a numbing shot when it is time to push.

The pp was right with all labors are different. Also, people handle pain differently. Some people's cervix's are more sensitive than other's (I almost cry with pelvic exams, while my doctor has said some people don't even feel it). Yes, there are the possiblity of complications with all drugs. There are also complications with people going natural and tensing up because of the pain or emotional reasons.

IMO, the baby is born with or without the meds...I don't feel like someone is more of a woman because of either one or a better mother because of either choice. Do what you can. Have a plan, but be flexible. Educate yourself with your options. Talk to your doctor, and tell him/her that you are leaning towards....., but you might want to try...... and then, listen to what they would like to add.

Good luck!