Unmedicated birth questions...

[mamawhit322]

With DS I was induced and caved for an epidural at 6cm. I'm due Feb. 3 with baby number two and I'm curious about a few things. I'd *like* to go without an epi, but I'm not going to be upset if I cave in. I have my heart set on going vaginally again, but if a need for a c-section arises, I'm okay with that too.

Anyway, I'm curious...

If I don't get an epi, do they still put a catheder in?

If I tear or have to have an episiotomy do they numb it or anything when they're stitching it up?

I really didn't like not being able to get out of the bed and move around after the epidural... I'm wanting to say that I got my epi at 1-2pm and DS was born at almost 7pm.

I thought I had more questions than this when I was thinking about it the other day, but I can't remember them.

[Merczilla]

I had three the "regular" way and never had a catheter. With my first, they did an episiotomy (don't know if it was really necessary or not...couldn't see down there..lol). He used something like novacaine as a local to stitch me back up. You're already so numb down there after the birth, you don't feel it (or at least I didn't). All I felt was some tugging as he tightened up the stitches. The healing process was more uncomfortable than the actual procedure. I was up and moving as soon as they would allow it (about an hour after birth).

Labor and delivery is usually much faster with each kid. I walked into the hospital at 9cm dilated with my first. I kept telling myself it was going to get worse than it was. Was surprised that that was all it was going to be like. lol My second (13 years later) was the only textbook delivery. Water broke at 5am and I delivered at 10am. Third one was 33 weeks so water didn't break. Headed for the hospital at 5am (an hour away in rush hour traffic) and she was born at 7:30am. Last one way early at 29 weeks and was an emergency csection, which I was very unhappy about. Long story there. lol

Having them without any meds makes the whole process easier to me. I did have to have D&C's after the middle two as my placenta would not detach, so they weren't totally un-problematic, but you feel a whole lot better after the birth than after a csection. Those are just miserable and I can't fathom why folks actually want one. lol

[CW&M Mom]

Yes they will numb it...but I would really suggest you don't let them do an episotomy unless it's an emergency...

You need to write up a birth plan...putting out specifically what you want and have your OB sign it.

My suggestion for next time...get a certified nurse midwife...it will be a much easier process when they are in charge instead of the OB.

You won't need a catheter if you don't have an epidural. Some woman prefer them...but no you won't need one.

[deb60]

Did things the old fashioned way x 2. No meds and NO novicain for stitches. There wasn't time for anything withe 1st. DH almost missed it was so fast. 2nd was a little longer since we were in Germany and the American hospital was 50 miles away, DH was afraid he'd have to deliver on the side of the autobahn. LOL. Was up and about in the shower within the hour after both and no cath put in place. Do what works for you, nothing works the same for eveyone.

[tinabohio]

My aunt had 2 unmedicated births (jealous here since I'm stuck with c-sections due to pelvis dystosia). She suggests laboring at home as long as possible. After she was at the hospital, since she had no epi, she walked around and did stuff. She suggests waiting to go to the hospital, because she could eat and drink at home!
She also didn't give birth in the horrid postion that some man came up with (as she put it). She birthed in a more natural postion and said that may have made it easier. If you watch that show "I didn't know I was Pregnant", a lot of the reenactments I've seen on there show women in postions more upright.
I went through labor until I was stuck at 5cm for 9 hours and my BP went nuts. I had no pain meds until I figured out I was heading for a c-section. Even tied down to a bed (pre-e was the reason for my induction); with the right birth coach and right attitude, the pain wasn't that bad (pitocin and magnesium sulfate for my raging BP made labor worse according to my doc). The right birth coach is huge. My aunt was mine, I figured she had two unmedicated herself, she was already awesome at it.

Have faith in yourself. It was not that long ago (and still happens in some progressive countries) that birth was not considered a medical event and was seen more as a natural event. If you believe in yourself and the power you have inside of you, then you will have a better labor no matter how it ends up going.
Also, don't let some imaginary time frame make a doctor push you into any decisions. Research things before going in.

[mamawhit322]

Thank you for the responses! (and so fast!!)

With my son, my OB showed up about 15 minutes before he was born. Not a big deal. He delivers at two different hospitals and he was back and forth all day. I'm pretty open to everything. I have been given the option of a c-section, but I turned it down unless absolutely necessary. I don't have a birth plan, just because I don't want things to go so specifically and then something happens and my plans get all screwed up. I'm laid back, and I just want my labor/birth to be that way.

I am worried about laboring too long at home. DS would have been born *hours* earlier had the doctor been there. If I hadn't have had an epidural, I wouldn't have been able to "hold him in". Being induced, he was born after 11 hours, could have been closer to 6. Not to imply that I'm like my mom, or my babies will be born like I was, but I was born in less than 4 hours of labor, 5 minutes after my moms water broke. I don't want DH to have to deliver the baby on the side of the road. (not to mention that it will be in early February, late January)

I had no problems with DS. I tore a tiny bit (4 stitches). I'm just very curious about how different it is without the epidural. I'd like to think I wouldn't have gotten it had I not been induced. (I'm not upset that I got it... there was no set plan, so I didn't have anything "not" go my way... if that makes sense)

[carisal]

induced and epi w/ DD and all natural w/ DS(came too quick once I got admitted to LD - went from 5cm to 10cm in 30 minutes) -- had no catheter, and local anesthetic for the stitches(tear no episiotomy).

[justmeagain]

My first and only........had natural birth, not medicated. Never hooked up to any machines except when I was admitted to hospital just to check on her heart rate. Other than than.......nothing. I had to be stitched afterward but nothing major, they do numb when stitching.

[vjanened]

I had two babies natural all the way no drugs :
#1 = 5 1/2 hrs. hard labor
#2 = 23 hrs. hard labor
I thought natural was the best for my babies health and mine. It was extremely painful and really took a toll on my body. I was pooped and depleted after #2. I felt a pop like something burst open @ one point during my labor. Later in life I had a schwannoma (tumor) < I attribute to this pop. Also, I had an episiodemy with #1 and was greatful when the Dr. cut me (relieved much pressure). I was able to get up and move around immediately....I think I was on a natural high :0). After delivering #2 I had to have IV's to replenish everything and I slept for many many hours.

I do not regret it but if I had it to do again I would definately have the epidural because I stayed in the room with my sister when she gave birth to her 2nd child........She slept until the Dr. came in he woke her up and said it's time to push........2 pushes and a couple of minutes the baby was out. No stress or strain for either patient........I imediately looked over at my daughter and let her know this is NOT how it was for me when I gave birth. My sister did not have a catheter and was rested and in great shape. Both of us have healthy children. I have some back issues and she does not. No two experiences are alike ...........My vote is epidural but remember I never had one..........Good Luck
I hope this helps....

[Girlinacage79]

I've had 3 kids and am pregnant with my 4th, due in about 5 weeks. :)

My experiences-
DD 1-9 hours of labor, no epidural but I did get a dose of Stadol, that stuff is nasty, lol ...I felt really groggy and on the verge of sleep but the pain was still there. No cath. I tore a bit and they did numb me. They were giving me pitocin like crazy (monitor wasn't picking up my contractions so they kept saying I wasn't having them) and I almost got an epidural but said no at the last minute.

DD 2-4.5 hours of labor, no meds, no cath. Tore again, numbed again .

DS 1-about 2.5 hours of labor, no meds, planned on having him at the only birth center in town but we actually didn't make it because he arrived so fast! Dh delivered him in the van about 15 minutes from the birth center. Got checked out by the EMT's, made our way to the birth center. No tears, no stitches, etc.

I plan on having this one at the birth center again, no meds. I do plan on leaving at the first contraction though, since if he follows suit we'll make it there shortly before pushing time.