Anyone Done Natural Childbirth in a Hospital?

I had a natural delivery with my first child (almost 28 years ago) and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The only surprise I had was the afterbirth - when the doctor started pushing on my stomach after she was born - I actually said to him, panicked - 'I thought there was just one!'

I did a lot of breathing and ice chips during my labor - walked the halls some, but God blessed me with a pretty easy pregnancy, labor & delivery for my first child.

Breathing thru the contractions, having something to focus on - those are both helpful 'tools' during the labor - loving support is also very helpful.

Good luck!
Frances

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I have all of my babies (4) naturally in a hospital. My first 3 were delivered by a midwife and my last by an OB who is very supportive of natural childbirth. Just in case you read my profile - I did experience the death of my 3rd baby at birth but the cause was in no way due to have her naturally she was born very quickly there wasn't time for anything but vaginal delivery. But I was afraid my fears would impact my decisions with my 4th baby. I discussed this in detail with my OB many times. Since I was going to be induced at 38 weeks I was very nervous that I would have to have pitocin and how could I handle the contractions then. I let my doctor I really didn't want to have pitocin unless that would make the difference between vaginal and c-section. I was induced with cyotec - one dose and that is all it took. I did agree to have her break my water about 10 hours later and my son was born within an hour afterwards. That was the most painful part of the labor. It was an awesome birth experience. Each one of my baby's labor and birth were different but my first was the longest and the most painful. I know you can have your baby naturally. I think the best is to let your doctor know your desires and kept reminding her or him and perhaps you can be paired with a nurse who will encourage you and support you. You can always ask for a different nurse if you feel she is not the right match for you. You can have your baby without any medication, you have the strength to do it! But also think ahead of time about when you feel you may need some assistance with a drug or epidural. Also, I would find out what your dr's c-section rate is and how quickly she or he is to take someone to surgery. Of course, the health of your baby is first. But you want to make sure decisions are not made for the ease of the doctor. Also, know that you are no way a failure if you have to use some type of medication or have a c-section the most important is that your baby is delivered safely. Congratulations on your baby.

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I gave birth to my son completely natural, its what I wanted from the beginning. All of my friends told me I was crazy, but I knew its what I wanted. I had him in McKinney. My Dr. is a Certified NMW and she is amazing. It was the most wonderful beautiful experiance ever. My husband got to deliver our son it was amazing!!!! Remaining calm and relaxing as much as I could made the process a whole lot easier and before I knew it it was time to push and he was here. And after I was like OMG I did it I did it!!!! As one of the other moms mentioned there is some burning when the baby is crowning, but its really not that bad. I was up walking around after and felt great. Non of the nurses or staff could believe I had just had a baby and it was my first. The next day was great I was up showered dressed and ready to go!!! I could go on and on about how wonderful it all was. Good Luck!!!

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I delivered my daughter all natural at Arlington Memorial Hospital. The nurses and my doctor were all very supportive of my decision. I was in labor for about 14 hours and at the hospital for about 7 hours before my dd arrived. I loved it because I was up and around very quickly after her birth and she was extremely alert. She was born in April 2007 so I don't imagine they have changed all that much.

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask :)
Good luck and God Bless you and your family.

E.

I had my second with no meds but it was quite unintentional! My labor was very quick, it was the middle of the night, and the darn anesthesiologist just didn't make it in time. Once it was over, It was great! I felt great, baby nursed so much better than my first & I was up & moving around right after. I will definitely to this again when we have another. I was at Baylor Grapevine & the nurses were great. I was pretty panicked at the thought of no pain meds but they were wonderful. Good luck :)

I have had natural childbirth with 2 of the 4 children I have had. I WOULD do it again. My very first 1 I had an epideral. The next 2 were natural. Second child came too fast for me to get anything. 3 hours of labor start to finsh. Third child natural because I knew the differance with natural vs epideral and going natural seemed to have a better recovery time and it was with the third one also. The hardest part with both deliveries was the very end when I was almost there and delivery. Contractions were very hard, but it made me want to push harder. My third one was 6 years later and I didn't know how everything would go so I chose an epideral and I shouldn't have. It took too long. Labor started at 430pm went to the hospital at 630pm, my water broke at 715pm,when I was dialated to a 5 at 830, I got an epideral, got to a 6 and stayed there until 6am. They gave me patosin and I had him at 741am. I feel like if I didn't go with the epideral it wouldn't have gone so long. Bottom line is 1st child labor 8 hours, 2nd child 3 hours, third child 5 hours, and 4th child 15 hours. Recovery was better with the natural childbirths than the epideral ones. Good Luck and CONGRATULATIONS!

I had a mostly natura childbirth. My water broke before I went into labor, and there was some discoloration from stool in the water, so they didn't want things to go too slowly. I think they asked about the Pitocin, but I don't think I got any. If I did, it was VERY little. I did have some Stadol for the pain at 5cm and 7cm cause I was almost wanting an epidural at that point. The stadol got me over the hump pain-wise. It's a very short acting medication, about 1-1/2 hours of "relief", and leaves your system quickly - less exposure for the baby. 9 hours of labor - 2 pushing.

Your doctor needs to respect your wishes, and having your mom/husband as support team to help you reinforce them when you're concentrating on something else is best for you.

Good luck and good for you!

Get a doula (C.D., DONA). IMO, getting to a 7 is the most agonizingly painful part. Once you're there, it goes so fast that it doesn't hurt nearly as badly.

My experience: Made it to a 10, no drugs. Pushed for almost an hour. Baby went into distress. Had emergency c-section.

I had all 3 of mine naturally in the hospital. I usually stalled out at about 5cm like you did, but my docs never recommended pitocin. Instead they gave me a pain shot to relax me and labor picked right up and voila, baby!! I would encourage you to consider that route. It was great. And no the pain med didn't make the babies groggy, it wasn't much of a dose. Just enough to relax me and allow my body to finish dilating. And trust me it does nothing to stop the pain of the contractions. Just eases the muscles so they can do their jobs. I would also recommend birthing in a bed that gets into a semi sitting position so you can bear down easier if the hospital has them. I can't push adequately flat on my back and need to be semi-reclined. It also helps that gravity is on my side for what little that is worth. Had all 3 of my 9 pound plus baby boys this way!! And would do it again in a heart beat!!!
Good luck and blessings to you!!!
L.

I had two out of 3 naturally- my first was 25 hours of hard labor with 2 hours of pushing (but I would have done it again the same way), the 2nd I was induced, so I opted for an epidural. I stayed numb way longer than normal, and did not like that experience. I just had my 3rd naturally- 12 hours, with 15 minutes of pushing. The hardest part for me is the pushing, as it is excruciating, but I know others (like my sister) that find the pushing stage to be easier- since they get to "push the pain away" rather than just sit through it in contractions.
Keep your focus on your goal, make sure your doctor and the nurses have your birth plan in writing, and make sure your husband and mother are on board with you. Have a signal with your husband/mother to ward off any unwanted suggestions from nurses to speed things up. You CAN do it! Good luck!

I had my 3 month old naturally in a hospital. The hospital was more supportive than my doctor! I was actually talking/laughing through the contractions up to 7 cm. Then my doctor (who wanted it to go faster, apparently) gave me pitocin. I went from a 7 to a 10 in less than an hour and that was hell! Well worth it though! Pushing was fantastic and such a relief. Crowning burned a bit, but the rest wasn't so bad, and when it was over, I recovered much quicker.

I'm actually thinking about going to a birthing center next time. Good luck!

I had my 2.5 year old at Baylor Grapevine naturally. The nurses were all very supportive and actually surprised that I wanted to do it this way. My doctor did not pressure me into anything. I just mentally prepared myself weeks in advance for what I thought the pain would be like. He was my first, so I really didn't have personal experience but several others told me what it felt like so I just tried to judge it off of that. I am glad I did it this way and plan on doing it again when we decide to have another.

Maybe there was a reason why the other doctor was pushing pitocin...I'd like to think there was a good reason.

Regardless, as other posters have said and many more will tell you, natural births in hospital happen all the time.

If by natural you mean no drugs, that's what I had with my 2nd. I wanted drugs, but she came so fast there was no time.

My first was an emergency C section, 2nd baby was natural except the did suction forceps to help because they didn't want me to push too hard, and the 3rd I asked for a little something in my IV when it became active labor and that was it, just enough to take the edge off.

The active labor wasn't the worse pain for me though.... it was the episiotomy. THAT is something you need drugs for and lots of them. The 2nd one I had no drugs like I said and when the 3rd one came and they wanted to cut me down there I didn't let them.... I just pushed really hard and out she came. Tearing (for me) was less painful. But my girlfriend tore and had a gazillion stitches so you never know.

I have given birth naturally 4 times in a hospital. I was fortunate enough to have a doctor who supported that. Each time I went to the hospital I was quick to tell my nurse what my plans were, natural childbirth, no medications. I think the biggest thing that helped me stay focused on the natural birth was having my husband speak up for me when something was mentioned, pain meds etc. I have to admit that there were times when I had wanted meds but when it was all over I was so thankful that I had stuck to my plan. I just kept telling myself that it would be over soon and I would be holding my precious baby in my arms. Good Luck to you and congratulations!

I decided to go natural because I'm much more afraid of a botched epidural than some temporary pain. I concentrated on breathing evenly (like they tell you when running long distance in track) to get thru labor. I was in full labor in the afternoon and had given birth by 8pm. I can tell you I could have labored much longer - I was in a rythm. The crowning is called "the ring of fire" but it is very brief. Right after birth, there is an enormous high. I didn't have an episiotomy (dr against it) but did need stitches and I did not even notice what the doctor was doing because of the high from the baby. AND, you wouldn' believe how much cheaper it is. Hospital was cooperative, but nurses seemed inexperienced with patients going natural...assigned a specific nurse to me. Good luck!

I did two natural childbirths in the hospital in 82 and 85. I did have the same doctor all the way through, but that is the life in a small town (Population = 5000)

I think the doc was wanting to speed things up -- was there a reason for this -- like 1 labor room and 3 women waiting in line?? Or was your doc late for a golf game?? And yes, those pitocin contractions are nasty!!!

A.

I have had 2 births both in the same hospital and with the same dr both for pre-natal and attending the birth. I have done natural child birth and it is best for me and I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SECOND-no thoughts otherwise!!!!!

I guess you could call the first birth 99.5% natural if you want to get right down to it because #1: I did have just a very tad bit of IV drugs for naseau during transition and #2: the nurse, without knowing of my intent, hooked me up to pitocin during admin of the IV drugs as is standard for first delivery to make sure it does not stall but I quickly had them stop it and take it off when I asked what it was and they told me! I had NO epidural and I did not allow them to "pre"-break my water to "spead things up", as when that water is broke, your cushion is gone and you feal EVERYTHING! Sure, it does release hormones to spead things up a bit but it also SPEADS UP AND INTENSIFIES PAIN and a baby can only come as fast as you dialate no matter how much you contract and stretch.
I didn't feel pressured into anything at all but my dr. knew my wishes before-hand and was totally fine with it as long as there was no danger signs. When I told her (my dr.)a few weeks prior to delivery that I wanted natural birth, she looked at me like I was crazy (after all, it was my first baby and she thought I would be in for a shook but I knew my pain tollerence and my family history of birthing as well as had attended a few births myself). She did say whatever my wishes were that day, I would get as long as all was going well. I do not feel that the nurse that hooked up the pitocin nor anyone else of the delivery staff went around my wishes at all but the pit was probably an over-site as it is procedure to give it to every first delivery to insure no stall of labor. I can say that my labor went very fast and my baby was born in 2 pushes, no real tears and no stiches. I did labor at home as long as I absolutely could because it being my first baby, I didn't want anyone telling me or making me feel that they knew better because I had never been "there" before. I also wanted to labor in the comfort of my home without being hooked up to monitors and with restricted movement because of them.

With my son, my second birth, I guess you could call it an induced natural birth because I had to be induced with pitocin for health reasons at 39 weeks but did EVERYTHING else 100% natural. I can say I was scared out of my mind being induced because I felt I was not in control and would be preassured into an epidural, which i really did not want. Plus, they had threatened to incduce on my first but she came at 38 weeks, 4 days on her own before they got the chance so I really thought my second would follow suite and was disappointed that he did not. I made them put that pitocin drip AS SLOW AS IT ABSOLUTELY WOULD GO in order to allow my body to do most of the work itself. I also resisted all offers to break my water in order to "spead up the delivery"! I had no epidural and absoultely NO pain meds of any type. Again, labor was fast and so was pushing. I was hooked up to the drip at around 8:45 and had a baby by 2 pm, easy and again with only 2 pushes-no real tears and no stitches!

I guess you could say that the only "surprises" I had was that the dr had to rush in to literally catch both of my babies as they were born so fast! Also, that you know when to push (it is instinct) since nothing is there to block your sensors (pain meds, epidural, maybe pit giving you extra pressure). I told the nurses I was pushing before they even told me I was ready and that is when the dr rushed in when they called her from to hallway to hurry up in!

If you are worried about being pressured into a non-natural birth, I WOULD MAKE SURE EVERYONE AROUND YOU 100% KNOWS YOUR WISHES!!!! If they do not support your wishes, get someone else. I know for a fact you can get another nurse or two to help you rather than one or two that resists! Also, if your birthing dr is not your dr, again, don't hesitate to ask for another dr if he/she is not supportive or at least make sure he/she knows without a doubt your intentions and your family firmly backs you up while you are laboring and the dr tries to push something on you that you dont want. If you want to be extra prepared, come to the hospital as late as possible and with MANY copies of your simplified birthing plan (as few words as possible) readily available to all assisting: one for each nurse, one for the dr(s), one for your coaches, one for your labor room door, one for your labor room board and a few extras for whomever may "need" to know your wishes!

The hardest part for me, I would have to say, is trusting that really, NO MATTER WHAT, YOU know what you are doing and no dr or nurse can tell you how you birth! Also, the hardest part for me physically was not the pain, but the naseua so be prepared to feal sick if that is how your body handles "pain" instead of actually feeling true pain! My pain was truly bearable but the naseau took me for a loop on the first birth.
Like I said above, I would labor as long as possible at home prior to the hospital unless you have health risks as this way you know without a doubt that you will labor the way you like!!!!! And bring ANYTHING that you think will help you on your birthing journey: pics, music, scents, etc! All I really used was visualization but I brought music and light snacks (as most hospitals will not allow a morsel of food when in active labor but a bite of cracker or a piece of candy here and there helps settle your stomach and gives you energy for the job.
I really think recovery is faster with natural. I was literally bouncing around the room after my first was born! Enorphins!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I FELT GREAT!!!!!! I was not huge and pregnant! My feet did not hurt!! I actually got a little rest after the birth! I took a shower within a couple of hours!!! The nurse wouldn't let me shower because she thought I had an epi and it was way to soon for me to be able to get up but once she found out all was natural, she was laughing at my energy!

We plan on having 2 more and it will be all natural for me here on out unless something ill happens along the way where it won't be the safe option any longer!

I probably rambled on more than you wanted, but if there really is anything else you want to know, feel free to PM me!!!!

BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!!!!!
REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE STRONG!!!!! POST PARDUM, YOU WILL BE PART OF A VERY SMALL MINORITY THESE DAYS, natural birthing mommies, AND THAT MAKES YOU A SPECIAL, STRONG MOTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had my first natural because the anesthetist was playing golf. (Small town--small hospital) Did you have any problems giving birth the first time? I'd go by that. I had no problems, and planned to have my second naturally, but she was breach. I did take the offered meds! But my ob said I was built to have babies! One respondent said the recovery process is usually just from meds. I agree with that. I felt like going home immediately after giving birth that first time. In fact, I got up to go to the bathroom and one nurse started having a hissy fit. I told her to leave me alone! And I went to the bathroom! Good luck!

I did it twice!! I thought the labor went by fast and I was more alert afterward. The nurse I got was fine with it she did tell me my options. I think have too. They do have many ways to keep you comfortable. I just wanted a quiet room and my husband's hand. But everyone is diffrent

I did it natural both times at Harris Southwest.

With my first son… THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN! The anesthesiologist could not get the epidural needle through my spine. It was just awful sitting on the side of the bed, having contractions and this man stuck me 7 times, I was bleeding out of my back everywhere… finally my husband screamed STOP! My Dr. was very upset and supportive of just continuing without anything. I had a very quick labor and delivery 8 Hrs (L) 40 minutes (D). I was just fine. I took nothing to assist with contractions or pain.

With my second, we thought that we would just skip the drama and plan for the natural approach. I have very small babies and again a fast 4 Hrs (L) 25 minutes (D). My only issues were with my second… I could feel everything both times so I understood what I needed to do and feel, I pushed a little too hard and quick and Carter swallowed some fluid. Also, (again my fault) because I pushed so hard, my placenta separated and I hemorrhaged a little bit but a shot in the leg and some monitoring and I was good as new :-)

Congratulations and good luck with whatever you decide!
E.

I had both of my girls naturally, in a hospital. They did not even start an IV or any shaving or anything (if you don't already do that). Just excercise, walk, etc, get your body in good shape and don't sweat it!! My motto has always been, why fear something you have never experienced and look at it as a new and exciting experience in your life. Contractions are not fun, but they also are not something you can't get thru with help of your coaches. Good luck and congrats on the new little one!

I don't know if I can help or not. I had all three of mine naturally. My doctor suggested pitocin with my second and third, but I refused. The comments he made about my first daughter being more alert because I didnot have anything made me stick to my decision. The only help he gave me was that he broke my water with my third one. After that everything went smoothly (as smoothly as labor can go). I was lucky enough to have my doctor for all three deliveries. It was not a day at the park, but yes I would definitely do it again if I had anymore children. I hope this helps. Good luck with everything.

I HIGHLY recommend "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" to read. This book was wonderful and inspired me to take the Bradley classes. It is a 13 week course that was awesome and SO informative. I labored with my first child naturally and pushed for over 2 hours naturally....we ended up with a C-section on my terms and I am glad I had the knowledge to know when things did not seem right so I could make an informed decision. Although things did not go the way intended, I treasure my natural labor and 'pushing' so to speak up until I knew things were not right....she was OP and a 'star-gazer' and was tearing me everytime I pushed....internally....I knew the feeling I was feeling was not 'normal' due to the depth of material we covered in the book and class. I would totally recommend natural childbirth again....but I do support the hospital environment. The birth plan was followed to a T for us in Grapevine so we had NO resistance and NO one offered meds per my birth plan....it was HUGELY supported by the staff so we do not regret that at all. If you have questions or need more info....feel free to email: ____@____.com

Good Luck,
K.

Congratulations for wanting to go natural, W.!!! I had my first at the hospital, 2nd at a birth center and #3 was born last April at home. All were natural, yet all were different. My hospital birth was the fastest because I waited until the very last minute to go in. I'm not sure of the hospital were you will be, but I believe most have rules of what you can and can't do while you labor. This hospital wanted me to lie on my back and not move, so I opted to stay home where I could move, be comfortable and do what I felt that I needed to do to get through. A lot of what the doctors and nurses want you to do are so things will speed up and be on their time. I would suggest having your mom or husband be the one to speak for you and inform the nurses of your wishes so you can stay focused. Always remember that it is your body and you know it best! God Bless!!!

I almost made it and believe I would have if I'd had a different dr! I had my 1st on New Year's day, but went into labor New Year's Eve. The Dr. was obviously anxious to get out of there...I was her 13th C/S that day!! I was doing fine, got to a nine and had abolutely no problems. As you said though, at that point they could say anything and you'll just say okay. I made it clear in the beginning (when I was still able to think straight) that I didn't want pitocin. It was so strange how the nurse pushed it after I'd only been there 20 minutes or so and was already at a 3. It was just part of the routine. She was annoyed when I said no, but luckily the next nurse was fabulous. Anyway, it's very possible, you just need to stick up for yourself right away and then let your husband take over once you really have to concentrate. I used the Bradley Method and it helped tremendously! I think really just having your mind made up is the biggest part. You certainly can't go into it unsure about what you want. Good luck to you. You can do it.

I did natural childbirth with my first pregnancy--I think the most important thing is having someone (doula, husband) present who knows what you want and don't want to advocate for you. My regular doc wasn't on call the weekend I had my child, so the new doc didn't know my wishes and it was difficult to stick up for myself while in so much pain. I was also given heavy pain meds and pitocin after I gave birth (without anyone telling me, explaining it or asking if I needed it), so it might be helpful to have two people around--my husband disappeared into the nursery after the birth. Overall it was a positive experience, and I would do it again if we're blessed with another baby! I am still amazed at how my body took care of my baby so well!!

I say get a doula. However, if you can get the book about Expectancy and Childbirth and read it, it should help you. I was in another country away from family and used this as my guide. The book even tells you about the stages of labor and how to breathe. But the best thing for you to do is to relax and let your body do the work and don't work against the contractions as this hinders the process. I wasn't laying on my back I had sat up and began to push. I bore the pushing weight in my wrists. My doctor broke my water around 3:30 pm and I delivered at 5:45 pm. As mentioned the 8cm to 10cm is undescrible but once it's over it's over and you begin the actual delivery. My only unusual experience was when the head came out and the sensation you feel when the hip bones pop out and pop back in again. Otherwise I felt exhilarated that "I did it all myself," and was proud that I could. Baby weighed 7 lbs and 14 oz and was 21 inches and came out crying on her own. If you don't think you will remember what you want to do during labor, write it down and make several copies to pass out to the hospital staff so that they know your wishes and stand your ground. Do keep us posted on the birth. Good luck to a quick and safe delivery. The other S.

Congrats!!! I have had three children my first child was the most trouble because I didn't know I was pregnant. I went to the doctor over and over again and all test came negative. I was at home after having dental work the day before and had back pain all day long. Went to the bathroom and sreamed and my mother came in and delivered my daughter. All natural! But after that I hemeriaged and had to get 2 pints of blood back into me. My second son I went to the hospital and had him all Natural in 5 hours. Knowing that I was pregnant that time it was still what I wanted. My third son I was in Labor for about 1 1/2 Hours. Same all Natural. It is easier for me because of all the complacations there are with all the meds now days. And I'm allergic to aspirin too. After my last two children I was up ready to do anything and everything. Hope this was helpful. And Congrats again.

I would suggest that you think about hiring an experienced doula, that can help you through labor, and that will be your advocate in the hospital, to help you have the birth you want. Have you thought at all about having a birth center birth?

If you haven't already you should totally watch "the buisness of being born" great documentary, that can give you some great tips on what to expect.

W.:

Good for you! I had both of my children naturally, in a hospital, no drugs. I went to Harris HEB in Bedford. My doctor was supportive in my decision to have a natural birth.

I also had a doula - Brenda Shumway. She is awesome! With my first birth, I was nervous at how it would be handled in a hospital (thinking they would push the epidural/pitocin) so I decided to do most of my labor at home. Brenda was with us every step of the way and helped me to be calm in the situation. I arrived at the hospital fully dilated and had my son within 25 minutes of my arrival. Three pushes and he was out - no drugs (not that we even had time). With my daughter, we had a few complications, they admitted me early and felt that she needed to be induced. Again, totally nervous about it - I really thought they would push a c-section (which I didn't want). Although they administered pitocin to induce the labor, I never really thought of having the epidural. I agree with the other posting in that getting to that 6 - 7 is the hardest. They broke my water to get everything going and boy, did it!

Four hours after they broke my water, I was having pretty intense contractions and the nurse told me I was at a 6. I was SURE that after the contractions, I had to be further along than that! Brenda was there to help us along, making me comfortable and reassuring me that I could do this!! There are several techniques that help you through the pain. Although disheartened after the nurse's news, I went from a 7 to a 10 in about 30 minutes and had my daughter on the first push.

The part about doing natural in a hospital is that you have to be determined on your birth plan. It's okay to stick up for yourself and get the birth you want.

Give Brenda Shumway a call - her website is www.mothermedoulas.com.

Best wishes - you can do it!

E.

I've done it twice, on my own determined will, and my best tips for you would be to focus on your breathing, have someone massage quickly and deeply where it hurts most, and to keep in mind that it will soon be over. The hardest part was transition, it comes at you fast and hard, so be prepared. Good luck!

Hey -
I had natural labor and delivery with my son except that I was induced and did have to take pitocin to go into labor (I was 41 weeks and so they induced me). My labor was 11 hours long and was VERY intense. If you had asked me at the time, I would have said that the pain was bearable. But, honestly, I was in the best shape of my life when I got pregnant (doing aerobics and weight lifting 4 days a week and through my pregnancy doing moderate exercise). The baby was 9 lbs, 5 ozs and so it was hard to get him out. I actually begged the doctor to cut me so that he would come out (I could feel him knocking at the door, but not actually coming). After it was all said and done, the recovery took a while (my private area was VERY sore for over 2 weeks). After he was born, I honestly wondered why anyone would ever have a 2nd child. So, it wasn't until he was 3 that I even THOUGHT about having a 2nd child. My second child was born when he was 4.

For the 2nd child, the doctor said that she didn't want me to even start pushing until she was in the room because she thought the 2nd baby would come very quickly since the first baby had been so large. I was completely open to an epidural the 2nd time because the first time had been so long and intense. The 2nd time, they also induced me (40 weeks and another large baby). I was in the beginning stages of labor and the people in the room (family) were really starting to get on my nerves and so I decided to go ahead and ask for an epidural just to chill out my nerves. The epidural was complete heaven. I had the epidural at about 9AM and was just about to take a nap at 10:30 when all the nurses rushed in the room. They said the baby was ready to come out (I totally didn't believe them). I barely pushed and there she was. It was a miracle and it was heaven because I wasn't so miserable and worn out. I absolutely LOVED it. Also, she is 1 now and I would have another baby in a heartbeat. So, my birth experience the 2nd time with the epidural was what I consider "the way to go"!

Good luck with your decision!
L.

I've had two babies naturally in a hospital and one naturally in a birthing center. All three were good experiences, but the birthing center was the best. The midwives there were great, we were across the street from the hospital if there were any complications, and there was a lot more freedom.

In the hospital, you still have to have the baby in a laying on your back feet in the air position. This is possibly the most unnatural position ever! Also they stop you from walking around at a certain point and make you lay down. They also hook you up to all sorts of monitors that limit your movement.

The facts are, the more you move around, the easier it is to labor. At the birthing center I got to walk around, get in the shower, take a bath, go outside, and I ended up having my son in a crouching position that made pushing very natural and easy.

So I highly recommend the birhing center near Baylor hospital. It is wonderful and I am sure there are more like it. http://www.birthcenter.net/

VickiS