Curious Question

I wouldn't do elective C-section. I delivered my two vaginally but with medication. But, if I had to choose, I would much rather feel the pains of labor than to have a C-section.

Ahh... an easy one!! C- Section isn't even an option for me, unless it's absolutely medically necessary. I would never CHOOSE to have a medicated delivery, and when I deliver next month, I hope to be able to do it medication free, like my other two. I see no reason for drugs :) that's just my take on it :)

C-section!!! I'm still sore from the suction cup they used to get my son out and that was almost 7 years ago. A C-section would have been great!

I chose to have a natural childbirth with both of my children. I used the Bradley method with both births. My first labor was 4 1/2 hours and my second delivery was 53 minutes. Both babies were very responsive at birth and nursed immediately. It was a beautiful experience and I was very alert for both deliveries.

Definitely the first one. although I would prefer a little help with that . I had 2 children with an epidural and I thought it was a great , pleasant experience, no screaming , no extreme pain, no exhaustion. Everything went unbelievably great. With a C- section, you miss this unbelievable experience when you push the baby out, when you first see his face, that was incredible.

From a mom who did a homebirth with widwives in attendance: My husband was my birthing chair, two of my sisters were my sturrups, my mother (who was an early advocate of natural childbirth and had the last 4 of her 8 that way) was my doula....I can't imagine sacrificing that wonderful warm experiance for any conveniance.

My labor was long, but not traumatic. I was in the arms of my loving family. I had excelant medical care pre and post as well as during!

For myself, I'd go with the C-section. I am a total pain wuss. I had my first kid vaginal delivery, with the epidural. Everything was fine once I had the epidural. The second childbirth was 15 hours of labor, horribly painful and then still very difficult even after drugs, followed by an emergency C-section. The labor was awful, and completely exhausting physically and mentally. However I did not find the recovery from the C-section that difficult because I had five days of hospital rest, then help at home for three weeks. If I had no help the C-section would have been far more traumatic for me. However, if a woman feels confident she can manage the pain of labor (and if her labor is short), the unmedicated vaginal delivery is probably best. I don't think the majority of women can plan it that way, though!

Def c-section! I had a really great experience. Me or my little girl wouldn't be here if c-sections weren't available! It was virtually painless and I'm still intact down there !

Definitely the natural. I had a child delivered by a midwife in Africa with no medication...it may hurt slightly more, but the healing time is so much less!

I had an emergency c-section with my first son, (he was breech) and an unmedicated natural water birth with my second son four years later. I would definately opt for unmedicated natural birth. It was an empowering, healing, and deeply spiritual experince. God bless midwives!
P.S. I'm really interested in hearing the outcome of your survey. Will you post it?

Definitely the natural, unmedicated delivery. Especially after seeing 'Business of Being Born' and having had an 'emergency' c-section the first time. I felt bamboozled.

without a doubt, natural, unmedicated!

Natural unmedicated.

Hello S..
Well, I would definitely go with a natural birth ( provided there are absolutely no trauma to the baby and I)
I have 3 children and let me tell you that for not one of them did I request an epidural. Yes it hurt somewhat, but I feel that's the whole point of going through labor, something you can actually remember & tell your kids then. I'm not a believer that anyone should take any drugs for child birth,but that's just my opinion.
Thanks
D.

I chose natural, no medication. It lasts a very short time. Your body knows what to do.

If I only had those two options, I would choose natural unmedicated delivery. I think I'd rather chance the pain than be cut open.

All natural...all the way! I understand that being in pain freaks most women out but I just wish they'd at least TRY to have a natural birth. The feeling of empowerment is undescribable. I had both of my big ol baby girls that way and it's my favorite part of the entire 9+ months. Plus, I recommend a free standing birth center if they are not high risk.

i guess I am different.... i had two c-sections. They weren't that bad.
I had lots of meds... childbirth is not for sissies!!!

Hi S.-

I would pick Natural Childbirth all the day. For my 1st baby, I practiced Lamaze and breathing and all that but my daughter had complications and it turned out to be an emergency c-section. My daughter had a prolapsed cord and she and I would or could be dead without the immediate intervention. I am so thankful for a healthy baby but the physical recovery was tough. So for my son, I chose to have him in the hospital, be monitored, and have a natural birth. I was given all kinds of grief from the natural community because they thought that you can't have a hospital birth and have it be unmedicated. For me, The hospital and moniteering was a no brainer, my ultimate result is a healthy baby. Anyway, I did have a VBAC and yes it hurt, but it was wonderful!! I actually felt him sliding down, and I knew what position I needed to be in to push him out. I also knew exactly when I was dialated to 10, even though they had just checked me not that long ago. It was nice knowing exactly that wqas going on with my body, and I as on cloud-9 for successfully completing my goal!! Also, with the exception of those darn hemroids, recovery was cake!!

I had all three of mine naturally without drugs or anything (though I wish I'd had something for the last one with that two hour contraction! NOT kidding!). I'd do it all again, too.

natural unmedicated delivery

That is what I had planned for, unfortunately I ended up with the later, times 3.

I LOVE birth. I know that my body was designed to birth children and I prefer to work WITH it. I do not choose to have medicated births and would do ANYTHING to avoid a C-section. Natural birth for me.

Definitely a natural unmedicated delivery. I just delivered my first child, she is 10 weeks today actually. I am the oldest of five children all born at home and I believed that was the way to go all of my life. Then, when I got pregnant I really had to consider the choice, and with a lot more information and knowledge I ended up having a home birth. My mom and my partner actually delivered my baby, she was over 9 pounds. :) It was the most amazing (and painful) experience, I wouldn't do it any other way. I felt like I had done it the right way, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. She came into this world calm and she wasn't traumatized at all, she came when she was ready. She took her first breath with no help, and she was happy right away.

Hi S.,

I've done both, and I prefer the unmedicated birth.

Great question, I would go with natural unmedicated....

I would absolutly choose to go natural unmedicated! I had the epidural my first labor, but went natural the second. Oh the difference! And the differences were all positive! After the epidural, I just felt tired. I actually didn't care that they took my baby to the nursery and I didn't see him for a while. After the natural, all the good hormones were raging, and I felt elated, and in love. I also felt such a feeling of accomplishment and victorious over the control I had of my labor. I would never choose to have a c-section unless it was truly medically necesary to do so. All too often these days the c-sections that happen are not truly medically needed, the doctor just wants to go home. That is wrong! A c-section is major abdominal surgery, not to be taken lightly.
I am a childirth educator and doula. I have seen deliveries both ways, and have met with the moms afterwards. The recovery from a c-section is much more dificult, not only on the mom, but on the whole family.
My 2 cents.

Natural all the way!! I had planned a totally natural delivery for all the positive reasons...but mainly to avoid a c-section. Unfortunately my doctor freaked out about the baby's size at the last minute, insisted on an induction and ended up doing a c-section. I was (am still) heart-broken. The physical recovery was not that bad admittedly, but the mental and emotional part has been brutal. And there was so much difficulty with breastfeeding and no feeling of attachment or love toward the baby. NEVER EVER would I elect a c-section, and even now am hoping for a v-bac with the next one.

I delivered a 9 lb 1 oz boy without painkillers, but I was induced. It was awful! Even though I tore and was stitched without any meds, I'd still choose the natural way over a C-Section. The thought of someone cutting me open scares me to death, let alone electing to be sliced open.

a natural unmedicated delivery

I had a natural unmedicated delivery, by choice, and would do it again if I had another baby.

c-section! Althought, I have one of the top OB's so I feel very safe with him - there is no reward for an unmedicated birth, but I really believe its a personal decision that is only the person's to choose. I have friends who have had both & the ones who had c-sections said they were walking 2 miles in 2 weeks.

I chose natural with no drugs and actually got my way - just my support team (family) and midwife - the doctor didn't even get there on time YAY!! all girl crew :)

Definitely C-Section. It was not a problem and recovery went very well.

I would definitely take the unmedicated natural choice! It's better for mom, it's better for the baby, and there's no SURGERY involved! I'm not scared of surgery or needles or anything, but why elect to have some major surgery to avoid a day of somewhat difficult childbirth? If properly prepared, it's not bad at all!

I had an epidural my first time, ended up having a vacuum extraction and episiotomy. While the birth was easier, the recovery was worse. This time I had a completely natural birth using hypnobirthing techniques and it was amazing! I had no idea I was in transition, and I was totally relaxed through the whole experience. What a difference.

natural, unmedicated

I'd go with natural, no doubt, unless a C were required. I don't like the idea of unnecessary surgeries, which can bring their own complications and longer heal times. A lot of my friends who have had C-sections now say they feel like they missed out on something in the birthing process--I don't think I'd say that, but I found it to be an interesting reoccuring comment!

I would easily choose to have an natural unmedicated delivery. That is how all 4 of my boys were brought into this world and would happily to it again. C-sections and even epidurals scare the heck out of me and make me feel out of control, no way if I had a choice would I put myself in that kind of situation.

I would love to be a midwife and lactation consultant. Maybe one day when my 4 boys are all grown I will get into school. That is my dream occupation though for sure!

Smile Always, L.

I would do natural. I finally gave in to medications on my first one after about 22 hours of labor when they told me it's be another 8 but I would do it naturally if the option was that or cut me open. :) Good luck!!!

I'm always amazed when I hear of or meet a woman who wants a c-section for her first baby "just because." I've had 6 vaginal deliveries - some medicated, some not. My first four were all very different, but good. The last two were a whole different story for reasons other than choosing interventions over the natural birth process. With all my different deliveries I tell first-time moms to have their babies with a midwife at a birth center or in a hospital that allows midwives to deliver (not enough around the Los Angeles area, unfortunately).

Well I would off liked to have my two kids naturally. My oldest was bridged and was a c-section and my second one was way to big. So Yes I would of liked it but I wouldn't of changed anything about it my kids are ok:)

I would definately go Natural & Unmedicated!

Natural- all the way! :)
Had my first one at home with a nurse midwife and was a wonderful experience. Had my 2nd in a hospital with another nurse midwife, another great experience. Didn't use any drugs with either of them... I wouldn't have changed a thing.

I have had both(sort of) and no doubt would chose natural/no drugs. I did have one shot at the birthing center after about 13 hours of labor.

Epidural is the way to go baby! Well, since I did have an epidural both times and it was awesome, and I had neither of the other that you're asking about, I would try natural unmedicated, but since that probably wouldn't work for me (I was in extreme pain and only dilated to 3) I would go c-section no problem.

Both my sons were unmedicated natural births by choice. The first was in a hospital much to my dismay (we didn't know better) the second was at a free standing birth center. I am pregnant with my daughter at the moment due in June and we're going back to the same birth center my second child was born at, which will also be unmedicated natural delivery. Why have major surgery when you don't need it is my thought. It's nice that we have that life saving procedure and there are times it is warranted but elective just to avoid the pain of childbirth is unneeded. What about the pain of recovery from the c section? It's no walk in the park.

I'm 33 and have been an L&D nurse for 11 years and now a womens health NP for 2 years. I have a 2 year old daughter and at my very first prenatal appointment I scheduled what I call a PECS-pt elected C/S and had a great surgery, hospital stay, recovery and almost invisible scar. I'm hoping to do it all over again soon. Hope I answered your question! I must add that my water broke 1 week before my scheduled C/S at 2 a.m. and was contracting every 2 minutes at home while showering and getting my things ready. I finally decided to go to the hospital at 8 a.m and was almost 4 cm but tolerating the pain well. Needless to say because I'm a control freak and had made my decision long ago I went ahead with a C/S. I breastfed shortly after leaving the recovery room and did so for 8 mos without a problem to my baby or my body. I just hope the next time around goes just as smooth.

I'd go with natural unmedicated. My first was induced due to preeclampsia but otherwise only asked for something through the iv toward the end of the process. I had demorol (I think) via iv with the second but again only wanted it just before I hit the transition faze. I guess a natural high tolerance for pain and relaxation/meditation techniques helped a lot. Wish I had been able to have unmedicated water births.

Having been through 3 vaginal births, 1 with epidural and two without, I would hands down choose natural unmedicated. I felt that the epidural did more harm than good in the long run and in general, surgery scares me. :)

Natural, unmedicated- hands down! (of course if possible, as each situation is different!) Natural is best for baby and mommy as long as everything is well with the labor. Recovery is quicker and baby isn't affected by unnecessary drugs.
I have had 2 unmedicated natural births so far...and they have been awesome (I hope and pray for at least 1 more)! I studied the Bradley method with an amazing teacher with my 1st child, then studied and refreshed on my own with my 2nd child. The method is easy, natural and so helpful! I know this method is not for everyone, but I highly recommend it to everyone. Childbirth is the most awesome thing in the world (aside from actually being pregnant that is!) :) Just my 2 cents... Happy birthing!! :)

A.

I would do all natural again...c-section takes you longer to get back on your feet than natural. No spinal, just a little help from some drug but natural is better.

I had a c-section with an epidural and it was a very good experience. I didn't feel any pain. My doctor said, 'Would you have dental surgery without anesthesia?' That's how I feel about it too.

My choice is a completely natural, unmedicated birth in a hospital, just in case of complications.

Many women say natural because "it's how it's been done for centuries". Well, my reply to that is, do they realize how many women and children died in childbirth throughout the centuries, and even today, because they don't have a sterile environment and the opportunity for medical intervention?? Seriously, if there's a big movement away from hospitals/medical centers for childbirth, our mother-child birth mortality rates are going to skyrocket. But I guess that's just natural selection for ya.

Natural. Even if I had a thousand choices, I will always choose to go natural.

Oh, my goodness, it's no contest! I've had both, and I'll take natural childbirth any day!!! I can't imagine prefering a C-section.

I would do the natural, unmedicated delivery for sure!!

I would choose natural, unmedicated delivery.

I would do the natural childbirth. For one thing I have already do it with no meds or anything. Second women have been giving birth long before anything was offered. Third I an way freaked out about having something put into my spine into.

Natural unmedicated!

Thats easy, I would choose an unmedicated birth. Who would want to have major surgery if they didn't have to...

I would choose the natural, unmedicated delivery -- hands down. I've had both -- a vaginal delivery and a c-section. The c-section was a much more difficult recovery, and I hated that I had to be separated from my baby for so long right after delivery. I think people who elect to have c-sections for non-medical reasons are crazy!!!

Natural, unmedicated, oh yeah!!! Wouldn't trade the inner strength and intimacy-building gifted by this incredible experience for anything. Just did it a few weeks ago!

I have 5 daughters, 4 natural births, one of which was at home, 3 in hospital birthing center and one c-section. C-section because last baby was 10plus pounds. I would have to say natural. C-section recovery sucked. Breastfeeding all the way.

That's an interesting question. I am a nurse practitoner and so I may have a biased opinion. I had completely natural childbirth for all 5 of my children. I bounced back quickly and had no ill effects. Of course....if there had been complications I would not have hesitated to have had a C-section.
S.
mom of 5 with 3 grandkiddos

well one is a lot easier to do than the other, but then again one is more dangerous to the mom than the other, I had 2 c sections, and I yearned to have a natural birth.. if you have the option to birth naturally I just think its all a part of the whole pregnancy

I have four children. With my first one was induced and I couldn't take the pain. With my other three children i had unmedicated deliveries. My last child was born at home in a birth tub. I would have done everything to avoid a c-section.

C-Section all the way! I think it's very noble for people to have a natural unmedicated birth, but honestly, I was in labor for FOUR days and I was drugged up the whole time with all my contractions and my baby girl is incredible and incrediby smart! With the medical breakthroughs and research, there is very little concern for medication these days and there is no need to be uncomfortable, if not necessary. My recovery was a breeze and I was still able to take certain painkillers while breastfeeding that did not affect the baby. I originally was trying so hard to have a natural birth, but I woudln't dialate and at the end of the day...I'm happy the way it went.
I had a good friend who did both and had the c-section as the second option and she couldn't believe that no one told her that it was EASIER healing and more comfortable than a natural birth. She won't do it any other way now.
Again, I'm not saying the natural way is a horrible route, BUT having a c-section and being medicated is NOT a bad or awful solution and people should have an open mind to either.

I had an unplanned c section and followed by an unplanned natural birth (after having the first child by c section I had planned to have the second that way too. It just didn't work out that way). The second was so much easier to recover from there is no comparison. Always go for the natural birth over a c section.

A C-Section, no question or second thought about it.

Natural! I had a (planned) C-section and I feel like I missed out on the first hour of my daughter's life since I was still being stitched up in the surgery room and she was in the nursery.
PS- I had no choice to go with the C-section for medical reasons, and was so disappointed because I really had my hopes up for a natural, unmediated birth.

I had a natural delivery with an epidural for my 1st and a c-section for my 2nd and hands down LOVED the natural with the epidural. Recovery time was SO much less than the c-section. I hated my c-section and would have opted to go natural without drugs if I had the choice. I guess the ONLY thing I liked was being able to plan for someone to watch my daughter while we were in the hospital.

My first birth (2000) I'd planned on going totally natural, but my son was in a breech position with one leg under him one leg sticking straight out to the side (trying to kick his way out?!?) and my placenta was anterior making external version not an option. Tried accupuncture to get him to turn, as well as moxibustion, but didn't find an accupuncture practitioner until I was 36 weeks (living in rural Louisiana and had to drive an hour and 15 minutes 6 days straight) so my little guy didn't have room to turn. Cool experience though! C-section and spinal were awful; only got blocked on one side so was given Versed and have NO recollection of the birth AT ALL!!!
In 2005 I gave birth to my second son, completely naturally - except that my doctor ruptured my water!!! Admitted on Jan 31 because I was leaking amniotic fluid, after 12 hours, IV antibiotics q 4 hours. Up and about except to monitor baby q hour for 20 minutes. On Feb 1, not much progress and my doctor found I still had an intact membrane. She ruputred it, and nothing. On day 3, she found ANOTHER memrane and it was like a tsunami hit! Immediately I was in transition and gave birth less than 90 minutes later! No MEDS!!! IT was the best experience ever! I'd do it again tomorrow if I could get my husband on board! ;)

natural unmedicated, that's what I did

prenantal pilates and yoga helped me achieve that
I walked and went to the gym throughout my pg too

my hospital had a bath, that helped as well

No brainer! I'd take the all natural and hire you! Nice to see you around, S.. Thank you for delivering three of my healthy babies completely naturally without meds! I know it may sound crazy to some, but all 3 homebirths were easier than my one high tech hospital birth.

I have 5 children. First was natural unmedicated, 2nd emergency c-section, 3rd natural, unmedicated for as long as I could then some narcotic, 4th induction, unmedicated for as long as I could, then epidural, 5th induction, unmedicated for as long as I could, epidural then c-section.

My choice would be, natural, unmedicated for as long as I could--then epidural!!

I think this is completely depends on the person. My 1st 2 children were c-sections, and I had always felt cheated. I really wanted to experience what a vaginal delivery would would be like. I was blessed to get pregnant again, and I knew the odds of having a natural childbirth were against me, so I hired a duala (who was also a midwife), everything went well, I delivered a 10lb 2 oz baby, unmedicated. I am so happy for the experience and wouldn't trade it in for the world. However, now that I experienced both, if I were to get pregnant again, and I had a choice, I would choose a c-section. My body healed much faster from the c-section. Maybe it was because I had such a large baby, but I rather deal with the incision over my abdomen then the tears in my vaginal area. But please note, I would never have a c-secton again, if I hadn't ever experienced a natural childbirth first. But not all woman have this desire to experience this, sometimes the fear of the pain has them chosing a c-section over a vaginal delivery.

TOTALLY natural unmedicated! My first labor and birth was vaginal with an epidural (thought I'd die without it), and my second was vaginal, no medical intervention or medication at all... if I'd known I could do it the first time I would have - I think all women should be offered a doula and midwife service through their insurance so that they can have that confidence only other women can give them - and not neccessarily their own mom, because in the end their mom is watching their "baby girl" be in pain, and our mom's grew up in a time of very medicated/hospitalized births and I think they think this is the only and best way! If I can do it, anyone can!

I would definitely chose an all natural unmedicated delivery. I planned to have my daughter at home, a water birth with a midwife and doula assisting. Unfortunately, my daughter wedged herself in a stange position and after 4 hours of pushing her heart went into distress. I had to go to the hospital and have an emergency c-section, because I had to be put under I didn't get see my daughter until she was 2 hours old. I would never chose to have a c-section and hope to have a successful VBAC when the time comes for me to have another child. Glad that you asked this question, nice to know so many another mamas are for natural birth!

HI I was 41 paid a midwife went into labor, and pushed for 5 hours, only to be taken to hospital where they tried to vacuum him out, then got a c/s. It was terrrible and the midwife did not prevent the vacuuming. Which I would never suggest to anyone. My son did not get hematomas in his brain but it was traumatic. His head was 16" around.
I now do not have judgement about c/s, and developed a recovery kit, www.csectionrecoverykit.com
to assist women in the recovery process, it has a massage guide for 12 month healing of the scar, and soft cotton binders for post surgery support. The binders are also great for post partum. The education that a midwife provides during pregnancy far surpasses conventional medical advice, and the 2 both have a place. Aloha

Seeing as I have delivered both ways. (Both twin deliveries). Recovery wise the c section is the winner. I had no pain or problems. But seeing as epidurals and spinals do not work for me I will be having a unmedicated vbac next delivery.

Hi S.,

I would prefer to have a natural birth with an epidural.

Thanks
T.

When I had my first son, I read up on all there was to know about natural, unmedicated birth. I so desperately wanted to have an at home birth with a midwife, but my insurance wouldn't cover it and I couldn't afford to pay the $3000 out of pocket it would have cost. So...I had a hospital birth and subsequently had a C-section after many hours of labor and no signs of progress. I felt cheated and felt like the minute I walked into the hospital I lost control of my birth options. With this second pregnancy my dr. told me he insists I have a repeat C-section and if I wanted a VBAC I'd have to go to another dr. who'd be willing to perform one. Well...I can't find a dr. within my ins. network that is willing to take the liability on of a VBAC, so I once again am being forced into a repeat C-section. This time around, I've figured perhaps this is for the best. This way, I've taken the guess work out of wondering when I'll go into labor. I can have the C-section scheduled and can go home and hopefully recover quickly. The good thing is I feel like I won't have to worry about potential tearing down there and incontinence that some women face after childbirth. The bad thing is, I can't shake this feeling of inadequacy and guilt and vulnerability that my choices are being taken away from me. So...needless to say, I'm on the fence. But, overall having gone through the pain of natural labor for many long hours the first time around, I feel like a C-section might be the easier route. So, if I had to choose, I guess I feel that overall the C-section might be the way to go. But, perhaps that's just me talking myself into it really is my only choice.

Unmedicated homebirth :)

My first child I had a spinal, big mistake. It pushed things back over an hour. It lasted almost 3 hours, my doctor wanted to hurry and force him out using the suction cup. Horrible experience and I was almost 22. With my second son, my water broke, but my contractions were so mild I didn't even feel them for about 3 hours after. I had an epidural, because they wanted him to move down more before I started pushing. I got a two hour nap in! My third, I had false contractions on/off for over a week. We were out to dinner on a Friday night and I didn't realize I was in true labor. My contractions were about 10 minutes apart! We picked up the other 2, went home and then I realized I was really in labor. I let that one wait too long. I could have started pushing at home. When we got to the hospital, I was at 10, didn't have time for an epidural, and had her in 18 minutes from when I first walked into the triage room....Yes, I didn't have her in a normal delivery room. Hospital was full, the nurses didn't believe me at first until I told them I was going to have her in the wheelchair. So, after those 3 experiences, I preferred having her natural. I recovered so much quicker, I felt like the effects from the spinal and epidural slowed the recovery process. I didn't feel groggy the 3rd time. I wish I tried a little harder with the first two. I can see that it would be hard to go natural with a long labor though and every ones pain tolerance is different. My first two went pretty fast, but not as fast as the last baby!

i just had my 2nd w/o medication -- not necessarily by choice, but due to a lot of 'issues' was unable at the last minute to get the meds... BUT, (apart from the pain) everything else was better than my first (induced w/ epidural) -- baby was more alert, much easier breastfeeding, etc. If you can deal with the 'discomfort' - go for the natural.

Had four kids. With the first (also the largest), I used
an epidural. With the next three, I didn't use any
anesthetics. I much preferred it that way. Faster recovery
and I really didn't need it. Never needed a c-section.

Hi S.,
I had a natural childbirth with no epidural. I did a lot of reading and discovered that delivery without an epidural is best for baby and that was my ultimate goal. I also planned on breastfeeding, and babies born without the use of an epidural have an easier time learning to nurse. Another reason I chose natural is because I did NOT want a c-section, and I read that those who ultimately do have an epidural have a greater chance of having the baby via c-section in the end because they cannot read their bodies signals to push, etc. But then, you being a nurse, midwife and lactation specialist -- you surely know all of this already! :)
BTW, our epidural-less birth was successful and my daughter nursed for 21 months. When she was born she was alert and latched immediately. Although I won't say that a natural childbirth was easy, I would do it all over again. I stuck to my goal and accomplished it. But then, I'm a bit of a stubborn person! For me, the hardest part of the natural birth was mentally and physically trying to keep from pushing until I was dialated enough. And my labor lasted 39 hours, 23 of it in the hospital.

Natural, of course! The way it had always been done before anyone had a "choice".

I have done both and NATURAL would be my choice, I loved being the main part of my delivery!!

Natural unmedicated! I wouldn't want a c-section unless there was an emergency that warranted it.

I had a natural unmedicated birth and would definitely do it again. I hired a doula and used the Hypnobabies program. I recommend both.

i would definitely choose a natural unmedicated delivery...i have 2 daughters, one 4 and the other 4 months and they were both born at a freestanding birth center with cpm midwives. no drugs and no interventions and they were great experiences! c-sections are there for necessary reasons, not normal childbirth....my opinion.

Natural, sraight up. As long as I can have a tub... Water is good...=)
R.

natural unmedicated all the way...... because its the most natural process for our bodies and if something does go wrong you will then have a c section anyways....

Most certainly I would choose an unmedicated natural delivery!

Well, lucky for you, I have had BOTH! lol...my son (11yrs old) was born naturally - no meds, no spinal/epideral, etc...I needed a stage 4 episiotomy & the Dr. had to use a vacuum to help my boy out of the canal - HORRIBLE PAIN coupled with lots of screaming on my part. My girl (1yr old) was born via c-section due to being frank breech & low amniotic fluid (although I was really wanting to try the vaginal birth again - only THIS TIME, with help (read -drugs)....MUCH BETTER! I was nervous about a needle in my spine & being cut open, but in the end, it was a much CALMER delivery for me (AND all in the room! lol) I would definately choose c-section based upon my experience.....that said, if I had to choose between natural vaginal delivery (no drugs) or vaginal delivery WITH drugs, I would choose the latter.

Definitely, a natural, unmedicated childbirth. Of course, I'm more informed than most of my friends on this. After all, I gave birth to my 2nd baby at home in a birthing tub. What an amazing experience! I wish all women would give themselves a chance to experience this magic.

Definitely natural childbirth. as natural as possible. I had all 4 of my children natural, my last 3 with a midwife.

I gave birth at home twice and wouldn't change it for the world. I have an 8 year old (born 9 lbs. 6 oz.) and a 9 month old (born 8 lbs 13 oz). The first was a land birth and the second a water birth. Tubs, a supportive husband, a midwife and an assistant with magical hands were available at both births.

My great grandma, grandma, mom, and all the way down the line all had natural births. Some at home, some in hospitals. Never an epidural in sight. I come from a long line of natural birthers.

I feel that the whole birthing question is really a feminist issue. The business of birth (a male dominated profession) has taken away women's ability to trust themselves and their bodies. We have somehow let go of our own internal knowledge and have come to believe that we don't know how to do what comes naturally. Men..and women in white jackets and scrubs should tell us what to do. Do we bring our family cat to the hospital to birth? We are part of the animal kingdom, just like fluffy the cat.

Women are being routinely robbed of the power of birth and all that the power brings...which is the strongest force I know of. When a woman gives birth naturally, she comes to not only trust herself, but comes into contact with an ancient knowledge that all women possess. When she feels weak or low, she can go back to that knowledge and strength later on in life. It remains within.

I'm not saying to burn down labor and delivery wards and kick out all obgyns. Birth can rarely be dangerous. Thank goodness that we have the technology to save lives.

I do question how often this technology is misused. according to stats today, 30-40% of us are uable to birth without major surgery. We should be coming close to extinction were it not for medical science. Could we have evolved so dramatically within the past 40-50 years that we can no longer birth without intervention?

A good documentary on the issue is "The Business of Being Born."

Afraid of the pain of completely natural...(I've done demorol all 3 times.), but even more afraid of bein cut and the healing process....so only 2 chioces= Natural for me.

uh... is this a trick question? Natural, unmedicated all the way. Recovery is so much faster as five minutes afterwards I was ready to go. C-section with the second one, not so much fun. And thats just for me, don't know about the baby and having drugs...

S.,
I think it depends upon if you need a C-section or not! My first was all natural with a midwife in the hospital! It was 10 hours and the best experience of my life! My body rocked in so many ways I didn't know it could :) Second baby was a C-section because i was hemorrhaging! So clearly that C-section was needed! I would prefer for this world to be perfect and for all babies to enter uninterrupted! But that isn't always the way it can be, so I think it varies! Being realistic is my choice!

Definitely the natural, unmedicated delivery. Other than being induced, that's what I had with my daughter and it was a breeze. I'm expecting twins in the next 6-7 weeks and hope to do a natural, unmedicated delivery also. I don't want major abdominal surgery, and since we have no one to help us out when we come home from the hospital, I know it would be a lot easier to recover from a vaginal birth. As long as Twin A stays vertex and the placenta moves up a tiny bit more, I'll be good to go.

With out question Natural. That's the only way. I've had 4 kids, 3 natural, the 4th I had no choice had drugs for her she was almost 12lbs and sat right on my spine, but never, never would I, on purpose have a C-section.
I hear about women planning their day: Breakfast (check), Erands (check), Bank (check), Lunch w/ the girls (check), C-section (check, check), that's ridiculous. Having a child is the most awesome experience ever.If you have a c-section and plan on what day to have you child, what's the joy in that?

I had 2 unmedicated deliveries (they never even suggested an epidural, or maybe that was uncommon way back in the 70's) and a c-section with my last one. That was not elective. It was sort of an emergency, since I was 2 weeks overdue, my blood pressure went up,and even though my labor started, it never progressed. Apparently I lost quite a bit of blood but was not given a transfusion.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I'll take the natural delivery any day over the c-section. The incision was painful( I couldn't even roll over in bed), it was hard to walk upright for several days, and due to the blood loss, I was weak, pale, tired and it took about 6 weeks before I started feeling normal.
I know it likely wouldn't be the same for someone having an elective c-section, but I still would prefer a natural delivery. Who wants major surgery? You're left with a scar, scar tissue on the inside and the possibility of infection, adhesions and who knows what else that might go wrong.

I have 4 children and had only one without medication. Not my favorite thing. But given the choice between a natural birth and a c-section, I would choose the natural birth just because of recovery time. With the natural birth, I was up and around very quickly, but with a c-section you have a much longer down time with more restrictions on your activities, as well as a scar. I'd definatly prefer the natural birth to a c-section.

A natural unmedicated delivery

Hi S.,
I have 2 kids...the first was slightly medicated vaginal birth. The 2nd was totally natural...unmedicated with a midwife. Even after 41 hours of labor...I prefer the natural unmedicated and would for sure choose it again. The healing, recovery and feeling right after was much much better than medicated...or what a c section would entail.

I have experienced both types of childbirth, except the c-section I had was not elective; it was emergency. There are pros and cons with both, but I would choose the natural, unmedicated delivery.

I would chose a natural unmedicated delivery. My first child was natural and unmedicated and lasted 19 hours, it was painful but the pain was over once she was delivered. I wouldn't want to have a c-section because of the time that it takes to recover and also because it's surgery. There are so many variables that can occur with surgery.

Natural childbirth would be my choice.

I would definitely go for the natural unmedicated delivery if there were no complications. Unfortunately, things don't always work out that way.

Hi S.,

If c-section isn't necessary, I would go with an unmedicated only because of the healing process etc. However, if a medicated vaginal birth is an option over fully unmedicated - I am 100% for medicated vaginal childbirth!! I had my daughter unmedicated and hats-off to those who had many unmedicated. My husband and I plan on more kids and I will NEVER have an unmedicated again. My pain tolerance is low and I don't think its necessary to endure such pain when the end result will still be the healthy baby!

With both my girls, I went natural, sort of. With my second one, I was not holding amnio fluid, not losing, but not holding it and I was drinking all the water and then some. So I agreed to be induced. I had a lot of back pain throughout my pregnancy and refused every offer of meds. I did not want any meds what so ever to be transfered to my baby...I don't care how safe they said it was.

i would only do a c section is it was medically needed or i was having more then one baby. with my daughter (my only child right now) i had an epidural due to being induced. i wanted to go all natural but my contraction were horrible and i wasnt allowed to walk around because they broke my water. my back labor was terrible so i opted for the epidural. with my next baby (whenever that happens) i want to try to go natural no meds. i think that it is wonderful for people to go all natural and use midwives. i also think that the society presses people to do the elected c section so they have their body back sooner and dont have to go through the pain.

Without a doubt--Natural unmedicated. I was induced but still had my son without pain-killers, I would have preferred completely unmedicated. The pain (which I can't really remember) was, of course incredibly intense, but also incredibly short-lived, pretty much over the second he was born. I wouldn't want a c-section unless it was medically necessary--of course I am not in labor now, hee hee.

I've given birth once naturally and once with the help of an epidural. I loved giving birth naturally and as has been stated the recovery time was, well pretty much immediate, for me anyway. However, my natural birth was a short labor and so was quite do-able, my birth with the epidural was anything but short, 27 hours of labor. After eighteen hours I just threw in the towel...I simply needed some relief. I would not choose to go back and do that birth without the help!! Each birth experience is different. If there were no complications, I don't see any reason for me to actually opt for a C section.

I would choose natural over c-section anytime. I am actually having a home birth with my second baby, I am 5 months pregnat and looking forward to having my baby at home the natural way.
E.

I would prefer a natural, unmedicated delivery. My first was a vaginal with some minor complications and my second was an emergency c-section. I am pretty natural and use homeopathics and other vibrational medicines to treat my kids when they are sick but I am still grateful we live in a day and age when we can get an emergency c-secion if needed.

I tried for an unmedicated natural birth and when it was unsuccessful I had to have a c-section. Then I had a repeat c-section with my 2nd pregnancy.

But if I had the choice I would take an unmedicated natural birth over c-section anyday.

I personally don't understand wanting to have an elective c-section. I feel so cheated over the fact that I will never have a natural birth.

I've had both. I would do the natural unmedicated delivery over the c-section.

Natural all the way! I had my daughter and my twin boys using the Bradley method, and I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat!

IF those were the ONLY choices, I'd chooses Natural Unmedicated delivery.

I would and did choose a natural unmedicated delivery. It was the most intense and amazing experience of my life. Granted, right after giving birth, I thought "I can never do this again" but now 6 months later I know that I will do it again with our next child (in a couple of years:)

Smiles,
J.

If it were MY choice, I'd go natural-no meds. It isn't as bad as people make it out to be. Lamaze works.

hi S.. i had "opted" for a natural delivery...but my body had other plans. After my due date came and went, i was induced. that was unsuccessful, 36 hours of labor later, i was dilated at a whopping 2cm. sadly, i was prepped for a c-section. it took 5 minutes, and was painless. i was totally shocked at how easy the c-section was. i really tried to do it naturally, but was impressed at the whole c-section process. the only down side was not being able to hold my baby right after delivery. however, here we are 6 weeks later, and we are bonded very close. next time, i'm thinking about directly going to a c-section.

I would definietly choose a natural unmedicated delivery, as I did with all 4 of my children. Hope this helps your survey!
M.

I would chose a natural, unmedicated delivery, also no monitering so I could be out of bed. I have given birth to one son and I only had the epidural at 5 centimeters because I was being monitered and HAD to stay in bed. I would never opt for a c-section unless I had no choice because it's surgery with a long recovery time. I am having another child this summer so we'll see what happens this time.

C-section. No doubts about it. :)

Absolutely natural. I gave birth to my son completely unmedicated and it was the best experience ever. I wouldn't do it any other way.

This seems like a silly question. Why are there only these two options? There are more options available. If one had the ability to have a C-section, then one would have the ability to have a vaginal birth with an epidural. Babies born by c-section are more likely to have allergies and asthma, but I don't know if I could do it all natural. I guess I would prefer that over the c-section, however.

Is this a trick question? ;-) LOL!

No, seriously.... I would prefer natural and unmedicated. And I really recommend hypnobabies, which made it totally pain free for me :-)

Will you share the result of your survey, please?

Definitely natural unmedicated delivery. I never had a c-section. I have given birth to 2 babies, both born at home with the aid of a midwife. I am not a glutton for punishment and I do not relish the idea of childbirth, but I did it because I believed it was best for my babies. It also turned out it was best for me. Fastest recovery of anyone I know. Sure, I would love to forego the pain of labor and delivery, but to trade a few hours of pain for weeks of pain and difficulty while caring for a newborn - no thank you. I noticed you are a midwife - God bless you for what you do. I am so grateful for my midwife!

S.,

I've had a c-section and a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). My VBAC was medicated. Given a choice between an unmedicated, natural delivery and a c-section, I'd choose the unmedicated, natural delivery any day of the week. There is absolutely no way I'd sign up for a c-section unless it was absolutely medically necessary (and not just insurance necessary!)

T.

A c-section, all the way! I was in the position to choose because I was pregnant with twins and was happy to choose a c-section. I loved that it was planned ahead of time. I showered that morning and put on makeup. Friends and family were able to plan in advance when to visit us in the hospital. And, best of all, I was energetic to welcome my new little ones into the world!

(P.S. I carried my girls to 38 weeks)

I think that many physician's prefer to give a c-section. It's a [pardon the pun!] "cut" and dried procedure, finished in a predicatable amount of time. They can arrive, do the delivery, and move to the next task. They don't have to wait for the woman to labor to readiness or deal with the complexities of an individual's labor. They don't have to be called in to the hopsital from wherever else they are. But....For a woman, the recovery is horrendous. I'd be curious to read how many c-sections are performed by male versus female physicians!

I stray from your question; which would I prefer? I've had surgery on various body parts, and two children via natural childbirth. No way I'd want a c-section. You have no control, are not an active participant, and are sliced open for heaven's sake. You risk infection and are uncomfortable for months to come. No thanks!

Natural all the way!! That's the way I did it and I would do it again in a nanosecond!

Natural, unmedicated AT HOME delivery!!! THE most fullfilling thing I have done in my life was the at home delivery of my son this past March after two previous traumatizing c-sections. I feel empowered and have a whole new outlook on life.

I delivered all 3 of my 9 lbs babies natural and unmedicated.

Definitely natural...especially since my son was already born that way without any complications. I would only do a C-section if I Absolutely had to (complications to baby or self) but personally I am freaked out by the thought of it and also about using any sort of medication!

I felt like those were the choices on offer here in LA. I chose (and would choose again) unmedicated (home) delivery.

NATURAL! Why not? It wasn't so bad. Women have been doing it for 1000's of years. But, I am one who dosen't believe in much medicine (c-section being way up there). Plus, it's an amazing feeling to be able to say "Yes, I did have my 8lb son naturally!"

NATURAL (if no other complications). [of course, having done it once w/epidural and once w/o, I recommend the epidural--but that's not an option for this survey]

Hope this isnt too late but, I've had both a vaginal delivery (with meds) and a C-section. Without question I would go for another C-section.

I actually DID have that choice presented to me....

Or rather, when I was given pitocin against my and my doctors wishes (a substitute didn't read the chart, & I was distracted by a contraction), it froze my labor IN TRANSITION. I was having contractions every 30 seconds for over 7 hours. My doc finally gave me the choice: Epidural or C-section. And it was possible that I'd need a c-section anyway...because my body was so tired.

I took the epidural (and fell asleep for the next 2 hours!) and delivered vaginally 15 minutes after I woke up.

I had the option of an elective C-section with my second child because my first child was born by C-section. I chose the C-section the second time around after watching many of my friends try a VBAC and ending up with a C-section anyway. I ended up with two beautiful, healthy boys. I bounced back quicker than the first time. (36 hrs out of hospital) I would definitely opt for the C-section if the opportunity presented itself again.

I would with out a doubt choose a natural childbirth with no meds. I just had a baby girl on Jan 5 of this year and I went through the majority of my pregnancy thinking that I was going to have a C-section. When the the baby was ready to come she did not wait I ended up having her with nop meds and I would not want it any other way.

I was ready and excited to have a natural childbirth but like some of the other responses I've read, I felt like I was prepped for a c-section the minute I went to the dr. I was told from the beginning that my baby was going to be big & possibly difficult to deliver (she was only 6.7 lbs!). During labor I couldn't progress naturally and when contractions came, my baby's heartrate would drop, soooooo...surprise, emergency c-section! It wasn't difficult to recover from and in general, I didn't feel like it was a big deal. But I did feel ripped off from the birth I was hoping for. Maybe on the next one I'll get to do it. So, my vote is for natural birth.