How would you describe the birth of your child?

Preconception & Pregnancy Labor & Delivery
21

Hi Heather,

I've heard others, even other responders here to your question, describe the euphoria that comes at the end of a natural birth. I've heard doctors describe it too, that they can feel it in the mom and baby when it can be done this (not that it always goes as planned by any means). I did Bradley training too after my first, but ended up with a c-section because she was stuck in me after 3-4 hours of pushing and no baby's head showing...she was stuck on my pelvic bone or something. Then I got rather pused into a second c from doctors the second time, but I did a trial of labor, and again a problem with descending. I had huge babies and a small birth canal. Anyway, it's not in the cards for me to have that euphoric time after birth (but at least I was extremely happy), but if you can do it, go for it. I think it sounds wonderful. Enjoy.

22

I took Bradley method classes and was really hoping to have a natural birth. However, with gestational diabetes complications I had to be induced. I made it to 7 cm without the epidural, but the pain was so much that both the baby and I were in great distress! After I got the epidural everything moved along much better, and although I was greatly disappointed that I'd had to get it, it also saved me from a c-section! If I were to have another child I would definitely try for natural birth again, everyone I know had a much easier time of it the second time around. Having the proper support and alternative methods for dealing with the pain (being able to move around, etc.) is really important. Good luck whatever you choose!

23

Hi Heather,

Congrats on your second child. I did a write-up on my blog about my experience in the delivery if you're interested in reading it, here's the link: (http://darrenandchristie.blogspot.com/2007/11/inappropriate-blog-entry-delivery.html)

Long story short, I took birthing classes and learned various relaxation techniques and was going to try to deliver without drugs but when our little guy didn't make an appearance, I got overly worried that he was going to end up being a 10lb baby that I'd have to have cut out. My doctor and I decided on inducing me. I was able to handle the pain for a while and then the contractions started at a rate and speed I could no longer handle. Within 15 minutes of receiving the epidural, the pain was reduced and I was very relieved and ready to continue the experience.

Good luck!

-Christie

24

I had a completely natural birth with the assistance of a doula and some doula-trained nurses at Adventist. My husband also read quite a bit of the Bradley book, and he was a big help as well. I can honestly say I truly enjoyed my natural birth, and now that I'm pregnant with my second one, I wouldn't go any other way, unless the life of the baby was at risk. The pain was... natural! I felt like I was watching my body do something it was trained to do my whole life. I had read a lot, so I understood what the pain meant and that it would soon be over, and that the reward would be a beautiful baby! I chose to work with my body, change positions when the pain got to be too much. I accepted what came, knowing that I would very likely throw up, and not remember bits and pieces. But I remember more about my natural birth than my friends with epidurals! The pain afterward, to me, was worse than the pain during. My butt felt like it had exploded! However, I seemed to be okay just taking IBprofen. I have an allergy to percoset and vicoden. The high from my natural birth carried me through those first few days, and the nurses said that this was also a side-effect of a natural birth. Women with epidurals often don't get the pain-dulling, high-flying, very alert phase. It's like a runner's high. A natural birth is the hardest workout you'll ever get, but it's the funnest and the the most thrilling. Yes it hurts! But it's a centuries-old, ancient hurt that God has prepared our bodies to handle. The power you will feel in yourself during a natural birth is incredible! Go for it!

25

I have two boys and their births were very different. The first time, labor was very long and difficult and I had an epidural (which didn't really work that great). The second time, my son came so fast that I almost didn't make it to the hospital. I had zero meds (not even an IV). I think that second births usually go faster, therefore, making is easier to go natural. I was in a lot of pain, but it was only really bad for about 15-20 minutes. I think some of the factors are really out of your control and you need to be educated and open about possiblities, so that you can make important decisions as you face them.

26

I had natural childbirth for all three labors and the least painful was the one home birth. I think because the environment is so much more relaxing and I'm in my control of my environment. The pushing with my biggest baby was painful right at the very end but not unbearable. I also used a birthing tub which helped a lot! I recommend the book Birthing From Within about feeling empowered as a birthing woman. Its the best book on pregnancy and birth that I've read. I also was able the 3rd time to sink into my contractions and not resist them. Just trusting that each one was supporting my baby to come out and that if I aligned myself with them I could help them to open me up. It worked like a charm. Just know that whatever you do its okay, there is no failure in birth we all just do the best we can.

27

Heather,

I have had both.

With my first child, I wanted to go natural. I read up on it and mentally prepared myself. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that I should have also chosen a doctor and a hospital that was prepared for a natural birth. Long story short I labored for 52 hours. I was fortunate enough to still be able to squat with help and push out my baby. If I had not been able to squat and push, my little one would have come C-section.

With my second child, I knew I wanted to go natural, so sought out a group of Midwives in Tacoma, Pearl Place. I had health complications, so I had to deliver at a hospital. I chose a hospital that would accept midwives. This hospital also had two birthing tubs. I knew that if possible, I wanted a water birth. I was fortunate to have become friends with a doula who offered her services free to friends. She gave me Ina May's guide to Childbirth and several other books I can't think of right now. (If you are interested, let me know, and I will ask her for titles.) I prepared for the hospital trip, by packing things that would make the room "safe" and "homey" - my favorite music, lavender essential oil and rose essential oil, baby items, and a crock pot and wash cloths for applying warm compresses. When the day came, it wasn't simple. My water broke, it took 24 hours for contractions to start, I waited to go to the hospital, I had to have pitocin, but on my terms (They only used it to start labor and took me off as soon as my body took over.), i had to wait for the birthing tub. Once I got in the birthing tub, I was in control. I moved how I wanted and my little one was born in about 5 hours. The pain at the end was painful, but it wasn't excruciating. I knew what to expect the second time around, and I had mentally prepared for it. I also had the support of my midwife, doula, and husband who knew what I wanted. Not once did someone suggest "interventions." If one could say a birth was fun that is what I would say about my birth.

I hope that your birth is all that you want it to be. I will willingly recommend my doula http://www.agentlerbirth.com/ and the midwives at Pearl Place in Tacoma http://pearlplacewomenscare.com/. Also feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

28

Hi Heather,
I had a strange experience with the birth of my son (now 22.) I was given an epidural, but it only took on one side. That was a strange sensation. Then with my daughters birth (now 18), I waited too long and was unable to get an epidural. Now I'm not sure what your question is about. I was in labor with my son for 36 hours, and when the time came, he came flying out. I barely made it onto the deliverly bed and there he was! Now my daughter only took 8 hours from the start of labor to deliverly, but she didn't want to come out into the world. I had to push and push and the Dr. was going to used those "tongs" to grab her head and pull her out, but I didn't want a baby with "tong" marks on its head, so I worked harder to get her out, what a chore! My advice to you is go natural. Every child and birth experience is different. Your labor is going to be perty much just like your menstral peroids but harder and of course longer, one big cramp, but the rewards of giving birth are great, as you well already know.
Good luck to you and your family.

29

Natural childbirth is the most empowering time of your life, hard work but what satisfaction. I would strongly suggest you seek a birth preparation class with Birthworks trained educator if available in your area. they are different from other classes, they leave you in control and without fear. Check www.birthworks.com for a class in your area.
I have 4 children, 7 grand-kids, all born without pain meds. It is best for you and for your baby.

30

After personally seeing 40-50 live births and the stark contrast in atmosphere, patient comfort between epidurals and natural births, there wasn't a doubt in my mind I wanted an epidural with my first. I'm sure there is a euphoria with natural births when it is over, as is anytime something extremely painful is over, but you just have to decide if it's worth enduring the pain. With my epidural, I had absolutely no pain with the birth at all, not even a twinge of pain. We relaxed and laughed the whole time until I was ready for pushing. If you experienced pain with an epidural, then it wasn't dosed right. If you start experiencing pain and have an epidural, you should ask the anesthesiologist for more medication in your epidural. The epidural does NOT go straight to the baby as one post suggested, it stays in your spinal fluid and is broken down and cleared. IV pain medications do go straight to the baby. Generally with the second baby, it goes so fast that you really need to have an idea if you want an epidural or not before you get there. In most cases, when the pain gets really bad toward, it is too late to get an epidural. Then if you can't stand the pain, your only option is IV drugs, which definitely goes straight to the baby. So I wouldn't consider an epidural a back up option in case the pain gets too bad. Also, keep in mind that the pain you experienced with the epidural with your first birth is only a fraction of the pain you would experience with no meds at all. Hope this helps you make an informed decision!

31

Hi, I had a natural child birth and it was fine, until they decided to give me pittocin (can't spell) to hurry up the process after 20hrs. After they gave me the pittocin it was very painful, for about 1 1/2 hours it was bad enough for me to want drugs, but it was too late. The baby hormones kicked in after and I can't really remember it. I didn't tear, so my recovery was easy once my daughter was out it was fine, no pain. I think every woman should get a chance to have a natural birth (if they choose). It was a great experience, I would recommend giving it a shot. Good Luck! Angela

32

okay, I had c-section with the 1st, epidural the 2nd and all natural with my 3rd. Trust me, go with the natural. It was so easy to recover from. It was over so quickly. I believe the epidural delayed the birth of our second child. I was going for the natural until the hosptial nurse found out that I had a c-section less than two years ago and she advised me to get the epidural in case of complications during pushing... uterus errupting.. ugh.. so I decided to get it. It was better to be safe than sorry. I think I was almost all the way there before I even got it. It was another 3 hours!!! until it was over. They missed the first 2 times and then until I had my second child, no one could touch this "funny bone" area in my back. I had back problems before and this added to that.

Natural... hmmm... it's so funny and amazing how God had everything worked out. It was painful. But, I knew what to expect, because of my trial with the second. BUT, when it was over, it was OVER! I felt so good. No need for recovery and no need for them to wait for all the side effects that could kick in. It was the way to go.

Most of all, it made me appreciate the birth more!

I think it was best for our health.

Good luck.

Thanks for listening.

33

Hey there Heather,
I just had my little girl three months ago so it's still fresh in my memory. I was hooked up to Pitocin for about 36 hours, six hours with my water broke. After those six hours of no drugs I asked the nurse to check my progress. I was only a small three (I was a loose two when I was hooked up to the Pitocin in the beginning). I was in bad pain so I asked for the epidural (I was trying to use the Bradly method, oh well) and three hours later I was dialated fully. Then I only pushed for an hour. We had a little "oopsie" with my epidural (I had a bad contraction as she was inserting the cathoder into my spine) and only one side of me was numb. The pain on my left side (the not numb side) wasn't bad at all, just a slight pinching sensation. Although when they went to stitch the tear I called out some not nice things:) If I have another one, I am going to try to use the Bradly method again. Hope this helps. And good luck!! (Remember it's a wonderful experience even if you do get the epidural. The idea is for you to enjoy the experience, not look back and cringe.) Feel free to cantact me if you have any more questions! (ps. I didn't take any ibu or tylenol after her birth, just a few diapers packed with ice and witch hazel pads!)

34

I have 2 children, my first no epidural/drugs, the 2nd I had the epidural. Both were wonderful experiences but the no drug one was physically more taxing due to the pain involved of labor. After the 2nd with the epidural I had more energy to be up and around sooner.

Either way you can try to hold out for a while and then if it gets too bad take the epidural. My uncle once said to me do you get an extra prize for not taking the epidural, no then take the pain medicine!

Neither way is right or wrong just your choice.

35

Hi Heather,
I had three babies naturally, two in water. I don't think I have a particularly high pain tolerance. I found that my first birth was the most 'painful' but mostly because I was working too hard before I needed to. Whenever I would lie down on the bed, the pain would be intense, so I walked and moved around, got in and out of the tub. I had a doula, and she was my cheerleader, and also suggested many of these things. I think it was painful because I started pushing way too early.

But, the pain wasn't really all that much. Being in water really made a difference. I wanted to feel labor, so I wasn't interested in an epidural, and if I could move and moan and do what I wanted to deal with the sensations, they were not painful. My son was born in the water, and I think that really helped make crowning easier. After the birth, there was NO PAIN. Simply euphoria. And, within a day I had completely forgotten that there was any pain, ever.

I got some advice from my other mother friends before my second baby, and that was to wait until I felt the urge to push within my body, not to do it before, or listen to anyone else, that way I would not be working too hard too soon. It worked. It was amazing. I gave birth to my daugter on my hands and knees. It was work, of course, but I don't remember it as pain, because there wasn't that kind of urgency on my part to push, it's such a big part of all the births we see on tv, etc. She wriggled out and since then I have recommended hands and knees highly!!

My third child, also a daughter was born in the water and My whole active labor was pretty short. Again, I remember it being hard work, and at sometimes wanting to get away from the sensations becuase they were so intense, but coming out on the other side of that feeling, and pushing her out in the water, she was so peaceful and so was I, it was amazing.
The pain afterwards for each of the births was nearly nothing. I think birthing in a position other than flat on my back with my legs spread wide apart was extremely helpful in not tearing. I also did yoga throughout and in between my pregnancies, and although I forget about that, it probably helped a lot.

I think changing my mindset--and getting reminders to do so from my doula, husband and midwife, about the pain, that it is a useful, interesting sensation that takes my full attention, helped a lot. It works for some people! I also recommend reading Ina May Gaskin's books for lots of positive birth stories. We took bradley classes, too.

May you have a beautiful birth!

36

I have one child and I had natural child birth..When I went in to have her I planned on going as long as I could without resorting to an epidural.I slowly began to have cramps,similar to strong period cramps.As they grew stronger I noticed there was time in between to catch your breathe.(They were manageable,not unbearable)
I used one technique I learnt in my childbirth class that I think got me threw it.I got in the shower!!! I had a warm shower and my husband gently rubbbed my belly slowly.This lasted an hour before the real labor began!
I think nature kicks in and cuts off all senses except the push part.
I would recommend natural to anyone willing to"hang in there".
I felt great after it was all over and needed no recoup time.
Good luck on whatever choice you make,and congratulations

37

I have two children. My first I got an epidural, but my doctor allowed it to wear off after about a half hour of my two hours of pushing and with my second I had a epidural for the whole thing. A good friend of mine has not had an epidural for either of her children and has gone through the bradely birthing classes for both of them. I have had wonderful memories about my birthing processes and all she can ever talk about is how awful it was. That has led me to decide that on future children I will not go naturally, due to the fact that I don't want to remember such a wonderful thing in a bad way.

38

Hi Heather

Congrats! Up until my sister's experience I thought of going natural. My sister had a very hard experience with natural birth. She was in so much pain exhausted and frustrated because nothing was subsiding the pain. I even cried for her. After an all day/night experience she ended up with an epideral. I know so many people who have had that same experience.

I have had two wonderful birthing experiences with an epidural and wouldn't do it any other way. I had my favorite music playing in the background and had a smile on my face when I saw the head peaking out. It made me push even harder and I never had an ounce of pain (other than a few contractions/epidural shot). It was an amazing experience!

It's your experience so I wouldn't discourage it. I don't think either way makes you a better person/mother... whatever you choose do it for you! Just make sure you know that if you can't take the pain at a certain level it might be too late for an epidural. You might want them to alert you at the time so you keep that option available to you. Just pray when it's tough...Good luck! MP

39

Hi Heather, WOW have you gotten a lot of information to digest.I have not read the Bradley Method but I do understand that it is a great way to birth as long as you practice it before hand. Another book mentioned was Birthing From Within, I read that one when I was pregnant with my twins. And found it extremely influential in my decision.

As I was pregnant I came to the realization that I had two options, either a medicated c-section or a home natural birth. At the hospitals that I visited before deciding on a home birth said that I would have to have an epidural, which I didn't want. I have serious issues with people coming near my spinal cord! I did not want to deal with the side effects.

Due to Oregon law I had to have my twins at home. Both came out breech, and I had no pain. There was discomfort when the babies were coming down the birth canal. My son being the first had to pave the way and occasionally there was some burning as I pushed too hard for the canal to stretch.

Since I have had my babies I have been reading books by Ina May Gaskin, she has been a pioneer in bringing back midwifery. She started with no formal training and has birthed more babies than many OB/GYN's. Her philosophy is to keep yourself loose and in loving touch with your partner. She encourages women to kiss their husbands as the "rushes" (her term for contractions) come one using them as a form of energy rather than pain. I plan on using her techniques for my next birth which is going to be down the road in a couple of years. Ina May has found that the looser you are and the more you look at child birth as a natural thing and relax rather than trying to hold the pain, the less 'pain' and the more 'high' you get from the endorphins that are naturally occurring in child birth.

Statistics show that if you start with an epidural, the more likely you are to have further interventions. Women who get epidurals tend to have a harder time breastfeeding, as it does affect babies. You can verify this online through La Leche League and Dr. Sears's website. AS I have not had a hospital birth I can't verify this from my own personal experience, but I have heard of it from many of my friends who have had a hospital birth.

Ok I know I have written a book and I apologize for that. I hope you read it in it's entirety and can take something away from it. Each choice is individual and you need to look at whether or not you want to have drugs or not. It's not something that you can try or not try. You have to be wholly invested in giving birth naturally. If there is even the slightest bit of doubt then you will opt for the drugs.

Feel free to email me if you would like more support or information.

Sarah

40

I have done both. I have a 12 year old and a 6 year old, who have the same father.
I had my 12 year old without an epidural, unwillingly. Having an epidural was always in my birth plan, but my birth went very fast and there was no time. Yes, it went quick, yes, I only pushed for 10 minutes, yes, everything went fine. But the pain of it was burned into my memory for years to the point where, I really didn't want to have anymore kids. I couldn't even look at a woman in a movie or T.V. show giving birth without KNOWING what it felt like. I don't want to be negitive, but you can take all of the Birthing classes you want, but once you are in labor, it all goes out the window.
I had my 6 year old obviously, 6 years later. He had medical issues to where we knew he had to be taken to Children's Hospital as soon as he was born. We knew well in advance. We also lived on an Island, and I was having the baby in Kirkland. Being that my birth was so quick the first time, I was induced so I wouldn't give birth on the ferry. I was induced, I had an epidural (yes, I told the Anethesiologist I loved him, with my husband standing right there), and for the exception of the stressful situation of the baby, it was wonderful. My husband told me that it went from High Stress to Low Stress as soon as my epidural kicked in. I told my husband had I had an epidural the first time, I wouldn't have waited so long to have our second, and would have have 10 babies that way. That was 1 day after I had him, and didn't have any pain killers afterwards.

Afterwards, for me, it was the same. I didn't feel the need to take any painkillers afterwards. If I was given something right after the birth, I really wasn't aware of it. I had both of my babies at night (7:12pm and 11:47 pm), but I really didn't sleep the night they were born. I don't sleep well when I am in strange places-when I stay at a hotel, I sleep better the second night than the first night. I had a prescription for Vicodin after I had my second baby, and I filled it when he was 3-4 days old because my hips hurt so bad. I carried both of my boys way inside of my back, so my hips hurt when they were going back to where they were. I would think the pain afterwards is going to be the same. I think your pain might be determined by how big the baby is. Both of my boys were 7 pounds. But it was the same for me.
Healing time, I believe everyone is different. I am one who bounces back, and has to be told to sit down. I healed the same with the epidural as when I didn't have it. I had the type of epidural where I had control over how much I wanted. I wanted to feel the contractions, a little, but I was still able to push (I pushed my 2nd son in 15-17 minutes). My doctor told me she had been practicing for 20 years, and had never seen anyone who pushed as well as I did, so I'm not a normal pusher. Most women push for 45 minutes or more. But, I was able to get out of bed less than an hour after I had my second son so I could say good bye to him before he went to Childrens (there was a doctor & a nurse there, I kicked my legs and wiggled my toes for them, but was in a wheelchair to go to Special Care Nursery).
I have had friends who had natural childbirths-2 separate friends both had 4 kids a piece, they never had an epidural. But they also have a high pain tolerance, seriously.
Everyone is different-if this is something that you want to try, go for it. But there is no shame in getting an epidural.

37 year old SAHM of 2 amazing boys ages 12 and 6. Married to loving, patient husband and a great dad for 17 years.