Really want to go natural

[lady_panama]

Everyone I meet keeps telling me to opt for an epidural. This is not what I want!! I want to prepare myself for a natural drug free birth (no judgement). Realistically, what is the pain like for giving birth naturally??

[xxtashaleexx]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to experience natural pain free birth i day good on ya for at least trying. My first i was induced so i had an epidural and my second all natural no pain medication it was bad and at the last 1/2hr it became unbearable due to pressure and very strong contractions which u feel u have no control and ur body starts pushing on its own its a very strange feeling but we all get through it (i have very low pain tolerance) this time (15wks to go!) I will be getting epidural if im able to.
Congrats and goodluck

[allisontaylormoseley]

Do what you want, and if you have people around you that are not supportive of your birthplan, then they need to leave. I labored naturally for 9 HOURS - one minute on, one minute off! Then, my cervix swelled and baby could not get out so I had to get epidural to reduce swelling. But I could have gone on for hours! The pain is totally bearable if you BREATHE!!!! Y ou have to breath in deeply, and push out your breath deeply. In a slow, rythematic way. I suggest closing your eyes and everyone should be quiet. I also liked having the lights dimmed. I went from sjower4, to bed, to tub in those 9 hours. Yes, it's painful, but nothing like torture. Just more like, "oh god this sux!" If you BREATHE and get into a meditational place you will be fine!! Surrounding yourself with supportive ppl is also key.

[Eiennie]

I was so adamant in going natural all the way to the delivery bed but gave up when it was just only 2cm dilated!!!!!! the pain was unbearable for me. Gave in to epidural and swoosh!!  Immediately I'm enjoying my delivery.  I would prefer a pleasant delivery and conserve my energy for later to push the baby out than to be in pain and miserable and exhausted

[mw89]

I think you can do it. Stay positive and remember its mind over matter. My first I had so many drugs that they kept pushing at me and I hurt because I dont remember much about her coming into the world. My second completely natural. It was beautiful and I remember everything so vividly.  I love thinking of the experience.  
My tips for you! The birthing ball is good to bounce on through contractions and it pushes baby down your pelvis more and faster! I had my "escape place" meaning I imagined myself somewhere relaxing and that I love. Mine was the ocean. Keep moving that helps with the pain. Dim the lights that's comforting.
Just remember you can do it!  Its not stupid to go all natural dont listen to negative people. This is your birth and your memories. You will love remembering everything after.

[mhv]

I say to for itn. You can change your mind up to a given point.  My twins were transverse, so c section for me, but I can tell you I never would have made it.  Lol...too painful for me!  Good luck :)

[hannahsmama13721]

I'm going with the epidural  but that's cuz I  have a very low threshold  for  pain.  My mama on the other hand  had 3 natural births (episiotomy  and all)  and she told me  that it's the most painful yet most beautiful  thing a woman  will ever experience.

[drained1sttimemom]

I want to do natural too. That's why I chose a midwifery center. But if I can't do natural they will transfer me to the hospital and if I get pitocin there, I will definitely opt for an epidural. I was told to watch hypnobirthing technique videos. I figure the pain may be bad but it won't kill me.

[3882964385550836860_943_5]

I have had 3 kids. I have never had an epidural, and I refuse to!  my 1st 2 were completely natural, my 2nd one at home. I would not have done it any differently.  My 3rd I had a e-c section, but my dr put me to sleep for that. If you feel that you don't want that then it is completely your choice, don't let other people try to tell you otherwise!

[LoveCake98]

You can do it if you prepare.  You know it's going to hurt.  I can tell you that the worst pain didn't  last long.  We prepared with Bradley method classes.  Learn to relax and if you're prepared for natural experience you will do it.  Don't let docs push you into being "managed" either.  My doc wanted to break my water but I told her I wanted it to happen on its own & naturally progress and doc respected my wishes.  Highly recommend laboring in whirlpool tub if possible.  It really helped me through discomfort and it was time to push in no time at all.  First contraction to delivery was gradual process of less than 10 hours for me.  When they start managing things with drugs the pain is not gradual sometimes and it can lead to worse outcomes/more pain I think.

[Mena78]

I had my first and second natural it does hurt a whole lot but I beared through it. The third I was in labor for 15 hours of natural and I was nothing but 5cm dialated. So I wanted a c-section I couldn't take any more. This time I pray every thing goes well and I can have her natural. Good luck to you you can do it.

[fparsons60]

Go for it! Don't let people put you off, but also keep any pain relief as an option.
I think it all depends on your way of coping with pain.
I had my first daughter at 24 weeks so cannot comment on the actual moment the baby crowns etc because she was only 1lb 9oz - however I was in labour for 18 hrs, 12 hrs of this I was 10cm due to my waters bulging.
So am well experienced with contractions lol
I did not have any pain relief, I just remember thinking "tomorrow it will all be over, this pain will not last forever!" And that's how I got through the contractions.
I'm 35weeks with dd 2 and am extremely scared for labour, which I think is normal no matter how many children you have but plan to try and cope with the pain the same way. Am always open to options if I feel it's getting too much though. I think the most important thing is to come out of labour happy! I don't want to not connect with my daughter because I found it so painful

[76Mommalizzy]

I say go for it. I did it 10 yrs ago and about to do it again. I stayed focused the whole time just breath calmly I never took any classes. It was more of a faith, spiritual move for me. It was beautiful I prayed and kept reminding myself it won't last forever and the joy at the end to see my gift from god. To me the pain was bearable. I'll be real the only time I let out a yell was the head. They call it the ring of fire but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. But no fear tht didn't last long at all just tht push. After tht it's over the rest pretty much slides out on the next few pushes. It was great I could walk around after wards it almost was like nothing happen because I didn't have the meds. I was almost scared to do it this time cause this baby is bigger but I'm not anymore I'm now mentally prepared and looking forward to see him in 4 weeks. Sorry it was so long and I wish u the best. Go for it!!!!!

[joziej]

Then you should go natural.  Don't let them induce you with Pitocin/oxytocin, this drug will increase your contractions and your pain to unnatural levels. This is why 95% of induced women get an epidural. Cervical ripening agents like Cytotec can also increase your pain significantly.  Let nature take it's course, don't let them try and hurry you along. All the best.

[APRILENA]

I had both my boys natural. Hurts like hell. But im against pain medication.  Once your baby is born the pain is gone. You never think about it again. Fo whats best for you! Good luck

[alyjay2015]

Bump

[wayfunmommy]

It's not that bad. I've broken bones that hurt worse.
The biggest tip I can give you is to research relaxation techniques. I prefer hypnobirthing.  The women who experience "hell" often are the ones who fight the pain. Give in to it. Relax through it and let your body do what it needs to do. The pain has a purpose.

[lady_panama]

Thanks everyone for your stories. If I have to have some meds then so be it, I just don't want that to be the first option. My doctor gave me a list of all these procedures and medications that the hospital uses for delivering, and I just don't want to be shot up with a bunch of meds until I decide that the pain is too unbearable.

[ashley_july123]

Its mind over matter... Try to hold off and labor as much as possible at home... I had an epi with first and natural with second and since I did both I know how they both are... My advice to you is don't tell everyone your going natural... They will only have negative things to say.. I'm pregnant again and I'm shooting to have a natural birth... By the time I made it to the hospital with the second one I was 5cm and baby came two hrs later.. Because the lady was right.. Every person pain level is different and its always a good idea to have your options open.. Its no joke but when the baby come out its all over..! Good luck.. And safe delivery!

[sunkisseddaisey]

It really depends on you're pain  tolerance , everyone handles pain differently and for some its worse than for others. I have had 3 babies thus far and all natural with no meds , it can be the worst pain imaginable but it can also be managed , our bodies were made for giving birth and enduring the pain men couldn't.  If you want to go natural then do it!! its your baby , your body and your choice!! but if you do end up getting meds it does not make you less a woman either.

[Dondyboo]

3 weeks left on no.4 and all my other 3 were born natural. .no pain relief and my last was 10lb 8, first 2 were nearly 9lb each.  My pain threshold is quite high and my labours are quick so the whole labour thing wasnt too bad.....wasnt a piece of cake by any means but managed without even gas and air.

If you feel like  you want to go natural then do that....but don't forget about the option of pain relief if you feel you need it.

best of luck xx

[Pandatrap]

I had a natural birth two months ago. At home too. I definitely don't regret it. I 'm 42 and I didn't think I could and the part that hurt the most was transition. Then it was right to pushing, which hurt, but felt sooo good at the same time, cause it was almost over! I was only in labour about 6 hours and it felt like bad cramps, but then you get a break and that period of relaxation... Whoo. Worth it, don't let anyone talk you into fear if you want natural. It's SO WORTH IT. if I'm lucky enough to get pregnant again, I'm ABSOLUTELY going natural.

[Pearl1982]

i commend you!!! For wanting to go natural. This is my first and at 25weeks I'm already having anxiety about the birth so in my case all the drugs that they can give me to get this baby out healthy and safe is what I will take.

At my hospital they have a birth plan I suggest you fill out a plan and let everyone know what your expectations are.

[Susinko]

Good for you!  You have to decide what is right for you and your baby.  Everyone feels birthing pains differently.  One lady I spoke to said it was like a hard pinch.  Uncomfortable, but manageable.  Mine were very very painful.  I tried to go natural, but after a few hours, went with the epidural. I'm glad I tried, but I'm going to go with an epidural with this one too.

But you should try natural first, if that is what you want.  But I would keep your options open too.

[kiki24115]

It's a personal preference see how it goes in labor and decide then...everyone's labor experience is different...