Natural or epidural? First Time Mom

[Mrs_Waterman2014]

I've been wondering about the pros and cons to each, I'm sickened by the thought of needles, especially going near my spin, but natural childbirth I've heard is exceedingly difficult. Which do you suggest for a first time mom? Also will I need stitches down there afterwards? Because I am extremely squeamish and the mere thought of stitches also makes me feel sick to my stomach. Thanks!!

[Mrs_Waterman2014]

Thanks for all the advice!!

[bs122165]

When it comes down to labor, you'll forget about all of your fears. If you have a birth plan you're already mentally preparing for what you want to do. I went into labor saying I was going to tough it out with no epidural and I did for both child births.

[Kailalaa]

I personally went for the epidural, I knew that I didn't want to deal with that type of pain full on. I'd questioned it at first but I didnt see the point of feeling it all if I didn't have to and it cemented my opinion as the contractions got worse lol. Everyone's different and everyone has something to say on it, but I'd still get the epidural with any of my next kids. It was great, numbed contractions enough where I could rest but I still felt the pressure down there (which does hurt) when it was time to push. You do still feel the baby pushing out too and yes it hurts but in the moment you hardly notice because you just want baby OUT.
I had a 1st degree tear on the inside that I never even noticed until my Dr told me she was going to stitch me up (which they did numb like above said and I hardly noticed because I was holding my new baby!). And the epidural didn't take long to wear off so that I could shower and move to the recovery room. And when they put in the epidural a nurse is holding you the whole time, its like a little pinch. Plus you never actually see the needle, I honestly don't even know how big it was.

Its totally up to you, but you're going to have an IV in you anyways, so I figured what's one more needle. Though I do have to say that if you plan to walk all the way through your labor/ sit in the shower to ease contractions, you can't get the epidural because you need to be bed ridden. Good luck! Try not to stress too much about it, and just remember to breathe, it really does help(:

[EmaleeJoy]

I had my son 4 months ago and I'm definitely a baby when it comes to pain. I was in labor for 29 hours, so I did have the epidural. I didn't tear or get cut, I healed fast and I was able to sleep until I pushed my son out since I hadn't slept the night before since I was in so much pain. I also only had back labor which I've heard can be far worse than regular contractions. My contractions went into my hips and even down into my thighs. But I do praise any woman that can do it naturally. As far as the needle, I was terrified also but once I was in paid for about 20 hours I begged for it. Lol. But it is by far your own option. I know some women plan on going natural and end up getting the epidural because of the pain, but they're also women that plan on getting the epidural but either decide not to, or don't have time to! Either way... You'll live through it to see your beautiful baby(:

[Mrs_Waterman2014]

Thanks for all the advice

[ChefBlu]

If you tear or have to get cut.. they will numb you before you get the stitches. I had a second degree tear and I didn't feel a thing while getting stitched.

[AbbyCampbell13]

I'm a Ftm and due in 4 days. I'm going to try too go naturally and I'm pretty sure I GOT THIS! But I'm glad I'm not the only one who is nervous about stitching and what not.

[ChefBlu]

I gave birth all naturally to my son three months ago. It was hard but if you relax and breathe and learn to let the contractions happen rather than fight them it makes it easier. My labor went pretty fast (7 hours). I wanted to go all natural because I wanted the full experience. I healed fast, felt like the recovery went a lot quicker, and I didn't have any back problems.

[Mrs_Waterman2014]

Thanks! I'm usually pretty good with dealing with pain. It's mostly the stitches I'm worries about.

[caangel94]

Hi, it's all up to you and how you feel about it really and how you think you'll deal with the pain, I'm pregnant with my 2nd baby now and had my first last year I knows I didn't want to even go near the epidural as I hate needles myself, I had a natural birth with no pain relief at all which I was surprised about it is painful but you've got to just try and cope with it, when I was having contractions they gave me gas and air but when I tried it it made me feel sick so I had nothing at all, I had to have stitches and they are uncomfortable but I'd just do what the midwife tell you when your pushing as the reason I had to have stitches was because I had to push my son out quickly as he was getting stressed and my contractions stopped but just try not to worry about it I'm sure everything will be fine, just go with what you wAnt to do but I'd try not make any decisions until your actually having contractions.