delivery without epidural

[katie_1989]

Are any first time moms planning to deliver without an epidural or pain medication? Do any moms who have done this have any advice or suggestions?

[Shohna]

i got to the hospital way too late (10cms) for anything but gas and air..it hurts but its doable if you are calm and focus.ie dont scream/shout but breathe through the contractions..i would just say after reading a few comments that if you dont have an epidural and you tear they do numb you..i had gas and air then they inject u to numb u down there and then stitch you up..so dont think ull feel it all..u definitely dont!

[saraj44]

I had both of my first 2 babies 100% naturally. A lot of people say they want to go med free but they can't handle the pain and end up getting the epidural. It's was tough but so worth not having all the meds. After birth I felt great.

[ladyhawk83]

i'm going pain med free! watch "the business of being born" .... free on youtube. it's a great documentary. i trust my body and i have a strong will and a supportive partner. i know i can do this!  

[jjolfert]

I wanted to go epidural free with my first but my daughter ended up being sideways and it made my contractions super painful. Even my l&d nurse said I had a really high pain tolerance. Because I wasn't progressing and they had to turn her, I got an epidural. I recovered just fine. Was walking within an hour of giving birth and my daughter was OK (minus some complications with how she was positioned). She's happy and healthy so I really don't think the drugs did anything to affect her. That being said I'm going to try for natural again this time but I won't feel guilty if I have to get pain meds. Just remember it's pain with a purpose. And you get a bit of a break between each contraction so it isn't too bad. At least from what I experienced. I did 5 hours hard labour with my water broken before I got the epidural.  

[organicmama]

Haven't done it yet but we are taking the natural childbirth classes (5 weeks worth) and I strongly recommend them! We have learned a ton about positions and relaxation and using pressure on different parts of the body to reduce pain and open up the pelvis and such. Also all about breathing and anatomy and understanding what labor involves. Very useful, especially for hubby to be able to be more supportive and confident.

[Mumofboys28]

I only used gas and air for 27 hours of active labour, with 3 hours of pushing, vacume extracting and bad tearing, I beged for an epidural but unfortunately there was no one to give me one (too manny emergency birthday te night my son was born) but honestly I'm glad it turned out that way, you will be amazed and surprised what us women can handle and now I know I can do it without an epidural I'm hoping that this time I won't need it either, good luck, hopefully you won't either

[Neriummom]

My hubby and I planned on a drug free birth for our first son (the bradley method) but it didn't pan out that way. I was induced at 41 weeks BC my body wasn't showing any signs of dilation or cervix softening. Plus I was having high blood pressure which then bumped me to a high risk pregnancy. I was thankful for the epidural BC it helped me to relax as I was in labor for 19 hours. I was most scared about getting the epidural than anything else. In the end I didn't even feel the epidural being done, I still felt my legs and lower body which was great BC I could feel the contractions and I was able to dilate BC the sharp edge was taken off. The pressure is still all there but all in all it was not my first choice. My son and I were both healthy in the end! Plus I'd take an epidural over a c section any day! Im due with baby #2 tomorrow and I don't want to be induced or get an epidural. Hope it goes as planned this time! Happy pushing!

[norahbee3]

I had the epidural with both my daughters and thank the Lord I did..i tore both times badly and couldn't imagine getting that many stitches down there and feeling it all happen!!

[toshey]

My first son I was med free up until 8cm which was 12 hrs.. when I finally begged for the drugs, they gave me an hours worth of an epidural shot and did not hook me up to the drip.. let's just say it took almost 3hrs to push him out with the help of the vacuum. This time, I want the epidural almost as soon as I can. That **** is no joke ladies. That kind of pain would be manageable in short periods, but a 17 hr labor is exhausting.

[DeAyunimommy]

With my first I had a epidural was in labor for 6 hrs pushed five times she was out I was chickened out & got the epidural lol but it wasn't a bad experience I could feel her coming out a little bit I had to get stitched up but I was still numb so I was kinda glad I got it but with my son I was 7cm when I got to the hospital so I couldn't get one I was scared because of the pain I was in labor for 2hrs with him push few times I screamed thru it & it was over it didn't hurt as bad a thought it would it depends on your pain tolerance if you can take contractions you can take a birth

[owl_knows]

It's not worth the side effects. I can go a day or two in pain compared to a life time of a messed up back. That's the plan anyway.  

[sglow]

Had no pain relief with my first pregnancy. The contractions were a killer but to be able to feel the urge to push was such a relief that I couldn't imagine being numb from the waist down. Plus I've heard from too many people the side effects of back pain an epidural can give you. So for me it's going to be a period of tolerating labour pains with just breathing techniques and then gas and air as opposed to risking a lifelong back problem.

[Elena2220]

I tried to go as long as I could without meds and made it to 6cm but couldn't handle the pain.  You can always try it without but just be reassured that the meds are there

[m0mmy_cruz]

With my 1st I was in labor for 19hrs because I didn't want any pain med or an epidural... Ended up getting the epidural n she was born an hour later. With my second I got to the hospital n I was 8cm already, got admitted right away n then got stuck at 8cm for 4hrs, ended up getting an epidural n had him a lil less than an hr later. Both pregnancies I was told that if my body wouldn't relax I wouldn't open anymore n I probably would end up needing a c section. I plan on getting it again this time, I thought I hd a high tolerance for pain but I really don't. Plus once u deny it and then change ur mind u might possibly not end up getting it due to the anesthesiologist being away n busy... Good luck..!

[mrcorman]

I am doing med. free!  My husband and I have taken the 12 week Bradley method class and we feel so informed and ready! This is my first baby and I am so glad I have a wonderful support system!! My heart aches and I pray for women who are struggling and alone! I just keep trusting in the Lord to get me through!

[rina2015]

I was also more terrified of the medications then the pain. Had Two without any drugs. Birthin tub and shower really helped with my first

[nickizzy]

I'm planning on epidural, with my anxiety disorder I just know I can't do it on my own and I had an epidural 14 yrs ago with my first and it was great. You can still feel pressure and some cramping but not ripping pain. Depends on your labor and pain tolerance, I was in active labor for 14 hours so can't imagine doing that drug free and I'm allergic to pethadine. If you want natural just try your best but don't feel like a failure or get upset if u end up needing pain relief everyone is different and labor is hard just do what feels best for you

[kitcat2015]

I plan on no pain meds myself.  Terrified, but I'm more scared of the potential side effects of the drugs.  I plan on breathing techniques and probably a warm shower.

[katie_1989]

Thanks everyone.  Im more scared about my anxiety and being nervous! But obviously scared about the pain too!

[imaslice]

My first birth was pain medicine free and planning to do it again. I can't imagine trying to move a baby out without being able to feel what's going on. I liked being on my hands and knees leaning over the back of the bed or over a birthing ball. Heating pads and back massages were good. It was only really painful for a few hours and after it was so nice to be able to walk around and stretch.

[mandajayne0333]

With my first it was drug free and the thing that got me through most of it was the shower in the labor room.  Either my partner or the midwife held the water over my back. Best of luck girls. :)

[Alfredreka]

I'm going drug free as week.  I'm more scared of the drugs than the pain!

[CandyseAlyse23]

I'll be a first time mommy and I have absolutely no intention of pain medication. Ive done a lot of research on side effects and I just can't do that to myself or my baby. If you plan on the same, make sure you have a very strong support partner to help with the breathing, relaxing, rhythm,  etc. Or look into a doula. Good luck!