Natural Birth 0r Medication???

[redrosesrsweet]

So I tooked this 4 week class for soon to be parents. We talked about the choices of medication and how it works etc. I also have a few books that I got given to me and I read in them. I am worried about using any kind of medication just because of the cautions and everything that comes alone with it.
So I live in Toronto Ontario and only a few hospitals here have the option of the "laughing gas" I guess you can call it. And the hospital I am giving birth at does not have it there so that is no option for me. But as for the Epidural, Fentanyl and Pudendal Block, I have those options.
Okay so I heard that if you are breat feeding that they will want to keep you in the hospital until the baby is breast feeding well. With all those medications they seem to have side effect of making the baby have a hard time breat feeding. How common is that? I dont want anything to hold us back from being home right after birth because let me tell you I am such a light sleeper I doubt I will be able to sleep in a hospital so I want to leave as soon as I am able to.
I have been told as well, how long your mother was in labour with her first child depends how long you will be in labour. Which I believe, I have a good feeling about that, she was in labour for only 4 hours thats a bonus :) But I was considering a Epidural but now I dont even want one because of these reasons.
--> you will not be able to get up and walk around or anything like that it can take 2 up to 6 hours I think it was until it could wear off.
--> You have to be hooked up with the thing in your spine and a tube for you to pee in, I rather just be able to get up, I dont want to be cramped on the bed and feel more tired then what I am because I wouldnt be able to get up
--> and okay they say there is a possibility that having that medication can give you a hard time pushing because it numbs you out and they have to use these tools to pull out the baby if thats the case. And so with saying that with my moms first she had a epidural and the doctors had to end up using the tools to pull my brother out!! That sound horrible I dont want my baby to be pulled out with those things.

People say that labour and birth is so painful that most women rather have a c-section if they can, I am not one to get that because of the pain and heeling time and other complications of that other words, I rather have a natural birth, but could I handle it without the pain medication, I am so into the methods that can help you coping with the pain like the water therapy (sounds nice), but I just dont know if I can handle it without medication, but I want to avoid using medication because of the possible side effect. I have seen stories in movies and read a few things that women go through the killer pain of labour anf birth. How can I cope with it and try and stay away from taking medications. What do you think? Lots of advice would be great!!

[JoyRenee]

How long your mom was in labor is not indicative of how long you'll be in labor. Every pregnancy and birth is different and unique!

I had the epidural and shortly after giving birth (like an hour, maybe less?) I got up and was walking around my room. I was on shaky legs, but I could at least walk to the bathroom. And honestly you're not going to want to get up and walk around. You'll be tired and just want to hold baby.

After you give birth they'll unhook all of the IVs and the epidural. You won't be restricted to the bed. Just DURING labor. If you're worried about them using a vacuum or forceps to get baby out, just tell them to put the epidural on the lowest dose possible. You'll still be able to feel but it won't be as intense!

You could always try natural birth, water birth, etc. But that also depends on your doctor and hospital. Some have regulations (like it's mandatory to have an IV, for example). My sister gave birth 3 times without any pain medication.

It's good you've done your research but until you're actually there, you won't know what you'll do. When you're in pain you may be desperate enough (like I was) to not worry about side effects at the time. Then again if you've set your mind and heart to a natural birth, you may stick it out! Good luck and ENJOY giving birth!!! I loved giving birth and being in labor. I hope you do, too!

[luv2bmommy]

well you have really done your research on this one! you are very right about all your options, and the possible side effects of all of them. but in the end the choice is up to you, many women go in fully planning to give birth naturally then opt for the epidural, some plan on the epidural or other form of pain relief the whole time then get in there and like alaysha said, it may not work! I gave birth naturally twice. One 5 lb 4 oz baby, the other was 8 lbs 5 oz! I am 4'11 and my bone structure is small. I believe if I can do it anyone can! I never wanted to risk the side effects either, and yes it was painful, but worth it. Recovery was quick, and the moment after birth was SO amazing, I really enjoyed the experience. Good luck with whatever you decide! but I suggest going natural. just my opinion

[alaysha]

Honestly give birth isn't as bad as you would think. I opted for the epidural because I'm a baby about pain. It only worked on half my body and other than helping out before I pushed to relieve some of the pain I think that when it actually came to pushing I would of been fine without it. Pushing actually feels good when you are giving birth because you can't feel the contractions at all. Also I know that the length of time they keep you in the hospital depends on lots of different reasons. I had strep b so I had to stay there for 48 hours. Also I started breastfeeding right after I had her and really didn't encounted any problems. They were going to release me early at the hospital but the doctor on call wouldn't let me leave early because she considered me a "young mother" and thought I would benefit more from being there than going home early. I was so upset since all I waned to do was go home... but as soon as I was released I wanted to go back because everything was scaring me and I felt SO overwhelmed.  Hopefully this helps you at least a little in making some of your decisions.