Aa
epidural vs. natural...
who is getting an epidural and who is going to go naturally?
im going to try and have her naturally.
&& if i cant then im going to go as far as i can without an epidural.
im going to try and have her naturally.
&& if i cant then im going to go as far as i can without an epidural.
My daughter was delivered completely naturally in 2007 and it was a wonderful experience. Dont get me wrong, it was the hardest thing I ever did, but very satisfying and we went home with her 4 hours later.
I want to deliver my twins naturally this time as well.
I want to deliver my twins naturally this time as well.
Have you read up on all the benefits of breastfeeding? Dont take offense, I just think you should really do your research and at least give it a try :)
thats neat. im from mooresville.
my doctor hasnt really talked about bottle feeding or breastfeeding. but im going to bottle feed anyways
my doctor hasnt really talked about bottle feeding or breastfeeding. but im going to bottle feed anyways
I thought I'd keep the bottle of formula until I know how the BF is going, if BF is going great, I will definitely donate the bottle, I know that many people would want it. I'm just dissapointed and upset that they push it on you so early when no one has even given me an orientation on pro's and cons of BF vs formula and specially when I specifically said that I want to BF. I could go on and on. I think its dissapointing and I will definitely complain about it to my midwife next appointment.
Well i am wanting to try to have her naturally at first then if i cant do it then have the epideral.. so i am wanting to feel the pain i hate to say that i want to know whats goin on with my body and not worry about the sideeffects oof an epideral..
I have never had a natural birth, i'll have a c section. I had one with my first and I'm choosing to do it with my second as it puts less stress on my already stressed heart. I'm also not allowed to BF because I have to take so many meds......
WOW! I can't believe they have already sent you home with formula! My hospital and Dr's office is definately Pro-BF. I live in GA, so I'm not sure if its regional or not. My hospital staffs enough lactation consultants so that one is available at every brith so that as soon as baby has been checked (in the room w.mom) they can go straight to the breast. In fact, they really want you to try it even if you think that you are going straight to formula bc every day of BF is a plus. Also - the epidural thing - my hospital requires that you take a class before you can have one. No class = no epidural. So, don't go into labor in my neighborhood if you aren't from here and expect to get an epi! I knew I would want one all along, so I was told about the class and that was that, so i'm not sure if they pressure other moms that want to go natural. I have a fealing not bc all of the classes focus on natural childbirth, but like I said I don't know.
Also - definitley donate the formula!!! There are so many moms that have a hard time providing for their babies - better be put to use than wasted. Still in shock that they go as far as to push it on you like that though!
Also - definitley donate the formula!!! There are so many moms that have a hard time providing for their babies - better be put to use than wasted. Still in shock that they go as far as to push it on you like that though!
It sounds like every hospital is different! I have never felt pressured to use drugs, get an epidural, schedule a c-section, etc. In fact, in 3 labor-and-deliveries, the word "epidural" has never been mentioned! Maybe because I use midwives instead of a doctor?? Still, a doctor came in and delivered my first at the last minute... (she was showing signs of distress, unbeknowst to me) and never mentioned it, either.
As far as the formula goes, don't be insulted. Just give it to someone who can use it or leave it at the hospital and ask them to donate it to someone else. Formula is *SO* expensive (grocery stores have to keep it under lock and key!), that I wonder how many working-class mothers manage to afford it. Of course breast is best, but freebies are always nice, too. = ) I'll probably keep the samples "just in case" I have to switch to formula, or for when I go back to work.
As far as the formula goes, don't be insulted. Just give it to someone who can use it or leave it at the hospital and ask them to donate it to someone else. Formula is *SO* expensive (grocery stores have to keep it under lock and key!), that I wonder how many working-class mothers manage to afford it. Of course breast is best, but freebies are always nice, too. = ) I'll probably keep the samples "just in case" I have to switch to formula, or for when I go back to work.
I live in Charlotte NC. I actually thought it was offensive to get a bottle of ready to use formula at 26 weeks pregnant. The C-section rates and the breastfeeding rates in this region are terrible, I looked it up and it was highly dissapointing. I think its deffinitely a regional thing.
I am not from here, so maybe that's why I found it so shocking and almost insulting. A friend of mine that is from NC, moved to NY and had a baby in NY and she decided to use formula and everyone around her were shocked that she wasn't BF, where down here its the contrary, people are almost shocked if you decide to BF.
I am not from here, so maybe that's why I found it so shocking and almost insulting. A friend of mine that is from NC, moved to NY and had a baby in NY and she decided to use formula and everyone around her were shocked that she wasn't BF, where down here its the contrary, people are almost shocked if you decide to BF.
I'm wondering where you all live? Is pushing meds and formula a regional thing? Because, honestly, I've had two kids (on my third) in Southern California. Three different doctors, two different hospitals. And my experience with all of them was that they were VERY pro-breastfeeding and anti-meds, if you can swing it. My DD is almost 19, and even then they pushed breastfeeding, rooming in, etc. As far as birthing classes, natural childbirth was kind of the "norm", and doing it with meds was a side-note in all the classes. I guess I just find it kind of odd that any medical professional would push formula!
I had told the maternity coordinator at my doctor's practice that I am going to breastfeed well, that went in one ear and out the other because in my last appointment they gave me a "hospital bag" with a big bottle of pre-mixed formula that's "ready to use" I was actually really mad that they gave me this because they absolutely did not even pay attention to the fact that I don't want to use formula.
Apparently at the hospital they give you another bag with 2 cans of formula and they'll bring in the lactation consultant only if you request it.
So yeah, they push the formula on you.
I also heard that from the moment you walk into L&D they start offering the epidural.
Apparently at the hospital they give you another bag with 2 cans of formula and they'll bring in the lactation consultant only if you request it.
So yeah, they push the formula on you.
I also heard that from the moment you walk into L&D they start offering the epidural.
You probably don't HAVE to, but if the classes are like mine - I definately would. The class that DH and I went to was targeted towards a naturaly childbirth and definitely went through what to expect during all stages of labor. It may make you feel more comfortable having more knowledge.
do i have to take the birthing classes since in doing it naturally
I plan to do it naturally and the only way I will get an epidural is for a c sec.
I am going to try do it naturally. I basically consider my first natural as the epidural only lasted 4 hours of the 23 hours of labour. It ran out about 2 hours before I started pushing so I got to experience the whole birthing process naturally. 3 hours of pushing, vacuum and forceps. Not fun....said I would never do it again because it was sooooo painful. 8lb14oz dtr was well worth the torture and am looking forward to delivering another (not the pain but the end result).
I applaud you ladies going natural. I will be getting an epidural as soon as my dr. will let me. I have a heartrate issue that is only complicated by pain (pain increases heartrate) and don't want to take any chances.
I can't believe that some of your hospitals/birthing centers pressure you though with epidurals and formula. My hospital is SO for breastfeeding that if anything I would think they would guilt you into atleast giving it a try. I plan on breastfeeding so this isn't a problem. And so far no one has pressured me about an epidural, but it could be bc i have always planned on having one.
But - you gals going natural. WAY TO GO!!! I'm envious bc I don't think i have it in me!
I can't believe that some of your hospitals/birthing centers pressure you though with epidurals and formula. My hospital is SO for breastfeeding that if anything I would think they would guilt you into atleast giving it a try. I plan on breastfeeding so this isn't a problem. And so far no one has pressured me about an epidural, but it could be bc i have always planned on having one.
But - you gals going natural. WAY TO GO!!! I'm envious bc I don't think i have it in me!
I have had my first 3 naturally and will *definitely* continue. My babies have been fairly large (7.15, 7.12, and 8.1), so I hope this one is no bigger!!
For me, the epidural is not even an option; I have a deathly fear of needles and just thought of a needle in my back makes me want to cry. = ) I would rather be poked in the eye with a pencil!
On the other hand, my bf has had four babies. The first 3 naturally and the last with an epidural. She says "you don't know what you're missing!"
BUT, I agree with the other ladies, we were *made* to do this, and IMO, drugs should be a last resort. Good luck, you can do it! = )
For me, the epidural is not even an option; I have a deathly fear of needles and just thought of a needle in my back makes me want to cry. = ) I would rather be poked in the eye with a pencil!
On the other hand, my bf has had four babies. The first 3 naturally and the last with an epidural. She says "you don't know what you're missing!"
BUT, I agree with the other ladies, we were *made* to do this, and IMO, drugs should be a last resort. Good luck, you can do it! = )
I want to go all natural but I can't say until I'm there and I start labor. All I want is that the hospital, attendants, midwife, everyone respects my decisions and don't do stuff that I don't want them to do like, give me pitocin without my knowledge, guilt trip me into getting an epidural and mention the word cesarian until all other options have been ruled out.
I want my baby with me 100% of the time, I want to be able to hold him and breastfeed him right after I deliver and I don't want any nurses or anyone pushing formula on me. I know its easier, and it doesn't hurt but I want my baby to get the best stuff and that's my milk. I also don't want the hospital to give my baby any Hep B vaccines on the day he's born and I want to be consulted on EVERYTHING that they do to me and my baby.
I want my baby with me 100% of the time, I want to be able to hold him and breastfeed him right after I deliver and I don't want any nurses or anyone pushing formula on me. I know its easier, and it doesn't hurt but I want my baby to get the best stuff and that's my milk. I also don't want the hospital to give my baby any Hep B vaccines on the day he's born and I want to be consulted on EVERYTHING that they do to me and my baby.
Yeah, I didn't have an issue with the pitocin, either. My water had broken at the MD's office, so he sent me to the hospital. He said I could either wait for labor to start, or they could induce - either way, I wasn't leaving the hospital. So I chose induction. And, from the start of the drip to the delivery was just four hours. Worked great for me - although I know everyone has different experiences.
Tricia
Tricia
Also - with regards to taking pitocin, I had no problem with it. I had to be induced because my amniotic fluid was getting low. Once they started the pitocin I was fully dialted 2 hours later. (I was already 4 cm when they gave it to me) I did have an epidural to help me through it though. So I was happy to have the pitocin speed things along, of course I was also happy that I didnt have to feel the contractions.
ABSOLUTELY going to get the epidural. My son was 9.3 pounds and I pushed for 3 hours there is no way I could have done that naturally. I started to get sick and had a fever from the pain of the contractions so as soon as they say ok - Im getting that epidural! Then Im going to have a shot of tequila. Hehe, just kidding.
It's definately a personal decision. I would never tell someone they're crazy for going natural. I did it all-natural with my first. Things went fine, she was healthy as a little horse. It was a great experience, and I'm glad I did it. HOWEVER...lol...she was only 6.5 lbs. And I was young and strong and had much more tolerance than I do now. My second, I chose the epidural and thank God I did. He was almost 9 pounds and had big shoulders, so was stuck in the birth canal for almost two hours. I think I would have passed out if I could completely feel it. This time, I'm old and I'm tired and I'm a big sissy...so I'm definately going for the epidural again. Plus, I know this baby is going to be big also. Having said that...if you feel a conviction to go all natural, I think you should stick with it. Most doctors are very supportive of the decision...you just have to make sure everyone involved in the delivery knows your feelings when you are first admitted to the hospital. And make sure your birth partner is supportive of that decision and will advocate for you, should the need arise!
Tricia
Tricia
I guess it depends on how long I am in labor with this one and if I need pitocin like last time. My labor was disgustingly long with Noah, I couldn't take it anymore and like Isabelle said, pitocin makes it so much worse.
our society has convinced us that giving birth is impossible without doctors and medication... that's so far from the truth. We're made to birth children and your body is perfect for the job.
my only advise is: take classes, read up and get a doula. They know how to get you there through empowering you, not making you doubt your ability.
other thing: don't take ANYTHING to help progress the contractions... once you start pitocin, it's over because the pain is so unbearable (the pitocin increases the magnitude of contractions in an "unnatural" way, and once those super-contractions come, you'll be begging for an epidural).
I'm practicing self hypnosis that I learned in my hypno-birthing class... I've completely changed my mindset and although I expect it to be uncomfortable, I know I can do it, stand it, and bring my son into the world. I will be empowered.
go for it
my only advise is: take classes, read up and get a doula. They know how to get you there through empowering you, not making you doubt your ability.
other thing: don't take ANYTHING to help progress the contractions... once you start pitocin, it's over because the pain is so unbearable (the pitocin increases the magnitude of contractions in an "unnatural" way, and once those super-contractions come, you'll be begging for an epidural).
I'm practicing self hypnosis that I learned in my hypno-birthing class... I've completely changed my mindset and although I expect it to be uncomfortable, I know I can do it, stand it, and bring my son into the world. I will be empowered.
go for it
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