natural birth or epidural?

[meagan05]

I am very very confident in doing a natural birth. I don't want to have any drugs what so ever. I know that things may change once the time comes considering this is my first child and im only 24w 4d but I feel so confident. What are opinions for both sides? Which would you prefer? I have spoke to many women at my job and most say if they could redo it, they wouldn't get the drugs. If you have done it natural, what are some tips? Thanks :)

[ShellyLette]

I plan on going in there with an open mind. I'm going to try it without meds but if it gets too intense I have no shame in getting the epidural.

[meagan05]

Yeah thats how im looking at it right now. I want to do it natural but if the time comes and I cant handle it ill do the epidural, I just want more opinions or stories from both angles

[KensleysMom]

Unless there is a health risk im doing it aall natural. Im not a fan of being drugged and being confined. If it was an option I would have a home birth.

[meagan05]

Im not that brave for an at home birth lol but that's awesome. My main fear is having to get a c section.

[KensleysMom]

Yes, me too. There is a study that says epidurals lead to some women c sections because the woman isnt able to respond to her body. I dont want to feel like I set myself up for failure. If I do have a c sect

[MrsCookii]

I experienced a natural already and im not doing it again! I have much respect for women who keep doing the natural birth. I am glad that I got the chance to experience it but I will be the first to admit that, that pain is no joke! Give it a shot but once you stay and get to the worst part and wanna request meds there is not point because by time tge Doc comes and does the epidural your almost done.

[KensleysMom]

...c section ill feel alot better knowing that it was that i did everything possible.

[meagan05]

Yeah a co worker of mine was in labor for 3 days because she was going to do it natural and was at 4 or 5 centimeters dialated and then she couldn't take it anymore and got the epidural and she said it completely stopped her progress and by the time she was fully dialated everything had worn off and she could feel everything. She regrets getting drugs big time.

Well kudos for doing it once though mrscookii :)

[Ashdub07]

I had 2 all natural no meds and I would rather do a home birth but hubby said no way so I am looking into the birthing center at my hospital. I want as unassisted as possible

[kenziehutch]

I feel the exact same as you. I'm 30 weeks ftm...I plan on doing natural. I feel like I am strong enough to do it.  

[meagan05]

Ashdub, that's awesome :) and kenziehutch, good luck! You will expierence it before I do. :)
Does anyone doubt you guys? It feels the only person believing in me to do it is my husband and that's frustrating at times cause id like more support

[KensleysMom]

Well all those doubters will not be in the room with you so they don't matter.

[MrsCookii]

A lot of us are strong enough to do it because we all want are babies out and I do think everyone should give it a chance at least once but I also now understand why people want the meds. I will tell yall the worst part of it and its not to scare you, its just to prepare you! The worst part for me was feeling every single rip and the best part is when you get to hold your baby, u dont feel anymore pain! Thank you meagan05

[MrsCookii]

Kensleymom is correct they dont matter the one you will need will be right next to you. Good luck ladies<3

[sunshine9985]

I'm doing natural but have too because epidural can cause blood clots to be worst and I take lovenox for my blood clots

[Ashdub07]

I get people all the time who say just get the epidural it's there! But it is my personal choice not to. My sisters had epidurals and they did beautifully during their labor. My husband is always afraid for me during my labor because of the intensity but luckily my bestie is my birthing coach ( and godmother to my girls ) and she is so good for me when hubby's freaking out she is a rock! But I feel like MY body was made to do this and I want to give my babies the best start possible.

[Lanny_Licorice]

I had a natural birth and would do It again If I knew for sure I wouldn't tear next time around, lol. I honestly thought that was the most painful part. I went In wantin' a natural birth and the doctors were pushing me to have an Epidural sayin' that I wouldn't be able to handle It, I kid you not. It made me want to do It even more to prove 'em wrong. I did, however, begged for the Epidural towards the end when It was too late, but In the end, I'm glad I didn't have one...other than the tearing... only time I wish I had It, lol. Only advice I can give Is to stay strong and focus on your breathing and prove those doubters wrong! After I got the breathing down, It went more smoothly.

[meagan05]

Mrscookii, I've been told that before lol one of my friends even said she felt the nurse holding her open making room for the baby. Its always good to hear those parts as well to better prepare yourself so im glad you mentioned it :)
Kensleysmom, that's a good way of lookin at it. Even my doctor seemed to be like "yeah right" lol but she doesn't know me or the strength I have so it didn't bug me.

[Ashdub07]

With my last baby I delivered her I was only dilated to 6 cm. she wasn't waiting and I remember grabbing my husbands shirt and screaming please just let me die! Haha but oh it was so worth it!

[meagan05]

Sunshine, well I hope everything turns out good for you.
Ashdub, I know I get those looks where people say im crazy and won't do it lol
Lanny_licorice, yeah I've heard of the doctors "scaring" women into it. Thanks for the advice! :)

[meagan05]

Ashdub that is so funny! Lol I picture myself saying to my husband, "you did this to me!" Lol

[Ashdub07]

It's funny cuz when the contractions got really strong he was playing solitaire on his phone and I looked and my friend and said you might as well be my husband cuz that mother effer is playing on his Facebook while I'm having his baby! So now he calls her the "baby daddy" haha!

[MrsCookii]

Meagan05 how I see it is the best way to prepare for it is by getting all the good and bad about it but someone women would like to just say oh it wasnt that bad. Its bad but it doesn't last forever. Think of it like at tattoo some tattoos are extremely,painful but you still get it cause its gonna look nice and you really want it.  It hurts but its worth the pain and when they say push... You gotta push like you never pushed before lol

[KensleysMom]

LMAO ashdub. You have inspired me to use labor to just be a b**** to him because ill have an excuse. Even if im not in that much pain I might use labor as an excuse to get somethings off my chest. I think doctors try to pressure women because it makes their job easier.