With D-day exactly 2 months from today I've been thinking more about how I want to do labor this time around. With Teya I had an epidural after I got to a 5, and believe me, I thought I was dying at that point! Problem was, the epidural slowed down my labor, I fell asleep, and by the time I was ready to push it had worn off. I asked for another one and they gave it to me but then my leg was numb for weeks afterward and I had to see a neurologist to figure out what was up.
Anyway, so I guess the epidural, though wonderful and a huge relief, still wasn't the greatest experience because I just hated not being able to walk, feel my legs, know if I was even pushing, etc...Also Teya was super groggy when she was born from being so drugged up.
So I've been considering doing it natural this time but still need to do a lot of research and don't really know all the pros and cons. Plus, I honestly don't know if I'm up for that, though I guess if I was born 150 years ago it wouldn't be an option, whether I thought I was up to it or not! If anyone has researched this subject, gone through a natural delivery, or has any advice to offer up I'd greatly appreciate any insights I can get. Knowledge is power right?
15 comments:
I had epidurals with mine. I am sooo glad. But a lot of my friends have been having them natural and say it's easier in the long run. Remember Rachel QT? She just had her first and made it through without one. She put her birth story on her blog. Email me and I'll send you her link. nodrac@gmail.com
I had an epidural too. I was induced though, so maybe that's a different thing. I didn't like being numb but I sure liked not feeling the pain! I got it when I was a 5 too. I was a 3 when I went in so they gave it to me pretty quick. So I don't think I actually got to feel true labor pains. But what I did feel sure hurt and I'm not excited for that again any time soon:) I dunno what to tell you. My opinion is would you get your teeth drilled w/o novocane? I sure wouldn't! heehee. Hope that helps:)
I had what was called a intrathecal (sp?) which was a one time shot that just took the edge off. But that ended up not working and actually stopped my labor. I am pretty upset that I caved and got that, but it was my first time... I didn't know what it was going to be like. I have done A LOT of research about natural, since that is what I am planning on doing next,( and what I ended up having with Harper by the time I actually delivered :)) if you want to chat about it! I'm not against epidurals by any means, I just think our bodies know what to do, if we just trust them, it might just suck for awhile :)
Well Becca, I had one with Dax and it was fine, with Cameron I got to the hospital and when someone finally checked me I was dialated to a 9 1/2! It was intense but I still tried to get one and he was born before it could kick in--It was intense but with each I only had to push maybe 10 min....yeah I suck! That's where it gets complicated- How long did you have to push w/ Teya? If you where pushing for more than an hour, I worry--In the end go with what you feel is right for you--
Hmmm, that's a tough one isn't it? I think every woman is different. I know for me, I just always thought that I'd have the epidural, but when I was about 4.5 the nurse basically said it's now or never. At 4.5 the pain was tolerable (not bad), but I could see that the contractions were strong. I think it's what you think you'll be able to handle. I've had friends who have accidentally gone natural and have said the pain killed them. Others have said it wasn't all that bad. I think if you're a person who tolerates pain pretty well then go for the natural. Don't worry you'll make the right decision! :o)
I'm sure you'll get all kinds of advice... so I'll throw my experience out there too. When I walked into the hospital I was at a 7 and when they checked me again I was a 9. I had intended on going natural, so I was like-great, almost done! Well, I kept telling the nurses that I was numb...my face numb, legs numb, hands numb...and I didn't even have an epidural! They told me I was hyperventilating and that's why I was numb. Oh. Didn't realize I was hyperventilating. Then they brought in the epidural and it was wonderful.
So, just do what you feel is the best for you (which is probably the advice you'll get from everyone anyway). Love ya!
I have done both natural (with Isabel and Gabe) then the twins were epid. I must say, natural is hard, let's face it, it's not suppose to be a cake walk. But once it is over I realized, "Wow, I can do anything!" I also hated the feeling of the epi. but over all was a good experience for me too. My advice: Since you had so many problems with the epi, do it natural. You were almost there anyway with Teya. As hard as it is, the end result is much better (in my opinion). My babies were alert, ready to nurse, and I healed faster.
Which ever way you choose, as long as the baby comes out healthy, there is no wrong answer.
I don't know if you still want more advice - it's so hard to decide! Here's what I did for my four:
#1 - epidural. Hated it. I had planned on going natural, but completely stopped dilating after I got to a 6. I just really hated the feeling of the epidural. And it took me forever to recover.
#2 - natural. And induced. All day labor. Not that fun, and when I got to about an 8 I was sad I didn't have an epidural, but it ended up being really glad that I didn't, because I had to get down and crawl around on my knees to get him to turn the right direction, and if I had had an epidural they would have had to do a c-section.
#3 - natural. Long and not that fun, but I was glad I did it natural because of experience with #2. I did find myself thinking, "why am I going through so much pain when I don't have to be feeling this right now?"
#4 - epidural. Not planned, but when I got to the hospital I was at a 5, and four hours later I was only at a 6. So I completely fell apart and decided there was no way I could last all night at that pace. So I got an epidural and she was born really soon after. And it was actually pleasant (not at all like my first epidural).
So, bottom line - I've done 2 of each and still have no idea what to do on this one. I like the idea of going natural, but at the same time, it was super nice with Lizzy to be able to actually enjoy myself and relax during the pushing. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to go natural this time - just because I know I'm capable. And I want to try it again.
Sorry this is so long. Obviously this is a subject I've been thinking a lot about as the time gets closer.
Hi Becca,
Jathan found your blog via Dusty and Chauma's blog and wanted to comment but did not know how to. So I am doing it for him! Hello!!
Hope you don't mind me giving my input on the matter... My sisters, my mom and many of my cousins had their babies natural so I decided to go natural as well. I absolutely loved my experience. It was intense but very worth it. I had a very alert baby and healed quickly. While I was pregnant I read a few books to help me out. I read Hypnobirthing and Mind over Matter. Both were very informative and help you to get into the right frame of mind. (some of the stuff is a little over the top but still informative) my favorite was mind over matter. My mom has studied natural birthing and is an expert on the subject. She let me know about herbs that could help condition my body for labor and gave other great advise. While I was in labor and pushing, Zanna was having a hard time crowning so I stood up and rocked back and forth for a few contractions and she was able to crown. It was great! I will definitely do that with every birth if I am able.
Good luck on your decision! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!
And your baby is so cute! What a little sweet heart. You have a very beautiful family!
This is interesting to see what people have said. I always wanted to do a natural delivery, but with the twins I didn't have a choice incase I had to have an emergency C-section. But after I was 5 cm dilated I was pretty much dying and thats when I got the epidural. I, too, wonder what I will choose next time. The epidural freaked me out, and I threw up 3 times while getting it...I was so nervous! And I know I still would be as nervous. I'm just really un-informed because I wonder if I'll feel when they cut me down there...or if they give anesthetics down there? Or if it may not even matter because it will feel like nothing compared to contractions. Anyways, I'm no help, just sharing my thoughts. I'm excited to see what you plan to do. Keep us updated!
I had an epidural with both boys and each time there were complications with the epidural but taking the edge off was definitely nice. I didn't have a choice when I had my little girl. When I got to the hospital I was at 8 cm. She came so fast (1 hour) that pure natural was the only choice.
If I were to have another and I knew it would be a quick delivery with no complications then I'd do natural again. But each delivery is unique so it's hard to forsee what to do.
I'd suggest that if you want to try natural do your homework. I know my sister loved having a doula for her natural births. You can always change your mind to a certain extent during labor.
There are lots of pros to natural but boy does it hurt!! I can't imagine being in intense labor for more than the 1 hour I had to go through. Pheww! Tough question to answer! Just pray about it and study it in your mind I guess!!
Thanks so much to everyone who commented! I thought it was especially insightful to hear from those of you who have done it both ways. After reading through your thoughts I ordered a book online about natural childbirth and decided I'm going to prepare myself to do it naturally, but will definitely take the epidural if things get to be too much. Anyway, Thanks again for all your insights!
Hey Becca! Found your blog through Tara's and I am so excited to see you are a blogger too!! (much better than myspace don't ya think?) Anyway, I just had #5 three weeks ago and it was my 2nd all natural homebirth. After having 3 epidurals, I would definately say that going natural is so much better. No lie...it does hurt but remember it's pain w a purpose. Plus its actually beter for baby when you go drug-free. I hope you can come ti a good decision thats right for you. Don't forget to pray about it, too! (hope it's ok if I add you too my blog list)
I was all up for natural until Luke got stuck in the birth canal UPSIDE DOWN, and it killed my back and the labor was for days! I was so relieved to get an epidural. It was a great experience, and has been with my four other deliveries. No complaints or complications with epidurals here. I say go for natural if you're up for it!
Hey Becca, I'm a little late on this but still wanted to comment. :) Like a bunch of other people on here, I've done both ways. I got the epidural with Sarai and I went natural with Kaehu. I had a great experience with the epidural. No pain, no problems pushing, about 6 hours of labor. The healing process wasn't bad either, but I did have to take pain killers. I decided to try going natural the second time around just to see how it would be. Chris and I took Bradley Method classes which really helped prepare me and gave me the confidence I needed going in to labor. However, I had a really long labor because Kaehu was facing my back which caused labor to slow down and also caused me to have back labor. PAINFUL stuff. But I refused to give in. Basically, the labor part was extremely hard for me...but I pushed him out so fast because I just wanted him out. LOL. It helped that I could feel everything because I knew exactly when my body wanted me to push and what not. The other good thing about going natural was that I didn't have to take any pain killers after the birth. The healing process was a dream...barely even anything. Anyway, I would say try going natural but don't count out the epidural either. Keep it as an option if things get really tough. I won't be so stubborn next time. If labor turns out to be super hard again, I'll get the epidural. And another thing I won't do again...I won't let them break my water bag prematurely. I'll let it happen on it's own from now on. My Bradley coach said doing so slows down labor and I still let the nurse do it (Why'd I let her do it? I don't know what I was thinking. But I regret it). I believe it contributed to my extremely long labor.
Sorry this is so long. Good luck on your next birth! Whatever you decide to do, I know it will be what feels best for you and Taber. You'll do great! Can't wait for the little one to arrive. :)
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