Natural or Epidural

[lizbethvv03]

So as it is getting time for everyone to give birth I was wondering who was wanting to do it all natural or an Epidural and for those who already have children what did you do the first time and what was it like!!
This is my first and the whole way through I really wanted an epidural but as I am getting closer to the big day I am going to try to do without mainly because of risks I have read and I'm not a big needle in my back fan. I watched videos on how they give them and I just dont think thats for me! So I guess I am just being nosey asking whtat everyone else is going to do!!!

[Limonada]

My epidural was about to wear off when I started pushing, but luckily once DS was coming, he was COMING:  pushing only took 20 or so minutes and then he was out.  I couldn't feel anything, but I could still push.

I can't imagine having to push for 3 hours...poor you, Mialvan :-(

[MiaIvan]

He was a premie and my first.  My body was not ready and did not have the experience of a previous childbirth.  My second one was 8 hours of labor and 15 minutes of pushing but she was full term.  Pushing has nothing to do with an epidural.

[m3lanie]

3 hours of pushing?? Was your baby huge? I'm due   in 2 or less weeks and from what the hospital staff have said here,commonly  babies are pushed out rather fast. My baby measured 6lbs 3 oz via u/s at 37 weeks and I'm 38 weeks now. Just hope her size makes the exit for me fast too. They dont  give epidural here unless it is the last resort, they have a high rate in successful, fast births without it.  They encourage natural birthing and so when you said 3 hours of pushing It freaked me out! Was there something wrong, baby too big?

[MiaIvan]

Birth is very painful.  An epidural is a safe way to have a more comfortable labor process and no it does not make the baby sleepy and the back poke is nothing compared to the contractions.  I got an epidural for both and it allowed be to rest until I was ready to give birth.  They wear off at about 9cm dilation and my first birth with pushing was 3 hours and  the labor itself with contraction was almost 24 hrs.  But like limonada said keep an open mind.    

[onebusymama]

I took the epidural when I had my first child, and the reason I took it was because I had been in labor for days and was really tired and needed a break. I did have Hemmorraging after the birth, but it could have been a combination of taking the epidural, being induced, and being in labor for a long time. I did natural births my other 3 kids, and I have a 2 week old newborn right now, and found that this previous labor went better than my previous ones, becuase I relaxed through the contractions and would think about each contraction, rather than fear them or "let them" become painful to me, and I dilated faster this way, and also did not suffer like I did with the other natural births, in which I took no painkillers I would scream through each contraction. My previous delivery went so well because I refused to work against the contractions, and rather would think about how powerful each contraction was and was astounded at them, but not fearful. There is no reason to fear contractions, because this is the way God designed our bodies, it is a natural process, and they bring you closer to your baby. I was an idiot to fight against them, because it made the laboring process an ordeal...I would get nauseated and hot when I fought them. This previous delivery was a breeze compared to them. I am not saying that it isn't painful, because it is...but you can decide how to deal with it. Trust me, way less painful the more you relax, and I was even induced with this previous baby! I believe that you can totally go without painkillers, but if you do take the epidural, don't feel like you have failed, because the epidural can be a wonderful break for you if you find that you can't handle labor. I think that sometimes the position of your baby can make a difference in the pain, or how tired you are, so whatever happens, just go with the flow. Try for as long as possible to go natural, but if you find that you just can't handle it, then take the epidural. One thing is, that when you are about 7 cm, you may only need one more contraction to get to 10 cm, so if you can make it 7 cm, you are on your way to being done, and you can feel where and how to push more effectively without the epidural.
Good luck!

[docsaf]

I am preparing as if going natural, but at the same time I am keeping an open mind. I keep telling myself that some things are out of my control and I should not get disappointed if things don't go according to my plan. this is our first baby and I'm not sure exactly what the pain will feel like. As long as the pain is not too intense nor too distracting, I will opt for natural. But if I find it exhausting and I think it will interfere with the pushing, or too much and I don't appreciate the birthing experience, then I will go with an epidural.

Good luck with your decision and your labor!

[happy_mommy]

for what lgs...said they didn't keep him in the nursery after I had him and I didn't have to stay in the hospital any longer!  It actually wears off fast.  They just want when you get up to have them their for the just in case!  

All hospitals are different though so if them keeping your baby worries you ask what their procedure is..

[Limonada]

Honestly, the best thing you can do is go into it with an open mind.  

I would have done it natural the first time if I could, but I was induced and contractions were so strong....plus I had back labour because of how DS was laying - NOT FUN!  I ended up getting an epidural after trying to work through the contractions on my own (with DH's and my labour nurse's support, of course) and Demerol (which only made me both drowsy and sick).  I was only 3cm when I got my epidural and it did just what it was supposed to:  allow me to relax and save my strength for pushing.  

My labour progressed well, DS was never in distress and when it came time to push, I was able to without any problems.  DS was born bright eyed and alert, and perfectly healthy.

This time, I will gol natural if I can.....but if not, I will NOT be ashamed for needing intervention for pain.  

[Quinns momma]

Did natural not by choice for my first born. I have opted for an epidural this time around.

[lgscrjsra04]

I had my first two naturally, I have seen epiderals and I don't think I could do it I think the pain of labor would be more comforting than getting an epideral plus I don't want to stay longer in the hospital or have them keep my baby in the nursery to watch him because I got an epideral I think I am gonna stick with natural

[BabyBlue07]

I am 38 weeks and can go into labor anytime... I decided natural.... The other three childrens I gave birth natural... No epidural or pain medicine...

Good luck to all who are waiting to have a baby...

[happy_mommy]

He was my first as well..I tried my hardest to do it without a epidural.  But ended up getting one like many do.  Which i am thankful I did because it allowed me to sleep while I was in active labor.  The epidural actually hurt more than labor itself for me and the pain of the epidural went away fast!  It is a scary process getting one because right before you have to read a paper of all the complications that could occur.  It is such a personal opinion!  I told them I didn't want one right away but filled out the paperwork just incase I ended up needing/wanting one I would have to fill out the paperwork during!

I am sure whatever you choose will be the best choice for you!  I hope you labor goes well!

[m3lanie]

I've decided natural just because I want to give my child a good start in life. I know that things can happen that are out of ones control such as the cord or previa preventing the child coming out being one example, etc and so intervention is required asap. Unless it is out of my control I will be putting aside how I feel with the support of my man, midwife, MIL, shower and all the things provided to make it as natural as possible. That is how I really pray it happens. Good luck in your choice :)