Natural birth?

Question

Other then the pain is anything different? Some of my friends tell me Im crazy for wanting to have my baby natural. If you have have a natural birth without complications can you tell me what it was like? Thanks

*have had

sorry

Answer 1

Had two natural births without complications, have attended countless more.

First one was 6 wks early 5 lb baby, water broke, labor progressed very quickly, only three hours long. I had full intended on having an epidural but things went so fast I was almost done. Second one was very similar except three weeks early 7lb9oz baby, three hour labor.

Third one was different, 40 weeks this time, 9 lb baby! And my water never did break but contractions went on and off all night so I went in and labored for about six hours only progressing 1cm before I caved and got the epidural. The dr. finally agreed to break my water but I really didn't like the feeling of the epidural at all so I let it wear off. The water breaking did the trick and three hours later my son was born. By the time I was in transition, the epidural was worn off and I was feeling everything so it was like a natural birth anyway.

Since mine have been very fast, I can't tell you much about the beginning unmedicated other than things don't seem bad. You are walking around having little crampy contractions and you think, "Hey this isn't so bad!" Just about the time you start thinking, "HEY...these really hurt" hopefully they check to see if your cervix has progressed. The medical staff don't generally like to do too many cervical exams, especially if your water has broken because it can increase chance for infection, however if you are attempting a natural birth it's very encouraging to have them check you and see that all that pain is getting you somewhere.

Generally a first birth is around 12-18 hrs average, later ones are generally quicker. I never really felt much pain until I got to about 5-6 cm. If the baby is OP (sunny side up, meaning if you are lying on your back baby is looking up at ceiling you will have back labor which is hideous. I had that with my 2nd and it was like a drill boring into my lower back there toward the end. If the baby is facing down (the best way for baby to come down the birth canal) you feel things mostly in your lower abdomen, very strong powerful contractions. Hard to describe, it's not like any other pain at this point, you basically just hold on for the ride, like a bucking horse, or a car that's lost it's brakes! Fortunately transition (usually 7-10cm) usually goes by pretty quickly, about 30-60 minutes.

The pushing part, if baby is in the correct position and descends naturally and you are allowed to "labor down" you will feel an overwhelming need to push, grunt, it's like when you start to dry heave or cough or have a large bowel movement. You. Absolutely. Must. Push! Nothing will stop you! And although it does hurt like the burning fires of hell when that head crowns you feel good because now you are actively DOING something instead of just hanging on for dear life. You are delivering that baby and you know that even though it hurts, the more you push the faster that baby will be out and the sooner that horrid pain will end.

And yes, once head is out, they suction baby very quickly, turn, shoulders pop out and you feel a big gooshy slippery slide, baby is out. After that, it's all a blur as the placenta is delivered, they stitch you up, they assess baby, you meet baby and maybe breastfeed. With a natural birth the pain is gone as if by magic, it's really amazing. The minute the baby is out = no pain. And you feel high, a clean pure natural high better than any drug. Your body has made a bunch of pain killing endorphins to try to combat the pain of labor and the pain is suddenly gone but the endorphins aren't. I remember feeling the best happiest high at that time, I wish I could bottle that feeling because addicts - shoot *everyone* would pay and pay for it! Everything was blurry, but that happy feeling permeated everything I looked at. I felt great after, got up from the delivery table, went pee, got wheeled to my room, ate a sandwich, called everyone I knew. Next day felt great.

When I had the epidural next day I felt like a truck hit me. Could have been the longer labor too though, but I see it all the time at work, the few all natural births I help deliver they really look and feel great afterwards. They usually want to go home right away too and breastfeeding seems to go more smoothly as well. Everything just seems to click, baby is nursing well, sleeping well, mom is peaceful, looks well rested, happy, smiling.

I had a doula with my third because my husband was possibly going to have to be out of town for work (I thought he would be fast and early like the other two but he was not). I with I would have just had my husband, the doula was nice but I didn't feel the same sense of connection I had with him, however, I was having my third, he his fifth so we both had plenty of experience. As a new mom in a first labor trying to go natural a doula might be just the ticket. Be sure to find one who encourages the dad to participate and is there as a helper, not as your partner - your husband will be your partner.

Regarding the comments re: c-sections. I've never had one, or any abdominal surgery but I take care of patients who have had them every night at work and by far the recovery is longer, the risks for complications for mom and baby much greater. They are great if they are necessary to save mom or baby, but should not be chosen casually or for convenience. They are major surgery.

Answer 2

I had a natural birth with both of my children no pain meds before or during the labor, it is pretty painful but it's so much better. I think that it's better because I have a lot of friends that have had epidurals and they tell me that they have a lot of back ache because of it. Anyways, as long as you do your breathing exercises you can control the pain, it doesn't mean that you aren't going to feel it but you will be able to handle it. Just concentrate on one contraction at a time and trust me it will be ok. That's what I did. I think it's a good experience having your baby naturally, I know a lot of women don't think so but both of my births were natural and even though it's painful if I have another baby I'm going to have my baby natural.

Answer 3

Natural birth is by far the best thing you can do. I tried to have my baby naturally but after over 48 hours of labor she just did not want to come out so my midwife sent me to have a c-section. All I can tell you is that I would rather be in labor for an entire week than to have another c-section. After a little bit (or a lot) of pain you have your baby, and it's over. You might be a little sore here and there, but that's it... with a c-section you're screwed. Because you can't really move, and when you do it is extremely uncomfortable. In order to come out of the hospital, they MAKE you pass gass AND have a bowel movemebt.. if you cannot, you cannot come out of the hospital. They have you on IV for almost the entire time... point is.. natural birth is the BEST. I did not experience it, but I KNOW it is because my mom had us all (4) naturally and I got to experience with her what it was like to have a natural birth.

Answer 4

I didn't have any complication except my son was a forcep baby. He wasn't moving, no matter how hard I pushed. They only thing I can say is my son is a few months shy of being 4 and I remember his birth like it was yesterday. VERY VERY PAINFUL. I passed out during labor. If I do it again one day and have the option, I will choose c-section. I would rather be cut open than to push anything else thru that hole. Most people tell me I am nuts when I say that but I have had several surgeries in my life and I can handle surgery pain much better than labor pain. Thats just me, everyone is different.

Answer 5

I had a natural childbirth with my last child and I am about to do it again in a few weeks. I am scared but I know what to expect. I felt more control over my body because I was able to feel everything because with the epidural all I had was pressure. When her head was coming down it burned but once her head was out and the rest of her was out, it was not as bad as I had thought. What hurt me the most was those contractions...it was what everyone told me...severe and I mean severe menstrual like cramps. I did not have any problems from that delivery whatsoever. I was in labor for under 5 hours and delivered in less than 7 minutes. The people at my OB doctor's office say I am a stong woman to go natural but that is what I want and knowing what it is like, I have no complaints.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I've never had a Cesarean, but I did have a natural with only gas and air during contractions, nothing for the actual birth. I won't lie to you, it HURT. But, by focusing on breathing, I was able to do pretty well- until towards the end where my baby's heart rate dropped and I had to have an episiotomy, and bizarrely, I wasn't worried that, I was just scared because I knew I'd have to stitched up again afterwards.
I recommend you goto some antenatal classes and chat with other moms-to-be, and the class instructor. You'll also be able to make some pretty good friends.
Good luck with the birth and motherhood, it's wonderful!!!

Answer 7

I have never had a natural birth. But, I wanted to comment to the lady who said she would have a c-section next time b/c she can handle the pain. I have had MANY surgeries, but a c-section is way different!! They cut through everything in your stomach (sometimes muscles included), take out all your organs that stand in the way and put them on your stomach or to the side of your body, and pull the baby out, then put everything back in, stitch, staple, tape, whatever they need to do...the whole time mommy sitting on the table getting sea sick due to the rocking of them pulling and prodding. It feels like someone is grabbing ahold of your hips and shaking you profusely!!! It takes FOREVER to heal!! I had effects of my second one for 9 months with big bubbles of puss forming on my incision line and popping when it got the size of a golf ball. Not trying to say it is a horrible experience, b/c it is all worth it in the end...but damn..it hurts really bad after-wards. Be lucky if you can even walk. It feels like your body is being turned inside out from your stomach!! That's why when you have a natural birth, you can go home the next day. With a c-section, its 5 days later! Good Luck with your baby, and no matter what happens, Go with the flow! And remember..its all worth it in the end!!

Answer 8

I haven't had any children...but my mother had 3 all natural births. She had no complications at all whatsoever...probably just hurt! I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to do it without drugs at all. I plan to do it that way myself actually. :) I think it's very normal.. I mean think of what women did before the world was so over medicated.

Answer 9

I had 2 nine pound + babies, both naturally. I don't think I'd do it again, but if you are young and determined (like I was), then it is do-able. The pain is horrible, but it doesn't last forever. Just take it one contraction at a time, and stay in control. If you keep your head level, you can do it!

Answer 10

I have two young children. Both natural births. I did not have any pain meds before, during or after delivery. You can get through natural childbirth if you, #1: take deep breaths (breath in and out with every contraction), #2: do not panic and push before you are fully dilated because you might have vaginal tearing and might need to have stitches after delivery. Also, water helps. Getting in the shower or tub during early contractions. You might have cramping after delivery, also. Warm water helps during and after labor & delivery.