Child birth?

Question

I was wondering if any of you nice ladies could maybe describe to me what childbirth feels like. With an epidural? Without an epidural?

Answer 1

A great book with lots of birth stories is "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskins.
http://www.amazon.com/Ina-May-s-Guide-Childbirth/dp/0553381156/sr=8-1/qid=1158721742/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-6602502-4886434?ie=UTF8&s=books

Answer 2

I had an epidural but it did not work. Child birth is really not that bad. It feels like your worst menstral cramps ever and pushing is a different pain that I cant really describe, but it hurt more not to push than to push. One thing that everyone tells you that is true is that the second the baby is out all the pain is gone in an instant, it was really strange. I am due any day with my second and hope the epidural works this time as I would love to have one of these pain free deliveries that I have been reading so much about.

Answer 3

I have delivered five children without an epidural. I used an analgesic given through my IV to help me concentrate more on the breathing and relaxation than on the contractions, and it worked well enough for me. I didn't ever intend to do it the "all natural" way, although I have a pretty high pain threshold, and I didn't want to be numb to the entire process either. I did most of the early labor walking and sitting, and delivered all of them using a birthing chair. I noticed with all of them that the worst pain came as the head began to crown, and the pressure of the heads seemed to numb everything else afterwards. The contractions in the beginning were not really noticeable, and they progressed to the level of really bad cramps by the time I was in eal active labor. By then I had a little analgesic on board and could focus on breathing through the contractions. They didn't last too long, so it was not impossible to do with my husband coaching alongside. By the time the baby was ready to be born I was having really strong contractions that were fairly painful, but was excited to be coming into the final stretch and knew it would be over soon.
I had a good relationship with the nurse-midwives and doctor, and we had discussed everything before I actually went into labor. So I could be relaxed about all the things I wanted, and felt I could trust them. I did not require an episiotomy with any of them, so there were no stitches to deal with. I was sore after each delivery, worse the first day and easing off considerably each day after. I used lots of sitz baths the first day, and Tucks hemorhoid pads afterwards, until things weren't so sore. I could always sit, just at first you get a little particular about the amount of cushion under the tush.
As a nurse, I have assisted with deliveries using epidurals. When they are effective, the moms feel no sensation from their belly buttons down. They can't tell when to push, they can't even feel themselves pushing. Since you can't feel anything anyway, most of the docs feel free to do an episiotomy because it means they have less work to do to preserve your tender tush from tearing. Unfortunately, they don't always cut where you need the relief, and you can end up tearing anyway. Either way, you end up with stitches.
The downside to the epidural? Well, they don't always work well. The medication can wear off earlier than planned, and if that's half way through the delivery, you get to do it the old fashioned way. It can prolong the time for the actual delivery as well, and usually does because you have to stay in bed once they give it. Labor in bed takes longer.
The upside of an epidural? If you have a low pain tolerance, it will definitely make life easier for you and everyone else involved. You will still be awake for the delivery, and able to be pleasant and relaxed. If you think you are going to be unable to deal with the contractions, or you feel that much dread of the process, then perhaps an epidural is a better choice.
It really all comes down to what you are comfortable with. That you need to discuss with the doctor/midwife who will be doing the delivery, ahead of time, so you can get all the info and make an informed choice in a calm manner. In the end, it's nobodys business HOW you did it. There's no medal for the tough lady going au natural, everyone gets the same thing in the end- a baby. For the nosey folks who get real curious and ask, tell them it's none of their business, unless you want to tell. How you did it isn't the important thing, it's wonderful enough that you do it.

Answer 4

well i had an epidural back in december with my son.
( i have no patience when it comes to pain)
my labour only lasted 7 hours so it went real quick. but once i had the epidural the i had no pain what so ever because i was practically paralised from the waist down.
when the time came to push they turn the medication down down so i could feel the contractions and i would get the urge to push. i never felt my son actually coming out though i felt the body come out it was like a huge relief. after a day or two thats when i started feeling a bit of pain. which was my body trying to go back to normal, i also had stitches too so i felt them everytime i sat down.
i hope that helped u a bit.the only thing with an epidural is u dont dont get to experience the feeling of giving birth properly.
i am 8 months pregnant again and i hope this time i can cope with the pain of contractions enough to not have any drugs but we'll see how i go.

Answer 5

I went without an epidural for several hours before I got it - talk about excruciating pain. Then I got an epidural and I was a happy girl... With my second child, the epidural didn't work as well, and boy oh boy was I ready to be done.

Answer 6

I got very lucky. I was overdue and I went to the hospital to be induced. I was scared, but made myself comfortable. At 9:04 Pm they broke my water...which felt disgusting. It didn't hurt, but it felt pretty gross. And my baby had already pooped in there..little jerk lol...and they inserted a hose to wash me out. I immediately started contracting without pitocin. I breathed through them for a while and was just fine. They don't feel terrible at first. Then I had this terrible urge to push. I didn't feel like I was pooping though...some say they feel this. I just felt my body naturally pushing without me even trying. It even made me make horrible heaving noises. They checked me..which hurts me..and said I was ready to have the baby. So, to me, the contractions get to the point where they are unbearable right as you are ready to push. So I didn't need an epidural. It takes you to your breaking point and is over. I pushed for 17 minutes..very tough..but I don't actually remember it. I felt the head pushing against me and I felt the doctor trying to stretch me open. She finally had to snip me..which I felt..but not too painful. and she pulled him the rest of the way out and laid him on top of me. He was delivered at 11:04 Pm...literally two hours after breaking my water...that was the lucky part. I didn't cry until later because you are so damn tired and in shock you don't really react at first. I delivered the placenta and stuff which I asked to see..lol..really cool. Then she stitched me up for a while..I needed a lot. I immediately after giving birth felt starving and freezing...I couldn't keep my legs from shaking. My son weighed 9lbs 1oz. Very healthy and very gorgeous. :)

Answer 7

MMmmmm it might be fun and special up until those final weeks... Man O Man.. I had a epi also with a C_section let me tell you this.. All of my pain was in one leg.. I wanted them to just cut if OFF. I only have ONE child that pain stop be from really wanting to do it again I was in labor for three days she was 9lb 27oz. No thank you everyone is different my sister only had thirty minutes and all said and done.. enjoy.

Answer 8

Since all women are different and since all 9 months of PG are different then our experiences vary. My daughter was 6.5, I had morphine only, threw up, labored at home for 2 days then labored in the hosp for over 12 hours and pushed for 4. Only 3 stitches. :)

Answer 9

natural is a bad nightmare that wont end, it was horrible I dumped huge cups of hot water on my tummy over and over again to deal, with my second I used the epiderral and slept through labor the nurse came in to tell me to push, it took longer to push but was worth it.

Answer 10

i had an epi with both my children and they are the best you can't really feel that much or at least i didn't. Just depends on how much pain you can take it's really not that bad if i can do it you can too.