which way to go into labor?

Question

so, I'm trying to decide how I want to have my child, naturally with no epidural, with epidural, c section, or any other way out there. If you could relive the day with knowing what you know now, which would you choose.

Answer 1

GO NATURAL AS LONG AS YOU CAN. ONLY GET AN EPIDURAL WHEN YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT TAKE THE PAIN ANYMORE. C-SECTION ONLY IF IT IS MEDICALLY NECESSARY FOR YOU OR THE BABY.

Answer 2

I'd still choose the epidural. I'll also add that I'm not very tolerant of pain. I did try something (I forget the name) to take the edge off before the epidural but it didn't work. So I told my husband "I want an epidural." Needless to say, he got the doctor. I recommend the epidural, but it's totally up to you. Don't listen to all the horror stories about epidurals and C-sections and everything. It's what you want. You're having the baby, not them. Just because they had something out of the ordinary doesn't mean you will. Do the research. Look into all the methods. If you're one of those people who takes pain really well, you may not need an epidural. If you're a baby like me, you may want an epidural. I wouldn't encourage a C-section though. While it is possible to have a natural birth after one, it's more difficult. But like I said, it's up to you. Talk to your doctor, Mom, Grandmother. Just put the rare horror stories out of your head.

Answer 3

I've been through it all.
#1. epidural. it was ok i guess. if you get one make sure you don't wait too long or it will not help.
#2 All natural. it went quickly for me, yes it was painfull, but healed quickly
#3 Demerol. wore off too quickly and each following dose didn't work as well as the first
#4. C-section OMG no labor, but the recovery was much more painfull, especially considering the fact that you are in serious pain and now have a child to care for

If i was crazy enough to go for a 5th I'd go natural until i really needed an epidural

Answer 4

I had my baby at home and it was definitely the right choice for me. I have a lot of anxiety about medical procedures and the thought of having an epidural scared me much more than the thought of having a baby! At home I felt very relaxed. I spent most of my labor in the bathtub and found that it relieved a lot of my discomfort. I never felt that I couldn't handle what was going on. The experience was perfect for me, personally, although I know it's not for everyone. I would definitely do it the same way again. My only regret was that we had visitors come over the next morning and it was too soon. I wish we had more privacy and had just been able to rest and recover without people in our home.

The important thing is to really research all of your birth choices and then set things up so that your chances for success are the best. For example, some women want to avoid a c-section, but they choose an OB whose c-section rate is very high. Or they want to have an unmedicated birth but they decide to give birth in a hospital where unmedicated births are very rare. Don't try to beat the odds - know what you can do for yourself to help you have a great birth experience. (For example, if you are giving birth in a hospital you might find it helpful to hire a doula, to move around as much as possible, to use the hospital's shower or tub, and to choose not to push lying on your back.)

Good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful birth experience. It is definitely possible!

Answer 5

when I had my son I requested a c-section out of the pain I was going through, but most times they prefer to make you have it naturally if there are no complications because a c-section you are in the hospital longer and it takes longer to heal than a natural birth. I eventually took demeral (thats in canada, not sure what it is in the states) to numb the pain, it worked for about 15 minutes and I was back in pain, so I took the gas but it made me dizzy so went off that. Eventually once it's all over you will say "why'd I need all that?" or at least I did, I thought I was a wuss after for asking for all the meds I could get. Epidurals are good but there is that slight chance it can paralize you, so be careful with that. Sit down with your OB and get her to explain each procedure and the benefits with you, then decide so you have a better prospective if it's right for you.

Answer 6

I had my baby in December and trust me I will demand on having a epidural the minute i go in with the next one. I had a epidural w/ him and was very thankful since i had forceps, pitocin, episiotomy then ripped toward the front, vaccum extraction, and 17 long hard hrs of labor. It a very rewarding experience but trust me get an epidural so you wont meet the unexpected and be sorry. Congrats and good luck.

Answer 7

I had a totally unmedicated homebirth attended by a VERY competent midwife. It was, hands down, the most amazing experience of my life so far. I wouldn't change a thing. Your body is perfectly designed for delivering a baby and if you can give yourself over to the process of birth (rather than fighting it or succumbing to fear) it can be exhilarating. Probably not painless, but thrilling nonetheless.

I highly recommend reading "A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. She goes over all of the interventions that many OBGYNs try to scare you into. Obviously, there are situations when interventions (like a c-section) are absolutely necessary, but soooooo many medical decisions during labor and delivery are based on an assumption that pregnancy is a disease that needs to be managed rather than a natural process that your body was designed for.

If you are delivering in a hospital, avoiding tons of interventions can be challenging. I always tell people to HIRE A GOOD DOULA (professional birth attendant) if they desire a drugfree birth.

Most importantly, educate yourself about your choices. It's YOUR body and YOUR baby and unfortunately, the doctor doesn't always know best.

Answer 8

With my daughter I had an epidural and everything went great, I also had an epidural with my son but he ripped me a new one. So, knowing what I know now, I would have a c-section with him.

Answer 9

I am so thrilled I chose natural child birth for each of my sons, and chose to stay away from the hospital for as long as possible. Our first son was born about 17 minutes after we got to the hospital, our second an hour or so after. with the first born, they couldn't even take him away from us for hours because they had to 'check him in' so that was a wonderful benefit.

the main benefit is stay the heck away from docs and their medical procedures. they make everything worse. they cause the problems with their interventions.

all my friends who had epidurals had problems. some still have pain - one a decade later.

natural child birth was wonderful! i would never do it any other way, could i relive it.

Answer 10

i don't think a c section should be a option UNLESS there is a problem i don't agree with having one just as a choice. I would not change a thing about how my kids were born once there are here you don't care how they got here. Natural is hardest on 1st time moms 2ed or more babies you don't labor as long with and you are better prepared to go natural. 1ST babies take a long time getting here and can be very scary for the women to try natural. It's your choice either way get educated on what to expect leave your self open to change your mind when in labor.