Responses from telling people that I may want a natural birth?

Question

Why does it seem that when I tell people that I may want to give birth naturally they feel the need to tell me I should just get the drugs. I know everyone is different and have different pain levels, but the thought of a needle in my back is not something I am looking forward to, and when I say that I would like to try naturally but that I am not completely oposed to the drugs if I need them, people insist on telling me their opinions. Are there other forms of pain management if needed besides the epidural?

All I am saying is that people are giving me negativity instead of support and telling me how I won't be able to handle it. I don't know anyone personally who has went natural. I am aware that it isn't easy but I think that the pain outweighs the risks of the drugs. I just don't understand why people must be so negative about what I want.

I also don't like the idea of being numb and having no control over the lower half of my body

Answer 1

~If you don't want people's opinions, don't discuss the subject. If you've made up your mind about what you're going to do, what difference could it possibly make to you what others have to say? Rumor has it the women the world over had babies for thousands of years without the use of drugs so concievably you could live through it. Were it me, I would want to be fully conscious to watch the little bugger pop out but, as a daddy, I only got to watch so I can't comment on the pain. Didn't hurt me a bit. Bottom line is, if you train your mind, you can endure most anything, the pains of childbirth included. Ignore what others tell you and do what you want to do. you can always wimp out during the birth and catch a needle between contractions.

Answer 2

Ok well, I had all 3 of my children naturally and it didnt kill me. I handled it fine. I am pregnant again and will have this baby naturally too. They gave me some demerol to take the edge of the pain, although I dont think that does too much. Just made me sleepy. But I say go for it, because I hate the ideas of the epidural too, and when I have a baby, I want to go back to normal as soon as possible. I hate the idea of being numb or feeling pins and needles in my legs and feet, or the risk of having back aches and headaches afterwards. My friend got an epidural after 2 natural child births and said she wouldnt do it again. She gave birth 6 weeks ago and is still getting headaches caused by the epidural. I think its a great idea to try the natural first and then if you feel you cant handle it, then ask for the epidural.

Answer 3

I have 3 children the first birth was natural, I had a doula and was in labor for 42 hours with pitocin and no pain medications. It was difficult but I did it. I second birth I didn't have a doula and my daughter was a preemie and I was freaking out so I took something that made me feel loopy, but still felt all the contractions, then after that wore off I got an epidural. After I was disappointed I didn't go naturally. So with my third I got a doula again and did it no meds, it went beautifully. If you want it bad enough you can do it with no meds. Every women has the inner strength to do it. The one thing that helped me when I was in labor is when I was having a contraction I would say to myself, It won't be long and I will get a break soon. This get harder towards the end but by the time you feel you can't do it anymore it almost over.

The medications that they give you besides the epidural will only make you feel drunk and in pain, plus the baby gets it too.

Answer 4

I would just tell them "I want to try it with out any drugs." Tell them that no matter how the drugs enter your body the baby gets a least a little of it and you would rather not have your baby get any.

I had 2 of my three daughters naturally ( and I am talking not one drug) and the last one was a breach birth so they kept giving me drugs in my I.V. with her. Now I realize that is was a long time ago as my children are grown but I survived it. Yes it was painful but by the time I held them in my arms the first time, I had forgotten all about the labor pains.

Two of my daughters had the epidural but the youngest did not. she gave birth naturally to her youngest daughter and she survived.

You are going to get many people who tell you that the needle in the spine doesn't hurt, and they are right. But the choice is entirely up to you. You have to do what you feel is best for you.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

You are right in your assumptions. There is no reason to make a hardfast decision until you are in the situation.

At your next doc's appointment, ask him to give you info on the different pain options that he offers. At least you will be armed with accurate information which will help you make the right decision when the time comes.

I did the same thing and ended up not having epidurals for either birth. Labor is the toughest part anyway, the birth was easy compared to labor. But that's just my experience and yours could be totally different.

Just tell the "helpers" that you have reached your decision with your doctors support. Then ignore them.

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival

Answer 6

i am due any day now to give birth and i feel the same way. i have chosen to have a natural birth as well. granted it is going to be very painful but look at the positives.
first of all, your recovery is alot quicker so it will be easier for you to bond with your baby quicker. second of all, the drugs could effect your baby or you. an epidural could make you have back pain for the rest of your life or in some rare but known cases, paralize you if inserted incorrectly. and third of all if you are going to brestfeed, you wont have all the extra water in your milk. there are alternatives such as waterbirthing available to you. it sounds really neat and i knnow someone who has done it and loved it. good luck to you and maybe when i give birth i'll let you know how natural birth goes. granted i'm scared but god made women to be able to have children for a reason and many have had them without medicine so it can't be that bad.

Answer 7

My daughter went through the same thing. She wanted a natural childbirth and a midwife and the whole 9 yards. Even her sister had many negative comments for her and advised drugs. But she was like you and felt that the drugs weren't good for the baby and that the recovery would be longer with them. She ended up having her last baby naturally. She is not a big girl and I was concerned for her pain being her mother. But she did very well, just transition was hard but it was quick and she was so glad she did it natural. If that's what you want, go for it and don't let anyone elses negativity sway you. God bless.

Answer 8

I have never had an epidural and I have four children. I did however need the pain medication my last daughter came so quickly that I couldnt have any medication and the experience was terrible it hurt really badly but thats not to say if I would have known and prepared for it it may have went alot better. I guess my point is its your baby and your body do what you want and dont worry about these other people who say you cant do it.

Answer 9

The thing is - when you ask a question on here you open yourself up to getting lots of different points of view - and surely that's the reason for asking? If you don't want drugs during childbirth you should speak to your Dr or Midwife about your concerns. They are experts and can discuss every option with you and hopefully cover all your concerns and you'll find something that sounds right for you. Asking on here is fine for opinions - but not if you are going to take everything as being exactly right. I don't mean this personally about you - I wish you every success in finding something suitable as I'm sure you don't need any stress at the moment. Good luck.

Answer 10

I have had two children naturally, No pain medication whatsoever. My second child weighed 8lbs 13 ozs. It can be done. Just concentrate on something else. Bring a stuffed animal or a picture of a place you love. Practice your breathing techniques. I am not going to lie to you and say these things will help, you will be in a great deal of pain, but just remember it will not last forever. I was present at the birth of my nephew, and my sister had medication, when my newphew was born he slept a whole lotttttttttttttttttttt longer than my kids, I believe it is because of the medication. You just need to do what is right for YOU. Good luck.