Drug free labor?

Question

I would love to have a drug free labor, well, at least an epidural free labor and delivery... What do you guys think? Are you gonna ask for one right away, or try to do it naturally? I know that epidurals CAN cause many side effects, but do the cons out weight the pros, or vice versa??!!

Answer 1

When my son was born two years ago i was not concerned with a drug free birth but more with a pain free birth lol, they gave me nubane first, which didnt do anything for me, then gave me an epidural which i had no side effects from. The epidural did make for a happy and pain free delivery but now that i am expecting again (due July 20) and i relatively know what to expect i am going to TRY (key word) to make it through, i definitely wont go for any of the IV drugs as they dont seem to help much anyway and make me feel out of it but i will not beat myself up if i opt out for the epidural. I am going to look into hypnobirthing , i hear it can be a very helpful tool during labor. I am actually waiting for the hypnotherapist from my Chiropractors office to email me some links and information that worked for her daughter in law last month(she was in labor for two days and didnt feel the contractions!) if you are interested in more information you can email me and i will forward you whatever she sends me.
Congratulations

Answer 2

I had that idea, for I felt that I had a high pain tolerance, and that I am a firm believer in "mind over matter". Well, four hours into the "hard labor", I begged for an epidural. I don't think I could have gotten through it, since my total labor was over 24 1/2 hours. My sister had both of her kids without any drugs, but her longest labor was about 2 hours. I think I could have done 2 hours without drugs.

I think the benefits far outweigh the risks, since the epidural really allowed me to enjoy the birth of my daughter. It was not without pain, but that epidural made it much more tolerable. I am just thankful that I was able to enjoy the labor (well, as much as I could).

What I think? See how fast you are moving along, and gauge the pain. If you think you can handle it, then go for it. But do remember that there will get a point that you will be too far along to change your mind and get the epidural. I had time to decide, and they also gave me potossin, which pushes the labor along, and causes rather harsh labor pains. If they give you potossin, take the epidural. Otherwise, do what is in your heart. . .

Answer 3

Women take labor pain differently some can handle it some can not. I have been through it twice. the first time I don't use drugs the second time I was very uncomfortable. I got the epidural . I guess I got it to soon because it wore off and I was still in pain . I do have back pain before I start my period but I seriously can't say that it was because of the epidural. When you give birth it should be a time that is to be remembered and it is up to you on how you want to remember it. Also you may not be in all that much pain who knows. there is nothing bad about epidurals you can look it up on line if you are unsure. Hope I helped

Answer 4

I wanted really bad to do it without and epidural with my daughter but the pain was so bad I couldnt take it. I was in labor for 9 hours and dilated to 2 I got the epidural and she was out in 2 hours. I am pregnant with number 2 now and I intend on trying it naturally. I didnt have any side effects with the epidural and it made things much more pleasant. My recomendation would be to try it naturally and if you can't take it you can always get the epidural later.

Answer 5

I had planned on having an epidural with both of my children, but thought we'll see when it happens. The first, it got to hurting bad and I said go ahead and it was great. The second, I got my epidural right away, I was in a fair amount of pain. I was thinking the epidural wasn't working because of the EXTREME pain. Well, it turns out my placenta ruptured and they said that the pain "overrode" the epidural and it just couldn't mask the pain. Well, now I think regular labor pains are nothing compared to that. Looking back I think I could have done labor with out it the first time, but not the second. I guess it all depends on your pain toleance. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I have 4 children, ages 27, 25, 22, and 9 (surprise!). I had "natural" child birth with all 4 and would definitely go that way again if I had it to do all over again. My husband and I took a Lamaze class when we were pregnant with our first baby. It was a great class. We received lots of information and practiced relaxation techniques. We knew what to expect during labor and were prepared with ways to get through the difficult stages. Labor and delivery are definitely painful, but I have often wondered why so many women choose to go the "drug" route more often now. I am not all that crazy about getting shots or taking medicine unless absolutely necessary.

Answer 7

Ive never had an epidural and Ive given birth 3 times and Im 33 weeks pregnant with my 4th and planning on doing it again. I had a friend also that just recently got an epidural, after having 2 babies natural and she said she will never have an epidural again. She prefers it natural. It gave her bad side effects and she still have headaches and backaches from it and she had her baby in November.

Answer 8

I don't want an epidural but I have to have one in place to get my tubes tied after wards. I HATE the epidural. I have had 3 and only 1 worked. The other 2 I could feel them cut and stitch me down there. YUCKY. I wouldn't have minded it if I didn't have to go through the pain of the epidural for nothing. I think get it if you need, don't if you don't. Good luck

Answer 9

I have 3 children---2 with epi's and one natural. It's a personal decision, but I really actually enjoyed the births of my 2 children who I had the epidurals with. My natural birth was unbelievably painful (although it was very quick) and just crazy---- I was swearing at the nurse and just beside myself. I don't feel like I have the warm fuzzy memories that I have of my other 2 children. Of course my natural birth wasn't planned--she just came so fast there wasn't time for an epi, so that most likely had something to do with why it was so crazy---I wasn't prepared for it. Anyway, I didn't see any cons to the epi though.... My first epi baby did not nurse well, my second baby (natural) caught on right away, BUT my last epi baby nursed like a champ and I nursed him the longest int he end. It's really what YOU feel---either way you're going to have a beautiful baby in the end so whatever choice you make it will be fine! :)

Answer 10

Its a matter of pain during labor...or pain during recovery ...I had two all natural births...i was on my feet instantly....could walk my own self to the bathroom...to the phone...it was like nothing ever happened.....(practically) i have a friend who was still taking pain killers two weeks after the baby was born for the epidural site! was her labor less painful than mine? yes....but her recovery was MUCH slower. And you are right about epidurals sometimes leading to a 'cascade of interventions' - not all the time....try and stay active during the labor...dont lay down on your back....i dont care what the nurses tell you! and it will all be over before you know it ...and with a new baby to care for...you will need all your strength! - and you will be too distracted to remember any of the pain!