Have you had a *natural* (drug-free) birth in a hospital?

Question

I am due in about five weeks and am hoping for a natural, drug-free birth. (I would prefera a waterbirth or home birth but my husband really wants us to be in a hospital for the birth.)

I am looking for people who had a natural experience in the hospital: How did you prepare, how did you avoid medical interventions, and most importantly, how did you cope with the pain and fear? And how did you relax yourself without pain meds? THANK YOU for answering my question! I really appreciate it!

Answer 1

I have personally had 3 natural births all at a hospital.....I took the birthing classes which are full of information but when the reality of the birth was really in front of my face I would have to say I didn't use most of the techniques they teach. Once I was able to use the focal point method and I really thought I was going to burn a hole in the picture lol. I would just recommend that you try to stay calm and take deep breaths. The severe pain only last a short time maybe an hour or two. I'm personally afraid of needles so the thought of having a large needle in my back was enough of a turn off to keep me on track. I'm now expecting my 4th baby in May and have the hopes of having a natural birth again I'm taking some extra support this time....a cd to listen to, some lotion for my husband to rub my back, my own pillow...things of that nature. I wanted a home birth like you but was convinced otherwise when my husband kept reminding me that there are so many different variables that could happen. I just want the best of medical staff around when my little girl is arriving. I hope this is of some help!

Answer 2

I had a natural birth with both my kids. However neither were planned that way, in fact to be honest I hadn't planned anything because it seemed kind of pointless. I mean you could have the most meticulous birth plan and you can bet nature will throw a spanner in the works!
Anyway I was very lucky as both births were very fast (the first an hour and the second 40 mins, start to finish.) So there wasn't really much time. I found the pain ok, I just kept thinking 'it will ease up in a minute' and it did, as the contractions come and go. As for the fear personally i was so scared i felt like it wasn't even really happening to me, almost out of body. And when my daughter was born, the last bit (and in my opinion the most painful bit!!) made everything go white! All i could see was white for a split second, then it was all over. I wouldn't have done it any other way though, even when my second daughter was discovered to be breach ( when i was 7cm dilated!!) and they were insisting i needed an emergency cesaerian i still went ahead and had her naturally (only something like 1 in 40,000 babies are delivered naturally when they are breach!)
I think it makes it a far more rewarding experience than if you are all doped up, but thats just my opinion.
All you can do is take it as it comes and if you feel you want something to ease the pain then ask, you don't know what the situation will be at the time. Its all worth every second of pain and fear. Good luck and i hope you get the delivery the way you want it!.

Answer 3

I planned for a natural birth in hospital last time but I ended up having pethedine.
This time though I am going prepared!

You have to tell all your midwifes and doctors and write on your birth plan that you do not want drugs and mkae sure they respect your wishes.
It is very hard to refuse a midwife saying, 'go on, have some pethedine it will help you relax' in the middle of a contraction, your brain goes doolally and you can't think of anything sensible.

So just make sure they know beforehand not to afer you anything, thats what I will be doing this time.
Also many hospitals have birthing pools, or you can at least use a bath during labour.

Oh yes and don't go into hospital until absolutely necessary

Answer 4

I have had two such births. Both my girls however were not large in size. 6lb 6 oz and 5lbs 12 oz. I requested no pain meds, I never took a class on breathing either. I can say breathing correctly does help work through the moments of contractions. Fact for ME: the contractions hurt worse than the birth itself. The contractions felt like intense menstrual cramping. I don't remember the actual pain of giving birth, if I did I doubt I would of wanted more and would of had a second natural birth. Also have something to focus on I brought a little out fit that I took my baby home in. Good luck and remember no one no matter how many answers you get is like you. This birth is special and unique all on its own.

Answer 5

The only pieces of advice I can give you is to not breathe rapidly like we all see on tv, actually, slow breathing helps with the pain management with each contraction. It's painful, but it can be done. It only really hurts when you get contractions and you're looking at the monitor so you're well prepared for each contraction. I also was told to imagine the baby tunneling down the birth canal - that helped. Other than that, I rocked my feet quite fiercely and clenched on to everything I could within distance. Some nurses will try to coax you into getting some relief, but stand your ground and let them know you want a drug free birth.

Answer 6

Hi there, My blessings and congratulations to you to have a baby without medication. I had a totally unmedicated birth in a hospital in 2001 and am planning one again (due July). I prepared by talking with moms (in my yoga classes) who felt the same way - power in numbers. I ignored those who said "YOU have to have the epidural are you crazy!?" I read several books on natural birth. When we got to the hospital the first question the damn nurse asked (within 10 minutes) was "OK What kind of pain medication would you like?" What a b**ch! I said "nothing thanks!" I insisted on not having the IV inserted...they pushed me on it but finally let me go without it. They did insist on the monitoring belt that went around my waist. I was still able to move around, stretch, stand, kneel around the bed with this on. We had a birth plan so I think they knew what we were going for. As for coping - well I must say that it was painful and it was scary. But, I just stuck with it, breathed, my partner rubbed me, the midwife rubbed me, and mostly it was mind over matter. Plus, as soon as your beautiful baby is out, there is no pain. Unlike medicated moms, you will be able to feel everything and walk around and use the bathroom and be free! Good luck, email me for more questions, I love natural birth! But yes, it hurts like crazy! p.s. my favorite position was on my knees with a pillow under my torso - laying my head on a pillow, it seemed to help me relax and to relax the contractions too, then my midwife rubbed my lower back.

Answer 7

GOOD LUCK! I had an epidural the first time and I thought about doing it drug free this time. That is until I had some painful braxton hicks contractions to remind me of how bad they hurt.
Many women do it naturally, but, if you need pain meds, don't feel like you are letting anyone down. You are not a failure if you choose the medications.
One nurse put it this way, "if you have a headache, you take asprin, so why wouldn't you take a pain medication for child birth?"
That made total sense to me. But it is your choice and I hope it works out for you.

Answer 8

I had 2 natural births and actually ended up begging for relief. Both labors were too short for meds to help. I will say this in the way of advice: never say never. You have no way of knowing how long your labor will be or how you will react. Having an idea of how you want things to be is great but don't convince yourself that it's the only way to go. Good luck!

Answer 9

Well I had 3 children. My first 2 were all natural and in the hospital. My husband was great support and comfort. With my last baby I had the epidural & it was nice. I had the best of both worlds. If you want to do it all natural then discuss this with your doctor so they can be aware...but don't get discouraged if you change your mind after it all starts. There is nothing wrong with getting some relief. If I would of known how nice the epidural was I probably would of had it for all three. Best of luck to you and I'm sending an early congrats your way =)

Answer 10

I had my first child at 21 and I didn't want any meds. I did great there was pain but all I thought about was meeting my new healthy baby. The doctors and nursing staff was great and of course my finance was no help(smile). I wanted to knock him out but it took my mind off the pain. I think that's a wonderful idea. Make sure you tell the staff you want a natural birth. Good luck!