Labor without epidural???

Question

For those of you who had your babies without the aid of an epidural...would you do it again? And did you have pain medication of any sort? I'm due anyday and really don't want an epidural as I've heard more bad things about them than good. So please don't encourage me to get one, I just want to know what other pain management techniques you had or used and if your birthing experience was still a pleasant one. Thanks :)

Answer 1

I didn't have an epidural with either of mine, but I managed labor in other ways. Frequent position changes are a key, and I had back labor so I needed to stay upright to relieve the pressure. I walked, stood while leaning over a counter, showered, sat on the toilet, leaned over a birth ball, and did pelvic tilts while on all fours. I breathed deeply the entire time (no weird panting) and just focussed inward.

I didn't use any particular "method", but I like the ideas of Bradley and of hypnobirthing.

Answer 2

I had two babies without an epidural and the pain wasn't so bad. I did have demerol (or whatever the equivilent is these days) with my first because labor was 25 hours long and I needed sleep! I used a birthing ball and breathing techniques to get through labor and had very little pain. I'm glad that you are planning on going natural! My third was born by emergency c-section so I had an epidural or spinal with her because I had to. I would most certainly deliver again naturally!! Unfortunately, I have to have a scheduled c-section with this baby, but I would have had a vbac if I could have.

Answer 3

Have you considered hiring a doula? Doulas are trained in many comfort techniques and thousands of moms have been able to avoid an unwanted epidural with the help of a doula.

Some good ways of remaining as comfortable as possible during labor are staying in an upright position so that gravity keeps baby evenly situated on the cervix. Walking, sitting on a birth ball or rocking chair, standing in a warm shower, all of these things can be very helpful. A doula or trained birth partner can offer soothing massage, acupressure and counterpressure. Stay hydrated and well-fed during the early part of your labor (or for as long as you want / are able) so your body can efficiently handle the workout and provide you with the energy required for the birth. Empty your bladder at least once an hour; a full bladder can push against your uterus causing unnecessary pain.
Most of all, remember to take an active role in your birth and pay attention to your body and the sensations you have. Yes, birth can be painful, but it's not an illness or an injury, and your body is strong and capable. Inform yourself of the risks and benefits of any treatment you choose, and don't forget that you have the right to choose them!

Answer 4

I had 2 c-sections, 1 natural birth, a 1 birth with epidural.Wait to see how you deal with the pain(you don't realize until the labor starts what you are dealing with) Then decide what's best for you and your baby before you get your heart set on "no drugs". I really was more able to participate in my labor and delivery with the epidural than without. The pain gave me the mind set of "just get it out" and it was so much more enjoyable with the pain minimized. You asked for honesty, I gladly provide:-)

Answer 5

I have had three children. My first I had an epidural, I was MISERABLE!!! You cant get out of bed or move around or do any thing to get comfortable, and guess what you still feel all the pain when you are pushing.
with my boys I had natural child birth, with natural things to relax and ease the pain. Breating and staying calm are the most important. Screaming is BAD. when you scream you have to start over and seems the baby is traveling up hill any way wow its best to stay calm no matter how bad it hurts. The hospital will have a hot tub short 20 min soaks helped me and it seemed to make my labor go faster. GOOD luck every pregnancy is different. Also there are birthing balls, walking, they have pills to make your labor go faster and faster means harder contractions. The best way is natural that's what your body is going to respond to the best. If you cant take the pain let them give you a shot to relax you a bit.

Answer 6

I didn't have an epidural with my third baby.... I would do it again, but only if my labor was as short as that one was. Mainly because I felt FANTASTIC after giving birth. could get right up and walk around, go the bathroom, etc. My first two I had epidurals that took forever to wear off, etc. But again, it depends on your pain threshold and how long your labor is. I have a pretty high pain threshold, but I was only in hard labor an hour with my third so I could do it. My first two I was in labor over 24 hours, no way jose! :)

Good luck!

Answer 7

Is this your first? Usually if you haven't experienced labor before you think you can tough it out. I tried unsuccessfully. Thankfully there is relief available. for my first child i was too dilated for the epidural and they gave me Demeral via IV. It make you a little loopy -but i was able to get some sleep. My labor started at 11pm and he was born at about 9 am.

My second child I tried again. I was unsuccessful again.
I received an epidural and I'm glad i did it, however i still can feel the spot in my back where the needle was, but only occasionally if i bend backward..after 2 years.

Good luck! and congratulations you'll do fine.

Answer 8

If you don't want an epidural then don't have one. Try not to stress overly as the doc and midwife will know what you need. I had my baby 7 months ago and didn't have anything in the way of medication. Water is excellent. I stood in the shower until i couldn't stand any longer. Remember to tell yourself that everything happening is normal and just remember why you are going through it all. Meeting you r baby will get you through it. Good luck !!!

Answer 9

Yeah I'm with ya....I was more scared of an epidural than giving birth!Yes I would do it natural again & I felt pretty damn proud of myself for doing so...(but I don't critisise others for how they give birth,not at all)
I used gas during my labour when the contractions would peak & that helped take the edge off.... but the birth was completely natural & just felt like how you would imagine...a lot of stretching! They give u urals to drink coz it will sting a bit when u pee for a couple of days....
My labour was 22 hours coz my tailbone was pushed in from injuries in my younger days...my son had to literally dislocate my tailbone so he could get out...ouch! But it's all good..
I wish you all the best & no matter what happens, just do what u feel is right..try not to pay too much attention to others who critisise different ways of doing things...everyone is different... the main thing is that at the end of the day, Mum, bub, dad etc are Happy!! u can't please everyone! Take Care!

Answer 10

I had an epidural with my first and just some pain medication through an IV with my second child. I said I NEVER would get an epidural when I was pregnant because of the horror stories I heard but it was WONDERFUL. You can also opt for some pain meds through an IV but they only help you relax in between contractions. Who knows... you might just want that epidural after awhile. You can also get a pain numbing shot in your perenium? just before active labor.