I want a drug-free labor and delivery but my husband says I should use the best drug they provide.?

Question

This is my third pregnancy but our first one together (we have children from previous marriages). I didn't use anything with my other two and I prefer to do it the same way this time. How should I convince him that it is my choice and not his? He is afraid that he won't be able to handle seeing me in pain. His two children were down my c-section and she didn't feel anything. I know that I can handle the pain, how can I convince him that the baby and I will ok. We have been argueing about this for a month.

Answer 1

tell him you had the other 2 like this all natural and thats what you plan on doing for this one ...tell him that you think its loving of him to not want to see you in pain durring labour ...but that it is your wish to do it natural and that you've done it twice before ...and that many women do it everyday ...tell him yoiu respect his opinion ...since hes never had to endure a natural labour he doesn't know what to expect and he may just be scared ...and worried about your wellbeing.

Answer 2

The best resource for a drug-free birth is considered to be the Bradley Method. There are both classes and books available. They really teach you how to deal with the pain and tell you what to expect. Statistics vary, but reports say that between 80%-90% of graduates go on to have a drug-free birth. Just so you know, the teachers can be a little gung-ho about it, and we found that our teacher and her course book had a lot of misinformation when it came to the medical parts of the course. But the pain-management techniques she taught were great. So be sure to read the books as well, they are all cited and a wealth of information, and take the course too. It's a 10-12 week course, but well worth it. Sign up early.

Answer 3

First, that is very sweet of him. Just explain that you have done this in the past and came out a champ. If it gives him a feeling of uslessness then tell him if the pain gets out of control you will give him the word and he can get on the nurses to get you some drugs. When in reality, you won't need it because you have already done this before twice. This way it still gives him the feeling that if you are in TOO much pain he can help. Good Luck and Congrats on the baby and great husband!

Answer 4

Does he accompany you during your visits to the doc ? If Yes, you could bring up this topic and have the doc explain to him. Other than that... its going to be hard trying to convince him. I feel bad for you. It is your body and so it shd be your decision. The sad part is the unecessary stress you are going thru and subjecting your baby to due to your husband's adamant and unbased insistence. Dont opt for a C-section unless the doctor suggests it... definitely put your foot down on this and let the nurses/doc know about it in advance. Regarding other drugs and Epidurals... it really wont affect your baby that bad if you do opt for it. If you have to weigh the pros and cons between the option of taking drugs during labour and dealing with the stress of arguing with your hubby for more days to come, you would probably be harming your baby more by choosing to argue. So focus on whats best for your baby and make the decision. Don't worry .. things have a way of sorting themselves out.

Answer 5

Tell him if he doesn't like YOUR LABOR choices than he can leave the room and miss the birth of his child. This isn't up to the fathers, they aren't the ones in labor. Their job is support the woman or just go away....this is the reason men weren't allowed in the delivery room before....they are to selfish, shows how weak he really is. Being strong for others in pain and being their to support them is one of the strongest things a person can do.

Answer 6

tell him about all the side effects, and how the more interventions (drugs included) used, the higher the likelihood of further complications, and the more risk to you & the baby.

tell him also, that when *he's* the one doing it, he can decide on what goes into his body. but since it's *your* body, it's your choice. also tell him you've been down the natural childbirth path twice before...

if he's worried about his role when you're in pain, try having him read "Husband-Coached Childbirth : The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth" or take Bradley classes--so he'll know what to expect & what he can do.

Answer 7

My wife did both our kids with no drugs or pain killers. I will say it was very tough for me to see her in pain, but she handled it very good and seeing her that strong made me love and appreciate her even more. I also wanted her to take the drugs the 2nd time around, but realized in the end it was her decesion.

Answer 8

He cant tell you to take drug's!! He should be encouraging you to do it naturally as it is better for you and baby. Cant you tell him you want to try without pain relief but if the pain gets to bad then you will consider drug's. Remember it's YOUR choice, you cant be pressured into taking something if you dont want to. Good luck!!

Answer 9

Even when they do give you meds, it does not stop the pain it only takes off the edge, unless you get an epidural, which you can have complications from that they are sticking a I V in your spinal cord. Its your decision. Its really not worth arguing about, to tell you the truth. Also you can tell him to stop comparing this child birth to his ex's

Answer 10

You don't have to convince him, it's your choice. If you want it drug free then that is how it is(cercumstances allowing). If he still insists on it give him an ultimatum, either he deals with you doing it the way you want or he's not alloud in. I'm sure he'll choose to deal with it.