So I told by OB/GYN that I would like to do a hospital delivery without an epidural. Her response was " Would you get a root canal without an anesthetic?" I replied that of course I wouldn't. Then she said that she was sure once I felt contractions I would be ready for an epidural. If there is an effective pain killer, then why not use it. That makes sense to me too.

I'm fine with getting an epidural if I can't take the pain. But women have drug free deliveries. I'm scared of the pain but hate the side effects and complications of epidurals. Now I am really doubting my prior decision. I want to be able to move during labor but now I feel like I'm thinking about doing something ridiculous- like getting a root canal without anesthetic.

Any and all thoughts would be really welcome. My husband is sick of talking about it.

Our bodies are not naturally developed to have root canal, giving birth is a natural body process the two things are very different.

I have friends who haven't felt pains during contractions and endorphines natures natural pain killers kick in anyway. Fear will make adrenaline kick in which will stop endorphones so you want to be keeping positive.

I have found Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan and Ina Mays book both really inspiring and empowering. Of course you can do it, good luck xxxxxx

Oh I love the 2nd video down on this link it is a beautiful drug free birth http://midwifethinking.com/videos/

They are two different pain! When I had my contractions I thought it was the worst pain I felt. That was til I went to the dentist for a scale and polish. Your contractions will progressively build up so you will begin to get used to them. I can't believe he said that to you

Thanks I think this site will really help. One question re: the video's- where's the screaming and pain???!! Just goes to show there is another way to do it.

It was a she!!! It is too different types of pain- hadn't thought of it that way.

I know - I like to watch it if I am feeling like I need a bit more confidence xxx

Wow what an asshole!

Birth and dental work are 2 completely different games not even same ballpark.

Birth is something we are designed to do root canal not so much!

I have had 1 delivery that was very painful come the end because of the interventions given and 1 birth that gave me no pain what so ever it was flippin hard work and incredibly intense but not painful.

So many people forget that labour is more intense than it is painful but they dont know how to interpret that very physically and mentally intense sensation so they call it pain.

Yes and add to all of the above that obgyns would be putting themselves out of of job by actually admitting that most women don't NEED them to give birth!! I spoke with an OB a few months ago who said just that!

I'm a wimp when it comes to pain, really. But I enjoyed birth a lot.

Think of it this way: birth is a little like sex in some ways. It uses the same parts, the same hormones. It works best when the people are undisturbed, with privacy and dignity.

Sex can be a completely horrendous experience; painful, frightening, embarrassing and disempowering.

Or it can be enjoyable, orgasmic, wonderful, fulfilling, transcendent, empowering and spiritual.

Now put "birth" instead of "sex". Still true! It IS intense. But I'd have no more numbed myself for it than I would for sex with DH.

Here's a thought: some women experience "pain" in labour, but they don't "suffer" with it. They still feel POSITIVE about the experience. Other women can have an epi and be numb for the whole experience, but they will not feel positive afterwards. (Some women can also feel pain AND suffer and others get an epi and enjoy the whole thing! My point is that being pain free does not guarantee that you will enjoy it, or not find it traumatic.) Is it PAIN you want to avoid? Or suffering?

Some linkage for you:

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/09/truth...epidurals.html

http://www.pennysimkin.com/articles/...%20hour%29.pdf

http://thenestingplace.blog.com/2010...and-suffering/

http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=2145

I'm worried that the doctor is so dismissive of your wishes and pushing their own agenda on you.... If this is what they are like in pregnancy, what will they be like when you are in labour (and vulnerable)? Have you considered switching to a different dr/different hospital?

Oh, and one more thought? Wanting to give birth WITHOUT DRUGS is not the same as giving birth WITHOUT RELIEF. There is lots of relief available that is NOT drugs To maximise your chances of the birth you are hoping for, maybe it would be a good idea to check whether or not your hospital is supportive of such measures. Call me a cynic and a pessimist but it sounds unlikely