3rd baby and want a natural birth experience

[Terangela]

With my first I had a natural birth experience and did great. With my second my labor was much more painful and I opted for a epidural. Going into it this third time I am wanting a natural birth experience and scared I will chicken out and ask for meds. With my first the labor wasn't as painful as the pushing and I felt the second time if I had to go through the pain I was having with my labor that time and then have to have the pain and burn of pushing I would likely be too exhausted to push and give up... not likely what would have happened, but I did feel faint from the pain and am fearing that I will give in this time. Any suggestions on ways to calm yourself and get through the pain? I just remember the pain going all the way down my thighs and feeling crippling.

 

[milkmachine]

google natal therapy i have found this to be helpful in terms of relaxation preparation

 

[cupcake23]

I know what you mean, my birth with my second was intense compared to my 1st, my oh and mum were actually worried about me. I had a homebirth so I didn't have the option of an epidural (I also don't like them) but at one stage I did think if I hadn't progressed I would transfer in to get more pain relief. I was lucky that even though it was harder I progressed well and was able to cope.

I think with subsequent births even though they are typically shorter in length the pain is greater. Are you having a homebirth? As milkmachine has suggested try and find other coping techniques that you can use before you consider an epidural.

Good luck.x.