Who has gone natural?

[Josefin]

With my first I got some pain relife that was given whit a needle in my cervix. Doesn't remember what it is called but it helped for an hour or so. I really didn't want the epidural! With my second it was 100% natural. Hoping this third will be the same Almost everyone I know has been taking the epidural but I really don't want it... I think it's best for the baby to go natural if you can handle the pain.

 

[Piper84]

I don't know how natural is defined, but I was induced at 41 weeks (LO just wasn't coming out on his own and placenta was starting to fail), laboured in the water a bit and had a pain killing injection in my hip (not sure what it was, but it was gooood, and it gave me a bit of a rest), then got an episiotomy at the last minute just before LO came out. All in all it was 8 hours, all of it back labour, and the last pushing stages I was on my side.

I never really wanted an epidural, despite the pain, as I thought it would delay things and just wanted bubba out ASAP. It's not a foregone conclusion, so don't feel pressurised if you don't want it. Like another poster said, the pain is a means to an end and will stop when the baby comes out (or a few hours later, they don't tell you about the contractions you get when your cervix closes!).

 

[tinkerbelle93]

P.s. I know that strictly G&A isn't 'going natural' but to me it's a good middle ground. No needles, no side effects beyond a dodgy voice and wears off immediately.

Unfortunately, here in the US G&A is rarely ever offered. ...probably why the epi rate is so high bc there is no real "in between" such as G&A.

Hmmm I've noticed this from birth stories too, why is not offered so much in the US? It's the first thing they offer you over here. xx

 

[aliss]

I don't know how natural is defined, but I was induced at 41 weeks (LO just wasn't coming out on his own and placenta was starting to fail), laboured in the water a bit and had a pain killing injection in my hip (not sure what it was, but it was gooood, and it gave me a bit of a rest), then got an episiotomy at the last minute just before LO came out. All in all it was 8 hours, all of it back labour, and the last pushing stages I was on my side.

I never really wanted an epidural, despite the pain, as I thought it would delay things and just wanted bubba out ASAP. It's not a foregone conclusion, so don't feel pressurised if you don't want it. Like another poster said, the pain is a means to an end and will stop when the baby comes out (or a few hours later, they don't tell you about the contractions you get when your cervix closes!).

That was probably morphine or some other opiate!

I'm not sure what natural is. Some would say my birth was not natural because I used the shower If you had a good birth experience and were happy, then I think that's fantastic. There is a movement towards 'natural" C-sections, to make the experience less clinical. IMO the most important one is one that makes a woman look back positively, no matter what path she chooses. I *personally* feel that no medications can really help achieve that experience, but that's just me.

 

[BubsMom17]

P.s. I know that strictly G&A isn't 'going natural' but to me it's a good middle ground. No needles, no side effects beyond a dodgy voice and wears off immediately.

Unfortunately, here in the US G&A is rarely ever offered. ...probably why the epi rate is so high bc there is no real "in between" such as G&A.

Hmmm I've noticed this from birth stories too, why is not offered so much in the US? It's the first thing they offer you over here. xx

I am not sure why it isn't offered here... I think it would be great, personally. It really sounds like a godsend. They will offer you something in an IV to take the edge off, but if it's close to pushing time (when sh*t really starts getting real and painful), they don't recommend it cuz it can make you drowsy, pushing will be less efficient, and baby can be drugged up, too.

 

[Piper84]

P.s. I know that strictly G&A isn't 'going natural' but to me it's a good middle ground. No needles, no side effects beyond a dodgy voice and wears off immediately.

Unfortunately, here in the US G&A is rarely ever offered. ...probably why the epi rate is so high bc there is no real "in between" such as G&A.

Hmmm I've noticed this from birth stories too, why is not offered so much in the US? It's the first thing they offer you over here. xx

I think it's seen as quite old fashioned. They don't offer it here either cos of the apparent effects on the baby, but I wouldn't mind a bit of it to be honest.

 

[The Alchemist]

I had a natural birth with my first. Like a pp said, prior to birthing medical interventions, women were birthing without it. If they all were able and capable, then I know I can and I know ANY woman can. It IS a mental game you gotta beat the challenge.

I'm pregnant again and I'm planning on doing natural birth again.

 

[ILoveShoes]

I just had gas and air. My LO was born back to back and feet first.
xx

 

[dizzy65]

I went natural but it wasnt by choice lol. I was induced at 39 weeks and i did have a shot of morphine to help ease that as i was contracting really hard and not dialating, But when i went into full labor the morphine was worn off by than.. and i did it all by my self the pushing and ect un medicated.. but my labor was only an hour including pushing time

 

[Kiwi_Jen]

I had a natural birth in the US, much to the dismay of my OBGYN. I think as previous posters mentioned the most important thing is to be mentally prepared. I had a couple friends who had the 'I'd like a natural birth, but we'll see what happens' approach, and they both ended up with epidurals. I took the Bradley method courses and hired a doula, and after spending all that money I wasn't going to cave and allow an intervention .

This time I'm going for a home birth if all goes well.

 

[wishfulone]

What wonderful input. I have actually enlisted the support of a doula, which I know will benefit my DH and I greatly! I started practicing yoga few months ago, and have learned how to control my breathing to help me relax and focus. I am registered for a couple of classes but have not yet picked which exact method I want, maybe a combination of each. My doula and I will be working on that one! I think it is important to keep in mind that things do not always go as planned, so we do need an 'open mind' to an extent, but you are so right in us not letting ourselves have the option of the epi/other interventions unless absolutely MEDICALLY necessary