unmedicated birth

[davesadoll]

Hello, All!

I am a mother of 2 and am pregnant with number 3. With the previous births I had the epidural, and both experiences were terrible. I found the epidural process and placement more stressful than the delivery!

I am hell-bent on doing this one drug free. I've been studying books, particularly on the Bradley Method, because Lamaze just didn't work for me. I couldn't stay on top of the contractions to use the techniques I'd learned.

If you have an unmedicated birth experience to share, please do so. Any advice or techniques that worked for you?

I am also interested in hearing about unpleasant epidural experiences, to compare my own with.

Thanks for your help and support!

[madison]

Good for you for considering an unmedicated birth. Many of the women here at this site have done it and were happy with the results & experience. I hope that will be your experience also!

My suggestion would be to:

1) look into other places to give birth than a hospital - use a birth center or homebirth with a midwife.

2) consider hiring an experienced doula. Doulas greatly assist the mom with relaxation and feeling safe. They can also give Dad/Partner a break, so that mom is never alone. There are many women here who have used the services of a doula and would be glad to give you pointers - questions to ask and things to look for in a good doula who will help you have the birth you want.

And congratulations on your new pregnancy!

:)

[bebe luna]

I wrote a response on this topic to a post called "natural laboring" over in the alternative and complementary medicine forum about how I used acupuncture, shiatsu, magnet therapy, moxabustion, herbs, aromatherapy, massage, and a birthing tub (underwater birth)...
I've also heard hypnosis can be very helpful for relaxation and pain management.
As well as homeopathy.

[leafylady]

1. Take the Bradley Method Classes with your partner. It gives such an incredible education on how your body works, stresses nutrition, preparation, and the involvement of your husband/birthpartner. These classes were the most important factor that prepared my husband and I for an unmedicated birth. For me personally, concrete knowledge (without a lot of froofy frills) is the best way to deal with fears.
2. Consider reading "Birthing From Within" to help you deal with previous births. I think I'm the only one here who didn't like that book, but it did have good ideas on how to work through fears and previous trauma.
3. A doula sounds like a good idea, but I didn't have one.

[Lundy]

I second LeafyLady - that's exactly the path we took (Bradley & BFW). I LOVED our Bradley class/method - all the prenatal care and reassurance that this is what our bodies are meant to do was wonderful. The fear of the pain is worse than the pain. Bradley helps to focus inward whereas Lamaze tries to emphasize distraction. Actually, I just got really pissed at each contraction - sort of a "bring it on" attitude that was really empowering. Anyway...the best advice I got while pregnant & exploring ideologies was take what you like and leave the rest.

good luck!

[PM]

WARNING: mine is probably not the best approach :) but I successfully birthed a 9 1/2 lb baby girl with NO MEDS of any sort and NO TEARING.

I JUST DID IT! I feel like the birth process is natural, that it's not going to kill us, that we can handle what our body gives us. I feel like doing all these classes, reading all these books, learning all these techniques, etc. just adds to the stress.

Be confident that the pain will not kill you. You are strong, you can handle it.

My midwife (one asssigned to me by my clinic -all hospitals in France have midwives - and whom I did not meet until I arrived for the birth) commented to my dh how incredibly calm I was. I think that's the key.

Have dh or partner there for you (even if he's looking at the wall the whole time like mine did :D ). Have him/her (whatever) rub your neck, or stroke your arm (mine stroked the inside of my forearm and that just did it for me...but he kept stopping!! :D and I had to coax him back into doing it again...in the end I wanted to scream at him to keep doing it!:D )

Once I started to push, the pain was GONE. I mean it felt SOOO GOOD to push. I don't know if this is a common experience, but I wish I would have known.

One thing I will do next time is learn how to push properly, and not with my face! I ended up with popped blood vessels all over my face for 2 weeks. Not a pretty sight.

I guess you probably won't want to do it my way, but I just wanted you to know that it's not as hard as you think and that it's an absolutely empowering, beautiful experience.

[Sahara]

Everyone has such good responses, but it all sounds too easy, right?!?
I have to agree that the best thing you can do is plan a homebirth. If you aren't in the hospital, drugs aren't an option. You have to be really sure you need medical help to make the decision to transfer to a hospital.
I had two midwives present at the birth, and of course my husband. We also took the Bradley classes. It was nice that my husband was so well-informed, and spending so much time together learning about birth and talking through our expectations helped us to work well together when my labor started. I was alone with him through all of active labor, and when he recognized I was in transition he went and got the midwives who were napping in the living room. There was one point during transition, when I was crawling on the floor feeling sick, that I wondered what it would like to be in the hospital with an epidural. Through all of the pain and nausea, it was absolutely clear to me that being in the hospital wouldn't have been right for me. And I loved pushing, too. It felt incredible, I have never had so much strength and purpose!
I think Parismaman is right, if you are the kind of person who gets bogged down with reading and too much knowledge, just trust yourself and your body to do what it is made to do. I am a gatherer of information at heart, so I now have a pretty extensive library on homebirth. But, it is definately not the right way for everyone. Enjoy your pregnancy, and I hope you find the best way for yourself.

[Modesto Doula]

I would like to second (or third) some of the replies here already.
Bradley classes have an excellent record for informed, natural birthing "students." They are long and require dedication, but they also teach you many very important things, and having an informed partner makes labor much easier on mom.
Planning a homebirth is a great way to have a natural birth because drugs arent an option, so you dont have to worry about people asking you if you want them.
Write a birth plan that lists some comfort measures and make sure your partner is well versed in comfort measures.
Also, hire a doula. Doulas are well versed in comfort measures and are a relaxing, experienced person who will be with you through the end of labor. Your partner will be able to take breaks without leaving you alone and will be more relaxed when they are not responsible for you alone. Remember that your partners only experience with birth is probably the same one you had, and he may not know what was bad about it.
I am a doula, and know all the comfort measures and am completely comfortable with birth, but in May when we go into labor, I am calling 2 doulas to be with me and my hubbie!

[mama joy]

I agree with so much of what has been posted, that I'm not sure if I can add anything new. I took the Bradley class, read Birthing from Within and hired a doula. All of those were key to my drug free labor and delivery.
The Bradley classes helped me understand my body and emotions. The techniques for pain management were irreplaceable. It also taught me how to be an advocate for myself in a hospital environment.
Birthing from Within helped to prepare me emotionally for whatever was ahead, even if it didn't go exactly as I planned.
My doula helped from the minute I was in labor. She talked to dh and I over the phone and met us at the hospital. She helped make sure that my birth plan was followed.
One of my fears was that if I really needed an intervention, I wouldn't know it. I was afraid that then in labor I would either refuse something necessary or cave to something unneccessary because of that fear. Having a doula alleviated that fear because I trusted for her to advocate for me to have a drug-free birth but knew that she had been to enough births (I think I was 95) that if something really freaky was happening, she could say, the docs are right this time.
I never considered drugs, even when a moronic resident tried to convince me that I needed them.
You can do it! Know yourself, and what you personally need to prepare and then go for it.
Keep us posted and keep asking questions.

[RasJane]

I was kinda worried with my ds about...well, everything I guess. No matter how much preparation and learning, you still know that you have never been through anything like a birth before. I think it is especially sad for women, like you, davesadoll, who have had disappointing experiences with previous births.
What I learned:
My body can do it.
Pushing Is Incredible. Parismaman is right, the rush of strength, the power, the amazement that my body was doing all that, and that I was going to finally meet my child all combined to make one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had. I have never talked to anyone with an epidural who loved pushing--never. I think that alone is enough for me to gain strength in my next labor.
I did not have a Doula, but I learned that my husband is the most incredible man. He was great at figuring out how close I needed him, and he delt so well with the hospital staff. He asked the first nurse to leave because she kept insisting I needed an epidural. I wanted to push before I was fully dialated. I also had a great Dr. (GP) who's standard line was, "Whatever you want--it's your baby, not mine" and, regarding "hospital policies" he said, "They only know what I tell them":)
Oh, I also learned that my body would tell me what I wanted. During pg I thought that the idea of water sounded just wonderful. I headed into water at about 6cm and was screaming to get out 2 minutes later. It just was not right for me.
I will have a Homebirth next time. I will have a midwife. I would have liked to last time but, ah, insurance:mad:

[fourlittlebirds]

What made a big difference for me:

-I labored alone for as long as possible, in a place that made me feel comfortable and secure.
-I did not time contractions or have my dilation checked, in other words, I tried my best to ignore the labor and just go on with everyday life. This helped by diverting my attention elsewhere. It's like the cut that doesn't hurt til you look at it, you know?
-Privacy was key. One reason waterbirth was good for me was because it forced the midwife to give me some space, and covered my nakedness. I didn't feel as exposed and self-conscious.
-I did not attempt to be "in control" of the labor or my reaction to the pain.
-No one but me touched my vagina.
-The room was quiet, dark, and no one spoke unless I spoke to them first.
-I vocalized loudly when I felt the need to.
-I labored and/or birthed in hot water.
-I spent most of all of my labor upright, changed positions frequently, and kept active, even dancing.

[caleb's mommy]

I have not had my baby yet, and am essentially in the same boat as you. I did have something to add, though. I wouldn't recommend taking childbirth classes that are sponsored through the hospital. I did that, and they spent almost all of the time talking about meds! We hardly had any time to practice any of the techniques. Now, if they can't get you to get it down when you're thinking rationally, it'll be a challenge to remember what to do in labor! Just a thought.

[k'smami]

I agree about hospital classes. In my case she talked about avoiding meds but we barely practiced any techniques. When I have my next baby, I'm going to do Hypnobirthing. I've read some very good things about it. I haven't read about anyone who it didn't work with.

www.birthlove.com has a lot of stories of unmedicated birth.
www.freebirth.com also has them.

[davesadoll]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my "I want to try an unmedicated birth" posting.

I have enjoyed reading your advice and stories, and I feel more empowered than ever. This is so wonderful! I feel like I've just found out I have all these sisters I didn't know about....

Let me ask you this, in hiring a Doula, what is her main focus? I think I would be almost afraid to hire a Doula, for fear that I would have to have the epidural and feel like I disappointed her or something.

I was intent on not having the meds last time, and succumbed to them because I just couldn't get on top of th contractions. I disappointed myself, would itnot be more stressful to worry about disappointing someone else?

Crazy, I know.

Your thoughts?

[Stellaluna]

Hi

I am new to this board, I am Chiara from breastfeeding.com

I had a really quick intense labour. What I found helped was to spray cold water on my tummy. Sounds wierd but it really did ease the pain.

Good Luck for the birth :)

[BusyMommy]

But, I'm a hospital phobe and the thought of getting a needle in my spine was worse than the thought of giving birth w/o drugs. So...I stayed home w/4 midwives and 2 apprentices. (They took turns sleeping.) And, gave birth in a portable hot tub (w/changeable liner) after 12 hours of labor. Never even had a tylenol during or after. Sure, it hurt, but it was a delirious kind of hurt. I was so wrapped up in the moment that I didn't have time to debate the pros/cons of drugs. It wasn't an option so just get through it. What was WONDERFUL was once I entered the tub at 7hours, my dh poured hot water over my tummy for each cx. Also, having the freedom to MOVE wherever and whenever I wanted was incredible. I spent the first 7 hours at the foot of my bed kneeling on a pile of pillows in the dark listening to Dido. LOL

So, no, you don't need it. But, just be prepared just in case, I guess.

Think of how you're benefitting your baby by doing it naturally.

[BusyMommy]

PS: One of the apprentices was a doula. She was the best thing that ever happened to my pregnancy. We met her at our Bradley class.

[Sahara]

davesadoll,
I think if you have several doulas in your area, you should interview them and choose to work with one whom you trust. Tell her exactly what you just told us, that you don't want to feel unduly pressured, that you are worried you will try to please her and ignore your own needs. The most important thing is that you are open about ALL of your fears to her, your husband, and whoever else is attending your birth. You CAN have a drug-free birth, don't you worry. You are built for exactly that, your body and mind can handle it.

[Modesto Doula]

I am probably a good person to answer your questions, Davesadaoll. A doula's main focus is YOU. IF you hire one, her job is to educate you on your options, help you focus on what you want, and to help you follow your birth plan once you are in labor.
I will have to generalize alot here, because some doulas really are into getting their clients to try, and hang on through, a natural birth. Some doulas are really against interventions of any type, just like some docs and medwives will hook you up to any intervention even against all reason. Make sure when you are interveiwing doulas that you find someone you beleive that will support you.
I am all for natural birth, but I know that some people cannot handly the intensity of it and need medications to have a good experience. Thats ok. Its their decision, and their birth. I make sure that they are educated on all their options, and my clients decide what they want out of the birth, and what we will do to get it. If that means waiting out two contractions after she asks for meds to see if she still wants them, or if she wants to try every comfort measure we can think of first, or if she wants them as soon as she asks, its my job to help her get what she wants.
The point of hiring a doula is for her to assist you. While you are in labor, you cant be worried that you may disappoint her, or offend her. Thats why you should carefully interveiw as many as it takes to find someone you are comfortable with. Ask questions about how she would feel if you took meds, and how she would support you if you asked for them. Ask about her experience and her personal experiences. Also ask for references and names of other doulas in the area.
Try www.DONA.com, ww.CAPPA.com, or www. doulanetwork.com. If you don't find doulas in your area, I can give you a list of other places to look.
Sorry this was so long, but I hope it is helpful.

[kama'aina mama]

My Bradley class changed my life, no doubt about it. When I started labor my husband knew more about what happens during childbirth than many women who have given birth. I felt confident that if I forgot what I knew he would help me, and he did. I had a great birth at home, no meds at all. (My joke to people who asked in the weeks surrounding the birth was, "I was at home, if I wanted drugs my selection was limited to what my husband could score down at the waterfront..")

And a big amen to all the ladies about pushing! Pushing ROCKS! :)

So, find a Bradley class in your area and start as soon as you can, because a lot of the value of the class is in preparing your body, with nutrition and exercise, to have a healthy birth.

[mama joy]

davesadoll,
I just have to second the advice to interview the doula. Being a first time mom, I had been unsure of how I would handle labor, so I was really concerned that my doula was not judgemental of women who use drugs in birht. I was able to find a doula that was very open and supportive. She attended my son's birht and it was drug free and pressure free. I just did it my way.
Modesto doula gave the website for DONA (Doulas of North America). The site has sample interview questions for doulas. I found them useful.

[Nathan1097]

here's my birthstory of Noah- a no-pain-meds birth. I liked it MUCH better than my other 2- one epidural and one spinal.

http://www.circumcisionquotes.com/noahsbirth.html

[Marlene]

Hi Davesadoll,
Just wanted to encourage you- your body is made for birth! I just gave birth (unmedicated in a birthing center) 4 weeks ago and it was by far the best experience of my life. Yes, it hurts like hell, but it is so rewarding! Definetly read Birthing From Within and find a great midwife and doula. (My midwife served as both). Just keep telling yourself, "I can do this". And you'll probably think the contractions hurt so much that you should get an epidural, (I did at one point) but just hang in there, YOU CAN DO IT! What helped me was moving around a lot, kicking my legs, and opening my mouth very wide and saying, "open, open, open"- I was talking to my cervix. :D
You are going to do great!
M

[Beth]

I don't know if anyone mention Hypnobirthing. I didn't have time to read all the responses. Hypnobirthing is a good method to implement during an unmedicated birth. You can find an instructor online at www.hypnobirthing.com. Check out the website there is alot of good info there, too.

[kibbles]

This will be my first unmedicated birth.

I am having this one at a birthing center. . .no choice but to go without meds. I also had a nasty fall off a horse, and with the back injuries an epidural would probably NOT be in my best interests, and might not even be given (thats what I keep TELLING myself so I dont chicken out).

I am just going to try to be brave, remembering that the other births I survived the times without meds, it was just the induction that HURT LIKE HELL and since I wasnt getting induced, I could deal with this.

I would LOVE to have a doula, but they are very expensive! Since they are not covered (I think they are about a grand here), I just cannot swing it. Same with lactation consultants. I wound up not being able to nurse my son because they are not covered, and I just dont have the $150 an hour to do that. Stupid insurance companies!

So I am just putting my faith in myself, my husband, my friend (if she can make it) and my midwife. It WILL end, the pain is not forever. . .I learned to walk after the horse accident again, I can learn to birth without meds!

And then we BOTH can come back here with a triumphant heart warming story!

[Hoosky]

I'll put my vote in for only allowing people to be with you that are advocates of natural childbirth. If that means being at a birth center, at home or going unassisted. Having a water option really worked for me, too. And lastly, reading about natural childbirth helped me. Wishing you the best!

[halliesmom,lori]

It's really nice to know that we are not alone in our desires for a natural chilbirth. I decided to have a natural childbirth after a very difficult labor and delivery with my dd 3 yrs ago (I was induced with pitocin, got an epidural, etc.). Whenever I mention to family or friends that I am having my son naturally, they think I am crazy, and it sometimes makes you question your own desires.

My husband and I have just hired a doula (after interviewing a few in our area) and are really looking forward to this. We don't have time to take the Bradley course, but our doula just got through taking it a couple of months ago and she said she would be more than happy to go through the info with us. She is also a certified massage therapist, so that may come in handy too :)

I can't wait for this experience, and I am sure that the Doula will make the experience even better, while keeping me on track with what I want :)

[mamajenn]

What worked for me was having lots of support - I had three friends, my partner, my mama and three midwives! I know that lots of women want privacy but being surrounded by people who supported my home birth choice helped to keep me focussed. It also allowed for the midwives to stand back and let me take control. My partner didn't leave my side - I really needed constant touching (rubbing my back, my feet)ad that helped too.

Trust in your body - I have tried to explain to so many women who have had medicated births about how I reached a level of awareness of my body and a surge of strength that I can not compare to anything - and they think I'm crazy, However I never felt overwhelmed with the pain, in fact it's the only time I think in my life that I had complete faith in my body and my surroundings!

Also, lots and lots of yoga beforehand helped. I practiced visualizations with my partner guiding me!

Good Luck!

[motherdownunder]

As above, homebirth and /or doula, read Birthing From Within, and read Childbirth Without Fear. This second book is very old, though it's been updated, and nobody seems to read it anymore but I found it to be excellent. He describes a fear-tension-pain cycle and describes specifically how fear inhibits a natural labour. I feel much more confidant in my body after reading it.

[Lisalee2]

Just wanted to add that rest helps soooo much. I was so excited about labor beginning that I didn't rest while I had a chance. 25 hours later, Isaiah was born and though I loved every minute, I wish I had rested more in early labor instead of taking like 50 walks around the block to get labor going faster.

If you can get a birth tub, that may help. Also, remember your body can do it! Just think about all the hard work it's doing now while your baby is being nourished and protected by yours. Isn't it great???

About epidurals, I don't have any experience personally but a good friend of mine had a hospital birth a year ago and has constant back pain. Someone else stated that having a needle stuck in their spinal area is scarier than any pain in labor! I agree!

Congrats on your preg. and let us all know how it goes! You CAN do it naturally and without intervention!

[fourlittlebirds]

Originally posted by RasJane
Oh, I also learned that my body would tell me what I wanted. During pg I thought that the idea of water sounded just wonderful. I headed into water at about 6cm and was screaming to get out 2 minutes later. It just was not right for me.

My second birth was a waterbirth, and it was great, there is no way you could have gotten me out of that tub without a hydraulic lift, LOL. I *needed* to be in the water. My third birth, though, I labored in the birth tub for about an hour (with horrendous back pain) then all of a sudden I thought, "this isn't working," and I hopped right out of that tub and knelt on the ground, and she was born two pushes later!

[Raven]

I had a water birth at home without any drugs.
I was only 18 at the time too. My husband and midwife were present and it was a very special and sacred time. I read a lot of books while I was pregnant and prepared myself mentally as well as physically for the birth. I truly believe that because I knew what I wanted and I believed that I could do it, it made me that much stronger.

You can read as much as you like and know all the alternatives to drugs for pain relief, but the true key to having the type of birth you want is to believe in your ability to have a beautiful birthing experience. It was only once I believed that my body knew exactly how to give birth and that my unborn baby knew how to be born did I feel secure and completely prepared. I still had some anxiety but what mother doesn't?;)

My advice would be to read Barbara Harper's book called Gentle Birth Choices. It enlightened me a lot! www.storknet.com/guest/harper.htm

[snugglemama]

Hi kibbles, just FYI, I would suggest checking out the La Leche League groups in your area. The leaders will help you with nursing. My LLL leader is a lactation consultant, and has offered to come to my house to help. Going to LLL meetings is free, unless you want to pay the 35 dollar membership. Good luck and congratulations!

[PB's Mom]

I'm not pregnant yet, but I'm thinking about no medication next time around. Can anyone talk me into this? I had an epidural last time and my baby was very sleepy for a long time. In fact, he was always pretty sleepy when nursing, and I'm wondering if that could be why we got off to such a bad start with breastfeeding. (I was sore for 8 weeks! :eek: ) I'm also wondering if this "sleepy" habit could be the cause of his cavities. I think he got into the habit of sucking while asleep and not swollowing.....thus creating the pool of milk in his mouth and the cavities. This is probably a really far out idea, but I'm determined to figure out why breastfeeding can contribute to cavities in some children.

So if anyone has any more info about why it's good to have an unmedicated birth, please let me know. I'll take any and all info about nursing and/or cavities or ANY OTHER SUBJECT!!!

Thanks!

[Jish]

I also am not pregnant, but I decided to pop in and check it out and saw your thread and thought I'd respond.

I have had two unmedicated births. With the first I always intended to get the epidural. I had been in labor for 12 hours when my water broke and we went to the hospital. I was at 5cm when we got there (I had been at 4cm for a month so I was pretty bummed.) All the sudden I went into transition, although I didn't know it at the time and I was in so much pain all I could do was try to make it through the contractions that were coming one on top of the other. Twenty minutes when I was checked again I was complete. That was the absolute worst twenty minutes of my life. No, I take that back, my kidney stone was worse than that. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I don't want to scare anyone, but I swore that I would never go through that again. That was in the heat of the moment. Natural childbirth is such a wonderful thing that I did decide to do it again.

My second labor was half the time, only seven hours, and SO much easier. I was positive for GBS so I was to be at the hospital four hours before delivery. Looking back this was a blessing in disguise, because otherwise I would have had an unexpected homebirth:eek: . I never dreamed that when I arrived at the hospital at 7:05 in the morning that I would be at 9cm. I figured maybe 6cm if I was lucky (again I was at 4cm before I even went into labor.) Imagine my surprise when I was at 9cm. My son was born at 8:05am. I pushed for only ten minutes, and for the first eight I didn't put all my effort into it because I didn't feel the urge to push, but the nurse was badgering me (I had come in so dilated that I pushed back a scheduled C-section and she was irritated.) Once I felt the urge he was out in one contraction. He was 9lb, 22 inches with a 15 inch head.

I won't lie and say that there was no pain, but I would never have asked for pain relief. It was really easy IMO the second time. My first son did a great job of paving the way (he also had a huge head and a big ole body.) Only one mother I know hasn't felt that the second was amazingly easier than the first, but her second came out face up rather than face down -- ouch! Other than her, all the moms with two from my BFing support group felt that the second time was so much easier. Some got epidurals because they got them the first time and they were scared to try it with out, and some went natural the second time and found it to be much easier than they expected. Epidurals are pretty popular in my area, of my large group of mommy contacts only myself and one of my friends have never had an epidural. The moms that go natural with number two are overwhelmingly glad that they did. It is such an amazing experience to feel it all happen.

If you would like to talk further, please feel free to PM or email me.

Sorry to all to crash your board. One of these days I'll be here again, just not TOO soon I hope. The two I have keep me on my toes.:)

[Milo]

I've had an unmedicated labor, followed by unplanned (yes, medicated) c-section, and an unmedicated labor and birth. I would feel ripped off - like I missed part of the whole experience- if I had pain meds. Seriously... the joy of childbirth totally makes it worthwhile...

Also, IMO, I have great support that makes it possible to not need to escape from the sensations of labor and birth. Sitting in a birth tub, with warm water to my neck, getting a facial massage from the doula, with DH giving me sips of juice and craddling me and telling me I am the most glorious creature he has ever seen....well, it's not so bad, really!

As for the benefits...epidurals can contriute to sleepy babies, elevated birth weights (the baby can get bloated,too) that make it seem that the baby isn't gaining enough weight, trouble with latch and milk supply, not to mention, slowing down the actual labor and birth, and leading to other interventions. The other methods of pain relief - narcotics can cause a sleepy baby, or one who doesn't breath well after birth.

I am passionate about this...and love to talk about my experience, so I'll stop now. Mothering had a very informative article a while back about the relative safety of epidural pain relief...I can't remember exactly when, but that might give you more information. PM me if you want.

Good on you to be thinking about this now!

[Elismama]

I had a wonderful unmedicated birth. I strongly suggest looking into a homebirth if you are considering an unmedicated birth- it was so easy for me to take control, do what my body needed to do, and be at ease in my own home. I walked, I squatted, I moaned, I did whatever my body told me to do. And it was wonderful and I never felt the need for pain relief (although I did really want a nap). Its great to be on your own turf during such an intense experience.

My Birthworks instructor showed us a video created to demonstrate the difference between a medicated birth and an unmedicated birth from the babies perspective. After each birth they placed the baby on the mamas belly. The unmedicated baby nudged forward slowly, rooting for and finding the breast and began nursing. The medicated baby rooted around the mamas belly towards here side, had a hard time moving, and did not find the breast. It was a powerful video.

There are tons of reasons why unmedicated can be better, others have mentioned many. I hope it works out for you, best wishes,
jeanie

[OceanMomma]

Both my babies were unmedicated. One at hospital & one at home ( accidental unassisted ). I would never do it any other way. I suggest you read spiritual midwifery for the spiritual side of why & read birthing from within for the more techncial how to stuff.

[Jish]

I read "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCrutchon (sp?). I really liked it and found it to be very helpful with my second. Did the Lamaze thing with the first and though it was totally useless.

[Greaseball]

My birth was unmedicated and it hurt worse than anything, but I would never take those drugs. I hear the narcotics don't even work that well for pain and you can't get more when they wear off, and I have heard so many bad things about the epidural I can't imagine getting one of those!

I hear you have to be restricted to the bed, hooked up to a fetal monitor the whole time, and have your blood pressure taken every two minutes. And a whole bunch of other side effects for the baby!

The way I see it is, I don't have the right to force a baby to take unnecessary drugs, which is what happens when the mother takes drugs.

[laurajean]

PB's Mom,

Read the "Thinking Woman's Guide to Better Births" and your mind will be set for an unmedicated birth.

~Laura

[joyberryjoy]

It's so great to really experience the birth of your child...on a spiritual level, there is something to be said for "being there" 100% during what is easily the most important experience of your life. The pain, which can be intense, goes away IMMEDIATELY afterwards, and you have the alert, happy, baby who can breastfeed immediately. As a La leche League leader i have seen so many babies who have trouble nursing right away after epidurals and demoral, etc. And there are ways to make the pain manageable...part of it ( a big part) is perspective... realizing that literally billions of women have given birth without drugs for all of human history, and even now in cultures where women aren't trained from a young age to be afraid of birth. Our bodies as women are about the most amazing thing ever created or evolved, that's for certain. I read that women in comas often give birth "effortlessly", the uterus being fully capable of pushing out a baby with our without our conscious help (it can apply 90 pounds of pressure per square inch, it's a muscle that strong). So much our difficulty in labor in "civilized nations" comes from our fear of it. It is interesting to note that some of the most active natural birth advocates say that it is Fear that leads to Tension of the body and subsequent pain, problems, etc. The way to stop that domino effect of emotions and physical responses is to arm yourself with information. Francis Bacon said Knowledge is Power, and in this case at least he is right...read as much as you can by authors who right truthfully and open-mindedly about labor...Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read outlines the fear-pain connection, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is a good one too, with lots of great pictures and diagrams that really teach you what your body can and will do in labor, so that you can help your body along in labor, rather than putting yourself in physical situations (like lying on your back) and mental sitiuations (where you don't understand what is happening to you or where you feel that birth is out of your control).

Check your local library for books by these and also Sheila Kitzenger to reall SEE and UNDERSTAND what birth without drugs really looks like.

Also talk to women who have had natural birth and get answers to your biggest questions..."What does it really feel like?", etc. or whatever your own ?s are.

Then you wil not only hear honest good things about it but you will know whether it is something you really want to do, which is essential to it working, i think--you making a conscious strong decision to avoid drugs in labor...like deciding that you WILL breastfeed rather than saying "I'm going to try".....birth is a vulnerable time and your decisions before the labor itself can be easily "persuaded away" by those around you who love you and don't want you to "suffer", as they may see it, or by medical helpers. What i am trying to say is that unmedicated birth can be a wonderful experience, but it takes a clear understanding of birth's stages and mechanisms for moving a baby out...a belief in your own body as capable and strong...and a willingness to make your ideas clear to others and make sure that those who love you understand your decision for your birth.

Anyway I didn't mean to write this long but maybe karma will reward me and someone else has replied to my question..

I wish you the best and I trust that whatever your decision will be it will be at least an informed one, which is very important...you need to feel like YOU believe in what you are doing most of all...more important than anyone's else's ideas, and also most likely to get you through it successfully..

Much love and light,

Joy

[momea]

Hi PB's Mom,
Yay for you! I had a planned home birth - unmedicated of course! :) I also would urge you to consider home birth if you really want to avoid drugs - at home you can't help but have the support to do this - I mean it helps knowing you have no other choice. At one point I remember whining to my husband "Why can't I have an epidural like everybody else?" I realized I really had no choice and was just going to have do this birth like women have been doing since the dawn of time!

I think a lot of women agree that babies are far more alert when mom births without drugs - and the sense of empowerment really helps to keep mom on a high throughout those tough tough first weeks (months? years? just kidding!). This was a huge for me.

One last reason to have a drug free birth - when people look at the pictures of my daughter and I seconds after she was born they simply cannot believe it. We both look so alive and alert. I think a drug free birth, more often than a hospital birth with drugs, leaves you invigorated and able to be alive and awake to the tremendous event you're participating in. Why miss any opportunity to get back in touch with the wondrousness of life? I think having a drugged birth can take away this chance because it makes birth into a medicalized process.

Good luck to you!

[Milo]

Another vote for homebirth....I had to put myself in a place where I couldn't get drugs even if I wanted them to feel really committed to having an unmedicated birth. And yeah, your own nest is way better than the hospital IMO. Also, it is my experience that within seconds after the baby's birth I had NO pain -despite a pretty decent tear that needed several stitches- I think I was on a "baby high" for about three days, actually!

[bebe luna]

I had an unmedicated birth... and although it was pretty darn painful, it was also wonderful, and I would never choose a medicated birth!!
Some things that did help me during labor and birth-
*having a doula (my doula is also a massage therapist- and helped by rubbing and massaging, to help calm me and keep my muscles more relaxed)
*I used aromatherapy- a plug-in diffuser w/ lavender oil to help calm and soothe
*I drank a "labor/birthing tea", made of valerian, black cohosh, and red raspberry- it helps relax the muscles, calm the body and mind, and is beneficial for the uterus
*I used acupressure points to keep things moving smoothly (I can explain these to you if you want to pm me)
*I partially labored and gave birth in a birthing tub- it helped sooo much! I had some painful back labor, this helped take away the stress of gravity, etc... and was warm and cozy, very soothing... plus: so nice for baby to be born in the warm water- just like a womb!

With my next birth, I am very interested in birth-hypnosis!!

I really hope you choose all-natural! It is really the best for you and baby!!!

[Ceinwyn]

Mind over Labour by Carl Jones (and someone else, can't remember). Your body releases hormones to keep contractions going as well as it's own pain relief. When you start introducing meds. in labour you interfere with the natural hormones your making. A number of interventions follow resulting in things like episiotomies and forceps. I've had two unmedicated births. One was a home water birth! excellent! would never do it any other way! Lucid babes, lucid mamma!

[sunmountain]

Everyone has already mentioned the good points for an unmedicated birth, all of which I agree with, and I've had three, two at home.
These are the "anti-med" points that I focused on...
*the risks of permanent damage to your spine, I have a friend who walks around in constant back pain due to the epidural she recieved;
*the affect of the drugs on the baby lead to so many complications already listed above, but also including the possible need for vacuum extraction or forceps--AHHHHH!;
*& I simply refuse to be that weak, to me it would feel like giving up.

I am in no way making a judgement call on those women who have them, I am in no position to judge another woman's threshold for pain. It hurts like a bitch, even now I am about to deliver my fourth and I am a little weary of the pain I know is just around the corner. But when it's all over, I can say I was strong enough to do it without drugs, that I trusted my own body to do it's work and that I never interfered with it's progress. And this makes me feel like the strongest most worthy mother to the three boys I have been blessed with. It also gives me another reason to thumb my nose at the allopathic community that thinks we are unable to withstand this sort of work, or be able to make these kind of decisions without their assistance.
I love the Bradley book as well, take the class with a certified instructor if you can. Lamaze was useless. Ignore it, IMNSHO.
And good luck TTC!

[grisandole]

I'm currently pg and planning a homebirth! With my son, I had a hospital birth--an epidural, and before the epidural 2 shots of Demerol. Let me tell you, the demerol didn't do a darn thing! The epidural was great AT FIRST! I was lucky and didn't have any problems pushing, he came out just fine. BUT, due to the epidural, I was given cathers twice (couldn't get up to pee) which was very uncomfortable after the epi wore off. Also, I couldn't stand or walk for quite a while, and in general felt "creepy". The demerol, which didn't do anything for the pain, did make me feel very "out of it". And I have suffered from horrible back pain since the epidural (it does say in the paper you sign that chronic back pain is a side effect). It was severe for a year after, and pretty bad until my son was 6! Since then, it comes and goes.....now that I'm pregnant, it's pretty bad. So, for me, the epi was great pain relief for about 2 hours, and then it's been years of suffering! Not worth it!

[kama'aina mama]

All I can give you is a purely emotional response. Giving birth to my daughter was the most sacred thing I have ever done in my life. I felt whole and strong and powerful. It was like some of the wildest stories in Spiritual Midwifery at times. I was so aware of everything that was happening within me and felt so deeply connected to all other birthing women thru all time. I felt an amazing communion with my baby and my husband. When she was born she looked right at me like she knew me. I would not have traded a moment of it if it were 10 times as uncomfortable. It's just worth it, in ways that you cannot measure or show in studies.

[daylily]

I've never had an epidural, but I took Nubain during my first labor. It does take the edge off, but I prefer birthing w/out drugs. Yes, there is pain, but you can handle it. It seemed to me that my pain tolerance increased as my contractions got stronger. The brain produces endorphins, your body's own pain relief system. My fourth labor was my most difficult--I was in labor for nearly 20 hours, I was exhausted and in terrible pain, but it never occurred to me to ask for pain meds. I found that sitting in a hot shower is a wonderful way to deal with the pain. During my third labor, I was stuck at 3 cms for hours and hours (I was at home for most of that time--I showed up at the hospital and went back home when I found out I was only 3 cms) Any way, I went into the shower and went into this almost trancelike state. It was very powerful and wonderful. In one hour, I went from 3 cms to 7.

[sixkids35]

jbcjmom said..
Some got epidurals because they got them the first time and they were scared to try it with out, and some went natural the second time and found it to be much easier than they expected.

This was me until my fifth birth and yes with each labors it went quicker than the last. Good thing we are only four minutes away from hospital. Dh thinks I'll go quick with this baby.

As far as dental caries in your son. You may want to look and see if anyone else in family had dental caries as a young child. I can't say that breastmilk wouldn't caused this but I KNOW formula does- so many artificial ingredients in formula (yuck!) With a bottle, when the child stops sucking, the formula still runs out into mouth. Where breastfeeding, when the child stops nursing at the breast there is no more milk coming out. What may be pooling in the mouth could be saliva and acids from the stomach. This COULD cause dental cavities. Anyone know this for sure? If there are any concerns maybe wiping baby's mouth out with a soft cloth would help. I'm just popping out ideas for I've not had this experience with my children.

As for epidurals use and sleepy babies. I do believe they cause breastfeeding problems and sleepiness in baby, especially for first time moms and also medical personnel interventions and pushing for moms to rest and let baby go to nursery when the mom and baby should room in and get to to know one another and breastfeed often and have skin to skin contact.

Goodluck and keep in touch. As you can see we are a great bunch of women and mothers :thumb

[BusyMommy]

I stayed home and didn't even have a tylenol before or after. Did it hurt? Well, yes, but you're in SUCH a different place mentally at the time. I do remember thinking, wow, if I were at the hosp. I'd let them stick whatever they want in my back.:p But, that part was over SO soon and I am so happy for myself and for my son that we used no drugs.

You CAN do it. REally prepare yourself mentally and physically for it. Do all those hundreds of kegels and squats, etc. :D

[indigolilybear]

also--another perk....the possible orgasmic release at the end where you bond w/(hopefully!!) baby and dad!! a good time NOT to let some big dr. hero save the day. I had this orgasm feeling w/baby one but not two. Labor one was much harder so maybe this had something to do w/ it.

another reason....you are imprinting a wonderful start for babe....you *don't* need drugs or escape when things get tough. THey have done studies that medicated births are more likely to produce children w/substance abuse problems....wish I could remember where I saw this....
anyway...i echo what some of the other woman said, if there had been drugs at either of our 2 homebirths, you BET I woulda taken them....you're too vulnerable to resist the "drug pushers". BUT I am soooo glad that I wasn't offered drugs. What an awesome, sacred experience!!!! seeing those two little babies come out, alert and peaceful! and both times, I felt GREAT afterwards.

[Alexander]

Originally posted by Ceinwyn
I've had two unmedicated births. One was a home water birth! excellent! would never do it any other way! Lucid babes, lucid mamma!

A great post in a sea of great posts!

As soon as my DW got into the water, much of the pain was removed. The second time rounf I made sure the tub was ready as early as possible to give the greatest "low pain time".

Our babies knew who we were as soon as they came out, looked at us, and took in the world.

No drugs = no dugged out new-borns.

I truely believe that water helps take out much of the pain.

The "how to" and the benifits of water-birth discussion thread (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6017) might bring more information on water births generlly.

hope this helps

a

[Elismama]

Giving birth to my daughter was the most sacred thing I have ever done in my life. I felt whole and strong and powerful.

kama'aina mama- what a wonderful way to put it! After Eli's birth my self-esteem skyrocketed. I think natural birth can make women feel so good about themselves, and really connect them to their baby.

Even now, when I am down or need a boost, I replay the birth in my mind. I am always amazed at how well I handled everything, how right everything felt, how powerfully feminine I felt. It bonded the three us in a way I would never have expected, and am so grateful for.
-jeanie

[Jish]

Here are my two biggest hints for anyone having a hospital birth.

1.) Stay home for as long as possible. If you labor for as long as you possibly can at home, then there is a good chance that when you get to the hospital it will be too late, then you won't have that choice lingering in your mind. If you get to the hospital and are less that 5, I would go home if you don't live too far and it is your first. I was in the hospital for 1 hour 20 minutes before my first son was born, and exactly one hour before my second son was born. He would have been an unexpected home birth if I hadn't been positive for group B strep and supposed to be on antibiotics for four hours before delivery.

2.) Talk to your doctor and tell them to write it in big letters in your file at the office and at the hospital that YOU DO NOT WANT DRUGS OFFERED TO YOU!!! I was planning on getting the epidural with #1 but when we got there I was in transition (didn't know it) and was so focused on just getting through the contractions that I wasn't even thinking of pain relief. If the nurses don't keep coming in saying "Do you want something for the pain?" you will be much less likely to think you need it. That little statement can just kill all the resolve in the world.