What are the benefits of giving birth all natural?

Question

I haven't read any long term effects associated with a c-section or epidural, however I read alot of stories on how many of you went all natural or want to go all natural. What are the benefits?

Answer

There are all kinds of side effects from epidurals and c-sections. Some of which are permanent. Natural birth has none, because you are letting your body do what it is built/made to do.

Answer

Avoiding major surgery seems obvious. But what some people don't realize is that there is an effect of the medication used for pain management on the baby. We spend our whole pregnancy trying to avoid foods and medications. Why does that go out the window while in labor? There are videos of unmedicated babies first moments vs. epidural or medicated babies first moments. The difference is shocking. Nurses in a nursery can tell which babies were born to unmedicated mothers because of their alertness.

If I can manage it, I want to avoid medication for so many reasons. Intervention can lead to more intervention and I also view an unmedicated birth as a gift to my baby and myself because we will both have an easier recovery. I also dislike needles and prefer to avoid an IV if possible. I want mobility as well.

There is nothing wrong with using medication if that's the right choice for you! Some women really need it and that is ok! It doesn't take anything away from the birth experience and doesn't make anyone less of a woman or less of a good mom. I'm hoping to make it through without, but who knows what will happen if I end up with an induction or something!

Answer

Epidural can definitely have long term and permanent effects! One of my friends was paralyzed from the neck down for a few days, not able to hold her son or breastfeed without her sister holding her son and breast... another of my friends had massive headaches from it that landed her in the hospital and she couldn't care for her newborn... my cousin still have severe back pain in the epidural area... and those are minor! I didn't opt for the epidural last time and I won't again this time cause I'm too scared lol.

Answer

I didn't technically go "all natural" I ended up with a shot of morphine. But the biggest plus to no epidural was the option of mobility, not being numb. The thought of my legs being numb scared me. And the plus for no c-section for me is, no major surgery and no numbness, as well as faster healing time. Obviously if it was life or death I'd get a section, but the idea of having one terrifies me.

Answer

I think it's more of a personal choice. I had a scheduled c-section with epidural because my first baby was too big and breech all the way. I do feel feel a bit sorry that I missed out on the whole labour process so I'm hoping to go all natural for this second pregnancy. But back to my c-Sec, I did not have any side effects from it at all 😊

Answer

I have had both! My first was with an epidural and I didn't have time for one with my second. To tell you the truth the recovery was way better without it. I was up and walking around after an hour of having my second. Also I remember my back hurting for months after the epidural (where they inserted it) like literally 6+ months. It is totally up to you though! No matter how the baby comes out it will still be amazing! I am now pregnant with my third and am going into the birth with an open mind! If I have time for an epidural and I just can't stand the pain, then I will get it there is no shame in that! My child who was born with the epidural is now 6 years old, in Kindergarten and reading at a third grade level so I think she turned out just fine!

Answer

Had a natural birth with my first. Absolutely no side affects. I could get up and walk. I was NOT fuzzy or spaced out. I got to fully be present in those first most unbelievable moments with the child I waited that long to meet. If I needed to get up to change him or anything I could and did. I'm carrying my second and have every intention on going all natural again! 😁

Answer

I'll admit...I have a stupid reason for wanting to go all natural. I have a deep and intense fear of catheters. Traumatic childhood experience. With an epidural/c-section, most places make you have one because you will be numb and unable to get to the bathroom. No, thank you. I will do everything in my power to remain able to pee on demand, on a toilet.

Obviously, if it comes down to some kind of emergency, I'll deal. But my hope is to not need any extra interventions.

Answer

I agree that avoiding the major surgery of a c-section is a pretty great benifit! When you give birth unmedicated you allow you and your baby to experience the full range of chemicals and emotions both of our bodies produce for bonding when giving birth without being hindered by drugs. Epidural mom's usually can't even get up after birth and unmedicated mom's have rushes of energy and alertness. Nothing is wrong with choosing the drug, sometimes it's the only way to make progress because the mother can literally not physically relax enough to have progressive pushes! For me personally my plan is to be unmedicated because I don't want to miss out on that cocktail of beautiful bonding chemicals and I also already have back issues I don't want to have the possibility of making it worse with an Epidural

Answer

A lot of women choose this because it's what our bodies are made to do... with a c-section you supposedly have more downtime. I don't know of anyone who wanted a c-section but more so needed to have one for various reSons. With the epidural everyone does not have a good experience with it...whatever you decide let it be your decision

What are the benefits of giving birth all natural?

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