Giving birth without epidural •yay or nay?

I haven’t given birth yet (I’m 39 weeks) but my plan is all natural as well. I truly believe (based on basically every natural birth story I’ve read or video I’ve watched) that pain during birth is 10% physical and 90% mental. We’re trained to believe this is the most painful thing we’ll ever go through and if you go in with that mindset then it will be. I think of it this way from what a nurse told me during my childbirth class: Labor pain is different from all other pain. If you break your arm, it can’t do anything good for you. There’s no purpose for breaking your arm, and you’re not SUPPOSED to have a broken arm. But labor pain has a purpose, it is bringing your baby to you, and you’re supposed to be going through it. You’re not dying, you’re giving birth. Just remember that (unless there’s something physically wrong with your pelvis) your body was made to do this. Epidurals may numb the pain but they tend to complicate the process and increase risk for interventions. And sometimes they don’t even work. The permanent possible side effects are the reason I will not get one unless ENTIRELY necessary.

I hate when people say that, my family said the same thing. "You wont be able to handle the pain." Ya right... I did! 27.5 hours of labor and 1 hour of pushing without an epidural. I truly enjoyed the experience and dont regret it, I love knowing that I did it and I felt how child birth was suppose to be like. It is up to you, i find if you arent on the fence about it and tell yourself no, that your body is made to handle that kinda pain than you will end up going natural! 😊 You got this girl! Have faith in yourself. Also remember you can recieve laughing gas, and morphine. Walking helped me a lot and remembering to breath is a life saver!

Yeah it hurt like a mf but I still did it. I did use laughing gas but that’s just to help cope, it doesn’t take away the pain. But maybe I’m used to it, I never take medication for anything unless absolutely necessary like antibiotics, so I’m used to just bearing with the pain until it goes away. Although this was by far the worst pain I’d ever experienced.The one thing I remember is that epidurals aren’t common in other countries, only in the US. Most women in other countries give birth without an epidural, and if they can do it, so can I.

I’ve had an epidural every time. Go in with an open mind. It’s that simple! If you can get through the pain without the epidural then congrats- you went all natural. If the pain is absolutely unbearable and more than you ever can imagine- get the epidural. Either way it’s your decision and a decision to be made when you are actually at that bridge to cross.

Not me.. but my sister in law did epidural for her first, because she gave in. She couldn’t feel where the baby was and pushing was very hard compared to 2,3 and now her 4th. She swears she will never do it again just because it makes it so hard to deliver. They tell you to push, but you don’t know where to push. It hurts worse than anything you have felt before. BUT it was worth it

I am pregnant with my 1st and plan to do it naturally. The hospital I'm birthing at had all kinds of techniques like aromatherapy and a jacuzzi tub and I just dont like the idea of the epidural and all the side effects that can happen.

I was 100% drug free, I didn't even have the gas & air, I only had sterile water injections in my back. I love that I didn't have the epidural because I could be in whatever position I wanted (on my hands and knees in the bathroom with my mum holding the shower head on my back) and as soon as baby was born I could get up and walk to the bed. Although I was asking for an epidural because the pain is unimaginable, easily the worst pain I've ever felt in my life. But I can't remember it, I know it hurt but all I remember is when they passed my baby to me everything went away. I don't even remember getting the needle in my thigh to help with delivering the placenta (apparently it really hurts) because I was so focused on holding my baby.The pain I do remember was trying to pee afterwards, I only had grazes but they stung so bad that the first time I peed I screamed 😬 for 3 days the only way I could go without wanting to cry and yell was squatting in the shower. But they healed in about 8-9 days.So it'll be the worst pain ever and in the moment you'll feel like it will never end but no matter how it happens (drug free, epidural, C section) the end result is your perfect little baby and that's the most important part 💕

I had epis with both my son's. The first labor was super easy, I literally labored for about 10 hours while I ran around town getting last minute things done. Scale if 1 to 10, id say my pain was about a 3 or 4 with my first, and I PROBABLY could have gotten thru without an epi. The second time, absolutely fucking no way. I have never been in so much pain, I couldn't even believe how different the pain level was between the two births. I was in tears and sobbing on the nurses shoulder while she was holding me in position for my epi. Now, all of that said, I think preparation for natural birth is a must, breathing and relaxation techniques probably would have helped me a ton the second time. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

I enjoyed the epidural because I was able to focus on my baby and not the pain. I was excited and happy and laughing with my mom and husband. I feel like modern medicine is a good thing. But if you don’t want one that’s up to you. Who cares what they say. Give the staff your birth plan. No need to involve anyone but you and your healthcare team.

I’m not sure what pain relief is available to you where you live, but here in the UK we have other, milder, pain relief options. Air/Gas, and then also various different opioids administered via IV. Epidurals are also available if you’re giving birth in a hospital. But if you & baby are healthy you’re encouraged to deliver at a birthing center run by midwives, where no epidural is available.