Am I crazy for wanting to go without an epidural for my first baby?

Question

I’m a first time mom, I’m currently 21+2 and I’m just doing my research on labor and delivery because I’m honestly terrified and want to know what I’m getting into. I would really love to do it without an epidural, but I know your first baby is the hardest. I just keep telling myself that this is what my body was made for, that I can do it, but am I crazy for thinking that? Any tips or stories for support would really help!

Answer

No you are not crazy. You should read Ina May Gaskins Guide to Childbirth. It’s really interesting and empowering.

Answer

I went without with my first and I was even induced.  It was difficult, I won’t lie about that, but empowering and I had a really fast recovery.

Answer

Many FTM don’t have epidurals nor do they want them. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their birthing experience to look like, whether it’s baby no 1 or baby no 5

Answer

I have had 3 without epidural by choice. It is not crazy! It has it’s tough moments near the end but remembering to relax through contractions helps (keeping your jaw relaxed helps to keep the rest of your body relaxed and will help you to progress faster). 
This time I have been preparing by imagining those first moments of him on my chest seeing what the person I have been growing actually looks like.

Answer

You’re not crazy. I did a med free home birth for my first! And I’ve done a second and due in December again! Planning the same! 
It’s totally doable! Other then just having to experience it I’ll give you the one piece of information I didn’t get and I wish I had:
It’s plain and simple, overwhelming at times. Childbirth. Your first especially. 
Everything is new and you’re going to want to fight it. You’re not sure if what your feeling is normal or when and if it will get worse.  So my advice, when you start to feel done, like you can’t do it anymore, let your body do the work. Don’t fight the contractions when they feel like they’re too much. Try and work with them and know they are doing the hardest work for you. That’s transition and you’re sooooo close to meeting baby. That’s about the only time I ever feel like OMG why did I do this again??  😂 That’s the hardest part mentally and it’s thankfully the shortest part! 🙌🏻  Be stubborn about it and mentally tough and know you’re made for the exact purpose your body is doing now.
So know you’re going to feel overwhelmed but know it will be ok. ❤️
You can do this! It an experience and a right of passage you’ll thank yourself for for years to come!

Answer

Not crazy, lots of women do it. It's becoming a more popular decision to make nowadays. Personally I would NEVER lol I prefer pain free procedures when possible. And I've always had csections so it's never been a decision I've had to make anyways but I can tell you I would take all the drugs lol

Answer

Not crazy at all. I had my first at 16 years ild and wanted a natural unmedicated labor. Everyone told me i was crazy and couldnt handle the pain, but i did. I didnt have an epidural or any pain meds whatsoever. Now i have two more babies and each of their births were unmedicated as well. You can do it!

Answer

I can't have any pain meds and that includes an epidural so my first was obviously born natural with no meds in a burthing tub at home. My second is due in March and will be the same thing. It was amazing, difficult but amazing. It's going to be intense but you have to keep your mind calm and muscles unclenched. This is going to sound wierd but during bowel movements try to keep all your muscles, specifically your face and hands relaxed. Its harder than it sounds, you strain without even realizing, but it is good practice of having that control over your body! Do as much research about the burthing process because the more you know of the entire process the more capable you will fear. I know this jsnt everyone's cup of tea but I watched a lot of home birth videos on YouTube! Seeing so many strong Mama's do it encouraged me so much and made me so much less scared ❤️

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I didn’t get one. Had a water birth, no pain relief. Fairly quick labour.  Very painful but once I could start pushing I was grand. Very quick recovery. I hope I get to do the same with my second.

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I think it’s great! Fair play to you! 
I was induced and my son was back to back! i didn’t have time for an epidural but so pleased I didn’t! 
Recovery was quick, I could feel my contractions and control my pushes were they needed to go! Quicker delivery 👍🏻
It’s hard but like you said - we were made to do it! It’s not impossible - but for some women who go through hours and hours of labour I can see why 😅
With my second I plan to go natural again 🤞🏻

Am I crazy for wanting to go without an epidural for my first baby?

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