Epidural or natural?

Question

This is my first baby and I'm torn between which way to go. At first I wanted to do an epidural because I thought I don't need to prove anything by doing it natural. But it seems that I've heard more cons with epidurals than pros. They also they that kidney stones are comparable to labor pain and I've had two in the past, passed them with no doc help, and spent this past week in severe pain from a kidney infection. My midwife said if I can get through that then labor will be a piece of cake. What are you ladies doing?

Answer

I’d do some research for yourself! It shouldn’t be about proving anything. It should be about what you think is best for you and baby. There’s a lot of interesting things that are discussed as far as the babies alertness after birth with and without an epidural. It’s worth some investigating. I’ve decided natural is the way I would like to go, but it’s good to know an epidural is always there if I can’t handle it.

Answer

This is my 6th baby and honestly you can’t decide till your literally in labour 
For me back labour was horrid and painful 
I’ve had natural birth and I’ve had epidural 
Wait and be open minded when labour comes

Answer

I'm planning an unmedicated home birth, and am finding only support for my decision, which is very reassuring! Our bodies are made to do this, and I want to experience it all. Obviously if something goes wrong, I would go to a hospital and receive whatever interventions were necessary, but I believe that a lot of birth is about the preparedness and mindset of the birther. If you're leaning toward unmedicated, I would recommend reading some Ina May Gaskin and watching the documentary The Business of Being Born! And of course, you're the one shoving a human out of your body - do what is right for you!

Answer

If you’re thinking about natural, I highly suggest you research it so you’re fully prepared. Watch videos about meditation, know what to expect, read books, talk to dula etc. My plan with my first was natural... and I changed my mind when I hit 8cm. I just physically couldn’t handle it anymore, i was no longer present and felt like I was going to pass out. I got the epidural and had zero problems with it or after birth. I’m a big fan of do whatever you feel is right!Natural or not. You got this!

Answer

I go natural. I have had epidurals in the past though. One worked great, two didn't work. I find the recovery without is so much faster. Maybe you should try natural and see how it goes. There is no shame in an epidural, get through it whichever way works for you.

Answer

This is my second baby. I got an epidural with my first and I plan go again with this one. I could care less what what anyone thinks of me for getting one honestly. My own personal choices are to feel as little pain as possible. I don’t feel doing it natural proves anything. I would rather have relief and feel great during labor so I can remember all the little pieces instead of in pain and feeling like my vagina is on fire. To each their own and I think woman who do it natural are BA but it isn’t something to be ashamed of either to get one. Everyone is different and so you’ll need to decide what might be best for you. That being said obviously any medications can have effects and/or not be effective at all.

Answer

After having back labor, I’m epidural all the way. He was only 4 pounds and 17” at 32 weeks from preterm delivery vaginally. She’s measuring a week ahead at 26 weeks 2-3 days, almost 2 lbs and 14”, so since I’m allergic to a lot of drugs the epidural is the only way to go for me. I feel like I’m going to be birthing the Jolly Green Giant. 😂

Answer

I’ve had two all natural. To get through it I just remind myself the pain is temporary, and worth it.

Answer

I understand where you are coming from. 
The most important thing is you self-educate and become your own advocate. And the only way you can do that is research, reading and education. For my first birth I read Natural Hospital Birth, Your Best Birth, and Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth. These were for me, absolutely what I needed to accomplish my goal of a non-medicated childbirth. I also watched the Business of Being Born. In addition I took childbirth classes on Natural labor and comfort techniques. I am doing all of the above for this pregnancy as well. Something that I am adding is the addition of a Birth Doula. A doula helps aid, guide and support you throughout your labor. I wish you light, energy, and the best birth you can have!!! 💜💜💜

Answer

I am the type of person not to plan my birth. Neither my first or second went like it should even though I didn't have a plan lol. 
If you want to do unmedicated educate yourself but also know that it's okay to change your mind during your labor. Every delivery is different and every delivery has its pros and cons. 
With my eldest I got my epidural at 8cm but it didn't kick in for 30 min and she was delivered 10min after being administered so I was numb for forever after the delivery (great for the stitching lol). With my youngest I had an emergency C-section at 30 weeks so that was just totally not even my plan lol. 
With this baby I just plan to go with the flow and have researched alternative pain medications, epidurals (walking vs the complete numbing one), and just gas. Just remember things change and plans change :)!

Epidural or natural?

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