Hello Moms, Who had a natural childbirth and what was your experience like?

Question

Would like to gain personal insights on it, trying to decide whether I should go the natural way as my due date is creeping closer. Thanks

Answer 1

Our first child was a planned home birth.  No complications, no painkillers.  

We had our second child in a hospital and I had an epidural.  I couldn't feel anything, not even when I pushed him out, which was very disappointing, since I'd already experienced that.

Number three was also born in a hospital, but without an epidural.  While I had a bad experience for other reasons (my nurses had broken ears, which I'll go into more detail about if you write me wanting to know), I was much more satisfied because even though labor was painful, feeling the baby come out is such a rush!

I'm now 26 weeks pregnant with #4 and we're seriously considering another home birth, since none of the others had any complications relating to my body or the babies (again, nurses with broken ears about sums it up).

I personally believe each woman has to decide for herself what is right for her.  For me?  I believe that women have been doing this as long as there have been humans, and the vast majority in the world still do it without drugs.  Yes, it's painful, but our bodies were designed for this and for me, the pain is almost a rite of passage.  h**l, my mom had 5 home births and 1 in the hospital (she was 42 and had high blood pressure and went into labor while at the hospital being treated for the hbp), and all were without painkillers.

But I will repeat myself for those who didn't catch it the first time: each woman has to make the decision as to what is right for her.  Just because something is right for me, doesn't make it right for the next woman.

Answer 2

i had an epidural after 4 hours of labor and i still felt everything!! of course my baby was 9.5 so maybe that had something to do with it? lol but i dont plan on having one this time around! good luck!! you'll do great! just remember it doesnt last forever and you will eventually forget it =)

Answer 3

I was induced and had an epidural with my first child and I hated the experience. With my second, I had a natural child birth and it was amazing. Your body just takes over, it is the most natural thing in the world. Don't get me wrong it hurt like nothing I have ever experienced but wouldn't change it for the world. I am 37 weeks pregnant with my third and hope to have another natural childbirth.  

Answer 4

I had an epidural with my first child and it was great, afterwards I thought I could have ten babies if it was that easy.

The second baby I arrived at the hospital shortly before the midwives changed shift. By the time someone cam to attend to me it was too late for an epidural and I had to rely on gas and air. It was horrific. The pain was excruciating and the gas and air made me feel incredibly nauseous.

Needless to say the third time round I definitely wanted an epidural again. However when I asked my midwife for one she told me that I was being ridiculous and that I couldn't possibly need an epidural so soon. By the time I convinced her I really needed it it was again too late. I definitely wasn't using the gas and air again and so had a completely natural birth. The pain was so bad that I actually went in to shock, I became freezing cold and could barely move and could not fully appreciate my son after his immediate arrival.

It's not my intention to scare the living daylights out of you although I know I probably have and by no means do I knock women who think that natural childbirth is amazing, it may well be for them.

I just want you to be aware that this is a choice that only you can make for yourself. You should not be made to feel like a bad mother if you do not feel able to give birth naturally. Do not allow anyone else to tell you what you should do or what you can't have only you can judge for youself what you need, everybody has their own limitations.

Wait until your labour starts and see how it is progressing it is impossible to decide until then want to do.

Answer 5

I took the epideral and got it twice but after going 7 hours without it, i am so glad that i got it and for my next baby i will be getting the epideral again.  

Answer 6

i have 3 kids and they were all natural.  it hurt like nothing i've ever felt before, but i wouldn't give up the experience for anything in the world.  childbirth is something no one can ever take away from a woman and i don't understand women who want to skip it.  your body was made for it, and unless there are problems, you should let natural events take their course.  besides, epidurals drug the baby too, not just you.

Answer 7

My 1st son was born by c section, after there were problems, so when i was pregnant with my younger son, i didn't know what to expect!

I decided not to make a birth plan, and to just go with what i felt when i was in labour.

Strangely enough, it was no where near as bad as i thought, and i didn't have ANY pain relief (not even gas and air). I didn't plan a natural birth, but i didn't think i needed it.

Yeah, it hurt, but not as bad as i thought it would.

Just don't plan anything unless you have to, and don't be disappointed if you want to have pain relief either.

It makes no difference to you or the baby!

Oh, by the way, if u are worried about if you have a high enough pain threshold to have a natural birth-worry not!

I banged my toe on my bed about 4 days after having my son, and nearly bloody cried!! The pain was terrible!!