My toddler room project I've been working on since Monday isn't coming along as fast as I would like {I warned you, I'm no Kelli!} but I'm hoping to post it tomorrow.
For today, let's chat....
I had my 6 month check up yesterday and while listening to baby's sweet heartbeat, I got to thinking about the scariest thing ever labor & delivery.
Hospital survival kit via My Own Road
Here's a personal {slightly nosey} question:
Did you have a epidural or go à la naturale?
I have been debating about this for some time now and a few words of advice keep chanting in my head...
"Women have been bearing children without drugs since the beginning of time; it's what your body is made for and it knows what to do."
"You don't get a prize for having a natural birth."
"Don't be stuck on going natural; be open minded to the possibility that you may end up wanting pain relief."
"Why, when we have modern medicine available to you to make labor comfortable, would you NOT want the drugs?!"
"I won't be in there if you don't get an epidural!"
Oh, that last one wasn't advice but a warning from my husband who is as nervous as me! Hee hee :)
Maternity delivery hospital gown via ModMod
I'm doing a lot of research and trying to prepare my body for what it is going to experience, as frightening as it may appear, and plan on taking a good lamaze class soon. Not sure if you can really prepare for childbirth, right? Wrong? {I don't know! My sweet son was placed in my arms by his loving birthmom so I don't know what I'm doing!} I guess we shall see.
Either way, I know the end result is worth it :)
In-hospital photo session by Ayla Rios
PS: Can't wait to copy this shot with my little family!
♥
Alright, I'll see you tomorrow with a tutorial :)
Well there are goods and bads to both sides, I had drugs and ended up with a csection because the cord was wrapped around her foot and let me tell you it was HORRIBLE! I felt like crap from all the drugs and barely remember her birth. My friend did all natural and had a beautiful delivery and went home the next day. Sometimes you can try to plan out what you want, but you just never know what's going to happen :) Better to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised when it all goes great :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteEpidural, Epidural, Epidural. I say this because my first was straght epidural and it was AMAZING! {lol} My second and third was epidural, but something messed up with it a little ways in and I felt it ALL. NO FUN! I consider myself to havea high tollerance for pain too. But, I STILL remember how bad I was hurting and crying. You don't forget {eve though they say you do}.lol
ReplyDeleteepidural -- those medicines exist for a reason!
ReplyDeleteI had an epidural with my first and plan to with my second (32 weeks along now.) However, if I thought I could handle the pain (I have an EXTREMELY low pain tolerance), then I would not be opposed to attempting a natural birth, while being open to having medication should I change my mind partway through. The birthing class my husband, coach and I attended was terrible and didn't help AT ALL so I would get feedback from women who have attended the class you are planning to attend (particularly first-timers), if they thought it was helpful, etc.
ReplyDeleteI personally think it's a great idea to have a birth plan, but be prepared mentally & emotionally for the possibility that it will not go as you plan. Try to be flexible and present in the moment.
Its amazing what our bodies can handle, I had 3 natural births and was fine. It was definitely easy by the 3rd baby though. Do whats right for you, or do as I did and choose to labour at a hospital where epidurals aren't an option lol!
ReplyDeleteDo whatever feels right for you! I personally had the epidural. 3 times. And loved every minute of it. :)
ReplyDeleteI had an epidural with my first, and an epidural on my second where I didn't press the meds button at all and felt the pressure and urge to push instead of feeling nothing. When we have another one, I am going natural. I don't feel my contractions.
ReplyDeleteOn my first, I was dilated to a 6, and they were telling me I was having strong contractions, but I couldn't feel them... and I hadn't even had the epidural yet.
On my second, since I don't really have contractions, I went almost a week overdue. I got the Pitocin, and once my body was there... I sensed the urge to push through the epidural. The doctor shoved his hands into his surgical gown, turned around and caught the baby:)
What ever decision you make, will be right for you.
Girlfriend!! Epidurals are sent from heaven!! :)
ReplyDeleteI was so so terrified of labor, but for me, it was one of the easiest things I have done. I prepared myself for the worst though. I did get an epidural because honestly, I don't think my husband could have handled it if I didn't, he was stressed enough and I needed him calm. I know everyone is different and react differently to epidurals, but I was up walking around less than an hour later after having mine. Just make the right decision for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteEpidural, all the way. I haven't heard a convincing argument for a natural birth yet. I've had friends do natural births and say it was a powerful experience, but I can't get past how annoying they are about it--their birth experience isn't any more "real" than mine was just because they suffered through it more than I did. And I don't believe that natural births are any "safer"--an epidural does not enter your blood stream, so it never touches the baby. Period. With my little boy, I didn't have strong opinions either way beforehand--my plan was to see how long I could "make it" in labor without drugs, and reevaluate from there . . . if it was awful, I wouldn't hesitate to use drugs, but I wanted to know what labor was truly like before I made the decision. I labored for about 12 hours before the epidural, only to learn I had not dilated at all--I was still at a measly 1 cm. I got the epidural, started to progress immediately, and he was born a few hours later. If I could go back and change anything, honestly, I'd get the epidural sooner--as it was, I had labored so long and was so exhausted by the time I finally got some relief via the epi that I was zombie-tired when I had to push, so it took almost 2 hours of pushing, and the recovery was so much more difficult because I had struggled through all the pain during labor. Like anything to do with parenting/raising kids, it's a personal decision for everyone, and you'll get a zillion different opinions. My advice, for what it's worth: save yourself the pain, the tough recovery, and save your energy for pushing instead of labor, and get the epidural.
ReplyDeleteI love me some epidural!! Had 5 kids and 5 sweet epidurals!! I don't regret it at all. It made the birthing process actually enjoyable instead of miserable! I have heard of a lot of people trying to go natural and going through hours and hours of pain JUST to finally succumb to getting an epidural anyway...why go through all that torture? Enjoy your labor! I took naps, read books, played on my iphone, chatted NICELY with my hubby!! Glorious!! =)
ReplyDeleteEPIDURAL! OMGosh, I went into labor in the middle of the night so there was only one anesth. on duty and when I arrived at the hospital he was attending a c-section so I had to wait quite a while for my epidural. The contractions were THE WORST PAIN I've EVER experienced in my life! (And I didn't even get to the worst ones before I got my epi) It's like a menstrual cramp from hell wrapping around your entire torso. The epidural didn't hurt one single bit. I have heard horror stories, but seriously, I didn't even feel it. At all. Getting your blood drawn is worse than what I felt getting my epidural. And as soon as it took effect, I was so comfortable that I fell asleep! During labor! The monitors still said I was contracting and dilating, but I was snoozing during it. I ended up having to have a c-section because of CPD (my baby didn't fit through my pelvis). But anyway... the epidural was painless and the contractions were painful. I admire women who decide to go natural, I really do! But WHY? lol I have SILs who have done both, my own mom has done both. Whichever route you choose is perfectly acceptable. But I have heard from women who want to go natural that it's important to be flexible with your plan and open to an epidural if labor goes on too long and you get too tired or the contractions gets too bad.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that any future babies I have will be cesaerean because I won't have to go through labor! (I'm not a candidate for a VBAC even if I wanted to try). Scheduled surgery is so much more up my aisle.
Anyway, good luck! My husband and I went through (are going through for Baby #2) Y
...went through YEARS and YEARS of infertility (including multiple IVFs), so my heart just really beams for you that you get to experience this surprise blessing!! :)
ReplyDeleteau natural!! I had an epidural with my first 2 and hated being limited to the bed with the IV, (also hated the catheter too). So with my last I prepared (read lots of books...hubby did too and was considered my birthing coach) The labor and delivery was SOOO much faster. The epidural really slows down labor. My recovery was wonderful and I didnt' have to be hooked up to any IVs or anything. I could of gone home that same day. It was a truly spiritual experience. Wouldn't do it any other way now! But good luck with what you decide.... I think it is best that you and the hubs both agree and prepare together :)
ReplyDeleteThe hospital I delivered my first son at didn't give epidurals for vaginal deliveries. I did have a shot (or 4) of pain meds though, but I felt everything. By the time #2 rolled around I figured I did it once, I could do it again. :) Good luck with whatever you decide.
ReplyDeleteEvery labor is so very different. Have you considered a doula? With this being your first pregnancy, I think it would be a very valuable asset to have in the delivery room. My first baby I had naturally (meaning no epidural, but I did get something via IV to help take the edge off). My second I had an epidural b/c it was much different pain than the first. My third I had a doula and an awesome labor experience (natural, too, b/c it was so fast). And then I had twins via c-section b/c one was breech. In the end, you get a wonderful new baby, so try not to stress! BTW, you can go to DONA (doulas of north america) to find one near you...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!
I'm about a month behind ya!! And I've thought a lot about this one. I had to be induced with all three of my children, which basically equals an epidural, there's nothing natural about having contraction upon contraction with no break in between!! So for this one (probably my last one) I REALLY want to experience natural labor. My best friend and others I have spoken to recently have had sooo many positive things to say about going natural, and through my research I can see a lot of benefits as well. So this time around, I am going for the natural, painful, but oh so worth it experience just like all our women before us have done!! So excited for ya girl!!!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you choose, it will be your personal and special experience!!
Yes, women have been doing natural births since the beginning of time, but if the drug had been available, I'd be willing to bet they would have taken it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI would say go epidural, but its entirely up to you. Just remember, you don't have anything you have to *prove* to be a mommy. Pain or no pain, you're going to end labor with a beautiful baby in your arms! :)
Oh man sis you just opened up a BIG can of worms!
ReplyDeleteBut my personal advice is GO FOR THE EPIDURAL!!! Having a baby is hard work either way you go so why put your body through that extra stress. Besides.... it just plain HURTS beyond anything you have ever experienced. I will gladly assist the anesthesiologist if you would like. Trust me, you will thank me later.
Whatever you choose that little Jansen is going to one darling (& spoiled!) baby!
I say it depends on how you feel at that point. I always wanted to try to deliver without just to see what it was like. That didn't work out with my difficult pregnancies. Baby #1 was born at 35 weeks via c-section. I was induced the afternoon before and by the morning when they broke my water, I was just exhausted. I opted for the epidural just so I could rest before pushing. The pushing didn't happen and I ended up in the OR so I was really glad I got the epidural. LOL. At least I was relatively comfortable all day. You never really know until you get there. Sometimes an epidural helps women get the job done. For some it's a bad experience. Like others have said, be open minded. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOh Kristi...you are just so adorable...I can't wait until you have this baby!!! When I was pregnant w/Kinsley (my 1st) I was totally all for a natural birth...I read what I could, practiced my breathing, etc. When I went into labor I was still convinced I would go natural...until my water broke and then oh my, oh my. I didn't know that such pain existed...like mind-blowing, exploding, psyche-altering pain - I got that epidural immediately and everything was smooooooth after that. I was induced w/Gray...got the epidural...with Ty I opted for the epidural as soon as I could get one & something happened and it didn't work great...I swear, I thought I was going to die...I don't want to scare you at all...because you will be amazing. I just think you should leave yourself open to both options. Whatever feels right - do it. And either way, it will be perfect. You will be awesome, drugs or no drugs...and so will your little baby. AND, remember...the pain is beyond belief when you're in active labor...but, the minute that baby is born, you will forget the pain...and you won't be able to remember exactly how bad it was...I promise...
ReplyDeleteBe open to either way...
ReplyDeleteI had epidurals with my first two, but I really want a natural birth this time! I've had a c-section for failure to progress after induction, VBAC, and we'll see this time.
There are pros and cons to both. Advantage - pain relief (and I'm sure there's more!)...but there's lots of disadvantages too! Slowing labor, confined to bed, likely needing cathetered, not being able to push effectively, etc.
Either way...good luck! At the end, you'll have a precious baby ;)
GREAT question! I think if I could have gone back and done it all over again without the complications/emergency c-section... I would have LOVED to try going "naturale" when I had Nixon. Women who deliver naturally are superhero's in my book.
ReplyDeleteIt's looks like you've gotten a lot of advice already, but here's my two cents.
ReplyDeleteFirst time around, I had the epidural and it wasn't too bad. I just knew I had to be in enough pain that I didn't care that a huge needle was going into my back and could potentially paralyze me. I went with the advice of others and it was fine.
Second time around, I didn't have time to make a choice. I pushed three times and I felt every pain. My adrenaline was so high after delivering I was ready for another round! My recovery was so fast and I felt great without all those drugs coursing through my body. I felt like I was in complete control. I'm probably going to do it again. If labor next time is lasting to long, I just might end up doing an epidural again.
My advice, use it as a back up plan. You'll be surprised how much you can handle.
Good luck!
Best advice I could give: do what feels right in the moment. I've had friends that have had babies both ways and couldn't imagine doing it any other way. It's just what fit best for them. I went into my labor with Luke convinced I wasn't getting the epidural, but as soon as the back labor kicked into high gear, the epidural was a necessity. As soon as the meds kicked in, I loved every second that was left of my labor and delivery. I was actually excited for my labor and delivery with Reagan. I got the epidural when the pain was too much to bear again and we were able to leave exactly 24 hrs. after she was born.
ReplyDeleteIt will all come down to what works best for YOU and for Cory in that moment. You'll do awesome!
Looks like everyone has an opinion on this matter. Like most, I say do what you want to do. Either way, you're birthing another human being which is no easy job!! Personally, I have always gotten the epidural and have been in heaven. With my first, I wanted to try and go as far as I could and when I was ready the anesthesiologist was in surgery, so I had to wait an extra hour. I seriously thought I would die... I had never been in that much pain before. It wasn't like the movies where the woman is screaming and sweating and what not, but instead I felt so weak and felt like the life was being sucked out of me. I finally got the epidural and was instantly better {and happier!!}. They checked me right after they gave it to me, and I was a 9!! They had no idea I would have dilated so quickly, and had they checked me beforehand, they wouldn't have given me the epidural cuz I was so close. A part of me thinks, "Oh, shoot, I was almost there... I should have gone natural" but then I think, "Who am I kidding!? The epidural was grand!!" Now that I know I dilate super quick after my water breaks, I know to get the epidural pretty quick and with Lily and Gav I literally laughed them out. It was so enjoyable and fun, and I LOVED every minute of it! :) No matter what you'll do great and that baby will be gorgeous!! XO
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ReplyDeleteI've got five kids, including twins that were born the old-fashioned way. I had epidurals for three of those births and absolutely nothing for one. Looking back on the one that I did completely naturally, I'm not sure why I felt the need to do it. My other labors were so much more enjoyable having some relief from the epidural. Having said that, I think it's a really personal decision and you should just go with what you're feeling.
ReplyDeleteThat was fun reading all the opinions. I've had 5 boys and 5 epidurals. :) I can't imagine going thru even more pain and discomfort than I already did. I wanted to be able to relax and rest as much as possible before embarking on at least 3 months straight of sleepless nights. ;)
ReplyDeleteHowever, with 2 of them I also tried to progress as much as possible before getting the epidural because a little part of me wanted to see if I could experience what it was like to have a baby naturally. But once I was sitting there with that much pain and the option of being able to have it stop, how could I turn it down? With one of them, by the time I got to the hospital and was checked for the first time, I was a 9! The nurse asked me if I wanted an epidural and I said "You can get it to me in time? Then heck yes!!"
I agree with most others, prepare and be open to both. Both for sure have pros and cons and both leave you with the same, beautiful outcome.
Kris~
ReplyDeleteYou do you. Whatever YOU want and YOU need. I know you are a little ocd when it comes to planning. but just sit back and relax and let things take their natural course. Do what feel best for YOU. And just keep the Lord in the loop and everything will be peachy. You are a good person and a good mom, wife, sister, friend etc. Just enjoy this.
Rach
I was on the fence like you...took the Lamaze course (which did help me feel a little less afraid because I had a better idea of what to expect) but ended up following my OB's advice and had epidurals for both babies. She basically said that she had epidurals with both of her children and in her opinion there is no reason to put yourself (AND the baby) through any more stress and strain during childbirth. The other thing that swayed me was my best friend who had her baby three months before I had my first. She said while she was waiting to go into hard labor she heard a horrible screaming coming from down the hall...she said it sounded like someone was being tortured. When she asked the nurse what was going on the nurse just said, "she chose NOT to get an epidural!" After 12 hours of pushing my friend was very glad to have had hers. In the end, you need to follow your heart, and ask those you trust the most (especially your doctor...there is a lot of misinformation out there)for their input. If you do choose an epidural know that they can always turn it down or off if it at all interferes with the childbirth (the most common misinformation I got was that it makes it so you can't push and will end up needing a c-section). Best of luck to you!! Either way, it's the most amazing experience you will ever have!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Look at all the advice! Just one more from me. Well, not advice, just MHO. I had LaMaze, to me it was a total waste of time. Oh sure, it sounds good, learning how to breathe, relax, find your 'happy place'. When it gets down to the cold hard truth, who the heck remembers all that crap?!!! My sitch was diff. I had no hubby, but I did have my Mom. She was the BEST stinkin coach EVER!! As mad as I got at her every time she said, "don't stress, relax, don't scrunch your face up, don't cry out in pain" I so wanted to smack her!! BUT, she was there to remind me that EVERY ounce of energy I was using by crying out in pain, scrunching my face, furrowing my brow, fretting, feeling every ounce of pain that comes w/ natural child birth, was to be used to bring this baby into this world in a calm manner. My Mom was so good at what she did for me the nurses were sure my baby was born by C section because she didn't look at all in stress & neither did I. I did need a trim cuz I was too small for her lil head but at least I did not rip. 30 mins later, I would've done it all again & I am NOT just saying that!!! My mother was NOT skilled in birthing techniques but she did love me enough to give me ALL the right stuff to get thru one of the hardest, most beautiful things I have EVER done in my life!!! Good luck, God Bless on your turn in the birthing room. Whichever way you choose to go, will be the RIGHT choice for you because YOU chose it. Not someone else who went thru it before you! Only you can choose what will be right for you!!!!! Like I said, God Bless & enjoy this time!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've had 4 kids. The first three I did without and epidural. The first two I only went without because the thought of a needle in my back, no matter how small, terrified me! I was scared of needles, and even the little movie in childbirth class about epidurals almost had me on the floor. The third one, I decided I really needed one! They were too overwhelmed with moms delivering and I went without again. For my fourth one, I told them when I got to my room that I wanted an epidural! And I finally got one. The difference? I was laughing, literally, when I was pushing the last one out. So, for me, it's the epidural all the way. But you have to do what's best for YOU. I wish all the best for you, and your husband ;) What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteWell, my thoughts going in were that I wanted to go all natural, but I wasn't going to rule anything out. I stuck to my guns, and the pain wasn't too bad until I was 8cm dilated. At that point I was seriously considering an epidural if I hadn't progressed much. As it happens I was 8cm, and within minutes I was 9, then 10cm and pushing, so there wouldn't have been time anyway. After delivering (11 minutes later!) I jokingly said "Next time I get an epidural!" To which the Dr. immediately responded "It wouldn't have been nearly as quick if you had." then said that it's harder to get a good push with an epidural. I'm sure that's not always true, but considering the baby was showing signs of distress, I'm really glad that I didn't slow things any with an epidural. Plus, it was pretty awesome being able to walk (hobble) to the bathroom to take a shower 30 minutes after giving birth.
ReplyDeleteThe pain isn't as bad as most people talk about and how they show on t.v. I was never screaming or crying or anything like that.
We took a birthing class offered at the hospital I delivered at, and I'm glad I did. I already knew 89% of what they taught, but that other 11% was really good information. I did use some of the breathing techniques they taught. Going into the classes my husband was pro-epidural, but after the classes he wasn't so sure. Good luck! Do whatever you feel is best for you and your baby!
Oh, I am so excited for you. It just makes me happy. I had an epidural all 3 times. But, honestly, I am a whimp when it comes to pain. I know it and I own it. So, I had the epidural (plus some other pain medication with my first because they couldn't give me the epidural for a while since I was being induced.) I LOVED having an epidural. That being said, I also know it is not for everyone. One of my sisters does natural and loves it. She wants to be in control of what is happening and so, it works for her. Same with my mother in law. I say go in with an open mind. Go natural for as long as you can, but do not feel guilty if you end up changing your mind. Really, whatever you do, you do what is right for you. Yay for being 6 months!! Happiness.
ReplyDeleteI agree with anyone that says to "keep your mind open". I never really thought I would go "au natural", but I in no way imagined I would be in labor for 50 hours (I got my first dose of pitocin at about 5 or 6 on a Tuesday and did not give birth until 7pm on Thursday, via a cesarean). It was the most painful experience of my life and I still cringe thinking about it even now, almost three years later. I had a perfectly normal and healthy pregnancy, with NO complications (other then being lucky enough to have "morning sickness" every day, all day for 9 months. Seriously, cheeseburgers from Wendy's was about the only thing I could eat and not make me sick!) and after I was a week late, they decided to go ahead and induce me. Apparently, I really wasn't ready to have my baby girl, cause I never progressed. I think 6cm was the most I dilated. Yes, I had an epidural (which was the most painless part! The IV in my arm hurt worse, I swear!) but oddly, it only affected half my body! I'm convinced they had the fetal monitor SO tight around my midsection that it prevented the epidural from taking on my left side. While my contractions weren't horrible by themselves, combined with the monitor being so tight around my midsection made them excruciating. It was terrible. So even WITH drugs, I was still in tons of pain, I can't even IMAGINE what it would have felt like otherwise. And if it hadn't been for the "back up" doses of Fentanyl I probably would have fainted.
ReplyDeletePitocin is the evil drug, not your epidural lol!
I skipped all the hub hub the second time around and just scheduled my csection LOL. There was NO way I was even risking anything like that happening again. The only way I would consider at drug free birth was if my hospital had the birthing pools, which is what I wanted to use!
A very important questions but also a very personal choice. There is no way {unless I was stranded on a deserted island} that I would go through labor without an epidural but I have close friend who have had home deliveries! My SIL went into labor planning to do it without medicine because of her fear of needles but changed her mind part of the way through. I think that is totally ok! Just do what feels right and change your mind whenever you want...you are the queen here :)
ReplyDeleteTake it from someone who just pushed out a baby 2 days ago.... the drugs are a God send. I tried to go natural with Jackson and he was close to becoming an only child after that awful experience. After 2 more babies with drugs and great experiences, I still was anxious about labor. Maxwells birth was great and I owe it all to being comfortable and aware and happy. Not like Jackson's birth which was beyond painful, it wiped me out completely and I hated every minute of it, I thought I was going to die.(literally) Good luck Sis.
ReplyDeleteI loved my epidurals! But, it's a totally personal decision. You don't have to decide today. You'll figure it out. Good luck! :)
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