Poll: Did you have a natural or drug-assisted birth?

Poll: Natural or Drug Assisted Birth?

January 9, 2008

Childbirth is a natural occurrence, but it's not always an easy feat. Even the best laid plans are often just that — plans that are not realized. While some women plan on a completely natural, drug-free birth, others scream for drugs the second they feel that first contraction. And some find themselves in situations that are beyond their control — being induced or having a cesarean section. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, about one million pregnant women ask for an epidural each year.

What type of delivery did you have?

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65 Comments

Neural 5 years 15 weeks

My delivery was a mixture of both. I was induced and when I first started to notice my contractions (about 2 hours after the pitocin), I felt them most severely in my back so I asked for something for my back. I forget what they gave me but it made me feel drunk... for about 10 minutes and then it wore off or the contractions were just that much stronger, I don't know. About 2 more hours later, I asked for the epi but by the time the dr got it in and whatever, I was already dilated to 9 cm so he took it right out. Of course, while it was in I didn't feel any numbing or whatever is supposed to take place. He kept saying, "Oh, just give it a few more minutes. And then he'd pinch and say, "Can you feel that?" And I'd be like, "Yes! It hurts! I'm in labor and you're pinching me! What is wrong with you???" And then I was yelling that I was ready to push even though my obstetrician wasn't there yet. I thought they'd make me wait (I don't know-- maybe you see that in movies? But it sounds like Macgirl was told to wait) but the nurse said, 'Okay, go for it!" I pushed for 10 minutes and she was out and the ob did make it in time to deliver her.

kikidawn 5 years 17 weeks

Oh sweetie, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you!I didn't realize that the birth you were talking about just recently happened. I talked to my mom (as she knew the situation better)... she said it presented right away. And she said that the mother held her legs closed for longer than you did and there was also the use of forceps b/c the baby got stuck (there was talk of that also leading to it). I am not sure that they ever figured out if that (holding the legs together) was the only thing that led to it. My mom said that she has had other women tell her that the doctor or nurse had them postpone delivery and their babies were just fine. I am sure it was just a freak happening. Again I am so sorry. I was just shocked when you told that story.

kikidawn 5 years 17 weeks

Oh sweetie, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you! I didn't realize that the birth you were talking about just recently happened. I talked to my mom (as she knew the situation better)... she said it presented right away. And she said that the mother held her legs closed for longer than you did and there was also the use of forceps b/c the baby got stuck (there was talk of that also leading to it). I am not sure that they ever figured out if that (holding the legs together) was the only thing that led to it. My mom said that she has had other women tell her that the doctor or nurse had them postpone delivery and their babies were just fine. I am sure it was just a freak happening. Again I am so sorry. I was just shocked when you told that story.

macgirl 5 years 17 weeks

Are you sure that is what led to the handicapping? Was it apparent right away?not the best thing to tell a sleep deprived, stressed out mom with a 5 day old baby :-(

macgirl 5 years 17 weeks

Are you sure that is what led to the handicapping? Was it apparent right away? not the best thing to tell a sleep deprived, stressed out mom with a 5 day old baby :-(

kikidawn 5 years 18 weeks

Macgirl,I am so surprised that the nurse would have you hold the baby in like that. I had a best friend in middle school and her mom had two other kids (one older and one younger). When my friend's older sister was born the doctor had the mother hold the baby in during labor (the nurse physically held her legs together) and the child wound up being handicapped because of it! She was (and still is) in a wheelchair. If a doctor (or nurse) ever tells me to stop pushing or hold my legs together during labor I will absolutely refuse. I'll deliver the baby myself if I have to.

kikidawn 5 years 18 weeks

Macgirl, I am so surprised that the nurse would have you hold the baby in like that. I had a best friend in middle school and her mom had two other kids (one older and one younger). When my friend's older sister was born the doctor had the mother hold the baby in during labor (the nurse physically held her legs together) and the child wound up being handicapped because of it! She was (and still is) in a wheelchair. If a doctor (or nurse) ever tells me to stop pushing or hold my legs together during labor I will absolutely refuse. I'll deliver the baby myself if I have to.

macgirl 5 years 18 weeks

I was pretty sure I wanted the epi this time around as well but kept thinking in the back of my head.. maybe I'll try natural. Yeah that didn't work ;-) I was having much stronger contractions than what I had felt my first delivery so I knew it was only a matter of time before I would be asking for one. Once they said they were going to give me a bit of pitocin I knew it was a done deal. So they gave me the epi just before the pitocin and I was feeling better in no time. This time my epi wasn't as strong as my first one - or things were just different. My son crowned but the doctor wasn't there yet so the nurse had me hold it for 20 minutes! I thought I was going to die. I can't imagine trying to hold it with no meds as it was so extremely painful.

mamamuffin 5 years 18 weeks

I went all natural, as planned and the only thing I would have changed about my delivery would have been to have a different L&D nurse and to have had my midwife pal there for me. Oh-and a working camera. My son came 2 weeks early and our camera had no battery! :( I have a tail bone that was broken 2x so it actually bends further into my pelvis so there was probably more pain than usual...but honestly, once he was in my hands I couldn't remember the pain. For me the pain is not as scary as the risk of something going wrong with the epi or a reaction. I've heard way too many horror stories about epi's gone wrong.

gab6784 5 years 18 weeks

I had originally planned on going natural and actually made it to 8cm/100 effaced before I needed to have the drugs.

4BYRDS 5 years 18 weeks

I had both of my girls at home with a midwife. It was awesome, even though one was a really long labor. I'd rather be at home in my own space than in a hospital anyday!

motherof3 5 years 18 weeks

I had all three natural. Although, the second one was so painful I almost broke down and asked for drugs.

chicchick 5 years 18 weeks

I had to be induced because I had low amniotic fluid. But I was all for drugs - all the way! The epidural was the BEST thing EVER!!

kizzmeistah 5 years 18 weeks

I thought I would always want to have Natural child birth until I became pregnant. After listening to all the stories and watching the videos in Lamaze class I knew that the pains of being pregnant were small in comparison to the pains of child birth. I decided I wanted to have all the drugs I could get. Then at my 38 week appt we found out or baby girl's head was still under my ribs. The doctor said if she didn't turn by the next week we would have a C-section on Tuesday at 11am. I cried at first and was scared but, then I prayed for the c-section. I was tired of being pregnant and I wanted the baby out of me. Long story short. I had the c-section and a ton of drugs. I wouldn't want it any other way. I cheated the system and won. I didn't go through labor and I have no regrets. It's been 6 weeks since we had the baby and I have healed very well. If we have a second baby I will say sign me up for the big C. :)

Kristinh1012 5 years 18 weeks

I had demoral with my first no Epidural and Nubane with my second and no Epidural. They both equally hurt. I'm deathly affraid of needles. I was hysterical getting an IV.

abqmama 5 years 18 weeks

My first delivery was natural and it was terrific, exactly how I wanted it. The second I had to have an IV so I asked for something to take the edge off and it was HORRIBLE!! I was so out of it, I couldn't concentrate or anything. I should have just gone natural again. It took a long time for it to wear off, too. And it didn't even help with the pain! Never again, I'm just gonna go natural next time.

Mel475 5 years 18 weeks

I had planned on getting an epi asap - my pain tolerance is very low and I know that I am kind of a weenie in that regard so I had no problems explaining to everyone within ear shot that I wanted an epidural! Unfortunately, my water broke and 10 hours later, I still wasn't having contractions so they gave me pitocin to help and boy did it! They started uping my dosage every 30 minutes and all of a sudden, I was in labor! By the time the anesthesiologist arrived, it was too late! My doctor told me I could get the epidural but he'd be delivering the baby while I got the shot. I had a hard but quick 2 1/2 hours of labor with no painkillers. Yes it hurt...a lot...but I surprised myself and my husband with my strength. He was in awe of me for weeks (I mean like really really in amazed). You'll be amazed at what you can handle. I don't know what I'll do when the next one comes but I know that either way, I'll make it through. So I tell any mom-to-be to do what is right for them, they'll know it when the time comes and don't worry too much about it. Your well-being and your child's well-being is the only thing that matters.

lickety split 5 years 18 weeks

i was the "drugs early and often" mom. one time they didn't work and it was unbelievable. like a knife stabbing me vaginally each time i so much as took a breath. i was told that is the case in 25% of deliveries, but have never met anyone else that has said they have had this. the epi deliveries allowed me to concentrate on the whole experience rather than the pain. as for them telling you "it's too late" for pain reliever; with baby #2 i got to the hospital at 8 cm and the baby was crowining w/i 45 minutes but i got my epi in between. more likely is the md doesn't want to bother to hurry up to your room.

sweetk8ty76 5 years 18 weeks

I will try natural but if the pain is too unbearable I'll ask for drugs.

VelmaBean 5 years 18 weeks

I was induced, had drugs and *I* strongly believe that led to a cesarean my first time around - at this point (8 years out) I don't feel regret anymore because I learned a great deal about myself and birth because of the experience it was the catalyst for me for so much more.My second child (now 5) was a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean at home and there is absolutely no comparison in regards to the overall experience, my state of mind during and after the birth and my personal ability to remember and enjoy the process of giving birth.I really wanted to experience labor and birth fully after having missed out on it the first time - It was AWESOME and I will never forget it for as long as I live.Peace-

VelmaBean 5 years 18 weeks

I was induced, had drugs and *I* strongly believe that led to a cesarean my first time around - at this point (8 years out) I don't feel regret anymore because I learned a great deal about myself and birth because of the experience it was the catalyst for me for so much more. My second child (now 5) was a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean at home and there is absolutely no comparison in regards to the overall experience, my state of mind during and after the birth and my personal ability to remember and enjoy the process of giving birth. I really wanted to experience labor and birth fully after having missed out on it the first time - It was AWESOME and I will never forget it for as long as I live. Peace-

jimmalou1978 5 years 18 weeks

I had a C-section with my first, and will most definitely have a repeat C-section this time, so drugs are a necessity. I HATE the spinal, but it's better than being put under general anesthesia (better for the baby). I just dread that huge shot. Those needles ARE scary!

lms 5 years 18 weeks

I was in labor for 25 hrs and was begging for an epidural. They kept telling me that I wasn't far enough along for one. They gave me pitocin to bring on the contractions stronger. Finally the nurse came in a said that I could get the epidural after I signed the paperwork. I signed, she left, then came back and said I was too far gone. Needless to say, I was not happy.

fsquaash 5 years 18 weeks

I had a C-section and breastfed in the recovery room. The hospital staff was very helpful and immediately assisted me in nursing while I waited for the spinal to wear off. The next time we have kids, I'm sticking with the surgery option. I'm terrified of the pain (during and after) vaginal birth.

ylatan 5 years 18 weeks

i had homebirths, and they don't have epidurals at home, lol! this baby will be born at my house, too, so natural it is. i think it's really important that women have the freedom to choose their birth options-from home to birth center to hospital to totally natural to lots and lots of pain meds. that being said, i think it's unfortunate that many hospitals will push interventions after interventions which increase the risk of c sections and other emergency type situations.

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