https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:56:36 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2504754 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 19:31:57 +0000 fussygal 2504754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll have to go back and read all the comments, but for me: yes! I had DD natural and I knew I'd want to do it again. I just had DS four days ago natural, too. Growing up I was always fearful of pain and kind of a wimp, so I really surprised myself and trusted my body and mind to push through and it was an amazing experience both times. There was one point in each labor that I said I thought I couldn't do it anymore, but supportive birth partners (DH and my mom) talked me through it and both times I had a baby in my arms an hour later or less! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2504679 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 18:15:50 +0000 PawPrints 2504679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first birth was precipitous (a little over 2 hours from water breaking to baby in my arms) and traumatic solely because of the speed. It's pretty obvious any future births will be med-free since they would probably be even faster. If I had the choice though, I think I would want the epidural next time. I was extremely prepared with relaxation techniques and got through the contractions relatively well, but the human body is not meant to go through labor that quickly, and I felt like the rug got pulled out from under me after my labor. Repair was horrible. I'd love to have an epidural just for that part. I was too busy reeling to get to experience any kind of high. I guess I was pretty pumped afterward once the room finally cleared out and it was just me, DH, LO, and a giant pizza we had delivered. But I don't know if being med-free really benefited that situation at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2504678 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 18:15:39 +0000 anonysquire 2504678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>100 times over. Loved both of my births! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2504661 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 17:50:19 +0000 YogiRunner 2504661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@misolee: @avivoca: @Alba4: @Miss Ariel: @ms.line: @JoyfulKiwi: thank you so much! A friend lent me Ina May's "Guide to Childbirth" so I'll dig into that starting tonight. And as my username suggests, I practice a lot of yoga so am familiar with breathing techniques and focal points which should be nice to lean on. I think my plan will be to hold out as long as I can but be okay with asking for an epi if I feel I need it.</p> <p>Done thread jacking now :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503900 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 07:18:27 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2503900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I third The Birth Partner; it gave me the confidence that I could do it med-free for my first delivery. I also only did prenatal yoga &amp; the hospital's weekend birth class. The yoga helped for relaxing with breathing/meditation and the hosptial class showed women having med-free births without freaking out which I found hugely helpful!</p> <p>I had both kids med-free (although i had one dose of fentynol during a really long pushing phase with my first) and I'd do it for a third. The baby factory is closed, but my second labor was so smooth and the hard part lasted only 30 minutes. Plus the recovery was so fast! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503860 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 05:50:47 +0000 Charm54 2503860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I say yes I would do it again, but Ive done it both ways and I know in the moment that I would ask for an epi</p> <p>I was I labor for 28+ hours with my first - I got the epi after 20 hours and it sped things up because I was able to sleep and my body relaxed. I pushed for 3 hours before a vacuum assist got her out. The epi saved me. The recovery was pretty rough though even though I didn't need any stitches </p> <p>For dd2, I was anticipating a long labour and absolutely wanted an epi. There was no time though... I went from 3 when I got to the hospital to baby in my arms in 30 minutes. The doctor barely made it in time. It was terrifying for me and so incredibly painful. But afterwards I felt amazing - i was up and walking around after our hour skin to skin, and physically I recovered SO quickly, even after delivering an 9.5lb baby naturally haha. I was a bit in shock at how fast it had happened and pretty in awe of myself.</p> <p>So I would like to do it again med free for the quick recovery, but I know myself that in the moment I would ask for an epi. Which is okay because that thing was super glorious with my first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503838 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 23:39:18 +0000 ms.line 2503838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I didn't practice any breathing or have any "method." (Though I did take a Lamaze-based class, hire a doula, and read a lot of Ina May Gaskin and Penny Simkin.) Your body can totally handle childbirth - it's just your mind you need to convince. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503837 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 23:32:16 +0000 QBbride 2503837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, absolutely! It was an amazing experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503836 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 23:31:35 +0000 sometimesshesings 2503836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No more kids for me, but I had a very positive experience with my med-free delivery! I'd definitely do it again if I had a third baby. I tried to go med free with my first, but my labor was sooooo long (45 hours) that I was ready to do anything to get an hour of sleep. I only had the epidural for a short time, but I hated losing control of my legs. Still, both births were very positive experiences overall. </p> <p>Good luck, mamas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503830 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 23:03:53 +0000 Miss Ariel 2503830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I read both of the books @avivoca: mentioned as well as one other Bradley method book. I never really practiced specific breathing methods. It's a lot more of doing what feels right to you to get your body to relax instead, at least that's how I remember it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503804 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 22:03:01 +0000 AB810 2503804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe. I had an epi (after 12 hours without) with my first and it wore off before pushing. I push for for 30 min and it wasn't bad. </p> <p>With #2 my labor was super quick (3 ish hours) but it wasn't bad until my doctors broke my water. I went from 8 cm to baby in arms in 11 minutes, and that was a HORRIBLE 11 minutes. Plus because he came so quick recovery was worse with my second (20+ stitches compared to 2 with my first). So I guess I would just see how the labor was going. Med free was my preference with both, but after experiencing it I don't necessarily think it's all that amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503757 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 21:11:17 +0000 Alba4 2503757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I highly recommend getting a doula if you are thinking about it. </p> <p>My doula was awesome and I felt so relaxed and safe, which can help your labor progress more quickly. The hospital where I delivered also had birthing tubs in each room and it was my ultimate goal to get into it!!! I transitioned in the tub and I Just remember thinking that my body was taken over by labor. Surrendering to labor helped me. </p> <p>Pushing was the hardest part of labor for me. I've never had used so much energy in my life and I pushed for an hour! Pushing was really the only time I felt pain (I think when he was crowning or maybe it was the ring of fire). Regardless, I'm kind of bummed that I won't get the chance to attempt another med free vaginal birth (due to my previa), since it was truely an awesome experience the first time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503753 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 21:09:27 +0000 avivoca 2503753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I highly recommend reading Ina May Garten's books. They really helped me. As for breathing, I just followed what my nurse said. Another good book for your partner is The Birth Partner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503751 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 21:06:00 +0000 misolee 2503751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I wasn't planning one and still feel robbed they denied me an epidural during labor. But, the nurses told me what to do and I just followed their commands. I'm a planner by nature but didn't even count on the non medicated part and the nurses and midwife got me through it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503742 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 20:59:05 +0000 YogiRunner 2503742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sooooo... I'm 34 weeks and up until now thought I'd elect for the epidural. But after doing some reading and now hearing these stories i know I'd rather go med free... Just scared to make the commitment and I'm due in 6 weeks! I'm assuming I'd need to have practiced breathing techniques etc? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503710 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 20:25:05 +0000 ms.line 2503710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a 27 hour natural labor, and while I definitely *could* do it again, but I'm not entirely sure I would want to. My birth experience was empowering, moving, and beautiful... and also mind-blowingly painful - especially pushing! I'm super glad I did it at least once, but I don't really feel like I need to do it again. Then again, I'm only a few weeks out - I might feel more up for it as time passes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503698 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 20:17:09 +0000 Torchwood 2503698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm glad at least a few ladies didn't say "of course!" My experience wasn't normal (preterm, wasn't allowed to get off bed because of monitors, 4.5 hours from "this might be something" to baby here, etc), but it was very traumatic. The preterm aspect was actually the least of it. It was just too fast and out of control. I didn't have time to focus and utilize any of the things I learned in class. I think it was fairly triggering from earlier experiences too. </p> <p>That being said, I have NO idea what I want to do if there's a next time. Granted the preterm risk may take it out of my hands. But on one hand the high was absolutely as good as they say, and my recovery was very easy. I only pushed maybe 15-20 minutes. On the other, it frickin hurt. Enough so that I'm seriously considering an elective c-section, and that's the opposite of everything I believe in. But I just don't know if I'm up for it again. 😕😕 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503691 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 20:12:50 +0000 Miss Ariel 2503691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I loved my birth! Technically I had narcotics but no epidural. As others have mentioned the worst was laboring at home wondering how much worse it would get.</p> <p>I also was really happy with my recovery. So maybe nurses were so surprised with how easy it was for me. Although taking to my doctor it's not very common for that hospital. He thought it was only around 7%. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503678 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:59:18 +0000 danda 2503678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had two and intend to be done with kids but I'd definitely be med-free based on my experiences. I had a fast and easy labor with both...my second went from waking up with hmm am I having indigestion to "there's a baby in my arms!" in less than 3 hours. My original rationale (before I knew labor is easy for me) was that I react poorly to being numbed because it is such a weird feeling to not feel what is happening that I will sometimes pass out. Definitely not a good thing to throw in for childbirth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503667 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:51:32 +0000 brownepiano 2503667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just had some IV meds even though the nurses kept asking if I wanted an epidural. It was pretty traumatic but I am scared of the epidural. Now at 29 weeks I can't decide what I want to do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503661 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:42:57 +0000 mfa_lady 2503661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I absolutely would! Full disclosure: because I had a spinal fusion surgery when I was a teenager, my options are to deliver without an epidural or get put under general anesthesia for surgery. But that being said, I had an awesome experience birthing my daughter without an epidural. It was completely amazing to me how my body knew what to do--we women are impressive creatures. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2503654 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:32:51 +0000 pastemoo 2503654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is the coolest thread. Very inspiring. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2496257 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 07:52:26 +0000 Cole 2496257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am actually looking forward to doing it again! It was really an awesome experience. I went through transition at home though and had I been in the hospital I might have gotten an epidural. I had only been in labor for 45 minutes so I assumed it was just normal labor! In hind sight though I had every sign post in the book and was complete by the time I made it to the hospital. </p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: my unsolicited advice- I think I remember reading you are doing hypnobabies or hypnobirthing, start using it ASAP and don't wait until it gets stronger etc! The two hours without it were awful for me but once I started using it everything became markedly easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again/page/2#post-2496229 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 07:36:37 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2496229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This thread is so encouraging! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2496222 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 07:34:02 +0000 Adira 2496222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're done having kids, but I would definitely do med-free again!! It was a wonderful experience (albeit painful) and I don't regret it at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2496205 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 07:27:11 +0000 bushelandapeck 2496205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had two pain med free births (1 with Pitocin), both by choice. I would definitely do it again if we ever decided to have a third. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2496119 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 06:28:17 +0000 pachamama 2496119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son came so fast I had no time for an epidural or an ibuprofen for that matter. I did actually request an epi because from 6-8 cm the pain was unbearable.<br /> I would 100% do it again unmedicated but only if the labor was as fast which I'm hoping #2 will be! I had no complications and my son nurses like a pro </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2496102 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 05:32:25 +0000 DesertDreams88 2496102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>God no. With my first, an epidural was 100% my plan, but at 5 cm I wasn't allowed due to low platelets. I was allowed.3 doses of narcotics between 5-8 cm and that was the best part of labor before birth. All in all, LO1 was 25 hours of horrible back to back contractions and back labor and moaning and crying and yelling "why does it hurt so much"..... the 1st 24 hours afterwards, I was basically in shock and wondering how the hell anyone has a 2nd child. Now I'm fully on board with #2, but I'm banking on platelet treatment , epidural, a faster 2nd labor, and Bradley method classes just in case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2496078 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 01:21:59 +0000 misolee 2496078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things progressed too fast for LO2 and I had a med free birth which also happened to be a VBAC. The only thing for my birth plan was an epidural as fast as possible :wink: </p> <p>I'm torn. I know it's best without one but the pain was too intense and I still have nightmares about it. I even had a short labor too </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2432463 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 03:01:11 +0000 Pumuckl 2432463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've done it twice so for potential no. 3 I'd do it too - circumstances permitting. </p>