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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.

@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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

@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.

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.

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.

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.

Good luck, mamas!

@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.

@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 & 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!

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!

100 times over. Loved both of my births!

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!