I'm not so sure. I wonder if I'd had en epidural if I would've been able to labor down more and not push so hard and fast which ultimately resulted in a 3rd degree bilateral tear. I loved my birth experience until that issue and the resulting recovery. We're waiting a bit for #2, but it's already on my mind...
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I'm the opposite! I had an epidural, had problems with the machine/dosage in the AM just before bearing down to push, and had a horrendous 2 hour painful pushing session before having DS. I ended up with an episiotomy and while I'm recovered 100%, a part of me wonders if I could attempt med-free next time.
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I tried to have a med free birth for number 1 - I had an epidural, but it failed, so I guess I kind of did? We are planning a home birth for #2.
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I had a med free birth for both. I wanted to do it again the 2nd time because usually 1st labors are the hardest and longest, so I figured if I got through it the first time might as well give it a shot again the 2nd time. I had no tearing, a fast labor, and a really easy recovery the 2nd time!
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I had a med-free birth with #1 and I will definitely strive for that again.
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@grizz: I really wish I could have a home birth. Kentucky needs to get on with legalizing home birth midwifery.
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@avivoca: WORD. I wanted a home birth but KY needs to get their crap together.
Having had a c section though I know there's no way I'll ever have a homebirth unless I went unassisted. Haha. I'm aiming for a VBAC, but whether or not I'll go med free or not I'm not sure. I was hoping for med free the first time around but it didn't happen with my induction.
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I probably will attempt it again, with the same attitude that if I need an epidural, fine. I had a wonderful birth, the only thing I wonder is if I would feel more in control with an epi? Like the last hour or two I was just in another world, but I think you are kind of meant to be, right?
@maybebaby: I will definitely go back to the same hospital. I thought they were wonderful there!
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@Danizaur: @avivoca: right? IL too!
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@avivoca: @danizaur: After they explained everything to me yesterday, I have no idea why they're still not legal some places! They are educated medical professionals, with medical equipment, and plan A., B., C., D., so on and so forth if you need to transfer. I feel like my care will be more hands on than it was in the hospital where I had number 1 - I was left alone most of the time! My husband, the cop who always thinks of worse cases scenarios right off the bat, was even comfortable with the midwives yesterday!!!
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@maybebaby: I had a med free birth for #1 and like you I tore really badly. I still want a med free birth for #2 though. The recovery was pretty bad (lingering effects for almost a YEAR!), but I still view my birth experience as overwhelmingly positive overall.
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I was induced but had a pain med free birth. I would definitely do it again. My recovery was cake. I'd like to labor down more this time bc I pushed for 2+ hours.
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@grizz: I don't get it either. There are so many hospitals in my town too, so it's not like you'd be too far away in case you needed a transfer.
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@avivoca: I even have to pay an OB a retainer to have all my records and be prepped for my birth in case of transfer! Its seriously all covered.
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Yep.
I would - 100% - have had a c/s if I had not been with a MW practice. Not that there is anything wrong with c/s, I just didn't *need* one and I know I would have been "forced" into one with an OB (very clear rules that 24+ hours after your water breaks you must have your baby - I went 45).
My labor was long and intense and exhausting, so I did not have any sort of natural birth "high" - I just knew I could do it and I did. No reason that should be different for #2... which will *hopefully* be an easier, faster birth (oh, please, dear god, be faster and easier...).
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I was induced for #1 but managed to have a pain med free birth. I hope to have a similar experience this time around (minus the pitocin).
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I'm not pregnant yet but I've thought about it quite a bit. I have no idea what I'll do other than hope everything goes faster and easier than first time around.
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I went med free for 30 hours of my 36 hour labor (I stalled in transition for hours and transferred to hospital) and, despite how painful it was, it was really nice to be out of a bed, and able to do whatever I pleased. I'm due in about a week and a half and would love to go med free and will manage as long as possible!
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I'm looking forward to a completely natural birth! With lo I was induced but didn't have pain meds. I didn't tear, went from 5-10cm in about 10 minutes and pushed once. I loved being able to get up and have a shower after we had skin-to-skin. I really want a similar experience minus the induction meds when I have lo2
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Absolutely! It was really challenging and painful as hell but I had a great experience and a pretty easy recovery.
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definitely my goal. with #1 my labor took a long time to progress and she got stuck at the end (shoulder dystocia) though was unharmed. I wonder if I had an epidural, and it slowed me down, if I wouldn't have ended in a section for not progressing. for #2 I really don't want a section due to the implications for recovery and being able to pick up #1 post-partum so I'll try natural again (but honestly I hope it is faster!). I also felt really empowered by it but I know it doesn't always work out that way!
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Yes. I had a med free birth with one and also had one with two. I figured if I could do it once, I could do it twice.
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I was induced for baby #1 and had three failed epis, and then had a med-free birth for baby #2. I absolutely, hands-down, had a better experience with the med-free birth. Without a doubt I plan on doing the same for baby #3.
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I was hesitant at first to go med-free again just because it was so freaking painful. But I decided if I did it once, I can do it again. And I don't want to risk any side effects from an epidural. Hoping things are quicker and easier the second time around.
@Mrs. High Heels: I hope this happens with me. My doula said it's usually not as painful the second time too.
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I did with number #1 and hope to with #2 when that time comes. I had a few of the same issues with pushing - I think I strained myself too much and had some tears because of it. Although a 10lb.+ baby didn't help much either
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@avivoca: @Danizaur: I have an acquaintance that attempted a home birth in Louisville, but it ended in a necessary transfer. Attended by a midwife. Maybe not legal, but possible.
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I had a med free birth but it was a hard labour and I had a bad tear. At first I thought NO WAY about doing it again but now I think I did it once so I could do it again. I will just play it by ear, depending on how things are looking. If I need or want an epi I will get one.
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If #2 is as quick as #1 was, sure. The only thing I really worry about is that I'll end up thinking it won't be so bad because I did it once and it really wasn't that bad...but then ending up with the opposite experience.
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@Weagle: it's easier to say that they are illegal, but in actuality, they aren't. I can birth at home, but it's illegal for a midwife or OB to attend my birth at home. I have a friend who had a home birth too, and ultimately my husband was the one who was uncomfortable with it being illegal for the medical professional.
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I had a med free birth with #1. I was glad recovery was quick, but the pain was out of this world. My curiosity is satisfied such that I may do an epi on the next one (assuming I get to the hospital in time--#1 came three hours from first contraction).
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When the time does come I would like another med free birth because I really enjoyed the experience with LO but I would still have the same attitude that if I needed an epi I would get one but I want to avoid a c-section at all cost though do it would take a lot to get an epi for me
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I went med free for #1 and plan to do so again for #2. I think a big part of the tearing problem has to do with not stretching enough before labor (awkward, but apparently it works wonders) or having a doctor that isn't taking precautions against tearing or telling you to slow down when necessary. My midwife was great about all that, and I only had one very minor tear. I also would totally recommend watching The Business of Being Born if you want to go natural. It's a pretty neat movie about midwives and going med free, etc.
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