Ok Moms, I need your help getting psyched up

[PJ's Mom]

I had 3 of my four without any drugs. My first one was a 36 hour labor. Now I wish I had had the epi. At the time I thought I was doing what was best for myself and my daughter. If I had it to do over again, I know the epi would've kept me from throwing up and screaming more cuss words than I thought I knew.

My second labor lasted 8 hours and my third, because I was having twins, was only 4 hours. One twin was born naturally and the other was C-section.

Do what you think is best. No one can tell you how to have your son and no matter what you decide, it's the best thing for you.

[sirrahbed]

I am NOT pushing for drugfree but this is what Missy is hoping to do so that is what I encourage.

Daughter - I have told you that nobody gets a special *supermom* award for a completely natural and drugfree childbirth, so go with what feels right No matter what - you end up with a baby!

We are all excited for you!! SOON Missy!

[Samantha Puppy]

I'm in the same boat (just waaaaaaaaaay preliminary at 8.5 weeks compared to you at 40). I am going to do everything in my power to not have the epidural, but mostly because I'm petrified of needles and having one go into my back makes me nauseous now - I can't imagine how I'd feel going through labor and THEN having the anxiety of having an epidural on top of it.

You'll do what's best for sweet baby Tyler. If you can do it without the medicine, more power to you! Millions of women did it for millions of years before it was invented so you can too (that's what I tell myself). But if you find out it would make things easier, there is nothing wrong in that either.

Good luck!

[Sirrahsim]

I'm not dead set against pain meds- it's just an ideal for me
If the doc thinks that either I or Tyler will benefit from me getting some juice then I will go for it I have no fear of needles, I'm just being idealistic at the moment.
I know that I won't get an award for NOT using them, and I certainly don't look down on Mom's who have used drugs!!

But boy will "I am woman, hear me roar!" feel good to say if I CAN do a Pitocin induction without an epi

It's Tuesday today

[kimlovescats]

Good luck, Missy ---- you will do great whichever happens. Just focus on the fact that your beautiful baby boy will soon be in your loving arms!!!

[rg_girlca]

Everyone has a different threshold to pain. I take my hat off to any woman who has gone through a natural birth.

Missy, the only thing that I can tell you, from my experience, is that no matter how much pain you experience, it is unbelievable how it is all forgotten when they place your precious bundle of joy on your chest.

I'm not going to lie to you. Yes, with my first one, I was very nervous. It's the not knowing how it will actually be, for me, that had me worried. Sure, other woman can tell you this or that. But each pregnancy and labor are different, as yours will be also.
I had to be induced with both my boys, due to gestational diabetes, and by being induced, it brings on the labor faster and harder. I went almost 12 hours with the first one and 4 1/2 hours with the second. I opted for the epi with both my sons when I became 6 centimeters dilated. But that was me.

When the time comes for you, YOU, will know what it best for you and how you can handle it. But I do know you are going to do just fine.
It is one of the most beautiful experiences any woman can go through.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

I would like to add to my comments earlier in the thread.

I DID have a really lucky / good experience with Amy - breathing techniques only. With my 1st (Amber) they gave me pethadine gas, which took the edge off but made me feel a bit woozy.

If I am ever blessed enough to get pregnant again, I would SERIOUSLY consider an epi - I think I have gotten more "chicken" as I am getting older!! (It would also be nice to get through ONE labor without turning the air BLUE with swearing which would make a sailor blush LOL!!! )

No-one will think any less of you if you have assistance / pain management - and if it will make it a more pleasant memory to look back on, then why not??

[LorraineO]

I ended up with a C section but hey,, I felt labour and it aint fun,,, BUT,,, every woman is different,, what was agony to one is a breeze to another,,, My best advice is to relax, know it will not last forever and dont fight the pain,, it only makes it worse,,, you just gotta ride it out,, lots of breathing and find the position that works for you....

Its so worth it in the end....

[NoahsMommy]

While I've never had kids, and wont physically, I've never understood not wanting pain medicine. That's a horrendous thing your body is going through and I'd think you'd want to be able to enjoy it as much as possible without unnecessary pain. But, like I said, I'm not in your shoes.

You'll do GREAT! I just know it.

Epidurals were made for situations like this. Go for it!!

[gini]

When the time comes, you will do everything just right for you and the baby.

WooHoo - all of us are so anxious to see this boy!

[carole]

If you can have your baby naturally then great, but just go in with an open mind, that things don't always go as planned and I am sure you will do just fine.

I have never experienced an epidural, but my first childbirth experience never went according to plan in any way, luckily with my daughter I only needed a bit of gas, and it was a breeze in comparison.

Everyone is different and has different experiences, some people just pop them out effortlessly, however they are in the minority, good luck and soon you will be blessed with a beautiful baby son.

[Sirrahsim]

I have an open mind I plan on having them hook me up to the IV as soon as possibe to get fluids going just in case I do decide to get drugs. So many opinions here

[carole]

Hey we are just a good bunch of know it alls. I am glad you have an open mind, be prepared for whatever, and good luck, really looking forward to seeing our new PT baby Tyler.