i'm pregnant with my first child. I'm due in about 4 weeks now. My plan is to do this all natural. Which i keep being told how nieve and stupid that is. And that i'll change my mind once labor begins. I do not want to be induced. No pitocin or anything. No drugs and definately no epidural. Why is that so wrong? If my mother could do it, why can't i? Women have given birth without these drugs for years, why is it needed now? I realize it will be hard but i really want to do this. Do i have any good feedback on my decision?

I don't think you are wrong, but have you ever heard of Doctors orders? You Doctor will know what is best at birth.

Just my thoughts.

my doctor and i have a birth plan which states all of the before mentioned. Unless things go wrong it will be all natural but reguardless no pain meds

You know, your grand parents got their dental work without anesthesia, you should try that too.

Hahahahaaa! I'm sorry Izzy but the man has a point.

The upside is that you can save allot of money having a natural birth at home and having your mother deliver. However Docters have come allong way with True progress in meddicine, chiled birth etc. and Their there for a reason.
But it sounds like your mined is maid so I say the best of luck to you, and make sure your dad has your dock on speed dile.

i believe you misunderstood. I'm not having a home birth. I'm giving birth at the hospital with a doctor. And before throwing my parents in the mix, i don't talk to them. My dad doesn't even know. And you should do research on both matters before deciding doctors are always right. Doctors alot of times get bored with deliveries and they like having something to do or moving things along. As for dental work. I had my wisdom tooth removed with no anesthetic. So i got you on that. Thanks though smart *** :)

There are twice as many benefits to natural labor than there are to medicated labor. Without pain medicine, you have more control over your body, meaning less medical help is often needed. It also means you will be more comfortable because of better mobility. The secret is to learn the right natural anti-pain techniques, i.e. breathing and positions. Going natural can even prevent or allow you to correct some birth complications without need for forceps or a c-section.

Pain meds do have an effect on the infant as well, though they appear short term. I do not know if any studies have found long term effects.

Many women who espouse using pain medication probably either were not properly prepared for natural labor or simply do not want the pain involved. Both schools of thought generally believe their choice made the experience more memorable and enjoyable. Hence women tend to be very divided on the issue with very strong feelings. It is up to you to decide which is best because no one is going to give you an objective opinion.

The nice thing about natural labor is you can always switch to medicated labor during the process. Once you are medicated, you can't really switch back.

THANK you for actually being educated on the matter before commenting. I know the pros and cons and the pros outweigh the cons to me. I want to feel the birth. I want to really feel it not a numb feeling and i don't want meds to affect my baby even if it is short term. I.ve had 9 months of thinking. I know this is the best decision. I'm just so tired of the negative comments i get for it.

You're welcome.

Actually, it forced me to read up on it a bit, so I actually had to learn something first.

You don't seem to be happy with your decision, otherwise you wouldn't feel the need to ask perfect strangers (us, not the terrible 80's TV show) to tell you that you are making a good decision. Not looking to argue, just trying to give you something to think about.

Actually, being around too many negative people will cause self-doubt. It isn't that her decision is wrong for her, but rather that others are pestering her, trying to impose their own decisions upon her. That's why second-guessing is usually a bunch of b.s.

Trust me, I know what it's like. It's one more reason why I want to get out of Connecticut. I'm tired of the negative people dragging me down.

Girl, you do whatever you and your doctor have discussed and do not let anyone sway that decision. I wanted to do mine natural but there is a pretty high chance of having to do an emergency c section, so I will need to have a small dose epidural so if need be, they can use that to numb me for the c section, instead of having to put me completely out. But kudos to you. Most women don't have the balls to even think about going all natural, let alone actually try it. I will say, don't be completely closed minded about getting pain meds if it gets to be too much pain for you. But other than that, I commend you for wanting to do it natural, and sticking by your guns. And don't listen to all the negativity.

Good luck honey! And if you need support, feel free to message me. The big day is next Thursday for me and my son

I chose the easier way, but I commend those who choose the hard 'natural' way. Go with whats in your heart. The important thing will be a healthy baby.

Girl,just do it your way.
Your doc will be on hand.He will know if things change the plan.You will be fine. I had my son all natural.Just keep the same mind set.
Good Luck and if you do need pain help.Thats ok.Baby first!

My very best to you and your little bundle of joy!

My first child was delivered by natural child birth....was not what I had wanted but when you wait too long for meds you have no choice...

Sure I made it through it and it was not the horror story I had heard from others.. My second I had to be induced when your 3 weeks overdue you will opt for what ever it takes to get it going. I did go for the drugs with my second one I refused the epidural.

Many I know have went the epidural way some said it was great then others still say they felt some of the labor...


My sons g/f that gave birth 2 months ago said she was not going to have a epidural as well. It ended up she had to be induced and in the end had to have a epidural which she gladly accepted.

All I can say is go in with a open mind just because what we want at times in the end we have to take a different route. There may come a time the doctor may say natural was a good thought but due to issues we need to go a different way... It could happen

So go for the natural to start off if it happens there is no problems and you can handle the pain then go for it... Once it is over so is the pain as far as birth... For all have pain within the days that follows... Just don't be so hard core on your choice when it comes to your health or the baby's

The best advice I can give is don't tense up the more you do the worse it hurts. Focus on something like the beach ect where it is peaceful and stay as calm as possible......

Best wishes to you on the birth.......and all the happy memories to come...

Novocaine is a local anesthetic.

So no, you didn't have dental work done without the use of an anesthetic.

I think it's great that you want to have natural child birth.
However some labor can go on for a very long time...
hours to maybe a day or two- and
that can be painful AND exhausting

See if it's possible to keep the anesthesiologist standing by
just in case and congratulations! Soon that
beautiful baby will be in your arms!

thank you everyone for all of your comments. :) i wasn't having second thoughts just wanted to hear someone say something positive. I plan on going all natural all the way unless it needs to be different for my baby girl's sake. Thank you for all your advice and wisdom, from those who provided it.

actually i'm allergic to novocaine. It makes me throw up and i still feel the pain so i didn't even use that to numb my mouth. I had to be held down. And it hurt very bad.