How/why did you choose natural birth?

• 09-09-2009 6:27

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  Connor's_Mom_Karen Joined on 11-18-2005 Florida Posts 530

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact Mom~of~Munchkins: You know, the irony of natural childbirth is that many people who are not "for" natural childbirth think that we choose this route looking for some sort of spiritual experience or something. Or that we're looking for a "gold star" or something. I always thought that women who went natural were crazy.  That is why they make drugs, right!?  After my experience, I found that I am strong enough to do it.  When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.  Was it scary, he!! yes.  Did it hurt, yes, but not as bad as I thought it was going to.  Since I was not given a choice and I had to get the baby out, I just said to myself, I gotta do this.  I have to give birth.  Now is the time and if I can't have drugs to do it, then I'll just have to do it naturally.  My Dr did, at one point, have an Anesthesiologist come in to ask me all the pre-surgical questions.  Since I was not progressing at all, my Dr was giving me 1/2 hour before a c-section was going to be done.  I answered all the questions for the Anesthesiologist and when he left, I decided I was going to do this.  I did NOT want a c-section.  That was one thing I knew for sure.  I pushed as hard as I could and when the Dr saw the cord around DS neck, he told me to push really hard, I heard DS monitor flatline.  A nurse yelled at me to push him out and I gave one more BIG push, the Dr freed the cord and out came DS.  My Dr said he had never seen a woman work as hard as I did to birth with no interventions.  I felt very proud of myself (and still do!!). This time, I know I can do it.  I've already done it once.  I will again put myself into my "zone" and get it done.

• 09-10-2009 8:46

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  Amanda and Colson Joined on 03-16-2006 Salt Lake City, Utah Posts 27

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact I've never really posted on this board, but I thought this post was a good place to start. I read a lot of posts over here. When I was growing up most of my siblings were born at home, completely intervention free. I always thought that was the best way you could go. I really wanted a home birth, but DH was not for it and insurance wouldn't cover it so I decided to go with the hospital, which is a fabulous one. They are very natural birth friendly, have jacuzzis in some rooms, birthing balls and all that stuff, and the lowest c-section rate I could find. I was determined to have a natural birth although DH even frowned upon that, for what reason I'm not really sure. I tried to give him info on it, but he's stubborn and wouldn't see it my way. Everytime I told someone that I wanted to go natural they would tell me not to totally rule out the epi or other drugs "just in case" I decided to get one, that way I wouldn't feel like a failure if I did. Well, when the time came to have my first son we got to the hospital early in the morning after being in labor and no sleep for days. I was exhausted, DH fell asleep so I was basically alone and had no support, I was scared to call anyone and wake them up cause I knew I would still be there a long time and scared to call the nurses and stuff to get in the bath. It was stupid on my part, but since I was so exhausted and falling asleep between contractions and having a really hard time keeping the concentration up to get through them I got the epi. It was miserable. It made my bp drop to dangerous levels, I had to be pumped full of fluid constantly to keep it at some kind of normal level, my ankles were the size of tree trunks. It made my labor almost completely stop, which of course led to pitocin, which then led to fetal distress and meconium in the fluid. They almost made me have a c-section right there, but finally got his heart rate to stabalize. After hours and hours of labor finally time to push and couldn't get him out, after 2 hours of pushing they were talking vacuum extraction or c-section, no freakin way I wanted any of that, so I finally got him out and he rushed directly out of the room. All I saw was on little flailing foot as they took him away. And by this time I was mostly un-numbed anyways since I couldn't push the epi boost button because of the bp issues. Anyways, it was a very traumatic birth for me, both physically and mentally. When I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd there was no doubt in my mind that epi was NOT going to be an option at all. It was GOING TO BE all natural. Still had the same resistance from DH, but set up an alternate support system and was ready to go. I had contractions all day and finally headed to the hospital and was already 6 cm when we got there. DH begged for it to just be me and him. I told him I needed support and he was horrible last time. He said he would do absolutely everything I wanted him to do. After being at the hospital for 3 hours of hard back labor and my husband being an absolutely amazing support person, I gave birth 100% intervention free to my 8 lb 14 oz sunny side up baby boy. It was absolutely amazing and calm and wonderful and I got to hold my son right away and nurse him after about 5 minutes. And DH got to cut the cord. It was fabulous and I felt great afterwards almost immediately. I don't know if we'lll ever have anymore, but for me the decision is hands down that I would NEVER get an epi again. Those 2 births were worlds apart.

• 09-10-2009 10:46

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  NoLongerDesolate Joined on 02-23-2005 North LA Posts 527	Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact I don't know why husbands have to be that way. Like they are the one giving birth. Way to put ur foot down! At least he came through for u.

• 09-10-2009 6:02 PM

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  *Christa* Joined on 09-06-2005 Posts 475

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact The minute I gave birth to my first dd via c/s for being breech I knew I wanted a VBAC next time around.  I started researching them days after she was born.  I read a ton, took Bradley classes & went to ICAN meetings.  I knew that if I wanted a VBAC that natural was the way to go.  After all the studing I have done I would recommend natural for everyone.  It's really amazing that women don't realize that all those interventions are harning them & not "saving" their baby.  Yes they can I know, but they can also do so much harm too.  Sadly my VBAC attempt ended in a c/s anyways, but not due to medical interventions, but infections. If we have another one I am planning a natural homebirth.

• 09-21-2009 1:17 PM

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  Lena751 Joined on 07-25-2008 St. Petersburg FL Posts 3

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact Wow I love this thread! This is my first time posting on here. I chose to have natural childbirth because there wasn't any other way I was going to have my baby. I knew it was within my body's capability to do otherwise the human race would have died out long ago! I told my husband my plans and he was very supportive of the idea. I also had a lot of support in my OB's office and from my family. My mom gave birth naturally 4 times, 2 in a hospital and 2 times at home on her couch. My sister also did natural childbirth when she had her son and I was a birth coach so I got to witness it firsthand. It was amazing. I knew when I had my children I wanted to do it that way. My birth experience was wonderful. It was 10 hours start to finish with about 20 minutes of pushing. I was able to nurse my son immediately after he was born. I had a great recovery. When I have my next baby, I will do it naturally again and I will also encourage anyone who is pregnant to go natural. There is nothing like it in the entire world.

• 09-27-2009 6:59 PM

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  SLVA Joined on 03-16-2008 Grand Rapids, MI - Maia 08/14/08, EDD 6/12/10 Posts 95

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact My path to natural childbirth began with the decision to take a Lamaze class... "Just in case."  DH wasn't convinced at ALL that I could go natural, but I advised him that 1. I thought I could - women are made to give birth.  2. Sometimes people don't have a choice: epi didn't work, progressed too quickly... you hear all those stories.  I figured it was absolutely logical to learn gather as much information I could about doing it without meds... I'd be prepared either way. Information is Power.  DH was supportive in his way "Well, if that's what you want... I'll go with you to the classes. I'm NOT excited about it!" (He's not a touchy feely kind of guy, and does not enjoy talking about gross medical stuff).  So I told him I wanted my sister with me in case he struggled or needed a break (she had 2 of her 3 by Bradley Method, and she knows how to relax and encourage me!)   My OB asked me some questions about my medical philosophies and told me that he thought Lamaze might be a better fit than Bradley for us.  He was very supportive and patient. Our Lamaze instructor was good: helpful, well informed, not too judgmental (although a little annoyingly prideful about her accomplishments).  It wasn't so much that I learned breathing techniques... it was that DH learned how to be a coach and a guide, and I learned how to be confident and not get in the way of my body. We learned laboring positions and pushing techniques. I practiced my kegels and relaxing and visualization. And my thought began to change: Why on earth WOULDN'T someone take a class on this?  Would you run a marathon without training? This is the most important physical challenge of your life!  I also read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and found it confidence building. Fast forward to labor... As the contractions intensified and became more productive, DH started directing me more, reminding me of the things I was forgetting (your brain does go foggy! and we had learned about that).  DH had learned all the stages of labor, and how to help count me through them.  He kept me focused on getting through each contraction, and I tried to focus on my contractions being productive and powerful.  My labor lasted about 7 1/2 hours from start to finish, pain med free.  I spent 4.5 hours in the hospital before my girl was born, and did most of my labor (including transition) on a birthing ball, leaning back against DH and rocking back and forth.  It was amazing (and funny, because I totally didn't get the benefit during classes).  I do feel I would have spent less time pushing (39 minutes) had I just stayed focused on DH, instead of listening to the nurses. Speaking of our nurses (who were FANTASTIC) - they were very supportive of our "drug free plan" and commented on how rarely they see that.  I can't yet make the leap to home birthing (although I admire all of you who do!)  I believe that has to do with the fact that my mother and my sister both bled out after one of their three deliveries (my sister went into shock).  Apparently it's a genetic pre-disposition.  I didn't know that at the time.  I bled out too... but my OB and the nurses did a great job, and I just ended up with a little short term anemia.

• 10-23-2009 12:38

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  Cara2454751 Joined on 11-07-2007 Lincoln, Ca Posts 134

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact Hey Sonia... great thread!!!! I love all the stories!!!! Well.... I went into labor with my DS when I was 38 weeks. My water broke and I was not going into labor... I refused to be induced at the hospital and they started threatening a c-section after 15 hours of no contractions. I caved and they induced me. I labored on my own for 4 hours while I was on potocin and I could not take the pain any longer. I did not have a Doula. Although my husband was wonderful... I really wished that I had a doula there also. A wonderful L&D nurse stepped in and helped me get through more and more contractions. She was wonderful!!! She stayed by my side and I continued without an epidural. Then her shift ended and they turned up the potocin and I lost it. I had them check me and I was not even at 1CM when I thought I was in transition! :( So.... I got the epidural. James was in great distress after many hours.. due to his position and of course, all the drugs. A team of Doctors rushed in the room and they were all shouting at me to push. All I remember was harsh lights, shouting and feeling like I failed. My birth plan went out the window.. especially when I specifically asked for soft voices and low light when pushing. After a total of 36 hours... my son was born vacuum assisted. The catheter that was inserted caused an infection and I had on going UTI's that I could not get rid of without strong antibiotics- which greatly interfered with breast feeding. I had to wear depends for 3 months because I completely lost control of my bladder (thank GOD I am OK now!). I was left with an episiotomy from front to back (sorry TMI). The recovery was horrible. This is why I am choosing to birth naturally this time. Not that I didn't choose to do it last time. Since my sons birth I have trained with DONA international and I became a Doula. This was a very healing process for me. My son is the best little boy any mother could ask for!!! :) Thank God he came out of that birth OK. Shockingly, he was a 9 on the APGAR score! But, still... I'll never truly know what that did to him and how he felt in those moments. I'm going to try my very best to go naturally this time. This is our last baby and my last time giving birth. I will have my own Doula this time and a good friend that will be there supporting me. Also, I realize the importance this time to exercise throughout the 9 months and to have good nutrition. Also.... I will not be going to the hospital the second my water breaks like I did last time. Wish I could do a home birth... but we have a certain insurance plan... and I can't afford a midwife out of pocket. But I am determined to make this the best experience possible. Good luck to all of you!!!!

• 10-23-2009 7:50 PM

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  ~willowtree~ Joined on 04-29-2009 Posts 287

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact i grew up seeing my mom have a total of 7 babies naturally, several at home. natural birth was a much talked-about and embraced part of life among all the women i respected growing up. when i was a teenager, i assisted a home birth midwife, and got to observe some births in the hospital, and coached one of my friends with her (11 lb 2 oz!) home birth. so, i was lucky to have a really great background and history with birth, and have no medical issues with any of mine. my midwives at one point asked why i chose home birth, and i answered honestly that (for me) it was "safer and more fun". i wish more people could have the experience with births and mindset that i did, i think it would take away alot of fears.

• 10-24-2009 7:44 PM

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  nbennwife Joined on 02-02-2006 California Posts 13

  Re: How/why did you choose natural birth? Reply Contact I was 18 and found myself pg with my 1st child.  My goal all along was to have a natural childbirth and I was preparing myself mentally.  I took birthing classes (but missed my last class because my beautiful dd decided to come at 37 weeks!)  I started labor on December 3, 1999 and was mildly uncomfortable.  On December 4th, I went to the hospital around Noon.  The contractions were about 2.5 minutes apart and lasting 1.5 minutes.  When they checked me, I was told I was only 2 cm.  I labored with full, horrible contractions until just after 3am.  I thought I had a supportive family and husband who understood that I needed to be encouraged.  I ended up instead having my mother, father, husband and nurse corner me with a doctor and say that I NEEDED an epidural.  That is was "too hard" for them to see me in so much pain and since I was unable to dilate past a 2 they thought it was necessary for me to procede.  They all scared me into having an epi and I was so run down that by the time the started pressuring me (with tears and all...) I gave in.  i felt defeated and NOBODY believed in me.  I guess I ultimately made the choice but...I felt so pressured.  With DS, baby #2 I was remarried and knew that I was going to have a fast L&D.  I "KNEW" it...!  At 38 weeks, I went into labor and we drove to the hospital about 1 hour away.  I started pushing about 10 minutes before we arrived, walked in to the hospital, leaned over the bed and pushed.  My water broke and about 10 minutes later my ds was born.  The whole scene was miserable though.  The RN's were trying to shove IV's in me when I was REFUSING...they were still sticking needles in me!     I was literally screaming at them ripping my arms away and kicking at them.  I felt like an animal.  DS had MILD decels with the contractions while I was pushing and the DR told me I was not pushing adequately, grabbed a vacuum and stuck it in me.  MIND YOU, I have pushed a baby out, my 1st WITH and epi in 3 pushes, my 3rd in about 2 contractions.  I have NO problems pushing.  He was impatient, was mad I refused to let them stick me with needles and kept telling me to "be quieter."  Sorry...I was pushing and grunting hard while doing it.  I would like to see him try to push something that big out of him SILENTLY!  Anyway, they used the vacuum and my son (now3) still has a slightly misshapen head where they used it.  The vacuum did nothing...I pushed my son out 2 mpushes later.  NATURALLY, with a needle (yes, not just the IV catheter, an actual needle) hanging from my arm. My 3rd child, I had in 26 minutes, planned at a hospital.  My husband was not comfortable with a hb. This time around, we have found a midwife and I plan to deliver naturally at home.  I want my baby to be in my arms.  I don't want someone waking my child or myself up whenever they need to take a vital or accidently come in my room.  i want to control when my baby leaves me or doesnt.  I can not wait to have a beautiful, natural, hb with a wonderful midwife.  I am still TTC and am so happy to know that I am prepared, excited and am finally going to have my dream birth at home.  I believe women's bodies are MADE to bear children...and lets face it, it really is our fault we have the pain in birth ;)  Those darn apples...