Thanks girl! ☺️

Aww I can't wait to hear how you get on @messybunmom good luck ?xxx

Kerry, I’m not due until March lol.

I went all natural and honestly the pain is different for everyone I am usually a big sook when it comes to pain but I was pretty good with the births dont get me wrong it was bloody hard but I kept thinking of the end result and I wanted to be able to move around freely when the baby was born.. I didn't need stitches with either of my last two pregnancies I hope its the same with this one

Yeah my waters had broke 24hrs before when I was induced and I was given the propess. It was just like a little white plastic square on a tampon string ?

The best part being that with that I was able to have a bath in the hospital, walk the corridors or go for a coffee in the hospital grounds. Wheras with the drip obviously your sort of tied to the bed. I was 9 days over aswell x

That's good that your Dr is looking for non medicine routes, when are you due? X

Thanks!!! ❤️☺️

My original plan was to have a natural birth and to labor at home as long as possible. I wanted the option to sit in the bath, eat, walk etc. The day before I had my dd I was having irregular and mild contractions, I was swinging, walking, bouncing, I went grocery shopping, took a bath, and when things didn't seem to be progressing I went to bed. I woke up at 6:30am to my water breaking and contractions that were incredibly painful and only 1-2 minutes apart. I was shocked at how much they hurt and how they literally kept me down, I couldn't get up like I had planned I could only lay on my side, in silence, and I didn't want anyone to touch me. I decided to go to the hospital and I threw my plan of a natural birth out the window, I wanted the epidural. The idea of us getting to the hospital (40 minute drive) so that I could get the epidural was honestly the only thing keeping me calm. Once we got there I immediately started begging for it, they said they needed to check how dilated I was and check my baby's heart. But before they could even get the monitor on me I started pushing, not by choice, my body just started doing it. I was already 10cm and baby was crowning, I wasn't even in a hospital gown, just my t shirt. My dd was born at 8:13am. I wrote all of this to say, when you think you can't do it anymore and you're about to give up, just know you're at the end and things only get better. Pushing wasn't anywhere near as bad as the contractions IMO. It hurts, but it was almost a relief for me, once she was out I was completely fine. I didn't have stitches so I can't speak on that. You can do it, mama, the pain is only temporary.

I was 10cm and demanding to push when they broke my water. No pitocin. It's not always used in the US... They induce with cervadil or breaking water as well. It depends on if you need cervical ripening or just regular contractions. With my first, my water had broken but his head plugged it in so my OB broke the rest out when I started pushing.

Kerry, the only reasons I can think of for pitocin is when you’re overdue, not contracting enough after water breaks or like you say, money wise.

I only had 2 ultrasounds with my first. One at 10wks and the 20th week. My second I had a lot and had to go to cardiologists because his heart had holes in it that finally grew either at 36 or 38 weeks.

With this pregnancy I had a 7 week ultrasound, one at 12 weeks because she wanted to make sure the heart was okay since ds2 had troubles and wanted to send me to the cardiologist if she saw anything. And another at 20weeks.

You have good questions and now I’m curious so I’ll be asking my doc at my next appt with her lol. My doc is a very natural remedy type doctor. She gives me options to try before going the medicine route which I love. My first doc that I used for other pregnancies would prescribe me all types of meds.

I feel more aware of things and hope to stick with my plan when I figure all of it out. If I end up needing pitocin with this birth, then I’m okay with it but I’ll most likely get the epi or another kind of pain management. I felt like I never got a break from contractions. They were incredibly intense from the beginning because it wasn’t my natural hormones working with my body. ?

I said with my first 4 kids I wasn't going to get one and I ended up getting one each time lol. The last time I went in to labor I immediately got one but then found out baby was transverse. Some people make it look so easy but I definitely am not one of those people. Good luck!!!!!

Also it is possible to progress with out your water breaking. So don’t let them scare you into that either as an excuse for pitocin. My water didn’t break with ds2 until I started to push.

I give birth without an epi as I chose different pain medication. I had a shot of diamorphine and used gas&air throughout.

I see, every birth is completely different... I really hope you manage meds free this time but don't be too hard on yourself if u don't. Aslong as baby's here and healthy that's all that matters ?

Regarding meds. Do you think a lot of it is because you pay for your healthcare/insurance aswell, the docs are getting their money's worth?

You have a lot more checks, tests, examinations etc than we do in the UK... (we have 2 ultrasounds at 12+20 weeks unless growth issues etc & we're not examined internally at all until actually in established labour at hospital by a midwife)...

I'm curious as to why when US mums are induced 99% of the time it's pitocin...

The drip was never mentioned when I was induced it was just the propess inserted into the cervix xx

@kerry, with my first I was induced in my 38th week which was 9 years ago. I was 19 and very naive and just followed what my doc wanted. I believe it was because of his schedule since it was right before Christmas.

My second, my water broke at home and was incredibly excited about it lol so dh and I just headed to the hospital a couple hrs afterwards. I didn’t have much of a birth plan when it came to pitocin or meds. He was born about 5 hours after I was admitted so it was a pretty fast labor.

This time, I’m refusing pitocin if I’m progressing well with/if my water breaks on its own. I’ve had smooth pregnancies and deliveries with both of my past ones.

I have a different doctor this time and I’ll be talking with her about how I want things. My first 2 I didn’t.

I do plan on staying home to labor as long as I can so there won’t be much pressure on me to go though meds route.

@messybunmom is there a reason that pitocin is the first port of call for inductions in the US?

Every mum I've seen that goes in for induction always says they're being induced with pitocin x

With #1, I had a dose of IV Fentanyl that made me loopy. I delivered without drugs. I had an episiotomy, so my OB used lidocaine shots before cutting and then stitching me up. With #2, I had absolutely no drugs. I tore a lot and got lidocaine shots before my OB stitched me up.

I went into it knowing I'd be in pain. I knew it would be hard but my family supported me. I labored with #2 in a tub then pushed for only 10 minutes. I think that helped a lot. My nurses both times were very pro-natural delivery, so that helped, too.

Thank you all for the advice!!

Pps, i will definitely look at my local library for those books and I’ve never heard of hypnobirthing. I feel like I’m starting all over because I’m determined to have a no epi delivery with this bub if he’ll let me. And I’m sure the pitocin didn’t help with my pain before with ds2. I felt like they were so strong from the get go and back to back where I couldn’t concentrate.

I haven’t read all the comments so sorry if I repeat anything. I had a natural birth with my second and loved t over having an epi with my first.

Definitely labor as long as you can at home. By the time I got to the hospital I was 5cm and had my ds an hr and half after getting there.

I recommend reading Ina Mays guide to natural child birth and hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan. They helped so much.

I took an exercise that someone else did in the book. For me it was 2 things. 1 when I thought I couldn’t handle the pain from the contraction anymore I would count to 10. By the time I got there it was usually coming down already. Like a hill.

2. I told myself, the nurses, and my mom “If I can say the word Epidural, I do not need it”. So when it got bad I would randomly say epidural over and over. Not because I wanted it but because I felt if I could say it still the pain wasn’t bad enough. It worked really well lol.

Good luck. You can do it. Check your library for those books. Most have them ?

My first i had an epidural at 7cm. I so wish now i just got through the pain.

My second son (who was a big surprise). I went to work at 4pm and tried to work but contractions i came home by 7pm. I took a nice bath and drank a ton of water. (I didn’t think i was in full on labor yet). I laid on the couch and started to time them. By 10 they were more painful but nothing i couldn’t handle. I called my friend to come over to watch our first son. By 10:15 i had the urge to push. We had to call an ambulance or else i would have given birth in my bedroom (not planning a home birth). Got to the hospital at 10:34. My SO got up to the labor and delivery at 10:42pm. (We had to call to see where he was because the baby way almost out a big thank you to my nurse). I had my so. At 10:44pm.

Recovery had been 1000x easier and less painful than my first son. They will numb the area if you need stitches.

I just breathe through and focus. It's very intense but doable. I thankfully only have extreme pain for maybe 6 hours. 11 hour total labor with pitocin both times. If I had a super long (24+) labor, who knows what I'd do then.

For me, an epi isn't even an option because I'm too scared of any negative effects for me or lo.

I was in labor for 4 days!! So I took the epidural the 4th day when I was finally admitted to the hospital at 5cm. Worst labor ever but delivery was only 15 minutes of pushing and she was out. next time if the labor isn’t as bad then I wont take epidural but you never know until it happens.

Yoga was what helped me through both of ny natural births. In my opinion nothung about labor was that painful.

I had an epi but it didn't work fully. It stopped when I hit 10 cm so I felt it all.

All I can say is focus on breathing, try not to tense up and focus on the fact that baby will be there soon and the contractions are worth it.

To be honest the contractions hurt more than the pushing a 9 lb baby out. Good luck

I had a natural birth at home in a tub. I'm

Thankful is was quick, because it was really painful. You pretty much have no control and no concept of time when you reach transition, so you just go with it. I remember telling my husband I was going to die ?

I needed stitches also, my midwife had local anesthetic in a syringe she used first and then stitched me up. That part was fine! I was on a birth high.

It depends on prior labors. It goes very quickly for me to the point it can be dangerous to wait at home. My doctor jokes that I should stay at the hospital after 37 weeks ?

However definitely commit to it and have someone there who can encourage you when you're wavering.

Labor at home for as long as possible! Walking, staying in the tub and bouncing on my birthing ball during contractions were what helped me. I had stitches after but it was only 2 and very quick directly after birth so honestly I didn’t feel it too much. I actually had a failed epi with my second so I will be doing it completely natural this time too. I will say that I was in so much pain and so scared when she said it was time to push I only pushed once and he was out! I was determined for it to be over lol. Natural birth is hard but you can do it?

I went without one and honest the biggest help was my husband reminding me why I didn't want one the one time I asked. But walking around, the bath tub, and yoga call helped me tremendously. And like others have said find something to focus on during contractions and they go quicker.

With my first I went to 8cm without the epi. My plan was to go naturally but I caved. My water was broken the whole time and I was started on pitocin after I stopped progressing. Two things that are supposedly supposed to make contractions hurt more, but I’d say they were pretty tame and manageable. After pit they definitely got worse but were still nothing compared to any contractions with my second. I just wanted to stay still, in silence. I still felt light contractions and could somewhat feel the stitches afterwards. It was a tiny first degree tear.

With my second I progressed too quickly and had no choice but to give birth naturally. I thought I had time. Contractions started around 1230am and were 7/8mins apart. I got up and showered and then they jumped to 2mins apart. I told my husband we had to go and the hospital was 25mins away. Everything, even contractions, felt completely different with my second. When I first got to the hospital they said I was a 7/8. Until then I would just walk around/moved during contractions. Laboring in the car was hard because I could only sway and it didn’t help much. Literally a minute after they checked me I had an overwhelming urge to bear down and all hell broke loose. I was a 10. The pain increased exponentially(and the contractions already were very painful). My water had to be broken when I started pushing. For me, it was an awful experience. I have a very narrow pelvis and pushed for an hr. I had to push so hard for her to move down that I looked like I had freckles from my head to just under my shoulders. We were team green. When she came out it didn’t even cross my mind what she was. I didn’t care. No excitement. I was just done and felt so defeated. Through out the whole thing My DH and the nurses were telling me I was doing a good job, but I didn’t feel it at all. Honestly, it was just annoying. I was completely drained and couldn’t enjoy my baby for a bit... I never felt the ring of fire, I felt like I was going to pass out and was shaking between contractions, I didn’t feel the stitches from my second degree tear at all and had no numbing stuff for them.

Not everyone’s experience is awful. It all depends on how your body handles it which is just impossible to predict even if you’ve given birth before. I think I could have stuck it out and gone naturally with the way my first labor went, but I didn’t. My second labor was so much more painful through the whole thing and I was honestly scared when they told me it was too late for the epi. Listen to your body and do what you need to to make it as enjoyable in the end as you can.

I had back labour and ended up being put on the drip when I didn't progress.

I avoided the epidural though.

I went in to the hospital not wanting one, instead I had gas & air whilst in the birthing pool. When I got out, OH kept giving me counter pressure on my spine.

I tried pethidine but it did absolutely nothing for me.

The worst part was dilating the last couple of cm, before I could push. I got to the point where I was debating asking for an epidural, eventually decided to ask for one, opened my mouth to ask and instead shreaked that I needed to push.

I didn't feel the ring of fire, even though I tore badly - the pain in my back was too intense and blocked everything out, even the midwife's voice!

I wound up in theatre to deliver the placenta (it wouldn't detach even after the injection), so had a spinal block before it came away on their last manual attempt. That meant I didn't feel them stitch me up.

I honestly planned to go natural but then begged for an epi. It was to late so I had to go natural. What helped me was having the nurse tell me when the contractions where coming down.

With my stitch they gave me a numbing shot.

The bathtub helped me a lot during the contractions. I had stitches with my first and she numbed me, I didn't feel the numbing or the stitches at all.

I felt the stitches even with an epidural and local anesthetic.

Hands and knees is best! ? Laying down does nothing help!

I suggest to Labor at home as long as possible. I delivered both babies unmediated. The first was an induction though. It was more comfortable for me to Labor at home. Don’t forget to breathe through the contractions. Don’t fight the pain. I loved it to be able to walk around. By the time I went to the hospital I was at 9.5 and had her 20 minutes later. It couldn’t have been better ?

Have someone there to support you and remind you that you can do it. I had an awesome nurse who would walk with me and help me breathe through contractions. I walked a lot and rocked on my hands and knees while my husband massages my lower back. Just don’t lie down!!

Oh and I needed one stitch and they used a local numbing med to numb it while they did that, but I truly don’t remember it because I was holding my son and that’s all I could focus on.

Support, support, support. And make sure the nurses and doctor know your decision ahead of time and tell them to not even mention the epi at all.

Like others have said, being able to visualize the contractions as one step closer to your baby. Breathing techniques seem stupid until you’re in labor and you can’t remember any of them so I suggest practicing those a lot. Hot showers or a birthing tub if they have one. Request an exercise ball and sit on that when you can. It helped me focus on my balance more than the pain.

I loved giving birth naturally. I felt so connected to my son the entire time. I felt like I knew exactly where he was the whole time. It hurt like hell, but it was just the most connecting thing ever to me. I was eerily calm but I think it’s because I felt like I was in total control at the time because I could feel everything if that makes sense?

Being able to relax your muscles and not fight contractions is the biggest thing. It lessens pain and helps you progress faster. I find one position that works for me and the pain, and remain that way throughout so I can focus on my breathing. The worst part of it all? Uterine massages after the baby is out ?. Never had a tear so not sure what that feels like.

I've had two unmedicated births :) What got me through was spending most of my time labouring under a hot shower, it helped with the pain and kept me calm.

As hard as it can be breathing deeply through each contraction really helped to ground me and my thoughts and stopped me from panicking when the pain got too intense.

For me, once I was fully dilated the hard part was over. At this stage my contractions weren't exactly painful anymore just felt like a lot of pressure and the urge to push with each one.

As soon as bub is out the pain is pretty much gone and your adrenaline kicks in :) I didn't tear so im not sure about stitching but I would assume they numb first.

I had my first 4 months ago I only had gas and that does nothing for the pain but make you high as a kite, you just need to remember to breathe yes it hurts like hell but it’s also the most amazing feeling in the world knowing you will holding them soon, I had to get like 6 or so stitches inside my vagina and to me that hurt so much more then pushing my girl out hahah, once the head is out the rest is easy you will only need a few more pushes, honestly you will be so proud of yourself for being able to go through all that pain to have your little one, I know for a fact when I have my next I won’t have anything at all.

Before you get to that stage of needing to push stay in a hot shower for as long as possible because it helps so much! After my water broke I stayed in the shower for a good hour before I needed to push and it helped with the pain heaps! Also don’t stay in bed before your water breaks get up and walk around when you’re getting contractions may sound dumb but it helps to move around when they’re hit you, I walked the hospital stairs over 30 times when I was having contractions it also helps bring on the labor faster and won’t last as long! Good luck

You will be so proud of yourself for going through it natural.

I didn't have an epi but it wasn't by choice lol my baby just came way to quick. But I'm glad I didn't get one. It wasn't as bad as I thought. The contractions hurt way more than the actual pushing him out. I had to get stitches, it wasn't too bad I was just sore for a while.

I had epi I with my firsr2. The third I was on the fence my whole pregnancy. Once in labor my nurse (who was awesome ) asked about pain meds..... now I HATE needles, like loath them, my body literally starts shaking fora simple blood draw... so I told my nurse that. She smiled and told me that anything she'd give me would not include needles lol

So. I used fentanyl (sp?) . I was floating lol ? it took off the edge of the contractions. Only thing is they have to stop it before you start pushing, because it hinders your pushing ability.

Best decision ever. No stitches-, no back ache (like I always got after an epi), I was ready to go home 3 hours after lol ? I even painted my living room 5 days after because I felt so fantastic (I know I'm not supposed to do doing that, I did take it slow)

Point being, if there ever is a "next time" I won't use the epi. The pain is definitely more intense without it, but the recovery was unbelievable. I'd rather go through a couple hours of some pain and a fantastic recovery, rather than the other way around.

ETA: I'll add that I was using oxytocin to speed up my labor as my water broke but my contractions were not progressing fast enough. So I did it without epi this time, while being induced (which for me made contractions much more intense). Going into full labor Natural would have been easier, but I did it?

Water helps you relax. So birth pool of available or shower / bath.

I didn't tear with either but I think if you do they give you an injection to numb area to stitch if needed.

I had my first in may last year without an epi. I was induced with propess and my labour war completely in my back! Felt like my spine was breaking, but I was determined not to have an epidural. I kind of went in with that mind set... the contractions were far more painful than the pushing but I just tried to stay as focused as I could. My OH was a massive help aswell he rubbed the base of my back for hours and hours... I think mind over matter and you will manage. Try to keep as focused as you can and just keep saying to yourself your body was made to do this, and every pain takes you one step closer to your baby! Good luck ?xxx

My advice is to have a good support system. I wouldn't have made it without dh. He knew what I wanted and needed. Then, for me, I liked to labor leaning over my yoga ball. So figure out what's the best way to focus during contractions. That ball became my best friend! I agree with laboring at home as long as you can. I was able to do that with my last kid and it really makes a difference. And when the pain is most intense, that usually is during transition at the end. And that's always when I wanted to give up, but push through it. To me it was a mind game. I had to know that I could do it and make it! Remember, thousands of women did it without pain medication before you and thousands did it after you. You can do it too!

For me everything happened so quickly that I didn't really have time to have the epidural at the end! I was a trooper though, I was in labour for around 4 1/2 hours and didn't ask for the epidural until right at the end. Breathing is very helpful, and also visualising that every contraction has a purpose to push your baby closer towards coming out!

Pain wise, felt like everything inside me was being ripped, but gas and air helped take the edge off until it was time to push.

Stitches felt weird. The numbing injection just feels like a wasp sting on your hoohaah and then you can feel them pulling the stitches, super odd!

I'd definitely recommend hypnobirthing if you really want to go without an epi! A lot of women recommend it and I'll definitely be trying that if I have another!

Thank you! ❤️

I saw support...idk if I would of made it without dh. He applied pressure to my back and talked me through contractions...

We are strong and able to handle the pain even if it doesn't seem like it. It's an extreme mental situation .

SN I did not tear so no stiches...

I had a natural birth but that was not my plan. From the moment I woke up for the morning and exactly 2 hours and 45 minutes later I delivered my baby. I begged for the epi every minute I was there. I had terrible back labor and the pain was excruciating. I knew I was progressing fast because of how quick the contractions were coming back to back. What helped me was knowing my baby was coming soon. I had been so miserable those last few weeks and I knew it would be over soon. I knew the sooner he was out, I would have relief. What also helped was I had my honey apply pressure to my lower back each time I had a contraction. That helped a lot. It was like a wave and I could feel them coming each time. I also literally talked myself through each one! I would tell myself “ you can do this! You got it! It’s almost over!” And that helped me so much! I just encouraged myself to get through it. I don’t think I would have lasted a second longer though. I had a super quick labor. I tore less than an inch and they said I didn’t need stitches. I pushed baby out in about 3 pushes. It’s really a mental thing. If you can keep calm, have your partner there for support and encourage you, you should be fine. But if you feel like you cannot handle it, get the epi! A birth is a birth whether it’s medicated or not. A healthy baby is the only end result you need. If you are too tensed up it can slow your labor down. Good luck!

Breathing is very important. Maybe take a few yoga classes just so you can breathe deep and calmly. Also, try to have some sort of mantra to recite. My doula was awesome and helped remind me to breathe and suggested different positions (and told me to curse!). Just reminding yourself that the pain is temporary helps, too. I knew once i squished that sucker's head out, it would feel so much better. That made me work harder with each contraction. If you need stitches, they throw numbing liquid on and stitch it up so quick, you won't notice. Don't feel bad though if you cave and get an epi. No shame in taking pain meds for the most painful day of your life :)

1. It's important to have a good support system who is understanding of your wishes. My husband encouraged me during labor and reminded me that this was what I wanted. That this was my choice.

2. You need to find your focal point. For me it was imagining each contraction like I was running up hill.

3. Stay out of the hospital for as long as possible. I labored at home for 30 hours before going to the dr. By the time I was admitted I delivered 3 hours later

4. Remind yourself that the pain, no matter how intense, is temporary and has a purpose

Following since I'm planning to go natural as well. With my first I made it to 8cm before I had to get the epi due to pre-e. Second pain was excruciating and got it at 5cm. My plan is to labor as much as I can at home so that's it's too late when I get to the hospital.

No tips since my son was an unplanned natural birth. They did give me a local to numb during the stitching process though.