It never fails. Pregnant women are always asked about their birth plans. And, while you’re trying to decide between epidural or natural birth, you’re going to get someone’s opinion, whether you like it or not.
If you were to ask me, “Hey Ivy, Epidural or Natural?” I’m going to immediately say “Natural.” I couldn’t possibly be more enthusiastic about my response. The thought of a something being jammed into my spine scares me. Then, there’s all the risks of an epidural that really lead me to tell you “don’t take the epidural.” I’ve heard enough complaints from women about having back issues after receiving the epidural. Look, I have enough issues without someone (or something unnatural) creating more for me. Thanks anyway.
But, at the same time, I understand if you want to take the epidural.
The idea of birthing a baby without drugs sounds scary. I know you’ve heard all the birth horror stories. If you’ve ever expressed interest in natural birth, you’ve likely been told things like:
“You’ll change your mind.”
“Just wait until you go into labor”
Maybe someone’s snickered at you and told you how terrible the ring of fire was. They felt like they “were being torn apart.”
“What are you trying to win?”
“You know you don’t get a medal, right?”
The mental images others give you over the birth process can sound horrifying and leave very little to the imagination … except for anything good to imagine other than the moment it’s over and your baby is in your arms.
And you’re certain to hear from at least one woman “just get the epidural.”
Because of which, you’re uncertain if you can actually go through with a natural birth.
I know these doubts. I didn’t struggle with the desire to have a natural birth and I wasn’t unprepared. But, I did struggle with the lack of support when I made my birth plans known. Why do women ask your birth plans if they’re going to scoff at the answer, anyway?
I can’t tell you for certain whether epidural or natural birth is right for you. I can tell you, however, that natural birth is possible under the right mind set (and of course, birth situation).
Epidural or Natural?
I guarantee “epidural or natural?” is one of the top questions you’re going to get when you’re pregnant. It’s likely to feel like one of the most important questions you ask yourself during your entire pregnancy! To decide whether epidural or natural birth is right for you you need the following in place:
Learn about the risks of epidural
Understand the problems with induction (including that pitocin will make contractions hurt more)
Have friends and family support your birth plan
Consider having your husband in the delivery room (if he has taken a class and can support you wholeheartedly)
Finally, check out these secrets to prepare for giving birth naturally
I can’t tell you what’s right for you. Making the decision between epidural or natural birth is a task not to be taken lightly. And, no matter what you decide, there’s always a chance things don’t go as planned. All you can do is make your decision, know the possibilities, and hope for the best. But make your decision based on your heart, not what any naysayer decides for you.
Tell me: What did you decide when you were asked about epidural or natural birth?
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2 comments
I am planning to have a natural birth without a doula I’m a little nervous but feel strongly about going all natural how did you let your doctor know and did he or she support you all the way about haveing a natural birth? About the child birth classes if I’m unable to attend one is there a different way to get a similar experience and education?
I discussed my wishes with my doctors who were fairly receptive of the idea, although, when I arrived at the hospital with the birth plan for the first baby, one of the doctors tried to say no to everything, but then let me do just about everything I wanted.
Generally, as long as you’re calm, collected and rational, they probably wouldn’t press much. Prepare a birth plan and include that staff is not to suggest or offer pain relief.
If you can’t afford a Doula, you may be able to find one offering her services for free in order to fulfill hours to complete her training … this is the website I used for that: http://www.trainingsfordoulas.com/volunteer-doulas.html
As for birth classes, if money isn’t an issue, this one seems like it may be a good fit: https://mamanaturalbirth.com/ and this site recommends two other courses, which are a bit cheaper: https://mynaturalbabybirth.com/givingbirthnaturally-and-peacefulbirth-online-courses
I received all the information I needed through the book “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” … while it won’t give you the exercises you need to prepare your mind, it will help solidify and strengthen your belief in natural birth.
Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
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