i want a NO DRUGS birth

[mothertobein2007]

i want a drug free birth with my first im only 17 years old and i want to know if any other woman have given birth this way and wore you happy with the birth and tell me the true did it hurt like hell but would my get up and be mormal after i dont like i will be able to take the pay:o

[jess_live_die]

i was 15 with my 1st and had pefidine but i had a no drugs with my 2nd daughter i loved it i was happy i felt more relaxed and everything seemed much clear to me it was great i was smiling the whole way through. let me know if you have any questions my email is jess_livee@hotmail.com if u eva wanna chat.

[Lirael]

I had drugs that didnt work...

[stellarella]

Its wonderful that you want to avoid drugs, its better for you and your baby...

I felt the same way..but I ended up having a very long labour and I could not deal with the lack of sleep and the emotional exhaustion...

I will (try) not to have drugs again...I had an epidural and it was pretty awful!!

Good luck to you...just keep an open mind...:fingerscrossed:

[Ashleigh<3]

Would you be interested in a waterbirth? :)

I had oxygen+ ethonox (sp?) whilst laboring in the water... Was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to do it again!!!

The water is soothing during contractions, also minimises taring and makes it easier for the perineum to stretch safely.

[flower]

I had a drug free birth. Not entirely MY choice...and I have birth trauma because of it.
Not a picnic............has its benefits though.
your choice.

[mothertobein2007]

yeah i will have the gas if i need it but i dont want to have other drugs i was thinking about having the baby in water.....yeah but i really want to do it with nothing at all:thumbsup:

[Lirael]

well thats a good attitude.:yes: just be prepared for anything. I wanted a natural drug free birth and I ended up with 22 hours of partly induced,waters broken, gas and pethidene, 2 vacuum extractions a huge episiotomy and a bub who almost died.

so read up on everything. not all goes according to plan unfortunately.

[jess_live_die]

yeah i will have the gas if i need it but i dont want to have other drugs i was thinking about having the baby in water.....yeah but i really want to do it with nothing at all:thumbsup:

thats great i didnt have anything and was the best disation so well done of thinking like that :yes:

[Mummy2Noah]

:hugs: Awww i think its wonderful that you wont a Natural Birthing Experience!! Im also having a Natural Birth but am having Gas if i need it!!!

[Ashleigh<3]

yeah i will have the gas if i need it but i dont want to have other drugs i was thinking about having the baby in water.....yeah but i really want to do it with nothing at all:thumbsup:


If you're going with the public system, I think you'll find a few midwifes supportive of waterbirths, and a few un-supportive.

If it's what you really want, do some research so you can really be prepared.
I said from the beginning, "I will have a water birth", and even though I was still two weeks late I had the image in my head of delivering in water and having a beautiful experience.

I delivered in NSW, on Central coast, in Wyong hospital and the midwifes basically influenced me to have a waterbirth, they are all very supportive and find it to be the best experience for all. :) They were so right.

Have a look where in your town practices waterbirths/laboring in baths etc. You may just get a waterbirth. :)

I can't believe in some states in America, Waterbirths are illegal and cannont be practiced.

[Mummy2Noah]

well thats a good attitude.:yes: just be prepared for anything. I wanted a natural drug free birth and I ended up with 22 hours of partly induced,waters broken, gas and pethidene, 2 vacuum extractions a huge episiotomy and a bub who almost died.

so read up on everything. not all goes according to plan unfortunately.

:hugs: :hugs: You poor thing i hope everything is okey with your bubby now!!

I Agree 100% Im planning on having a Natural NO DRUGS birth but i think you have to go in there with an open mind that ANYTHING can happen!!!

[Lirael]

:hugs: :hugs: You poor thing i hope everything is okey with your bubby now!!

I Agree 100% Im planning on having a Natural NO DRUGS birth but i think you have to go in there with an open mind that ANYTHING can happen!!!

yes he is very well:yes: he was in special care for 2 weeks. the only reason I said it was because I was also 17(well just 18 when he was born) and I had no idea what could possibly happen, an open mind is a very good idea.

my daughters birth was fantastic, 2 hours 59 mins long, no drugs, no problems, took her home next day:thumbsup:

[Mummy2Noah]

If you're going with the public system, I think you'll find a few midwifes supportive of waterbirths, and a few un-supportive.

If it's what you really want, do some research so you can really be prepared.
I said from the beginning, "I will have a water birth", and even though I was still two weeks late I had the image in my head of delivering in water and having a beautiful experience.

I delivered in NSW, on Central coast, in Wyong hospital and the midwifes basically influenced me to have a waterbirth, they are all very supportive and find it to be the best experience for all. :) They were so right.

Have a look where in your town practices waterbirths/laboring in baths etc. You may just get a waterbirth. :)

I can't believe in some states in America, Waterbirths are illegal and cannont be practiced.

Awwww Ash im so Jealous Hun i wish my Hospital was Equipped for a waterbirth what a Beautiful Experience!!!:(

[spring]

When I was pregnant with DD I said I'll ask if I want drugs but otherwise don't offer them to me & I never did end up needing them.
Just go with the flow & let your body do what its made to do.

When I was in labour rather than concentrating on what was going on at the time I kept thinking to myself this is going to get worse but it never did!
My labour was really easy! 2 hours, no stitches or anything.

I would recomend taking rasberry leaf tablets & walking a lot.

[Ashleigh<3]

I also recommend, evening primrose capsules!!

The help soften the cervix! :)

[Bellamyn]

I totally agree with Spring, raseberryleaf tea & lots of excercise. I was at the gym doing Pump class 2 days b4 DD was born.
I was induced 5 days early due to High blood pressure.
But had a drug free 4 1/2 wonderful birth. I found it easy too!

Keep healthy

Bella

[BJelly]

Hi, congrats on your pregnancy and hope you get the birth experience you want.

The best thing to do is educate yourself about forms of non-drug pain relief (water, massage, deep breathing, vocalisation ...) relaxation/ visualisation techniques, positions that aid birthing like standing, kneeling, squatting - I found lying on my back THE most painful position and only did it when the hospital staff wanted to do some checks when I was admitted.

I didn't have access to a birthing bath which would have been my first choice, but I found having the shower on my back and tummy really relaxing and soothing.

I also had two support people - my hubby and a friend who I totally trusted and who is a tower of strength. Without them I wouldn't have felt so comfortable or safe at the hospital - any anxiety or fear can push up your stress and pain levels.

I also had the lights dimmed which was very relaxing and helped make for a calm and soothing atmosphere.

Some people like music and aromatherapy, but I didn't get into that - it all happened too quick. I had some affirmations I'd learnt to keep myself calm and focussed- like "My body is made to do this", "each contraction is bringing my baby closer", "I am a strong woman". My friend telling me I was doing a great job was also amazingly powerful.

I won't lie - it still was painful - In my case not unbearably though - and I have a pretty low pain threshold - I'm generally a wuss. Also, the contractions come in waves, so you do get breaks (sometimes all too briefly) that allow you to collect your thoughts and calm yourself and prepare for the next lot.

Like others have said, keep an open mind - nothing is guaranteed and don't beat yourself up if you end up needing medical assistance or drugs - a healthy baby and Mummy are the main thing. Good luck:thumbsup:

[melissa.r]

I have two children and had no drugs during either labours. DD1 was induced and I had a HB with DD2. I decided prior to going into labour that I would not have any drugs so I made sure I had support people around me (including an independent midwife at DD1's hospital birth) that could help me stick to my birth plan. Birth does hurt but you can do it! There are loads of different pain management techniques that you can try before considering mainstream medical pain relief. Of course you will probably not have all these offered to you in a hospital setting (ie TENS, hypnobirthing, waterbirth, active birth positions and movement, use of your voice, aromatherapy etc the list goes on) , so you need to research.
Good luck...

[SamanthaJane]

I had gas and pethidine. I wish i had an epidural aswell, more than likely it would have stopped me from freaking out so much.

I am a wimp and have a low tolerance for pain.

I say just take it as it comes. Keep an open mind! It's great that you want a drug-free birth, but just remember it's not so bad if you need to have some help :hugs:

[pickles]

my lovely babysitter had her baby 4 weeks ago. She has only just turned 17. She was induced for going post dtaes. she had a 4 hour labour with no pain relief and pushed her little girl ( 7 pounds 10 ) out in 15 minutes with no stitches !!
Physically you are at the optimal age for giving birth. read all you can about alternative pain relief and surround yourself with people who will be supportive of your choice.

Pickles
DD 02/03
DS 03/05

[motherlylove]

everyones labour is different so hard to discribe to you also pain tolerances are different. Just research things like estatic birthing hypno birthing etc

[meme]

i was 17 years old with my first and had a great labour i used the gas for a little while, but also used hot shower and being upright and moving around.

read all that you can on natural birthing and pain relief without drugs. hypno birthing may be an option?

being young i always thought of it as an advantage as my body was relatively fit and healthy to just do it's thang with birthing.

i used positive thoughts of how i wanted my birth and felt confident on myself. i had support people who i trusted arouhd me.

i also followed my instincts while birthing. i felt myself concentrate very inwardly and just went with it.

good luck with your birth:)

[mum2bubba]

I didn't have drugs with mine, it hurt like hell but I felt more in control (I DID want drugs at the time but I gave birth 5 minutes after arriving at the hospital so I didn't have time) it was a 3 hour labour. I am hoping I don't have to use drugs with this one but I guess we'll see how things go.
My gf has both her kids in a birthing pool and she said it really helps to ease the pain.

[becca74]

The best way to ensure a natural drug-free birth is to have a homebirth, to be honest....

I tried to have drug-free births with my first 3, ended up with gas and then a cascade of intervention followed.

With my 3rd birth I got ptsd and hallucinations from the gas...ended up with a c/sec

with my 4th birth, I did alot of research and homework, and had an ecstatic drug-free homebirth - straight afterwards I felt like I could take on the world.

If you still want to take the hospy route, hire the most experienced doula you can get, and make sure the hospy staff are under strict instructions not to offer you drugs. You will have them only if you ask for them.

And when labour starts to become intolerable, more often than not it means you have hit transition, which means that the end is nigh....so if you can trust that that feeling of 'i cant take this anymore' = 'i dont have to endure this much longer', then you are more likely to go the entire distance drug-free, and you and your bubs will be better for it.

I strongly suggest preparing for it though! For free, you should be able to borrow a couple of these books from the library....or try to get them 2nd hand on amazon....

'Childbirth without Fear' Grantley D.ick-Read (this is BRILLIANT, and at most libraries)

'Birthing from Within' Pam England

'Active Birth' Janet Balakas

'Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering' Dr Sarah J Buckley

Anything by these authors: Michel Odent, David Vernon, Sheila Kitzinger.

Doing this kinda homework will pay off....it did for me!!

(read my journey from difficult birth experiences riddled with intervention, which I ultimately transformed into a ecstatic drug-free birth experience, that I would love to do again if my DH would let me, click link in my sig below).

[>~Scarlett~<]

I had my first baby a couple of weeks ago. Yes it hurt like hell, but only while I was having a contraction. In between them I didn't have any pain.

I planned on a drug free birth, and pretty much had it. I did try the gas, but found it didn't really help me during the contractions, only made me calmer in between. Ended up chucking it away and went on with just the support of my husband, sister and great midwives.

I think with a good midwife, and support from the people you love, you can achieve what you want :)

Good luck!

[Roopee]

I have had four natural, drug free births.

I never thought to ask and my hospy doesnt Offer them unless you ask for them.

Never had any stitches either and DS! was 9pd 4 so he wasBIG!

Good on you for knowing what you want and rememeber to keep an open mind. Good luck!!

[cobysmummy]

all i can say is be prepared for the unexpected!
i was 17, almost 18 when i had coby and luckily i decided through my preg that i would take whatever drugs i thought i needed at the time... if i had been fully against drugs then my birth and labour would have been more dissapointing that it was...

i was very disappointed and upset after giving birth, which my doc informed me was normal for the traumatic birth i had...

i had a 26 hour posterior labour, pushed for 3 hours and ended up needing a vaccum extraction and was VERY close to having an emergency c-section, plus pethadine and epidural...

i am absolutely petrified to have this baby and once again i am going in with the whatever i need i will take attitude but hopefully it will be different...

but if u can go drug free then do it!! im sure it will be a great experience for you and ur bub.. good luck:)

[SassyMummy]

I've had an unwanted caesarean, and never experienced labour. Next time though, I want a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). There's a lot of limitations put on women giving birth in general, but even more so on VBAC mothers. The more drugs etc you use, the more chance you may have to have another caesarean.

Next time, I'll be doing it as DRUG FREE as a I possibly can. One of the reason's I want a VBAC is because I want to experience vaginal birth and labour... and I figure that if I dope myself up on drugs, I WON'T be experiencing it that much at all.

I'm open to gas... and even pethadine if it's so unbelievably painful... but there's no way I'm taking it any further.

[MissSparkle]

I was just 18 when I had my DS. I did it drug free and he was out in 4mins of pushing (he was 8lbs 4oz) and NO stitches!

[TeganRheana]

I was induced 10days overdue.

I just had gas (occasionaly as I wasnt breathing it right and a lot of the time it didnt get time to affect me).

I am going to try to do it this way again this time....the best thing about it was that I could get up and walk around straight after giving birth.

Ps. My labour was only 8hrs.

[Jenko]

I've had 2 natural births, no drugs. The second was just over 3 weeks ago and was a water birth.

I really wanted to have drug free births but was open to the fact that i may change my mind whilst in labour.

Towards the end of both labours i was asking for an epidural but it was too late both times... bubs were in too much of a hurry. Hindsight, i'm really glad i got drug free labours.

My advice isto educate yourself, do your best, but don't rule out having any pain relief, then you can't be dissapointed with the way things may turn out. A healthy baby is the main priority, no matter how they get here.

[mermaidaims]

I ahd a really fast labour: only 2 hours and was told that the pain is much more intence when the labour is faster(?), I wanted drugs but my mid wife said they wouldn't work fast enough, I'd have my baby in my hands and then they'd start to work... so I sucked on that gas as hard as I could and almost passed out from a combination of pain and too much gas (I'm a pretty small person and couldn't tolerate as much as I had)... I felt really sick after the birth and couldn't enjoy my little bundle as much as I would have liked to. Next time around: no gas. Water is great, even just a shower if you don't like the idea of the baths.

[BOSS302WMOM]

I had 2 natural births(the second I used gas, but there were a few problems).

The second time I wanted drugs but I was in full blown labour before I decided to leave for the hospital.

Drug Free is the best option and good on you for wanting to do it drug free, I was 18/19 when I gave birth to my first.

If you decide to use drugs dont feel bad...ALOT off women use them and its an individual choice!

Congrats and hope you have a wonderful experience.

[maybe1more]

I had the works with my first baby, i was enduced after being overdue for 14 day, i had pethadine, epidural, and tried the gas. I was kinda out of it when my baby was born.
Second birth i was 8 days overdue and i was determind thought out my pregnancy to have a natural birth this timearound and i did:thumbsup: i did try the gas, but that was it,and i was so much better for it afterwards and i was home 4 hours after giving birth:D

[allysophia]

Not to be over zealous here - I was at least 10days overdue, and one thing I was quick to avoid was induction.

Waiting for your baby can be hard, but inductions 99.9% of the time are NOT necessary. Inductions usually lead to drugs. In fact the inductions ARE drugs.

Find out all the information and asses it yourself. Good luck!

[mumma_jessy]

I have had 2 drug free births, and in the end you are so incredibly proud of yourself, that you were the one who brought this amazing baby into the world.

Your body is built for this type of thing. Your adrenilin levels act as a natural drug anyway. Yes, it hurts but after a while you really don't feel it, honestly!

I guess you have to be someone who takes the pain as a good thing (and in this instance it is, it's helping bring your baby into the world) If you try and block out the painand make it go away, you'll probably end up with drugs.

But thats why there are so many different birth stories, there are a lot of women who can do it, but there are also a lot of women who can't, in the end, it's getting your baby out safely that matters!

I am pregnant with my third, and i'll go all natural again this time too, couldn't recommend it more!

Goodluck!

[mumx3littlies]

I had 3 completely natural births and absolutely loved it! Of course it hurt but thats only natural. I do agree with other bubhubbers tho that you shud keep an open mind cos all doesn't always go to plan. I think sum of it has to do with the way you view birth and the rest is luck - as in if it ends up being a straitforward labour etc. Nature sometimes does funny things ... Good luck:)

corriene 29
DH 31
liam 4
chloe 2
cody 1

[Harlequin]

Next time, I'll be doing it as DRUG FREE as a I possibly can. One of the reason's I want a VBAC is because I want to experience vaginal birth and labour... and I figure that if I dope myself up on drugs, I WON'T be experiencing it that much at all.


You will, believe me. Pethidine doesn't actually remove the pain, just makes you kinda dopey ;)
You can't have epi's till you are at least 4cm dilated, I experienced a whole lotta fun times up until then hehe. Also they let the pain meds wear off before you start pushing so you get to experience that part drug free too by the end of it.

I planned for a drug free birth but was open to using drugs if need be. As it turned out the epidural was a godsend, I think id been in labour for around 18hrs before I could even have it. I even tried pethidine before that, which I didn't originally want to do!

Next time im forgoing the gas and pethidine because they just made me sick. Ill be toughing it out til i can have the epi. Hopefully the next time doesn't take 27 hrs though!



Your body is built for this type of thing. Your adrenilin levels act as a natural drug anyway. Yes, it hurts but after a while you really don't feel it, honestly!

I guess you have to be someone who takes the pain as a good thing (and in this instance it is, it's helping bring your baby into the world) If you try and block out the painand make it go away, you'll probably end up with drugs.


You have to keep in mind that birth and labour is different for everyone. The pain is also different. I actually have quite a high threshold for pain and can tolerate a lot, I also understand that pain is a part of labour and birth, but I can tell you now I have a hard time believing anyone could have experienced what I was experiencing and not have some form of pain relief. I guess my adrenaline wasn't working too well on the day ;)

Bottom line, you don't want to go mental having your baby. Go in there and do whatever you feel you have to do. In the end it doesn't matter, you will be pushing out the baby without meds even if you originally took em, believe me, I felt every bit of that part! In the grand scheme of things I only had around 7hrs pain free out of a 27hr labour and it was such a relief.
Once you get to the finish line you will feel so good regardless of whether you went for drug-free or not :)

[Lolo]

Good for you! There are so many strong ladies out there. Unlike me!
I didnt think about these things too much before having baby, but mentally planned for an epidural (I can't even handle having my legs waxed).

When my waters broke 3 1/2 wks before my due date, I got to the hospital, 10 cm. dilated, and the midwives wouldn't give me anything. They said "You will have your baby in 15 minutes, do you want him to come out groggy?"

I was in so much pain and scared that I couldnt push. But thankfully in an hour it was all over and I could hold him. I did have to have an episiotomy though, which was so painful afterwards.

I still get scared thinking about the pain I went through, but I am very proud, because I managed to get through something totally against my wimpy nature.

With this little one, I will be more prepared, and I will keep my options open. If I did it the first time w/o drugs, surely I can do it again, it was such a wonderful experience. If I cant bear the pain anymore, I will go for the epidural.
Good luck all:fingerscrossed:

[Blueberry Crumble]

I was the opposite- I wanted an epidural but the birth was so fast and intense, (an hour and 25 minute labour) that I didnt have time. I was crying out for an epi and they were just about to insert the needle in my back when my body started pushing. They said that they couldnt give me an epidural then and I remember crying out to the anathesist to COME BACK!

Anyways, after about 4 pushes he was out. And I was really happy that i did it without epi in the end. I felt right as rain after.

But I will be honest- the contractions really got me. They were the most excruciatingly painful thing ever- I felt like I was having a chainsaw slice thru my stomach. But you feel so proud of yourself at the end, cause you see your beautiful baby.

[conxavai]

Hi there,

I just thought it is wonderful that you would like to give the drug free option a go. I remember when I was pregnant with number one I told my ob I wanted no drugs and he laughed at me. I ran out crying it was awful. I searched high and low and changed obs and hospitals at 36 weeks to somewhere I felt would support my choices. It involved a 1.5 hour drive to the Sunshine Coast and it was so worth it. I have now had three drug three births including a breech baby ( yes it can be done) and although the first birth was quite tough. The empowerment that I felt afterward was the most amazing feeling ever. I laboured with all three in the water and number two was born in the water with my waters unbroken. Baby number four and I will also travel to the coast when the time comes. There is no doubt that drugs save lives and thank god we have them.However for me drug free birth has been a gift even if it was hard to find carers to support me in this. The best advise I can give is surroung yourself with people who are supportive of natural birthing methods. Support makes a huge differnce

I wish you all the very best

[camcat]

I think it's great that you want to go drug free but I agree with some of the others that the most important thing is to keep your options open.

For my entire pg I always said I'd try to go drug free but if I was in too much pain I wasn't gonna punish myself, I'd just do what I felt I needed.

When my labour started I had irregular contractions throughout the day (starting at 6.30 am after only about 4 hr sleep the night before) and then later that evening when my labour officially commenced bub turned so I got massive back pain along with the contractons. Coupled with DH being just about no help at all (kept nearly passing out on me). I was tired, stressed out and in huge amounts of pain and even after saying all the way through pg that I'd take things as they came I felt awful when I said I needed the gas and I burst into tears when I decided I needed the epi.

If you get there and get through the experience drug free that's great, but try not to block your options off as I'd hate for you to stress yourself out or feel dissapointed with yourself on the day if it doesn't work out the way you hope. :fingerscrossed: it all works out for you.

[mum_I'm_hungry]

I also think it's great that you want to go drug free, but definitely keep your options open. At the end of the day it isn't about the birth 'experience'. It's about getting you both out the other end in the best of health. Good luck!

[Claire-Bear]

Congratulations on your pregnancy. That is great you want to go drug-free. I have had 3 amazing drug-free births. If you are really determined, hire a doula (see bub hub article: http://www.bubhub.com.au/newslettermar0701.shtml )
I have supported 16 and 17 year olds that have laboured absolutely beautifully and had amazing birth experiences. I have also seen hospital staff crush teenagers in labour. Having your own support can mean the difference between having a traumatic birth and an empowered one.

Good luck & I wish you a beautiful birth
Claire

[jessi]

I had planned a drug free birth right from the beginning. I am a complete wuss when it comes to pain and I knew that having a drug free birth was going to take all my energy to cope with.
I ended up having gas, but all it did was make me feel like I was off my face.
I had a 17 1/2 hr labour, with 2 1/2 hours of pushing. I didnt tear but was still SO sore afterwards. Getting the placenta out was almost as bad as the actual birth!!
I was glad that I didnt have drugs though (besides Gas), I was so much more proud of myself that I could overcome my low pain threshold and have a baby wihtout giving into drugs... :)

[becky_boo84]

i wantd that too.. but i had everything..lol.. i got no pain toloerance,,,, good luck
:fingerscrossed:

[mum to 2 angels]

Good on u. I had two drug free births. My daughter when i was 17 and my son when i was 19. I loved it. Yes it hurts but u do get a break in between contractions and its usually less than 1 day of ur whole life. Go in with an open mind and see what u can handle, some people dont feel as much pain as others.All the best for ur pregnancy, birth and beyond.

[mikaylasmummy]

I had a drug free labor and wouldn't have it anyother way, personally I think it's the only way to get the the full experience of labor

[Harlequin]

I had a drug free labor and wouldn't have it anyother way, personally I think it's the only way to get the the full experience of labor

I had drugs but I'm pretty sure I had the full experience of labour. :D

I'm gonna try to go drug free next time (which is what I was aiming for last time) but if its anything like the last time bring on the epi!!

[Verdi]

I had gas and pethidine. I wish i had an epidural aswell, more than likely it would have stopped me from freaking out so much.

I am a wimp and have a low tolerance for pain.

I say just take it as it comes. Keep an open mind! It's great that you want a drug-free birth, but just remember it's not so bad if you need to have some help :hugs:
This is really good advice, it is great that you want a drug free birth but everyones pain tolerance is different, so if you need to have drugs do not feel like a failure.

I had epidural with my last baby and ohhhhh i loved it!!:D And i had a really quicklabor because of it too. I tensed up so much that i wouldn't dilate past 4 but as soon as the epidural went in i was ready to push with in 30 mins. (just telling you so you know it's not all bad stories if you choose an epidural)

Goodluck!