Did you do it naturally???

[alicesmum]

Hi everyone
I just wanted to see if there are any other women out there who pushed their baby out without any drugs?? What did you think? How did you feel?

Most women I know had an epid, peth, or ceaser. I don't know many who went without. And I was SO PROUD of myself that I did it , and that i was active for the whole birth (BTW - The RBWH midwives are great!!). I could have so easily asked for the something (it hurt way more than i expected)

It doesn't seem very PC these days to say how proud you are to have given birth completely naturally (sometimes i feel like I have to be careful in case someone who didn't gets offended). But, I have to admit that I was rather chuffed with myself for a long time (as I have never been too great with pain !!). The best thing about natural birth is being able to get up straight afterwards and have a shower and walk around. And such a quick recovery!

My labour was 36 hours (only about 6 hours of hell though!!:-)

Everyone also told me many horror stories. I was a little surprised at how horrendous the last few hours of pain were, but it all seemed to be over so quick!! It was so amazing to see that my 8 1/2 pound baby was alert and pink and not affected by any drugs. I will definitely do it next time and would like to get into the Birth Centre at RBWH. Anyone have any tips for how to get in (was 69th on the waiting list last time!!).

Pls write about your nat birth story if you have one...

Rachel
Mum to six mth old girl

[Miss_Vicki]

Hi ya there.

I like to think Mine was natural as i Felt all of the pain , but i was induces with some sort of drip. I had some Gas but all it did was make me Giggles an slight ( an i mean Slightly ) take my mind of it , Even thou contractions started well before i had Jaz , they said My labour was only a 1hr ! That last hour felt like hours ,
Mind u the experience was Nuffin like i was expecting But i put me off babys for a Long time .Ialso had to have a c sections but was to late she finaly came out :))

[Kassiasmum]

I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Birth Centre at the RBWH. i had my daughter 12months ago, I was induced and therefore could not give birth in the birth centre but was lucky enough to still have my midwife with me for the whole time. They were wonderful, made up the birth suite similar to the BC. Because I was induced and hooked up to the sintosin (not sure of the spelling) drip, I could not have as active a birth as I had planned but still used the opti ball and the bean bag for giving birth. I had the gas but it did nothing for me, it was more like the mouth piece (I had a mobile gas tank) was a distraction that I could bite down on during my contractions. I still like to say that I had a natural birth even though it was induced and I was monitered the whole time and I to am very proud of the fact that I gave birth vaginally ( the most natural way), but do understand that many women would like to give birth this way but due to circumstances beyond their control couldn't.
As for getting into the BC, all you can do is put your name on the list and hope that your are on of the very lucky ones that gets their named pulled out of the hat. As you said you were 69th on the list, this is why we need to lobby our politicians about the model of care and try to get more women into the sort of care that they want.

Tracey

[BJelly]

Hi there,

to get into the birth centre, you need to book ASAP - when you are about 6 weeks pregnant - (you need to ring them first, then ring your Significant Other just about) :rolleyes: . They book up that quick.

If you were like me, and found out later, you have zero chance of getting in.

But the RB&WH does have midwife-centred care available - Phoenix and Pegasus groups. This way you get some continuity of care, you get to meet all the midwives on the team - so the midwife(s) on the day will not be total strangers. And you have all the back-up the hospital can provide if you run into complications. They are very supportive of active birth/natural birth :) . But they still won't let you use the deep baths- not even for pain relief :(

We definitely need more choice in this important area.

[Ffrenchknickers]

I dont have time to write out my birth stories right now but all I have to say that natural birth is FANTASTIC. i had an epidural for my first and NOTHING for my second (out of choice). Natural wins hands down - it's the way it's supposed to be. If I dont get into the Birth Centre next time I will be having a home birth for sure.
Having a natural water birth made me appreciate the process of birth. The recovery is sooooo much better and I didn't see a doctor the whole time. I would be more scared of intervention than of the pain next time...

[mamafelix]

Yep I had a homebirth, it took me three days and 21hrs of active labour but I DID IT!! and that made me feel fantastic, I can tell you.
I had a waterbirth too, which really helped in those late stages when I was just so tired, I kept passing out between contractions.
I've posted my birth story on another forum you can access it on:

http://www.forums.naturalparenting.com.au/showthread.php?t=2390

It's really way too long to post here- there's a limit on the amount we can post, so please excuse me for just giving you a link. At that same forum you will also find a bunch more birth stories- a real mixed bag but all really from the heart. I love birth stories!!

[mama2four]

We have three kids, all births were different, but in all honesty the natural birth was the best for me. It was not by choice, it was purely a time thing. Our first was born, using all kinds of pain relief. It was really quite bad. The pethedine made me "high" and the gas made me sick. I swore I would not take either ever again. I was so out of it I really don't remember much of our daughters birth. The second was the natural birth. After refusing the drugs at the beginning of the labour, I had finally reached a stage were I did not think I could go on much further without some kind of relief. I asked for an epidural, but by the time the doc got to me it was too late and our second daughter was crowning. The pain was very intense, but worth it. I am 6 months pregnant now, and our youngest child is 8 years old. Even though it has been some time since his birth, I plan to go as long as possible through the labour with the drugs, but will ask for the epi if I need it.

[Mumoffour]

I used gas for my last two, does that count? :) Better outcomes for both mum and bub birthing without the drugs. Yes it HURT but after bub is out you quickly forget it. For this one I want a home birth and a birthing pool- my research has shown me they are pretty good. Girlfriend of mine was in labour for 4 hours in a private hospital and the ob came in and said if she didnt birth in 1/2 hour he was getting the forceps out!! nothing like pressure. :rolleyes: We got her to squat and bub was out within the allotted time! phew!! :)

[Ivy-Rose]

Hello,
I have had three children and they were all natural.
I have to say though with my last I did seriously ask but it was to late. I like to think I wouldn't have gone through with it though if I did have the time.
I think it was an advantage that my labours aren't all that long from start to finish ongest being 5 hours counting from no pain butthey broke my waters at 2cm as I was being induced. I think I am one of the lucky ones too because I haven't had any reason for stitches with any of them either. Very lucky. I hope all you lovely pergnant women out there are as lucky.
Emma

[alicesmum]

You were v lucky Emma. Wow! Though I have heard that quick labous are extra-intense!! At least with a long labour, although you're exhausted, you have time to get used to the pain and it increases gradually. I had no stitches either even tho DD's head was 37cm and rather round! I put my great birth experience down to lots of preparation: psychological (reading EVERYTHING and doing meditation t/out pregnancy) and physical (exercise, yoga, perinium stretching, raspberry leaf tea...who knows about that one tho ???).

I went through the Phoenix Program at the RWBH as I was too late for the Birth Centre too, and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a midwife-based program. They were all excellent. I had met 6 of the 8 midwives during my pregnancy and over the course of my labour, got the 2 midwives I hadn't met but it didn't matter...they were great!

Can anyone tell mw how you go about finding a midwife who will do a home-birth?

[mamafelix]

Whereabouts are you Rachel?

a good place to start might be the maternity coalition website- www.maternitycoalition.org.au I think they have links to a lot of the homebirth organisations around australia

If your in QLD (does RBWH stand for royal brisbane?) I'd recommend posting something on the natural parenting forums- it was based in Brisbane so there's a lot of QLD women on it and a lot of homebirthers so you'd get info straight away. I'm pretty sure there's a homebirth association in Brisbane that one of the mums there runs. www.forums.naturalparenting.com.au

hth

[Skadi]

Yep my birth was completetly natural without any drugs....unfortunately .It hurt like hell but only lasted an hour and a half...so i guess it wasn't all that bad.

[Mumoffour]

hi there. for the enquiry in Brisbane there is a home birth association who put out a newsletter called ' down to birth' and it has a contact list in it.They can be emailed on info@homebirth.org.au and their website is www.homebirth.org.au. Hope this helps. :)

[redbaby]

I had a brilliant drug free labour with my bubba,... It was the most empowering thing in the world,.. It was only 3 hours though from first contraction to her being born though which was good! My girlfriend recently gave birth drug free to her baby girl after a 24hour labour with a posterior baby,.ouch!

[shae-matilda'smum]

I had a drug free labour for my first but after 1.5 hours of pushing needed a bit of help getting her out (vacum). Which is understandable since she was a big 9 pound 2. I dread how big the next one will be.

Shae
Mum to Matilda

[cwsmum]

My labor was 17 1/2 hrs exactly from the time I felt the first pains to the time my son was born. I was in the hospital for 20mins before my waters broke and my son was born 30mins later.

I didn't have time to think about asking for drugs, the midwife offered me gas but i said no, i just wanted to have my bub.

The only drugs i had was the local that they gave me, lots of it, before they stiched me up. That took 1 1/2hrs :eek:

I was very happy that i did it all without drugs. I think staying at home as long as I did helped alot as I was almost ready to give birth when I arrived at the hospital.

We are now planning bub #2, I am hoping that everything will go as smoothly as it did with my son :)

[Supermum]

Hi there - I had both of my children naturally. And whilst the pain was indescribable, I can't really complain as they were both fast and furious labours.

#1 - awoke at 2:30am thinking my waters had broken. Turns out it was a slow leak only and at 8:30am they broke my waters as I was fully effaced and 10cm dilated but there was a bag in the way! My son was born at 9:12am. Really nasty "I think I'm going to die" kind of pain lasted about two hours. (bub number one born at a private hospital - clinical, clinical, clinical)

#2 - went to the obstetrician for my 38wk check-up and told her i thought i may be in labour. I was 5cm. My blood pressure went through the roof so they booked me in for an induction the following morning. The membrane was broken at 9:15am and within five minutes the pains were excruciating. 3 hours later my daughter was born. (bub number two born at a public hospital RBWH - natural, natural, natural)

Regardless of the pain (thank god mine were short labours) I would do drug free all over again as there really was no reason to have either peth or epi. I had faith that my body could do this and thank god, it could.

I think there's a place for drugs in labour and they should be used in a number of instances - when the mother is exhausted, stressed, anxious or her pain threshold is low. Not to mention babies with big heads, babies who get stuck and babies who decide they like where they are!

I don't have an issue with them - I'm glad they're available for those who need them.

Am eternally grateful though that I could fully participate in both labours.

[our little treasures]

While I am happy for all who had a safe and drug free birth I would like to applaud supermum for her comment on the fact that somewomen need them. I had my daughter with all ideas of no drugs (i have high threshold of pain) although after 33hrs of labour and not counting the first six that where like intense period pains I begged for the gas and peth. The peth didn't work in my opinion. My daughter was posterior and i needed ventrouse due to being exhausted however I felt my daughter come out and I was elated to say the least, so I feel that having a baby vaginally drugs or no drugs is a wonderful experience in itself and I have no doubt that if my next comes out in less than 24hr i too will have a drug free birth!!!!! :(

[jomias]

Hi ladies, I'm new and not nearly as brave as most of you. I have three under five. My first daughter was 23 hours, first gas, then pethidine and finally an eipidural. My son was 26 hours gas and an epidural. And finally my baby girl was nothing but a touch of gas. I somewhat reluctantly (after reading how well most of you coped) admit that if my drug free labour had been my first I believe I would have stopped at one child. Regardless of what drugs I had in my first two labours the outcome was a miracle in every instance.

Lisa
Jorgia 4
Mitchell 3
Asher 1

[Mother Duck]

Hello all

Rachel, we must have been in RBWH at the same time!

My little girl came into the world in the birth centre 22Sep last year.

I went drug free (took enough in my youth thanks very much :rolleyes: )
But WOW - endorphins - my eyes are like saucers in the pics.

I did have gas in the last 45 min because I couldn't stop myself from pushing and she was a bit crooked thus still had a bit to dilate.

It did help me to focus on breathing and not pushing.

I had (with the exception of 3 1/2 hr drive in the back of Subaru with contractions 3min apart :eek: ) all of my birthing experience in the bath - awesome - including the birth - awesomest :)

Sadly didnt get in to B/C this time (preggie again) and can't go to RBWH otherwise - not in catchment area - still tracking down options - too far from hospital for homebirth.

Will be interesting.
T'rah
Jessie

[jarrahsmumma]

hi all,
just reading the posts and all of you have done wonderfully, i think people forget or dont know how hard birthing really is. I gave birth at Port Macquarie Base Hospital in NSW and it was amazing I was allowed to give birth in the bath as I had used it for pain relief and didn't want to get out (i guess you dont want to mess with a naked, wet, pregnant lady :p ) I had some gas in the last 3hrs (total 29hrs) so i was very proud of myself for that too.

and what this post was meant to be about was wonderful midwives, i'm sure all over australia they are wonderful but a special mention to Rosie and Olivia from PMBH who were just amazing words cant express my gratitude.

peace
Nel (mum to Jarrah 6.1.05) :)

[MamaBeth]

Hi Everyone,

I had a semi-natural labour. I had to be induced and was given syntocinon to get my contractions going, but that was it.

What I want to say though, is that I used an EPI-NO in the weeks leading up to the birth. Its a german invention which is bascically a balloon which is inserted into your vagina, and is gradually blown up to stretch the perenium. I started using it from 34 weeks, and got it to about 8cm's in diameter.

I didn't need any stitches or have any tears at all!!!! It is said to reduce the length of the second stage (I only pushed for about 40 mins), and most women who use it don't need stitches or have tears after their birth either.

What is great about it is that not only does it gradually stretch the perenium, but you can also squeeze the balloon to excercise you pelvic floor muscles. It also is simulating the feeling of birthing, so I knew what to expect when Beth was actually coming out. It meant I wasn't scared or apprehensive about the 2nd stage.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Its not cheap, $180, but in hind-sight I would pay twice that to know my labour and birth would be so good. Ask me where you can get one locally if you want. I think Epi-No is supposed to be short for No Episiotomy.

All the best
Pip - Beths mum, 11 weeks old.

PS:
I went through the Birth Centre at St George in Kogarah, Sydney for my pre-natal care, but ended up in Delivery suite because Beth was in distress and I had to be induced. The midwives there are brilliant, including mine - Cassandra - who stayed with us from our first appointment at 3months right until 3 weeks after Beth was born.

[bubbalove]

Hi All
I had my second bubba a week ago today, I delivered here via VBAC. It was such a different experience to my first delivery! With #1 I was induced, had 10 hours of labour, and then he was distressed so they attempted forceps which didn't work, so I ended up having a caesarian. I don't regret it at all, but this VBAC was just so different! I went into labour by myself 5 days past dates, and after only 3.5 hours, my little girl was born! I knew I couldn't have pethidine as my labour progressed so quickly, and I knew from my first labour that gas and I don't get along, so I delivered with no drugs! It hurt like all get out, but hey, the pain stopped immedialtely once she was born, unlike with a caesar! I did end up with quite a few stitches which are uncomfortable, but being able to get up straight away and have a shower and walk around outweighs all that!
Hope everyone has the birthing experience they are after :)

[vickster]

Congratulations Bubbalove!!

A new baby... how lovely!My bub is now 6mo and she is my first. My labour was only 4hrs long (midwife said it isnt really labour till contractions are 5mins apart) but had been having very mild 'period pain' contractions every 10mins for 7hrs prior. They started at 6.30am at 10 mins - I had morning tea with friends and was shopping at Bunnings till 1pm!! :D

Within 10 mins of being home the contractions became more frequent and by 2.30pm we were in the birthing centre at the hospital. At 5.19pm our little angel was born. It only took 2 good pushes and once her head started to come out...wooosh, there she was!! :eek: . No time for stretching and lovely grade 3 tears ( I didn't even feel the tears when they happened - didn't even know they happened)!!

I did have gas. It didn't give me any pain relief as such, just made me sleepy till I got use to it - DH said there was only 20% nitrous oxide and the midwife never increased it the whole time. I did, however, find the gas to be an excellent way to focus on breathing through the contractions. Up until I got the gas I had a little trouble concentrating on breathing.

Just hope that when the next one comes it is just as easy. :p

[RuthK]

I'm going to put the cat amongst the pigeons here.

For my first I had a natural birth. It hurt! The pain made me nauseous. I screamed, yelled, hated the world and felt wrecked afterwards. My husband went around like a proud peacock for weeks afterwards crowing on about how brave I was. I think he got more out of it than me.

Second time around I'd been in labour overnight and was wrecked so when they offered me an epidural when i got to 7cm I took it with open arms. It was wonderful, took away the pain altogether and I could relax. When my daughter was found to be in a posterior position and I was pushing for over 2 hours the epidural allowed me to keep on going (I did not have it topped up before pushing so I'd feel the sensation enough to push) and saved me having to have a caesarian. That birth was lovely and the epidural had worn off enough one hour after the birth for me to walk to the shower.

Girls, don't try to be heroes. It's hard enough going through 9 months of pregnancy and then labour, not to mention the sleepless nights afterwards. Get the pain relief and make labour a joyful experience.

R

[Mother Duck]

Hi Ruth

I love a good cat amongst pigeons!!

Welcome to the chat.

I think your account raises the most important point - no matter what your 'birth plan' you should always be open to change there and then.

Whatever works for you is the right thing.

Personally I still welcome and embrace the non drug approach (ref previous) but that is very much an independant thing.

Every persons birth experience is different.

Anyway good for you with two beautiful bubs!

Warmest regards
Jessie

[Baby Girl]

OK Ruth, I'll be the cat that jumped in amongst the pigeons!!

I think we are all heroes for having kids at all, no matter how we did it!!

My first labour was long (very long). My contractions were as intense from the first one to the last one for 47.5 hours. I was given gas at the hospital but had it turned down to almost pure oxygen once I was given pethadine, which only lasted for about 2 hours and all it did was allow me to get some rest between contractions, it didn't dull the pain or sensation very much at all. As soon as it was suggested that I would be given an epidural and then induced, my subconcious kicked in and bubs was born within 45 mins. I had always said I didn't want an epi or induction.

I am hoping my second labour is a little shorter but I still hold firm about having an epi or being induced (unless everything goes pear shaped).

As lengthy as my labour was, it was a joyful experience for me and I am glad I went through it.

Congratulations to all the women who go drug free and congratulations to all the women who choose to have gas, pethadine, epidurals and inductions. Everyone has a different pain threshold and no matter how you do it labour should be a joyful experience as the outcome is fantastic no matter how you get there.

Sorry about going on and on...... I don't disagree with Ruth, I just think that labour and birthing is different for every person and it isn't the pain or lack of it that makes it any more or less joyous.

[Mother Duck]

Here Here!

[Hukuna Matata]

Natural drug free birth here too. I was one of the lucky ones to get into the birth centre in RWBH in brisbane. I received fantastic, supportive care from my midwives. The only pain relief I used was warm bath, hot shower and a lot of nappies soaked in hot water....

As for the past few posts, I believe that everybody deserves to choose how they birth, and as long as it's the woman's choice and they are being listened too, then that's ok. It just seems to be that there is a current culture of interventions and drugs being pushed onto women (or suggested to them when they are most vunerable - e.g., transition) that is worrying....

[Mother Duck]

H'ya Kara

Yes I have to say - we are most likely going to have to use Kingaroy public to birth in this time.

Already I am having trouble. Even if I provide a legal note to cover all involved and arrange the set up they won't let me use the water as a birthing tool (most likely - still working on it).

This is devastating for me as it was so huge in birth number one.

I am very dubious and anxious about being pushed into things like epidural, episiotomy and injections for stage three birth.

Nervous nervous.

And it's not just K'roy - pretty much all Qld Hlth other than birth centre.

When are women going to be given back the full control of birthing?!?

Jessie

[scared mum]

hi soz 2 just start speakin 2 u bt i am pregnate and realy scared because i love my boyfriend soooooo much and my mum said if i eva got pregnate me and his would break up but i love him so much and now im pregnate dont know how i'm going to tell my mum please help me wb or e-mail me plz at kinkykellyxx@yahoo.com thanks kelly xxxx :o :o

[Hukuna Matata]

Jessie,

Can you arrange to have a doula with you at the hospital to fend for you and support you, so you and your hubby can concentrate on birthing??

Also, have you thought of a writen birth plan outlining you wishes.....

I hope that you can arrange the water. It was so lovely.

Did you try to get into the BC this time? If so, where are you on the waiting list???

[Mother Duck]

Hello Kara

Great advice - thank you - At least I have a word to use other than mid-wife to look on the internet with.

I did put my name down (rang them as soon as I knew) - sadly I am 16 on the list.

I have put our name down on Nov list too as I am due at the very end of Oct.

I will search now for Doula?? - A new term to me.

Besides - I am not one to just say 'oh well' - if there is a way that I can get the birth that I want I will find it.

Birth Plan is a great idea. This I will most certainly be armed with.

Hello Deb

Welcome back - Although it is hard to read about such a sad thing as a lost bubbie, I for one am most pleased that you have posted your comments.

This does not stop me from wanting to use the B/C as I found them WONDERFUL!

But you are right - Knowledge is empowerment. And birthing should be all about empowerment too.

Your story tells me to be aware that 'stuff' can and does happen - and to trust my instincts.

I would still encourage you (if ever there is need) to use the B/C. Your next experience will be a beautiful and healthy birth. (With Lillienne watching too!)Warmest and heartfelt regards
Jessie

[Hukuna Matata]

Hi Deb,

I am so sorry and saddened to hear of your loss, it really grabs at my heart. I cannot imagine how it must feel.

There is nothing in your post that offends. I too think that your story is important and conveys the right messages. Instincts are very important. Birth is so primal that they can't be ignored. And I do think that the medical system does have its place in birth, for those instances where things don't go well. It is a shame that it is viewed by many (including myself) as patrichial and controlling - but the reality is that a lot of people do experience their births this way. I have had a couple of friends that have been bullied into c-sections, made to lie on the bed for part of their labour strapped to monitors etc.

My hope is that one day there will be a nice balance between women feeling in control and having choice and the medical system being there to support those who need it.

Jessie,

Here is a definition of doula that I quickly grabbed of the web:

A Doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. Trained Doulas understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. Generally, Doulas believe that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural and healthy processes. This includes preparation for birth helping the laboring woman with encouragement, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and an objective viewpoint, as well as support after childbirth, such as help with breastfeeding

In my understanding, they are a very experienced support person that you establish a rapport with during the pregnancy. They come to understand your wishes for labour and birth and then support you during your actual labour. They can also act as an advocate for you in the hospital situation.

And don't discount the birth centre just yet. You may still get in....

Other than that - you go girl!

[Mother Duck]

Hi again Kara

You little Aussie Gem you!

(I am a qualified geologist - I know a gem when I see one!)

I have just been looking on the net and have found Liz Wilks in Toowoomba - I think she may 'do me'

I have sent her an email - we will see.

Bye for now
Jessie

[alicesmum]

hi jessie
don't know if you've found this site, but i used it to make my birth plan, which I thought at first was a big **** :D but i ended up being so glad i made one as the midwife looked at it when I arrived so I didn't have to convey my preferences between contractions!!!

http://www.birthplan.com/

all the best!!

[Lucybelle]

HHmmmmm

I can't understand how Debs post on the death of her precious child can be largely ignored by people reading this thread.

[Hukuna Matata]

Jessie,
Thanks for the compliment!!! Keep us posted as to whether you use the services of a doula and how it all goes if you do...

[melody]

Yes, Alicesmum, there are many women out there that have given birth naturally without drugs!
I am proud to say, I have done it twice!

Being a great non-user of pain killers and prescription drugs I was pretty much fixed on the idea of no drugs.
I used a lot of concentration, and focused breathing and managed with the pain, and delivered without a problem. The first left me with a few stitches, the second not a tale to tell.. (whether I should be proud of that or not...? who knows)

I must admit though, both my labours were relatively short, the first 1 hour and the second 4 hours intense, and I was screming for anything and everything only seconds before the heads emerged, but still I managed.

I am very very impressed with any mother that delivers full stop to be honest with you though, as I feel I did have easy jobs with short labours.

The true champions to me are the mothers that stay sane through much longer labours, and especially the women who do go drug free...

WELL DONE ALL MUMS!
Child birth alone is a massive achievement!

[Mother Duck]

Hi again Lucybelle

Good call - I think that Deb may feel the same way just quietly. Oh well each to their own.

Kara

Good news for me - I have booked Liz in after speaking to her this morning. She sounds great. My fav thing about her is that she sounds as though she has the balls to question the medical staff if they do anything that I don't want.

Hooray!

Thanks again
Jessie

[shellbell]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2yr 9mth girl and a 11 wk boy. Both of my babies were posterior and the first one had to be delivered by ventouse after 2 hours of pushing. I used pethidene (which I hated) with the first and vowed that I wouldn't use it again with my 2nd - which really only left gas or an epidural.

I really wanted to try a natural birth using walking, movement etc to ease the pain, mainly because i was flat on my back the first time around (i know, the WORST possible position for a posterior baby).

Anyway, long story short, I pushed out a 10lb 4oz boy with no pain relief at all. It was the most amazing feeling of accomplishment, and i'm not afraid to say i am damn proud of myself, particularly because of his size.

And yes, the midwives at the RBWH are an awesome bunch :)

[Mother Duck]

Hello Shellbell

And so you should be proud of yourself!

Well done!

And congratulations.

Warmest regards
Jessie

[shellbell]

thanx jessie

was terrified beforehand though :p
congrats on your up & coming one. how far along are you ?

[shellbell]

by the way jessie, i've just seen one of your other posts where you said you are a qualified geo - me too !!!!

[Mother Duck]

Good to hear Shellbell - did you work in the mines?

Going drug free during labour is comparable to working a shift with a nasty 'masogonist' crew u/g!!!

Tounge in cheek - of course!

Send me a message - I will be interested to hear where you were working - if you still are etc.

As for the bubbie that I am brewing - it is due at the end of Oct - I am ten weeks this Sat.

Very exciting!

Warmest regards
Jessie

[Petalpye]

Hi Rachel,

YES! I did it too and was very pleased with myself! I'll be honest, i ordered that Epidural but it was way too late...bubby had other plans!

My Story:-

I have 2 girls, Madison 6 1/2 and Isabella 4 months. With my first daughter, Madison, it was approx. a 12 hour labour and I asked for an Epidural early in the piece just in case it was too late for me. After the birth, i felt very disorientated, had a migraine for a couple of hours and it took me forever to recover from the birth. The majority of my labour was in the back and believe you me, I felt it, even with the eipidural - it took a good 3 years for my back to return to some sort of normality - i cannot really say what caused the back problems (sciatica) but the pain was horrible.

With my most recent birth (December 2004) I was 2 days past my due date and my Gyno decided to induce me (as my first was a big baby) by placing the gel around the cervix and breaking my waters WOW!! the pain was intense for an hour and a half and I ordered the Epidural (which I didn't really want), I had had no gas, as it made me sick the first time round and no pethodene - I had ZIP! The Doctor was called in but it was too late - I had the urge to push and push I did - within 1 hour and 15 minutes bubs was out and I felt absolutely AMAZING afterwards. I was able to get up and walk around and I also felt a sense of achievement - i can honestly say this was the best birth! I put off having another child for so long because of my back problems and since my second birth, I have not had one ounce of trouble with my back - it is truely amazing!!!!! i feel so fantastic and want to tell the world about it! If i could do it all again, i would!!! :D

Michelle - mother (37) to Madison 6 1/2 and Isabella 3 months.

[Hukuna Matata]

Michelle - congrats on the birth of Isabella. The most wonderful thing about natural birth is that you are fully functional and can start bonding with and enjoying your bub from the very first moment and then as long as you want after that!!!

[Mother Duck]

Hi Michelle - and Welcome

Congratulations on your birthing with Isabella.

Out of interest - do you think that it made any difference to bubbie, the birthing method that is?

Warmest regards
Jessie

[Fostermum]

Hi
I pushed out my 10lber ala naturalle hehe i think im good :D

[kristi]

Deb

I'm due to give birth in the next two weeks and am booked in at the Birthing Centre at the RPA in Sydney. I really want to thank you for posting your story and for sharing. It must be very painful for you to do that, but I really appreciate the fact that you have. I have had heard from another friend that she too found it hard to be heard by the midwives during her very difficult and long labour. Being a first time mum, it would be easy for me to doubt my instinct. But, reading your story has strengthened my resolve to ensure I remain the decision maker during the process and that my support people for the birth are aware of this and we work together in this process.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Kristi

[Jimmyjones]

Yep I pushed out my baby girl Abigail 7lbs12oz in a total of 9 hours I thought that was pretty good for my first bubba. I was one of those mums that was shopping in a fairly big one mind you and my waters broke right in the middle of the food court. I was a day over my due date, that was at 12.45pm and by 8.45 that night I held my baby girl. I was determined to do it without drugs and in the birth centre, I didn't go to the birth centre as I had to be monitored. The only downer is that Abi come really fast and wasn't waiting so I have ended up with a 3 degree tear and my recovery from that has been a slow one. Apaprt from that I was glad I did it naturally but I did have gas when I had stitches!!!!! and I am not sure if I will do it again but I am happy that I went through the experience.

Cheers
KT

[Petal]

I enjoyed a beautiful natural birth in the love, comfort and luxury of my own home. It was a very intimate occasion, my son birthed himself just before our midwife arrived so into the arms of Dad. What a gorgeous start to life for him!

My experience of the birthing was orgasmic and ecstatic. It was the most powerful thing I've ever done. It put me on a higher level for the weeks to come, a fantastic way to welcome Motherhood. I'd love to repeat that day over and over.

Here's to womely wisdom in childbirth!

[Mother Duck]

Waters breaking in the food court!!

Hmmm, my nightmare, whatever did you do? Did anyone come and help you? Did anyone else actually know what was going on?

Congratulations on the birth - well done!

Kristi - good luck

Jessie

[Jimmyjones]

Hi Jesse,
My husband was with me and my mum, I knew what had happen and went straight to the toilet then went and brought a towel and headed home. I am not sure if I made a big mess as I didn't notice anyone around me as I got caught in the moment. It was like having a water ballon between your legs and then POP!!!
I guess I turned a few people off their food.

Good luck in October just stay clear of food courts is my hint

cheers
KT and Abi (5 1/2wks)

[Mother Duck]

Hi again

What a GREAT tale that is!!

My plan of action (in my small town supermarket etc) is to use their overhead system "new born baby on its way, isle 3, new born, isle 3!"

You little Aussie Champion You!!
:)

[mum2elinebony]

Rachel,
You know it is funny, but when I read your post, I felt like I could relate exactly to what you said. I have 2 babies now, Eli and Ebony. Luckily I live in Adelaide, and getting into the birth centre at Flinders Public wasn't as difficult as it could have been.

We were living in Holland, and were all set to have our baby there (it is very much a natural birth culture, and almost all at home, unless there are problems, or obvious health issues.) at 12wks we were flying back to Australis for a holiday and going to tell all the family. Three days before I had an ultrasound, and discovered I had lost the baby. I had an epidural and a d+c, and didn't love the sensation (for obvious reasons. A few months later we concceived again, and at almost 8mths pregnant we ended up moving back to Aus. I had always thought "What's the big deal about taking drugs? If it hurts that much and it is available to us, aren't we silly for not trying to releive the pain etc etc." Fortunately for me, after the 1st experience I decided I didn't want an epidural if I could help it.

I had slights contractions, quite regularly for a few days, before the Friday, 21st September when Eli actually born (12 days early). Had a last minute single night birth course here in Aus on the Thurs evening, contracting every 7 mins or so, was sent home after with instructions to have a lavender bath and a panadeine forte and try to get some sleep. Woke up, thought they were gone, but sure enough there they were again. Sent hubby off to work, and by 9 they were more intense and I was rubbing my tummy a little. As the morning progressed I was keeping the b/c updated and by lunch time couldn't talk through the contractions so well. By 3, the m/w recommended I come in to beat the rush hour traffic, and was convinced it wan't going away. (I didn't want to get in and be 1cm) I was 4cm... at 4.30pm.

Cut a long story short, after lots of rubbing, and relaxed (as much as I could make myself) breathing, I was 7cm at 9pm... if I hadn't had bubs by 1am, they were going to check again. Moved up to shower for pain relief... then to bath, where I didn't feel I could remain in control of my breathing and the pain as well... so didn't love that, but tried it for awhile... after being sick 3 times (through the previous 4 hours or so), by 12.30am, I asked if we needed to wait till 1am... answer was no... and I was up on that bed asap... still 7cm. Said yes to breaking of waters, 20mins later I was pushing (my little mate was posterior, and pushing the wrong way, so as they broke the waters, and let it out slowly, he was able to turn a little, and this was all like some instant pain relief) and 25mins later he was out. My first question was... "do I need any stitches? :-) Thankfully I was also a lucky one! When I stood up for them to remake my bed, I had to be held at first, and felt like I'd just run a marathon. I could feel EVERY muscle in my body. The recovery was quick though, and I was very proud!

I was on a high for days, weeks even , thinking when I saw other mums..." I know what you've done... and wow" and I couldn't help but smile. I really felt like I had joined some elite club... that you could only get into after you had had a baby. AWESOME!

With my daughter, I developed pre-eclampsia suddenly at the very end, was going to have to be induced the day after I was due, but my waters broke that night, my blood pressure wasn't behaving itself, and I had been warned if it did that I would have to have an epidural. This was the case, (at about 7cm by the time they could get him in), but to my surprise it was an equally awesome birth experience. The mw was great, and asked if I wanted a mirror to see it all. It was amazing, it felt so controlled and I couldn't feel anything for just that last hour or so. IT was very contolled pushing and stopping etc, after the head was out and umbilical cord cleared she asked me to reach down, and I pulled my baby girl up onto my abdomen... Fabulous!!!

The recovery was not as great, I was on a MgSo4 (magnesium sulphate) drip for 24 hrs, and that made me so lethargic I felt like I was moving in slow motion. My back then hurt later, probably from the epid., but after the drip was removed I felt 100% within hours, then after another 24hrs I felt another 100% better... so much so that I realised just how rotten I felt for the first 24hrs, after the initial high had worn off. Overall recovery was also fine, and luckily no stitches again, so that makes a big difference!

So whatever has to happen, or whatever you can do is great, and look at the result! We are true legends!!!!! Sorry for the lengthy post, but you don't get to share this sort of emotion that often. x Kirsty

[Mother Duck]

Hi Kirsty

Don't worry about your post being long. It is lovely to read about your birthing experience.

Jessie

[Deb]

Hi to Kristi

I'm really glad that you got something positive out of my post. I wish you the best of luck with your birth. I'm sure you're going to have a good experience.

It's funny, but I haven't really found it hard to talk about my experiences, even though horrible. I think it's Lillienne's way of making a place for herself in this world.

Warmest wishes

[lforest]

I love natural birth stories too but I'm envious about no stitches! I had episiotomies both times and the second time I was 1 cm away from rectal surgery! Both my babies had fetal distress at the end of active labours with no pain relief. The first one was vacuum assisted and the second had tied himself up so much in his umbilical chord that we nearly had a disaster story and he was...nearly... imPOSSible to push out!

Anyway, thanks for posting about natural births. I'm very proud of myself for having two babies without pain relief but I don't even know a recent mother who has done the same. I don't brag about it with friends/mothers group because they have strong views about epidurals and tsk tsk at me.

Karin

Mother to 20month old and 3 month old

[alicesmum]

Hi Karin
wow...you must be one tough chicky babe! :p I know we are all brilliant for having children, but I believe that some people really deserve extra "Wows!". GOOD ON YOU....don't know if I could have endured that...well, I'm sure I could (what choice do you have really by the time the worst part hits!!??).

You sure do have two amazing, attention-grabbing stories to tell now tho! :eek:

Well done!! ;)

[marybg]

Yeah, I had a beautiful experience with both of my deliveries. The first in 3 hours with no drugs. The second in 1 hour with no drugs. I used visualisation, breathing, essential oils (ylang ylang, rose & neroli), plus i had some beautiful new age music that really relaxes me. I feel a bit cheated that my 2nd happened too quickly. My waters broke in the shower at the hospital, 6 minutes and 2 pushes later my little boy was born. I was amazed. I was prepared for just about anything ( i wanted a natural birth) but understood that things can go wrong and intervention may be needed. I used alot of positive self affirmations about pain ie "it's all good, necessary, embrace it" It's functional pain, it has a purpose and is my body telling me that it is working properly"

If anyone has any questions I'm happy to answer them.

cheers
M

[alissa-mareesmum]

Hello,

I had my first baby in janurary of this year. I was in labour for three days! I walked and walked to try to get things moving and finally at three o'clock in the afternoon on thursday 20th my waters broke. At the hospital i got through the pain by having my fiance shower my back and belly. When i was nearly fully dialated i got into the bath/pool and breathed through each contraction. I then nealt over the birthing ball and i would rest/sleep between each contraction. My contractions still between 5-10 mins apart. Finally i was fully dialated and ready to push. And push i did for the next hour and a half, i used the birthing stool (sitting) and hanging from my fiance (standing and squating down into the pushing). My contractions stayed 5-10 mins apart so i was able to rest in between, i was told later that when i was resting i sang along to my cd which was playing in the background. At 10:42 thursday night i gave birth to my daughter. I had a small tear which did not require stitches. We waited 15 mins to see if the placenta would come out, but my uterus was so tired and didn't want to contract, so i had to have the injection. The midwife explained that my baby was head down but facing the wrong way which is why i had the long back labour.

This is the first time i have told my birth experience,
Thanks, J.A.

[alicesmum]

Hi alissa-mareesmum
You really haven't shared your birth story with anyone else??? Friends, family??Wow...we should feel very priveldged!! My poor friends and family had to endure my birth story in (most of) its every detail...poor loves!!! :rolleyes:
Thanks for sharing! :p :p

[kyl02]

for my first son i had a natural birth ,induced at 10 am and delivered at 1:21am.i had a car accident previous to falling pregnant and decided not to chance an epi.it was all very hard work,i am a very small person and had a 10 pound baby. i was proud to get through it but chose an epi 2nd time and only had a 5 p bub,premi.first time round was too painfull.im now 7 weeks and unsure of birth plan. kyl

[nick's mum]

I went to the RBWH Birth Centre and it was great. Did it natually and only had the gas in the last hour or so. I recommend if you are a bit freaked by needles & unnecessary medical stuff like me. I believe you just have to get your name down early and cross your fingers for luck to get in there - there should definately be more government funding to make that option open to more women and also so that you can stay in hospital longer (at least 3 days). The only disadvantage is that you don't get to stay in long and you definately need the support and rest while you can. I would however, if I ever have another baby, go there again. The pre-natal care is more personal than if you go public normally. I also used the bath and shower which was good but I got too hot and felt a bit sick - the advantage is being able to try lots of things and being allowed to move around - I loved the beanbag (I don't know how I would have held up during contractions without it!)

[angcaltam]

I had a natural with my first baby. My labour was just under 8 hours, I did have an epidural but it didn't work properly, so I waited for it to wear off and then just use the gas for a bit, it started to make me feel light headed and sick so I tried not to use it. In the end I found that walking around really helped with the pain, I had a bath and near the end I had a shower. I almost had him in the shower. I started to feel the head so screamed for the midwives, they told my husband to get me to the bed fast because they didn't want to deliver it there. I got back to the bed and they told my husband and his mother that if they wanted to see the head crowning they could have a look, the only thing is that with one push it was over, they had seen it all. No-one was ready for him, he was 7 pound 9 ounces and I didn't even get a graze.
But with my second I decided that I was going to do it drug free. I did try but after about 12 or so hours they gave me a needle to try and give me some rest as my labour wasn't really progressing, so I went back down stairs and had a little sleep and when I woke I thought the labout had stopped, the midwive came in to see me and told me that they were going to take me back upstairs and see if they could get things moving. They couldn't figure out why my contractions had stopped, when they got me upstairs they hooked me up to the machine to see what was going on, they were looking at me funny and said "you can't feel that can you?" I said no and looked at the screen, well, the contrations hadn't stopped I just couldn't feel them anymore, well that only lasted a few hours and then I started to really feel them. When I had been labour for about 2 days I had had enough, the last thing I wanted was a c-section but I said to them that if that was the only way it was going to come out to just do it. They said that the baby was stuck and that it was in destress, so there was no other option. So they took me to theatre and he was delivered. He was 11 pound 2 1/2 ounces. No wonder he got stuck.
I will be going back for a third time when the time is right, and I know which way I want to deliver and that is hopefully with no drugs and naturally. It took me so long to get over the c-section but with the natural I was over it straight away.

:D

[kai'smummy]

i am a young mum i was only 171/2 when i had my son now 13months. the day he was born i had a check up at the hospital that morning the midwife told me that malakai was not ready to come yet (i was 1 week over due), so i left went shopping and whatever else. by the time 2pm came i was getting pains mum rushed me to the hospital at bout 2.30pm and then malakai was born at 2.53pm.

i had nothing for the pain, i didn't even had time to get into a robe. there was no time for anything.

my friends and family always ask me is child birth painfull and hard, i just tell them is kind of hard for me to say as i hard a pretty easy labour, so to me it just felt like really bad period pain.

i agree with you i would prefer to have a natural birth over a c-section any day, as you said you can pretty much get up walk around and whatever straight away, not like when you have a c-section where it could be up to a week if not a couple of weeks. but i know a lot of people that would prefer to have a c-section as they think that it is less painful. how i would not njow. plus they are left with a scar.

[maxyboy]

Water birth is the way to go! I am in Sydney and RPA (King George V)'s birth centre is like a ghost town.....everyone is opting for pain relief or elective c-sections, which is entirely up to them and leaves more room in the birth centre for me!!! :p Max was born weighing in at 4045kgs and 54am long, with only a minor graze, definatley put it down to the water! Well done to all you ladies, great effort! ;)

[Anissasmommy]

When I had Anissa I had an Epidural. To begin with i had pethadine as well as gas, the pethadine made my head spin i felt very high and was very tired and the gas didn’t do a thing but make my mouth extremely dry. I had to have a hormone put into my iv to speed up my contractions, after 11 hrs i was fully dilated but my contractions slowed down from being 1-2 minutes apart to every 5 minutes although she was positioned right she was facing up towards the ceiling rather than looking down. The hormone bought them back to being less than a minute apart and rotated baby. After 14 hrs of labor i delivered a baby girl she weighed 8lbs. 1oz.

[Mumof2+1]

With my first I was induced with gel at about 7pm on my due date because of toximia. I went into labour at 10am the next morning. 2hours later I asked how much longer it would be & was told about 6-8hours. It was at this piont I asked for pain killers but as soon as I asked I felt the erge to push. I told the midwife who said it was too early but she would do an internal just in case. As soon as she lifted the sheet she could see my daughters head crowning. 27 mins later she was born. Total time in labour was 2hrs 27mins. Bub weighed 8lbs 3 1/2oz. I had no drugs & didn't need any stiches. When I went into labour bub was breach but turned during labour, she also turned from posterior to right way around whilst in the birth canal. :eek:
With my second I was also given one dose of gel because he was 2weeks late.
Went into labour early the next morning & 3hours later gave birth. He weighed 9lb1oz. Once again I had no drugs & needed no stiches.
With both I was only given one dose of gel to soften the cervix & then went into labour naturaly.
I was very proud of myself especialy considering they were both quite big & quite quick labours, which is supposed to mean they are more intence. But I wouldn't know as I haven't had a long labour to compare them to.
I'm currently 33 1/2weeks pregnant. Would love to have another natural birth but am suffering from symphis pubis disfunction and in extreme pain. At this piont I would take an epidural right now if it was offered.

[Bec@Brisbane]

Hi My first baby was induced gel in at 7am with no sucess so when my O&G came in to see me he sugested breaking my waters (3pm) i had my first contraction at 4pm and soon after i had the epi as my contractions were one on top each other and he was born at 8.05pm but my second was a quick labour(13minutes) no time for anything all natural what a contrast from intervention plus to nil :eek:
Which ever way you go as long as the end result is the same, a healthy baby, everything else is soon forgotten
Bec :)

[nemosmum]

:) To all you Mums out there who did it without any drugs I applaud you!!!

:p To all of the Mums out there who had a little help from modern medicine I congratulate you as well!!!

;) To all you Mums out there who had a C-section and had to suffer the after pain I commend you too!!!

I think all MUM's are brillant and should be proud of themselves no matter how their children were born! :)

Personally I was all prepared to go through labour without any drugs, "all I need is a hot water bottle and I'll be fine!" Thats what I proclaimed to the midwife after she induced me.
I can still remember her smile and knowing words "you might have to rethink your pain relief plan my dear"
Boy was she right!!!
Within an hour of labour begining I was begging for DRUGS and lots of them-I had pethidine, gas and two epidurals as the first one only worked on my left side. My labour lasted 6 hours and I can tell you the pain was unbelievable. I had 24 stitches and a killer headache at the end.

Those stitches, that pain and suffering, I wear them like badges of honour and shout proudly to the world
I AM A MUM, I AM A MUM, I AM A MUM!!!!!!!

I had a beautiful baby boy just over 4kg or 9 pounds and after 10 months of joy and alot of sleepless nights i have to say it's all worth it!

Would I do it again?
Yes yes yes

Goodluck to all you expectant mums out there and all you Proud Mumma bears have a great MOTHERS DAY!!!!

[alissa-mareesmum]

Aww i think what i wrote in an earlier post came out wrong. What i meant is that it was my first time retelling most of the details of Alissa-marees birth because after her birth it was celebrated by many family and friends and my mum and partner were the ones who retold all of the details Usually while viewing a slide show of the photos mum took of the labour and birth as well as the video recording of Alissa-maree being born. Because i felt like i was in a haze for the first six weeks i let them retell in detail while i gave comments and answered questions. So that is why i felt like it was my first time retelling my birth experience. Trust me far to many family and friends male and female have heard and seen all of the "detais" of the birth. I hope this makes sense and you can understand what i was meaning in the earlier post.

[Kamaikia]

I guess the birth of my son 10 months ago was about as natural as they come. My waters broke with my firts contraction, slept a little went for long long walk, 19 hrs and no drugs after my waters breaking my son was born. a few stitches as he came out sideways now when i think back the stitches were worse than the labour :D
i asked twice for drugs. at one stage i wanted pethadine - the midwife said she didn't think i needed it and nearer the end i asked for a epidural and she just refused - at the time i wasn't happy she got called a few name but now i'm thankful that i got to experience it all without drugs.

[pregasaurus]

My first labour was 36 hours, starting at 5 minutely contractions. From 3 cms until birth took 17 hours. She was posterior brow presentation and after 24 exhausting, painful hours I finally asked for pain relief. I'm really glad I had an epidural on board because she ended up being emergency forceps (all I remember was the obstetrician saying 'brace yourself' before reefing her out. She had to be resuscitated.).
With the seond I was SO determined to go drug free. However I found out that my body doesn't give birth naturally, the contractions just 'massage' the baby rather than pushing it down and out. More drips, another epi, but at least I got to push him out sitting up and he was born breathing.
This one I'm going to pull out all stops to do it without pain relief. I don't think my problem is with pain threshold, but with endurance. 16 hours is a long time to run a marathon! I'm going to try and do it drug free, but I acknowledge that there is only so much the human body can endure. I know it'll hurt like all hell, but I'm looking forward to it anyway!

[Zan]

Yep I had a homebirth, it took me three days and 21hrs of active labour but I DID IT!! and that made me feel fantastic, I can tell you.
I had a waterbirth too, which really helped in those late stages when I was just so tired, I kept passing out between contractions.
I've posted my birth story on another forum you can access it on:

http://www.forums.naturalparenting.com.au/showthread.php?t=2390

It's really way too long to post here- there's a limit on the amount we can post, so please excuse me for just giving you a link. At that same forum you will also find a bunch more birth stories- a real mixed bag but all really from the heart. I love birth stories!!
Hi,
I have had both my daughters at home with no pain relief other than water but in the UK. I am moving to Sydney in Jan 2006 and the one thing that really plays on my mind is having a hospital birth with no3 so any info on homebirth would be greatly received.

As for the original thread, yes have had two natural births with no pain relief and they were great. Esp no 2 - I actually really enjoyed all of my labour!! (strange I know!).
Zan
dd1 14/12/01
dd2 13/10/03

[mummy_to_4]

With the birth of Lachie it was a long long affair and did have gas and peth but left the epi too late. - 32 hours
The twins birth I did natural - no meds at all and it was a home birth with their father delivering them (he was a paramedic) - 22 hours
For my last i delivered in a birthing centre in just over 5 hours from go to woe with no meds either.

[Tamlee]

My four children were delivered naturally. I just kept walking thats all I can rememeber. I felt like having drugs though with my sons...

[jaydensmum]

It's Jaydensmum, yes I did it naturally too. I'm greatful I did, cause I can still remember everything, I wasnt wacked out on drugs, I walked out of the birthing suite in an hour after birth and the best thing of all I did it on my own!!! I think it's an amazing thing to accomplish and I would never turn back the clock to change anything. Experiencing Jayden being born was the most satisfying and beautiful thing I have ever gone through. Yeah it's a bit painful but so is life!! I'd do again for sure.
Jaydensmum :D

[monique13]

Hi all i had my twins with out drugs and yes it hurts but after you done it you feel so proud of your self you feel like you can do anything but i was lucky i had a fast labour it was all over in a hour and the girls were born 2 mins apart they were in a hurry to come into the world after giving birth i was up and about 10 min after having them and felt good but i didnt get to have natural birth wih my first 2 because of high blood pressure after my first 2 labours i throw up because of the drug they had me on and i felt drugy to. natural birth you can enjoy your baby with out trying not to throw up everywhere and not all spaced out from the drugs. :)

[j&k'smum]

I have had two children, one with the gas, pethadine and epidural (forcep delivery), the other with nothing. I would have to say that the later was the more wonderful experience. It does make you feel proud when you get throu it - although there was a time I really thought I was going to die from the pain!!
For me the drugs put me on another planet, i didn't know if I was Aurthur or Martha. I felt totally out of control of the situation and it was scarey at times not having it.
I would go again natural anyday. :D

[our little treasures]

My first dd was induced, I used the gas and had two shots of pethidine and she was pulled out via ventouse. All i wanted was natural but waters broke with meconium this was 18mnths ago. I know have a beautiful newborn son who is 12dys old and I can say I had my natural birth.
Labour was long again 19hrs and very intense I started off with gas and thought I had the gas all the way. At a point very soon after starting it I fell asleep in between contractions and I got very very high I started singing at the top of my voice laaaaaaaaaaa and only stopped to change notes all the midwives and doctor came running in thinking this was it. Well it wasn't they then asked me to give the mouth piece to them well they were not getting it so the middie asked if I wanted it turned up and I said yes. At the end after pushing for 2hrs and having our boy the doctor said well you did well all natural and I said except the gas and she said well I turned the gas off. So I am now proud to say I did it all natural and it was wonderful however I am taking longer to recover from the pain emotionally!!
I even heard a lady in labour the next night and I started to cry as I want four or six kids and I was wondering could I ever go through that again. I've been told that all labours will be long and I'll haemorage (sp?) and tear badly again. I'm already forgetting slightly I'm sure it will come flooding back when I get preggars again.

[Jamily]

I had my little girl Emily drug free - I had her in water which I think really helped. My labour took 13 hours with 45 mins pushing so not too bad really and probs why I managed it! I found it more tiring than anything else!

[Grace3]

I gave birth naturally for my second child. No drugs. Sure it hurts like no other pain you could imagine. I was pleading for pain relief but my whole labour only lasted 1 1/2 hours and was told by OB & Midwife it was to late for pain relief, as I labour too quickly. It has to be my proudest achievement.

[Melissa1983]

I had both of mine Naturally with no drug. I had no time to decide if i wanted drugs or not. First birth was 2hours and second was 1 hour. You seem to forget the pain until you go through it again. But i have forgotton the pain again :o But not having anyone at the moment.

[Foxymoron]

I had an epi with my first labour, my second and third were natural. This bub will be another natural, I only say that because my last labour lasted all of 1 hour and 10mins, so I'm guessing number 4 will be speedy too. My epi wore off with my first born and that was a shock! I'm not for or against pain relief, it's a personal thing, and every woman makes the right choice for her situation :D

[Honey]

I gave birth with midwifery care in the Birth Centre Royal Women's Randwick.
I loved labouring and giving birth. I did it without any medical pain relief, stayed at home as long as possible, was active, had some accupuncture, and used the bath for most of the last 3 hours while at the BC. My labour was 12-13 hours long, pushing for 3.5 hours. I did end up asking for an episiotomy as I felt my baby had to be born soon, and the midwife agreed after the baby's heartrate changed slightly from the norm.

I was on such a high from giving birth (I was exhausted) I felt so strong and amazing and the euphoria lasted for weeks (I still feel great when I think about it almost 2 years later). My DD was 4.21kg (9pound 5 ounces) 56cm long, 36cm head. She was very alert and alive from the moment I birthed her and she was placed into my arms. WOW. WOW. I would love to give birth again and again.

There are physiological processes that are occuring during natural uninterefered with birth with our hormones etc Dr Sarah Buckley explains it here
http://www.byronchild.com/arts13.htm

Warm regards
Honey-26
DD-22mths

[mayasmum]

honey
thanks for that link. i just read it and it has given me new found courage and determination to enjoy my second natural birth more than my first.

:p

[Honey]

HI Maya'smum
I'm glad you got something out of it. Remember too that your environment, your support people and your head space have a huge affect on how you experience pain. Pain in childbirth is a positive thing it's doing something, I think of it like when you have a tense muscle that is being massaged it hurts a bit but it's good pain for a purpose. Depends on your labour and babies position too. IF baby is malpositioned it can be much harder to labour and deal with the contractions. Check out www.spinningbabies.com to explain ways to get your baby in the best position for birth.
Warm regards
Honey

[melfunction]

I was prepared for a long, long labour. Being my first time and most people would expect it. How wrong was I? Waters broke at 2am no contractions until 8am. Completely dilated in 1 hour! That hurt, had a bit of gas - all good. Pushed for 20 mins and out came my gorgeous little boy - all 3.8 kg of him. I had a grade 3 tear, couldn't walk for a week and my body was shaking for three weeks afterwards.
Next time dr said I'd have to be in hosp 2 weeks before bub due cos I wouldn't make it past the gate. A caesar almost sounds better...

[Mumof2+1]

I posted in this topic a few months ago. At the time I was 33weeks pregnant. I had natural births with my first two children but because I had symphis pubis disfunction with my last pregnancy, I was told I would need an epidural. I was in so much pain in the last few weeks of pregnancy I was willing to have as many pain killers as possible & as soon as possible. Finaly the hospital decided to induce me at 9am Monday 6th June. I was given three lots of gel over 18hours. The gel did not work, so late Tuesday evening the doctors used this thing I can't remember what it's called, but they insert it through the cervix and blow up a balloon on the inside and another on the outside of the cervix. It is supposed to help dialate the cervix over night. But the first one fell straight out so they tried another one. When they lightly pulled it to see if it was in the right place, it came out again. They were just about to tell me to go home for a few days, when they noticed that it had worked instantly and I was dialated enough to break my waters. Because of the intence pain I was already feeling due to my pelvic problems, they said they wouldn't induce me unless I had the epidural. By this stage I didn't care, I just wanted things to get started and the pain to go away.
To cut a long story short. I had the epidural and the drip started to induce labour. 5 3/4 hours later, Ellah Kate was born at 11:45pm tuesday 7th June weighing 6lb15oz, 49cm long. I was very greatful that the pain was almost gone but am dissapionted with not having a natural birth. I loved the feeling of pushing my first 2 babies into the world. The epidural only worked on half of my body so I could still feel bub being pushed out, but not as intense. Am still alittle upset about it but I guess it doesn't matter how she was born, only that she is here and is a very healthy 12week old beauty.

Trish
Taylah 8yrs
Jacob 6yrs
Ellah 12weeks

[peterpan]

Hi to all

I think we all did a good job what ever way we gave birth
I sure would like to see a man do it!!!!

I had a natural birth only because I hate needle's and had myself so
worked up for month's about what it would do to my back....
and when I was 13 I braces and did'nt do to well with the gas
My waters broke at 10.30am so I rang the hospital and they told me to go up
there but i was busy in the garden the MW rang me at 5.30 and told me off for not going up there....lol So hubby packed my bag and off we went I told them I was'nt staying and they said oh yes you are...
At 1am the pain started I was in and out of the shower for the next 4 hours the pain in my back was awful At 5am I went to the birthing suite and that is when i asked if i could go home and have a rest and come back later..... Oh i'm so blonde
I was up and down going to the loo all the time all I wanted to do was push
I was over a bean bag and then on all fours and then they got me a birthing stool and that is when i had my last push and welcome Peter Ian into the world at 10.40am
Peter is our first and I can't wait to go back and do it again :)

Angela (mummy)
David (daddy)
Peter (pee Wee)

[Prue]

Hello,

I will be a first time mum and so really have no idea what to expext in labour, but I'm looking at doing a hypnobirthing course in the hope that it is as fantastic as it's made out to be - plus I would like to have a natural birth if I can.

Has anyone done hypnobirthing and are you able to tell me of your experience of it?

Thank you!

[mumma3]

DD1 was all natural...no drugs, stitches or intervention...hurt like hell but nothing compared to my ceaser with DD2...that was shocking. My ceaser with DD3 was better though....no pain, just discomfort. :)
I'm dissapointed that I'm pretty much always going to have to have a ceaer for all future deliveries...a natural birth is so empowering! :D

[DoulaFelicity]

Hello all,

Yes, I enjoyed a natural, active, drug-free labour. I'm most definitely proud, and I look back on it with awe, love, and excitement at the prospect of doing it again.

At the time, it was a big shock. Nothing could have prepared me for the sensations I was going to experience, the primal force of it all, the overpowering urges and loss of mental "control" over my body. I laboured very well for almost 24 hours before reaching transition and momentarily losing focus for about an hour, where I demanded an epidural, stopped concentrating on the breathing and vocalising that had been serving me so well up until that point, and became angry, distressed, exhausted, and terrified. All pretty standard transition reactions, of course. But I didn't know that at the time.

My phenomenal Midwife, Doula and my partner Stephen supported me through that immensely difficult period. I went on to finally surrender control to the process of my birth, and push my baby out naturally, with abandon and beauty.

I don't see opting for a natural birth as being a "hero". For some birthing women, they make an informed choice to accept medical pain relief, and are proud and content with that decision. That's entirely their choice. My choice as a birthing woman, however, is to utilise natural pain management strategies, and simply allow my body to do the divine work it was so perfectly built to do. I want to feel every bit of it. I want to revel in the sensations. I want to ride them and be consumed by them. I want to remember my rite of passage, avoid medications that have a potential to interfere with the birthing process, my baby, and my body; and I want to feel that natural high that is like nothing else on earth, after a natural labour. That, to me, is a uniquely joyous experience.

Above all, I believe in informed choices for women. It should be the right of the well informed birthing woman to give birth as she sees fit, whether that be naturally, or with the use of medical assistance. As a woman, my choice is natural. As a Doula, friend, sister, etc; the choice is not mine, but my wish is to see the birthing woman well informed and empowered to birth in the way that she sees as beautiful for her.

Cheers,

[Jenko]

I also had a natural birth, I was booked into the BC at Randwick Hospital for Women. After pre-labouring at home for about a day I went to the BC at 8pm, there were 2 mums in late stage labour and 1 midwife. By 11pm I had seen the midwife twice, thank god for wonderful partner and mum. She came in and told me that the BC was closing and I would have to go down the hall to the delivery suite. At this stage I was very glad to go and ordered an epidural on the waddle down the hall. Stopping of course next to waiting relatives of other labouring mums to have a huge contraction. Nothing like an audience! LOL

By the time the midwife checked how far I was dilated I was already pushing and DD was born 35 minutes later at 1.06am. Naturally!!

I am pleased that I lasted without pain relief. The only thing is, I was so exhausted that I can't remember in detail the last couple of hours and I'm forever asking my partner for details. Video camera next time for sure!!

[Pixie]

Ohh I am booked for the BC at Randwick, I didn't realise they close :eek:
I thought they just accept you no matter what the time! Can I ask what the delivery suite is like do you have to lie down? I'd rather not, did it still go to plan for you, other than that?

Thanks :D

[DoulaFelicity]

Birth Centres within Hospitals tend to close down regularly, due to staffing issues and Hospy politics towards the concept of a BC, mainly (I discussed this at length with my BC midwives). If someone is needed elsewhere in the Hospital, the BC is the first place they pluck staff from...after all, the BC isn't "important", they can always just switch those labouring women to the general labour ward, no big deal, right? :mad:

You can, of course, dig your heels in and refuse to budge, if it happens to you while you're in the thick of labour...it's been done before (at the BC in the RWH Vic). But it's a rare soul who can manage to do that whilst labouring (I couldn't have)! :(

You don't "have" to lie down in the labour ward (I wound up there for the end of my birth). You don't "have" to do anything you don't want to! And, usually, your midwife from the BC will come to the labour ward with you, if she can (which is great). Same same, different room (smaller, single bed, more sterile hospy type environment than the BC). I only arrived there for the actual pushing out of my babe, though...I would have hated to labour there. The BC was lovely, quiet, dim lights, I had the full use of the big bath, shower, my big room, could walk the halls...it was a wonderful environment.

I loved having my Doula with me at that point especially. The moment we arrived in the labour ward, she was rummaging in cupboards, trying to find cushions and pillows to make me comfortable, trying to dim lights, chatting with staff - really trying to quickly get the environment back to a safe, calm, desirable one for my birth, and to fend off the horrid Hospital-ness of it all. She was lovely. :)

[Jenko]

I was also only in the delivery suite (at Randwick) for the pushing stage, and I did lie down with my feet in stirrups, but that was how the midwife directed me and at that stage I just wanted bub out and was willing to try any old position. I only pushed for 35 mins, but I must admit it was a very busy night and the midwives were fun off their feet, so I din't get the attention I thought I would. But, in the end it was all drug free and DD was delivered safely!

I was at my friends birth in the delivery suite (before I had DD) and she had the same midwife the whole time and was wonderful!

The BC was was a much calmer and pleasant environment and I am glad to have had experienced it. Big bath was great!

You are told that when you go into labour you are to call the BC, if there is no-body staffed there at the time your call is redirecte to delivery suite.

I have other friends that gave birth at Randwick BC and had wonderful births, just keep in my mind that it may not be possible and prepare for yourself to be open minded. A healthy bubs safe arrival is all that really counts.

Good luck :)

[Pixie]

Ah yes I am opened minded, I know things don't always go to plan, but interesting to hear another side, hasn't put me off I will still aim to get my way no matter where I am BC, delivery room, Back of the car lol. Like you say as long as the baby is OK and I am in good hands it's really all that matters!

Thank you :D