Unmedicated, Epidural, C-Section Births
- This Or That Mom
- Feb 3, 2019
- 15 min read
I’ll start this one off by saying there is, of course, no right answer when it comes to birthing options. There are pros and cons to each kind of birth, and it varies on not only what is desired by the mom, but how the delivery plays out.
For me, I opted for the epidural with both of my deliveries. I think I may have one of the lowest pain tolerances a person can possess. When I’m in pain, I become anxious, mean, and downright unpleasant 😬, and I knew I would be leaning toward an epidural with my labor before I even knew I was pregnant. I wanted to have the memories of my labor to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. After doing the research, I felt really confident having the procedure done if it would alleviate my pain. I think at every single prenatal appointment I would ask if the standing order was still in my chart for reassurance. I always kept in mind, though, even if I did want the epidural, there was no guarantee I could get it. So I knew to prepare myself for an unmedicated delivery, or even a c-section.
I remember getting advice from moms who were pro-epidural and anti-epidural, both had such strong opinions on each. Often times we hear the unmedicated birthing moms criticizing the moms getting an epidural for taking a risk that may affect their child’s health or their own health. However, in my personal experience, I noticed a lot of the women who encouraged me to get the epidural made statements like, “Why would anyone want to go through that pain when you don’t have to?” and “There’s just no reason to put yourself through that.” While I understand these comments are meant to be encouraging, it almost seemed a little condescending toward the unmedicated route.
I completely understand and respect the reasons to desire a natural birth. The risks involved with an epidural, though rare, can be a quite daunting... headache, nausea, back pain, even nerve damage with paralysis… and placement temporarily requires a needle in your spine. Also, how amazing would it be to be able to say that you felt the entire experience, and that your body was 100% there for the entire delivery, not to mention the benefit of a much quicker recovery. Although I knew I’d be opting for the epidural, it was reassuring to know if I couldn’t and had to deliver without one, there were a lot of benefits as well.
Then there is the possibility of a c-section. I personally think emergency c-sections should be discussed more during prenatal visits. My reason being that almost every single mom I’ve talked to that ended up with an emergency c-section told me what a traumatic experience it was to go into without being educated on what to expect. The anesthesia effects, time away from baby, recovery, and the surgery itself were all a lot more difficult than expected. That’s why I also asked c-section moms to share their experiences below as well. Here is a good link I think all expecting moms should read: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/c-section-what-you-have-not-heard.
My experience with the epidural: My first pregnancy I asked if I could get the epidural and it took hours to get it. I waited and waited, and then my husband started asking the nurses for me (even though I asked him not to). He is a person who very, very rarely gets flustered and typically keeps a clear and stern demeanor in serious situations, but when he saw me in such great pain with each contraction, he became unnerved 😂, it was actually kind of sweet. Finally, it was time for it. One quick pinch in my back in between contractions, and it was in. After the medication hit, I still had some mild pain, but the difference was astounding. I was able to talk and smile with husband again, and I felt like I could focus and take in the moment of delivery a lot better. My son was born within 2 hours after I got the epidural. The recovery was a little rough because I had to wait around in bed until I had function of my lower limbs again, but all I wanted to do was stay in bed and hold the baby anyway. Overall, I was really, really happy with how my delivery played out. The second time around it pretty much went the exact same way except I got the epidural a lot earlier. Both labors were about 8-9 hours and each delivery went very smoothly. I was really fortunate, and wouldn’t have changed a thing.
The bottom line is, it really just doesn’t matter what you choose or end up having to do. All of these routes of delivery will bring your baby into the world safely. Do your research and decide what is best for you, and surround yourself with people who encourage you to do the same.
I asked some moms to share their experiences including c-section, unmedicated, and epidural deliveries.
Unmedicated
“I had a miscarriage during my first pregnancy. When I was blessed with my second pregnancy, I made a promise to myself I would do what I felt was best for me and for the baby. I chose natural because… well… natural is just the best way to go in my opinion. I wanted my baby healthy. I trusted my own inner strength. And I wanted to experience the true power and strength of the woman’s body that we were gifted with… to be able to birth a baby and then go straight to mommy mode as soon as the baby was out. I didn’t want anything getting in the way, such as lack of feeling in the legs or any possible back pains. Then I went through it three more times because I knew I could. I highly recommend it.... just the feeling of empowerment entering motherhood is incredible!!”
“Having a natural birth has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to feel every bit of childbirth. I think epidurals rob women of an incredible experience. It was the most empowering, wonderful experience of my life. I had a midwife and gave birth at a hospital. It was very much a hands off approach and letting my body take complete control. I was able to catch my own baby and it was just so unreal!”
“I personally was more afraid of getting a needle through my spine than feeling the contractions. Since I’m very active and I know that makes labor easier, I just decided to go natural, just thinking of not being able to feel my legs gives me chills. I knew that the stronger the contraction the closer I was to meet my baby girl. I also read that when you get an epidural babies could be born sleepy and I really wanted my baby to latch right away, being able to breastfeed was my top priority. Yes labor hurts, but once you have that baby in your arms you realize it was worth it, plus our bodies are designed to do it without medication.”
“Choosing a home natural birth for my second child had a lot to do with my experience in the hospital with my first child. I hated my experience at the hospital. I also received and epidural which did not work for me. It kept wearing off and eventually I wasn't able to receive anymore medicine. I went through labor with extreme back labor. My experience with my natural birth was beyond empowering. I felt 100% in control of my body and each decision made. Though it was extremely painful. I am overjoyed at the fact that I found strength to do it. I was able to move around freely, eat, shower anything that my body wanted to do. With my hospital birth I was strapped to a bed and IV.”
https://instagram.com/truely_devine?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=g44xz9jnj9vd
“Besides all the proven and not proven outcomes for the baby and mama after epidural, I didn’t want to leave my baby alone in the birth journey! I couldn’t imagine me having an epidural and scrolling my instagram feed, while my baby is in pain going through contractions. Especially knowing the fact, that the baby also getting endorphins, which mother’s body releases while feeling the pain. No pain for mama = no endorphins for baby, which makes his/her struggle even worse.”
“I have had 4 births. My last was natural. Only because we did not have time for epidural. But what I loved about this birth is to discover that when you push, the contraction does not hurt. Because it is the dilation process that hurts. So I was scared giving birth without epidural. But it was better without, since then i could control more.”
“I chose to go all natural for my daughter’s birth. I wanted to prove to myself that I was strong enough to go through my body’s natural process of labor (that is if I did not experience any complications). Since my pregnancy was not complicated, my doctor assumed my labor would also not be complicated, which gave me more motivation to do it all natural. I wanted to be in control in my labor process. I wanted to really feel my contractions and breath with them. I wanted to know what it felt like to push down my child. And in the end, although it was not easy, it was 110% worth it.”
Epidurals
“During childbirth, I had an epidural for both kids and that was my personal request. I had so much else going on in my brain that it was hard for me to manage the pain of contractions too! I definitely think it’s a personal choice. It’s your body and you have the right to choose what happens to it.”
“The epidural was great because I didn’t feel a thing. But I believe this made the whole process last longer because I couldn't feel my body. When I had my twins, I gave birth naturally. It was the most intense pain I've ever felt, but I knew exactly what my body needed me to do and when. I felt everything and was so in tune with my body and when I had to push, or catch my breath. It was incredible.”
Photo by digitaldaydreamsphotography
“Hi, I am Fatima. Mom to a handsome 2 year old. Being a Chartered Accountant, I have this thing about researching a lot before doing something. So during whole my pregnancy I was researching about epidural. I spent a good sometime reading it's pro's and con's. But I was not so sure about getting it. Until my labor started. I never had felt such intense pains before. It was then I decided that I would rather take an injection in my spine than to bear that pain. It turned out to be the best decision I had taken. Due to it, I was awake at the time of delivery and I remember every bit of it. Best thing is that deep inside I was scared of the side effects of epidural but I got none! It was smooth in every aspect. I personally think that epidural is a blessing for first time mother's like me. Although delivering a baby is still a lot of work and is definitely exhausting beyond words but epidural made it a lot easier.”
“I got an epidural. I didn't know how painful childbirth would be but I knew that I was open to getting an epidural if it would help me labor safely - and SOMEWHAT enjoy the process. I labored without an epidural for a few hours and experienced back labor. The pain was excruciating. I had done enough research to know that the choice is a very personal one, one that I was comfortable making. Once I got the epidural, I could smile at my husband as we progressed through this journey together.”
“The plan was a natural birth, but my body had other plans. After 3 days of contractions it was epidural time. I was all about it and happier than a pig in mud. It was great! I took naps and enjoyed my company.”
“I got my first epidural out of pure fear. It was easily placed & worked quickly. I could still feel my contractions & was still able to move my legs. After birth, I had to be wheeled to the mother/baby room & had to be assisted to the bathroom (Even though I’m sure I could’ve done it on my own.) I ended up having lingering back pain at the epidural site for about 6 months after I gave birth. My second birth was without any pain medication. It honestly didn’t hurt nearly as bad as my first. I think it had a lot to do with the baby’s position. Recovery after that birth was much more difficult but not because of the epidural. I ended up having postpartum psychosis, so that made things more difficult. My third birth, I believe I was in labor for about a week, if not longer. I had the epidural after 2 days because I was flat out exhausted. My baby had been stuck & it had been a lot of work to get her to move. I knew I was at risk for lingering pain again, but I was okay with that. This epidural was completely different from the first. It took longer for the anesthesiologist to place it, but once it was placed, it worked perfectly. I had full use of my legs & only felt intense pressure from my contractions. It took about 15 minutes from the time it was placed, to the time my baby was born & I was able to get up & walk myself around immediately. The third birth was the biggest baby but the easiest recovery by far.“ https://instagram.com/oneandonemakefour?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1vl677ahv2tfl
“I had an epidural with my first two pregnancies but with each birth I became more interested in birthing naturally and drug free. When my third pregnancy came around I knew I wanted it to be different. I wanted to avoid tearing and the back pain after delivery. I also knew that labor progressed much quicker without an epidural so I decided I would try it. I birthed in a hospital and had the option to get an epidural if I wanted. I used oils and birthing balls for my labor and I progressed so quickly that by the time I asked for the epidural and got it, I was pushing with the anesthesiologist still in the room. My epidural kicked in after I delivered and I could have done it naturally all along. If I could go back I would have skipped the epidural because our bodies are truly amazing and know exactly what to do when we allow it to feel and naturally progress.”
“With my first baby I absolutely did not want an epidural. I was scared of the side effects, and I also had confidence that my body was capable of what it was supposed to do. I also thought it was like getting a tattoo, you have to go through the pain to get something nice out of it. After 17 hours of intense labour, I just couldn’t do it anymore so I opted for the epidural. I wouldn’t have been able to deliver her naturally had I not gotten one. For my second baby, I decided it was best for baby and I to have the epidural right away. Well he came too fast and I didn’t have time to get one. It was very difficult getting him out, and the pain was unbearable. But I must say, my recovery time was much faster! Even though I’ve had both natural and epidural births, if I were to have a third baby, I still wouldn’t know which one to choose. I think it depends on each birth, has they all vary so much and it’s best to keep an open mind instead.”
I honestly wasn’t sure going in if I was going to get an epidural or not. I wanted to see how I felt. But I was progressing very slowly and once those contractions got stronger I decided I needed one. After they gave it to me, I laid on my side, put a peanut ball in between my legs and rested. 30 minutes later I was at 10cm and didn’t even notice! I really think the epidural helped me have a calmer labor experience.
https://instagram.com/jennaduwe?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=8s2poqvsca6r
Csections
“The hardest part was how much help I needed that first week after delivery. I had no idea how much pain I would be in. The most empowering was going through something as intense as a c-section (I think as common as they can be these days, people forget sometimes that it’s a major surgery) for the birth of my child. It takes a strong love to get on a cold table, lay down, and know they are cutting into your body and pulling a baby out. It makes you feel like a superhero when it’s over.”
“My first c-section was considered emergent and everything happened pretty quickly. I remember being scared for my baby and then all of that fear going away the second I held him in my arms. Despite my birth not going how I planned, I was thankful that my son and I were both safe. My second c-section was incredible and much different than the first. The operating room was so relaxed. As soon as my second son came earth-side he was put in my arms. I was able to nurse him while still being stitched up. It was such an empowering and beautiful experience.”
“The boys I had vaginally and Quinn came via c-section. The healing and recovery process has been night and day! I felt like I really bounced back with my boys. My body went through the natural process of having a baby. I was back to prepregnancy weight within 6 weeks. I healed so fast. But with the c-section I don’t feel like I had that snap back at all. I feel like it was a SHOCK and AWE to my body. One day I was pregnant and the next day I wasn’t. My body didn’t go through the same process. It took longer for my body to realize the baby was gone. I feel like my whole body got wrecked and everything hurt. It’s invasive surgery and it took weeks instead of days to heal.”
“With my first son I had a csection and felt like I had this undergone this huge life changing experience that robbed me of the experience I thought I was destined to have! My mom had 3 natural births, her mom had 6. During recovery I denied my body the chance to process while I cared for my son in the NICU. Luckily it was a just a week, but I drove when I shouldn’t, and didn’t rest because he was more important. I never got a chance to feel my sorrow over what has happened being told “he’s healthy and that’s all that mattered” 9 years later I just gave birth to my baby girl. She’s 5 days old as I write this. I hired a doula, I worked out almost
daily, ate well, got chiropractic, massage and acupuncture. I literally “trained” for birth for 9 months. In the end I labored naturally for 14 hours, pushed for 2 and then made peace with a second c-section. This time I’m empowered in knowing I had a choice and a say. I know that both births were different and they were. Both HARD in their own way. I’m proud of my body what it did. We all fight so hard to bring our babies into this world. Mothers are warriors.”
“The hardest thing about having a c-section was lack of knowledge. I knew a c-section was a possibility if my labor didn’t go as planned. I thought about it as the last resort. When it happened I had no idea what was going on what to expect and how to heal. A c-section should be taught the same way a vaginal labor and delivery is taught. What was most empowering is that I made this little person and although I didn’t bring them here as planned I birthed them. They are mine and they are here and healthy. I am a mom like any other. My birth story doesn’t define me a parent. Only difference between me and another mother is I have a scar to prove my journey.”
“This time around I wasn’t able to be with my baby during recovery - so immediately after, I was separated from her and my husband for over 2 hours. Then I couldn’t move or walk or sit up on my own.. so I needed help constantly from my husband - each time I breast fed etc. Even just to go from lying down position to sitting up was a huge struggle and so painful.”
“So for me - a c-section was an insanely good experience! I am 5 days pp and I feel amazing. I worked out through my entire pregnancy so it helped with a quicker recovery. It’s not for everyone though! My first natural childbirth was an awful experience. My son had shoulder dystocia so he got stuck. I was in active labor for 37 hours until I finally delivered him vaginally. I was on oxygen and he was in distress. He was lucky he didn’t get hurt in the process. I opted for a c-section this time because of the history of shoulder dystocia and also because I wanted a tubal ligation post child birth. My pregnancy this this was the result of a misplaced IUD that embedded itself in my cervix. Overall, it was so much less traumatic. My water broke at 4:30, I got to the hospital at 6:00 and my son was here and healthy by 8:26pm!”
“The hardest part was I really wanted to deliver a baby naturally. I had cervical cancer and had lots digestion issues resulting in this idea that I didn’t want to birth a baby. But then was a birth coach and it was the most amazing experience and I wanted that! So when my babe was breech and a c-section was the only option. I was devastated. But now 4 cesareans later I could care less how they got here what my body did 4 times over is nothing short of a miracle.”
“I really didn’t want a c-section, in my mind it was a last resort option and I didn’t think I was a candidate for it as my pregnancy went so smoothly and everything was looking good. I wasn’t emotionally or mentally prepared for it when the doctor, very early into my induced labour, started mentioning the ‘c’ word. The doctor walked out and I remember saying to my partner, “did she just mention caesarean? Yeah not happening!” But an hour later and my bub wasn’t coping and it had to happen. Once I got over my initial shock and resistance it was actually comforting to know when my baby was going to be delivered, how long it would take and what the process would be. Even though it completely deviated from my original birth plan it took a lot of the uncertainty out of the process. Of course I was apprehensive about having a form of surgery, I’d never even been in a hospital before! But I felt reassured that it was the best chance of a healthy delivery. While the recovery was painful and slow as I had a terrible cough (I was even having a coughing fit while they were trying to close me back up!), six weeks on I was almost pain free and back to normal functioning. I ended up back in hospital with a bad infection 9 days after my c-section on a drip and was still struggling from that for a few weeks afterwards. For me, the most empowering part is knowing that I got through it all moment by moment. I got to see that I could be mentally tough even when I was sore, tired and apprehensive. I liked having somewhat of a sense of certainty over how my beautiful baby was brought into the world.”
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