epidural versus natural birth

[mommyofsoontobe3]

My first son I had an epidural, I watched my contractions on the machine along with disney lion king, didn't feel any pain, alot of exhaustion. It took a long time of pushing and I was complelty wiped out tired. with my second son i decided to do natural child birth-I was in blinding pain there was no relief I wasn't even aware that the doctor that delivered my baby wasn't my midwife, I don't even remember much other then the pain until I held onto him.
So it is kind of debateable i do not know which way to go epideral? or natural?
shorter time more pain-longer time=no pain???

[eniese]

I didn't have an epidural with either of my kids, but there were certainly pain relief options until I hit the latest stages of labor. Maybe that would be a good compromise? You might want to look into some of the natural child birth methods to find one that might help you cope with the pain better.

[lismom2]

You might try reading 'Ina May's Guide to a Natural Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin. This book changed my entire outlook on natural birth. I had an epi with my first and seriously thought everyone who tried a natural birth was crazy...until I read this book and it convinced me otherwise. It thoroughly explained the natural birth process, what is REALLY happening with your body and why, and ways to cope as well as really positive birth stories.
You might look into waterbirth for pain management as I've heard that the shower or tub can work wonders during labor.
My midwife suggested injecting water papsules in the back if I ended up having back labor, but it ended up not being necessary.
Other than that, I've talked to other women online who swear by Hypnobabies. I looked into hypnobirthing and decided I didn't really buy into it, but hypnobabies is supposed to be better/more believable and I might look into it for my next birth.
Good luck mama!!
http://www.hypnobabies.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide.../dp/0553381156

[MommyMoss84]

I also had an epidural with my 1st, and Im wanting to experience a natural childbirth with my 2nd. Dont get me wrong, I had a wonderful experience with the epidural. I could still feel my contractions as tightening and pressure, but felt no pain. I only had to push for 15 minutes, and my epidural has already started wearing off so I was able to shower while they had my baby in the nursery running all their tests and stuff. But a part of me wants to have that experience of a natural childbirth. Plus, it doesn't help anything that I have a freak of nature for a sister-in-law who didn't have an epidural for either one of her children and sat there with all of us in her room until it was time to push just carrying on and laughing! I hope I can be that strong!