Childbirth

Mommy2BAK wrote: Ok, the reason I ask this is because I got into an argument with a woman in my Psychology class about childbirth. She told me that childbirth is supposed to hurt because "it makes you love and appretiate your child more". Well.... this obviously set me off since I had an epidural with Blakely and I don't believe I could love or appretiate her any more than I already do!! Anyways~ I want to hear your opinions!!!

maestra replied: Ok, whatever! I love and appreciate my child very much, because not only is she my child, but I carried her for 9 months. And after 33 hours of labor, I was hurting bad!

I would love to try to make it without an epidural this time, and will try. I really admire women who are able to do it. But I don't think I need to have a drug free birth to "love and appreciate my child"

on her!

MomToJade&Jordan replied: I had 14 hours of labor with Jade and I was GREATFUL for the epi. I went as long as I could without one, but man I was tired. If I ever have another baby I plan to try without again, but I couldn't love and appreciate my baby more.

MomToMany replied: I'm sorry, but she's wrong. I voted Natural Chilbirth, but I don't think it's wrong to get pain relief. Sometimes it's absolutely necessary. I've had an epi with 2 of my births, but for personal reasons I won't get one again. I've had 3 drug-free births, but I don't love those babies more than my other ones. I love all of my children equally.

Tamatha replied: I didn't vote because I haven't given birth yet, but I plan on having a completely natural childbirth, barring any unforeseen difficulties. Here's my reasoning--I have very severe allergies, and I am still taking all of my allergy meds throughout this pregnancy, at my doctor's orders and with my OB's approval. There is enough risk associated with taking these drugs during the pregnancy...

Additionally, I see a chiropractor twice a week for chronic back and neck pain and problems.

When you put the two of these together, I really don't think an epidural is smart for me and my pregnancy. However, I don't think that anything during labor is going to make you love your child any more or any less, and I certainly don't think less of a woman who chooses to have an epi. This is an individual decision that each mother makes as she feels best! I say fooey on the person who was arguing with you!!

coasterqueen replied: I voted epidural but ended up having an unexpected c/s with DD. I was fine without an epidural until I experienced back labor...then I was begging for it. I was in labor for 30 hours and pushed for several hours as well before the doc said they had to take Kylie because my water had been broke for 24 hours.

I will get an epidural this time as well...just not sure how long I'll wait. I'd like to try to wait longer this time.

jcc64 replied: I find these sorts of maternal "pissing contests" so silly. The woman in your psych class was obviously trying to give herself a big pat on the back at your expense. It says more about her than it does about you.
I have 3 kids. I went naturally with the 1st two, had some kind of local anesthetic with the 3rd to which I reacted badly,and that would be the major reason I wouldn't choose to go that way again. But in no way do I feel less bonded to my dd b/c I received some pain relief. It's just an asinine assertion, kwim?!
I don't know why women feel like they constantly need to compete with each other on this and other issues.

MyBlueEyedBabies replied: I appreciate Matt just as much as Katy and with him the epidural didn't start to work until after they were done with the stitches

DansMom replied: I went natural; but I agree with the others about that woman being totally off-base!

Nancy replied: With my 1st two births I had emergency c-sections, but with my youngest I VBAC'd and was doing great until the back labor set in so I opted for the epidural. This time I would also like to have a vaginal birth and will try no epidural but if it gets in my back again I will definately have another epidural.

Nancy

A&A'smommy replied: that woman is crazy! anyway i voted epidural I had an emergency c/s because Alyssa was in distress.

ediep replied: that lady in your class is nuts!!! Her theory doesn't even make sense to me

I had a epi and I would do it again if I ever have another

Mommy2BAK replied:
After you said that it doesn't make sense it reminded me the whole point was that "God intended that way" I replied that God also made man and gave them brains to make these medications so we don't have to be in pain. After all this was over she said "well if it makes you feel any better, my body screwed up" I was like "how does that make me feel better?" So obviously she must have had a c-s. So who is she to talk??? She is so weird anyway... she always talks about doing drugs and stuff. I just want to tell her Hello, this is a Psychology class!!!!!

AshleyRose replied: I am going to TRY going without meds. Def without the epidural. I am DEATHLY afraid of spinal taps, epidurals, spinals... anything that punctures into your SPINE freaks me out to the biggest extent!!!

Sunflower04 replied: I had back labor and let me tell you I am glad I got the epi.

amb22 replied: my first 2 had only statol,3rd had c-section and 4th I had epi man I dont know how I lived without it will be getting it again for sure!!

aspenblue1 replied: Well I voted epi because I did end up having one. Will definately try not to have one this time. Had a lot of issues with the epidural.

mammag replied: I got an epidural with all four of mine. The 1st and 3rd worked out great but it wore off with the 2nd and by the end of the 4th I was completely numb in my right leg but nothing else.

I couldn't move my leg at all for 6 hours afterwards and they would let me go to the bathroom until I could walk so I was completely misserable!

Sometimes I think the epideral is worse that the delivery...