Hello Mama!
I’m sure you saw the title of this blog post and thought to yourself, how could I do this? I know you may have gotten an epidural for your previous childbirth. But the back pains has you questioning, whether or not you want to do it again. Natural childbirth often referred to as unmedicated or drug-free childbirth, involves delivering your baby without the use of pain-relieving medications. This approach to childbirth has advocates and critics, so I’ve added some of the pros and cons to consider.
What is the process of an epidural?
An epidural is a type of pain relief used during childbirth. It’s like the superhero of pain relief, swooping in to save the day when things get tough.
First off, you’ll meet your team: the anesthesiologist and maybe a nurse or two. They’ll explain everything to you, answer any questions you have, and make sure you’re comfortable.
Then comes the hard part: getting the epidural. You’ll have to sit straight up and they will clean your back with some antiseptic. Next, they will tell you to curl over like a ball and they’ll use a tiny needle to numb the area. Once you’re numb, they’ll carefully insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into your lower back.
This catheter is the highway for pain relief medication. Once it’s in place, the anesthesiologist will remove the needle, leaving the catheter behind. Then, the catheter is connected to a pump that delivers pain medication, usually a combination of a local anesthetic like bupivacaine and a pain reliever like fentanyl.
Once the medication starts flowing, you’ll feel the pain relief spreading through your body. At this time you will have to remain in your bed and they will also insert a catheter into your urethra due to this fact as well. This should be easy, as you are numb because of the epidural.
Throughout the process, the medical team will keep a close eye on you to make sure everything’s going smoothly. And if you have any concerns or if you start feeling anything strange, be sure to alert your nurse so that measures can be made.
What are the Cons of a Natural Childbirth?
Intense Pain Due to a Natural Childbirth
The primary drawback of natural childbirth without epidural is the intense pain experienced during labor. While some individuals may find this pain manageable or even empowering, for others, it can be overwhelming, leading to a more challenging birth experience. Natural childbirth is like stepping into the arena of the most intense sensations your body can muster. It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure, you are tapping into your inner animal. You are in your most primal state so don’t expect your most logical self to stay present.
During natural childbirth, your body unleashes a symphony of sensations, from powerful contractions that feel like tidal waves crashing to the pressure of your baby making their grand entrance into the world. It’s a full-body experience, like running a marathon while simultaneously doing yoga and trying to solve a Rubik’s cube.
Fatigue and Stress Due to a Natural Childbirth
Enduring prolonged periods of intense pain can result in increased fatigue and stress, which may affect the birthing person’s overall well-being and the progress of labor.
First off, there’s the physical fatigue. Labor can be a long, grueling process, like climbing a mountain with no end in sight. Those contractions just keep coming, relentless and unforgiving, each one demanding more from your body than the last. It’s exhausting, plain and simple.
But it’s not just physical fatigue you’re dealing with—it’s mental and emotional fatigue too. There’s the stress of the unknown, the fear of the pain, the worry about whether everything’s going according to plan. And let’s not forget the sheer emotional intensity of the experience, from the anticipation of meeting your baby to the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with each contraction.
Unpredictable Labor Due to a Natural Childbirth
Natural childbirth is inherently unpredictable, and there is no guarantee of how long labor will last or how intense the pain will become. This uncertainty can be a source of anxiety for some individuals.
One of the most unpredictable things about labor is, well, its unpredictability. You might have this beautifully crafted birth plan all laid out, but Mother Nature has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. It’s like she’s saying, “Hey, I’m in charge here, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!”
First off, there’s the timing. Labor doesn’t always stick to the schedule you had in mind. You might be expecting contractions to start at a certain time, but your baby has other plans. It’s like they’re on their own little timetable, and they’ll make their grand entrance whenever they damn well please.
Labor can be a marathon or a sprint, or somewhere in between. Some mamas breeze through labor in a matter of hours, while others slog through it for what feels like an eternity. It’s like you’re in this epic endurance race, and the finish line is always just out of reach.
So yeah, natural childbirth can be unpredictable. It can throw you for a loop and keep you guessing every step of the way. But it can also be one of the most incredible, awe-inspiring experiences of your life. And when you finally meet your little one, you’ll realize that every twist and turn was just a small part of the journey to the greatest adventure of all—parenthood.
Increased Risk of Trauma Due to a Natural Childbirth
For some individuals, the experience of unmedicated childbirth can be traumatic, especially if the pain and stress exceed their ability to cope. This may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some cases. One of the things that can increase the risk of trauma during natural childbirth is the intensity of the process itself. Labor and delivery can be like running a gauntlet, with your body going through some pretty intense physical sensations. From those powerful contractions to the stretching and pressure as your baby makes their grand entrance, it’s a full-body workout like no other.
And let’s not forget about the potential for tears and lacerations during delivery. As your baby makes their way down the birth canal, the tissues around your vagina and perineum can stretch and sometimes tear. It’s like your body’s way of making room for your little one, but it can also lead to some discomfort and soreness post-delivery.
Another thing that can increase the risk of trauma is if your baby is in an awkward position or if they’re larger than average. Sometimes, babies just don’t want to cooperate, and they end up coming out in a less-than-ideal way. This can put added stress on your body and increase the likelihood of tears or other injuries
What are the Pros of an Natural Childbirth without an Epidural?
Empowerment and Connection is Associated with Natural Childbirth
One of the best advantages of natural childbirth is the sense of empowerment and connection it provides to the birthing person. When you have an epidural, you don’t feel any pain but you also don’t feel any contractions. The process of your childbirth is being led by the machines telling you that you are having contractions and when and how long you should push is controlled by the reader. Every contraction is a step forward to meeting your little one. So rather than loathing the idea of each one, you can say positive affirmations to yourself statements like:
Each contraction is giving space for my child to enter the world.
My body is attuned to my baby and know it needs to pull and stretch to make way for them to enter the world.
My body is powerful and is doing this without my control, I submit to the process.
These kinds of statements help you to keep perspective and stay grounded to the process and the work of bringing your child into this world.
Shorter Recovery Time is Associated with Natural Childbirth
Mamas who have natural childbirth without epidural may experience a shorter recovery time compared to those who opt for medicated births. Mamas can typically move around more freely and attend to their newborns sooner after delivery. No grogginess, no numbness, and your not dealing with the after effects of having been stationary and moving every 30 minutes. Being up and about makes for a quick labor and helps to reduce the amount of strain on the baby.
Reduced Intervention Risks are Associated with a Natural Childbirth
The cycle of the epidural, may often means that you will require a dosage of Pitocin. This will increase the charge of your contractions requiring to increase the dosage of your epidural. This often causes labor to slow down and there you go again increasing the Pitocin. This medication leads to more medication which could lead to other complications. Complications could look like blood pressure issues, the baby’s lack of movement, complications with the need for oxygen, etc. Unmedicated childbirth may also lower the likelihood of interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction. Following your body’s natural cues help you to stay actively present and participate in trusting the timing of your body.
Less Impact on the Baby is Associated with Natural Childbirth
Some studies suggest that babies born without exposure to epidural medication may be more alert and responsive immediately after birth. This is a huge ordeal for the baby as well. Your baby entering the world without medication may also show a more responsive baby to mom’s touch and voice. There won’t be worries about changes in your baby’s heart rate or their oxygen levels by having a natural childbirth.
Potential for a More Natural Labor Progression
Without the numbing effects of epidurals, you will may have a heightened awareness of your body’s signals. The best thing about skipping the epidural is that it allows your body to do its thing more freely. Without the numbing effects of an epidural, you’re more in tune with what’s happening down below. Your body’s natural signals, like those intense contractions, become your guides, nudging you along the path of labor. Tapping into your inner power, your body’s own built-in pain management system, it’s intense, but it’s also empowering. Riding the waves of contractions and feeling the flow of your body’s rhythm help you move through labor. Going epidural-free can give you a greater sense of connection to the whole birthing process. Be fully present and feel your body works its magic to bring your little one into the world. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Conclusion to a Natural Childbirth
Natural childbirth without epidural is a personal choice that requires careful consideration of your preferences, pain tolerance, and birthing goals. While it offers empowerment and potential benefits, the intense pain and unpredictability can pose challenges. The decision to pursue unmedicated childbirth should involve open communication with your provider. When you have understanding of both the pros and cons the decision will be simple. You get to make an informed choice that aligns with the your preferences and values. You can make the decision from a place of knowing and being conscious in your choice to pursue it.
If you have any questions and want to talk with our doulas, please complete our discovery call sign up form. Someone from Tracey Family Services will reach out to you to help you on your pregnancy and parenting journey.
