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SCARED OF PAIN FROM LABOR AND DELIVERY!
Added: 1048 days ago.
Added by: shortielee17
Section: General.
Status: This question is Closed. (Questions will be closed after 10 days.)


I am so scared about the pain of labor and delivery. Let me in on your stories. Honestly...I have a VERY low pain tolerance. My boyfriend would prefer a natuarl birth. Can I really do this??

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msdmarie - 1047 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) o yea with my second, i didn't feel a thing. it was so easy and quick. i wouldn't want to go through a natural birth in so much pain for hours. some women feel that if you get the drugs you aren't experiencing what it really is to be a woman but that is far from the truth. some women have different views but in the end we all are giving birth to beautiful babies. that's what matters...

msdmarie - 1047 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) i had an epidural with both my son and my daughter and they are as healthy as can be. if you have a low tolerance for pain i'd say go with it but in the end only you can make that call. not anyone here or your boyfriend. My firt delivery HURT LIKE H...it was unlike no other pain i've ever felt. i had an epidural and it still hurt like h.ll. but that was only when i had to actually start pushing. the epidural helped with the contractions up until that point. Watch the discovery health channel and see the stories of the women who have natural births. maybe that will help you decide on what you should do. there is absolutely nothing wrong with having an epidural. the feeling you'd get having a natural birth and having one with the drugs is still going to be the same when you see your new baby arrive. drug or no drug, NOTHING changes that. either way, you gotta get that baby out of you!! Whatever you decide, you'll do great!!!

Julianna - 1047 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) Tell your BF when HE gives birth he can make the decision. If you have a low pain tolerance, absolutely get the Epidural

JSue628 - 1047 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) You would be surprised how your body handles pain when you have all that adrenaline rushing through your body from the onset of labor. I think you need to go into this open minded and at least try to handle the labor as long as you can before getting drugs. Reason being, I know of a few people who got the epidural right away and pushed their baby out an hour later so really they didn't know whether they could handle the pain or not. I think giving birth is an experience in itself and something to talk about or share with your daughters someday if you have any girls. I have a very high pain tolerance and my first labor was 30 hours long and I did it naturally. My second was 16 hours long and I did it all naturally as well. The pain is not something I think about to this day, and it is ALWAYS well worth it in the end. Your bf is probably concerned over the effects medication can have on a baby but ultimately it is YOUR decision alone as to what you choose to go with. I would say at least try to deal with the pain and when it gets bad, then ask for meds but don't go into it thinking you can't do it because you are setting yourself up for automatic failure at even trying to attempt natural and thinking that way never helps. So again, try it without because you may find you don't even need meds. As for birthing classes, I did one two hour class and it didn't help me at all because the last thing on my mind during labor was "am I breathing right?" HOWEVER, I think it would do you wonders if you are already this scared about it because you can learn of techniques that might work for you but also you will hear other womens stories and see the process up close through video or diagrams and maybe you will see that it is not that bad after all!

mariettap - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) PS: My 1st time, I had an informational epi-biased class. My 2nd time, no class. I read Ina Mae's Guide to Childbirth. That's all I needed.

talks1nmaths - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I also wanted a completely natural birth with my first, and I have a very high pain tolerance... but after 8 hours of active labour I was exhausted and opted for the epi just for the sake of being able to hold out until it was time to push. Unfortunately I developed a fever and my daughter wasn't descending any further so I had to have a c-section, as I did with my son. It's your choice, not your boyfriend's-- please don't let him make your decision for you!

jinx-marcell - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I was planning on attempting a natural birth but they induced me and the contractions where so painful and so close together (I also had back labor, which makes it feel like the contractions never completely disapear) I decided I wanted an epidural but there wasn't time for one. I did it mostly natural (some IV pain relief) and made it through okay. However, whether or not your friends had a natural birth, keep in mind that this is your body and you're boyfriend shouldn't necessarily be the one making this decision.

4thonitsway - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I also have very low tolerance for pain, and I just used pain relief in IV, no epidural at all with my first 2 and honestly it wasnt too bad, depends on the med, some work better for ppl than others, in my case Stadol works the best and demerol and morphine dont. but every body is different. my 3rd child I was given morphine and it wore off too quickly so i got the epidural even tho it scared me to death. honestly my 3rd delivery had more pain than my first which I only had stadol with. and you can always tell you boyfriend what I explained to my hubby, if he can poop a watermelon with no pain meds then he could tell me natural, otherwise it was my decision

mariettap - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I just posted my 2 birth stories under my children's profiles. 2 very different experiences. Come by and read them if you like. It's a very personal choice, and driven by so many factors that change along the way during the process.

kbrooke1231 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I was induced and in labor for 6hrs before my epi. I couldn't take anymore. After my epi it was great, I even slept. My labor lasted for 16hrs before my CS. As for the classes, I didn't take any. My Dr said that they a good for people who are nervous about the hospital but that women have had babies forever without classes. I had a CS so they wouldn't have helped me anyways.

antsmom - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) My personal opinion is that it's your body and your paidn. Whatever your boyfriend would prefer, should have no bearing on your decision to medicate or not medicate with pain meds. Labor is different for everyone and if you can't physically handle it, simply ask for the epidural. There's nothing wrong with that. Good luck.

NeverPreggers - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I'm allergic to nearly every medication out there except tylenol, so I don't get to have an epidural, just for fear that I'll have a bad reaction to it. I'm afraid of the pain too, but I have to take it anyway. If you're scared, get the epidural, and to hell with anyone who makes you feel guilty for it!

FirstTimeMommyR - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) Hmmmm...if you really have a VERY low pain tolerance, I would leave yourself open to the idea of an epidural. I have a high tolerance for pain, but I really, really, really, really wanted the epidural after five hours of non-medicated labor. I admire you for desiring a natural birth, but I would just leave it open ~ you know, so you aren't disappointed in yourself if you need an epidural. See how it goes when it happens! As a side note, I personally LOVED my labor and delivery ~ it was all I ever could have wanted ~ and I went in with NO plan at all, so I think it's definitely okay to make your choices when you're really in the midst of things! Good luck :)

canadababy - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) You can do it, hiring a doula is supposed to help considerably....it all depends on how long your labour is :) I know a few women who did it without any drugs, but they had quite short labours. Do not feel bad though if you need medication, I went in with an open mind and didn't feel bad at all when I finally got my epidural!

wisfarmgirl - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I very much recommend the birth classes. You learn alot about newborn care too. My DH and I did the whole course on a Saturday instead of going for a couple of hours every week. I recommend doing it that way.

dorolyn - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I have a high tolerance for pain BUT labor pains arent a joke! They are VERY painful! I had a epi with my first son and was able the sleep the whole time. The doc had to wake me up as well to tell me to push. But with my second I felt everything! I planned on getting the epi the whole time but I was getting petocin in my IV so my contractions were very painful and close together, while in the process of getting my epi my son was born! My doc wasnt even in the room! It was over before I knew it, it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. It your decision, but once you feel those contractions youre going to be screaming for a epi! Good Luck!

xolblondieox - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I probably have the most pitiful laboring story of all. When I was expecting my twins I was in labor for 9 straight days. It was too early to deliver (according to them, like 35 weeks) so I was given drug after drug to stop my contractions. None of them worked so I said screw it and just dealt. I contracted every 2-4 minutes every single day for 9 days. They hooked me up to the contraction monitor to see how severe they really were and the little 'mountain peaks' went off the chart...EVERY 2-4 MINUTES! Ahh! They'd never seen anything like it- the utter persistence of these contractions! Well point of story being, I was not able to take any pain medications because I was not allowed to be in labor. The docs concentrated all their time stopping the contractions not stopping pain. My story should prove to you that it is absolutely possible to get through a normal labor. It hurt, bad, but I just remembered all these breathing exercises (I took like 5 lamaze classes), took a ton of hot showers and really psyched myself out because I had no other choice. If I can do it for 9 days you can do it for 1. I promise you, it's not that bad. We were born to do this, it is our blessing. Nobody ever died from being in too much pain :-)

LizetteCheree - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) oh ya i so agree with umich,i didnt go to any type of lamaze class or birthing class,but everyone kept telling me breathe in thry the mouth and out thru thr nose and i was like go to hell,i cant breathe wuth these contractions.but i was induced and didnt have any pain meds during or after labour.u can do this,realy u can.if u feel u cant then take that epidural.:-)

umich0730 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I did taking birthing classes and they were very informational. I do suggest them to first timers but as for the lamaze, it did not work for me. When the pain is that bad you could care less about breathing correctly and having someone in your face telling you to breathe.

shortielee17 - 1048 days ago Thank you all soooo much! I feel better already. Did any of you take any birthing classes??

wisfarmgirl - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) You can check out my birth story on my profile page. I had 2 mild contractions and then my water broke on its own. Then mild tolerable contractions for 2 hours, then we were off to the hospital (45 minute drive) and they got to be 2-3 minutes apart, but still tolerable. After I was at the hospital for an hour I started getting bad back labor and broke down and got an epidural. I was then pain free and relaxed and progressed very well. It wasn't until near the end of pushing that I felt tons of pressure to get the baby out, but still all very tolerable. You might consider reserving the right to get an epidural if you feel you need one, but still try for natural. That was how I went into it. Only the back labor part was intolerable. The worst part is the unknown, and once you've been though it you'll be amazed at yourself and willing to have another baby. Good luck!!

mamalvs4 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) first of all do what is comfortable for you....your boyfriend isnt the one pushing out something the size of a watermelon out something the size of a lemon, ask for a epi, they do wanders!!! However if you choose to go natural just remember, woman have babies EVERYDAY, and then they do it again and again. while i wont lie, it is uncomfortalbe, when the time actually comes you will be so focused on the job you have to do, that you wont focus on the pain, and as soon as they lay that baby on your stomach, youll forget everything about how much you love that slimly little person : LOL to tell you the truth i cant really even remember the pain, lol

happyforest - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) its not your boyfriends choice!! too bad! lol. dont be afraid to ask for the epi. i wanted natural too, but ended up being induced and the pain was unbearable!! so i got the epi and LOVED IT. i felt absolutely NO PAIN AT ALL!!! i didnt even know my baby was coming out until they let me reach down and feel his head!! and he was 9 lb 5 oz and i didnt feel anything.

Jenny309 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I thought I would try to have my baby natural as well... I was induced, and I got the epidural.. pain was too much for me. My midwife said to just put the epidural in your tool box for an option. I would suggest the epidural, I still felt the contractions but just not as much. Good luck

rosye13 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I personally don't think that your boyfriend should have any say in this. He is not going to be delivering the child. I think it should be completely your own decision. I did not deliver naturally so I can't give you an opinion on that. But I do know that I have an extremely high pain tolerance and I waited to get the epidural until my contractions were quite strong. And honestly, it was so incredibly painful I couldn't believe it. The whole reason that I waited to get the epidural is because I was curious to know what it really feels like, and when I finally got that medicine, I was begging for it. lol. But, once I got the epidural the rest was a breeze. I didn't feel a thing. A few pushes and she was here and I was up and walking around with very little pain that night. If you want, you always have the option of waiting until you are in the moment to decide. Just see how it feels to you. Just make sure you tell the doctors to tell you before you hit "the point of no return" as far as getting the drugs go. Good Luck!

umich0730 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I also had an epidural and did not feel a thing and slept for hours dialated at 10cm. My doc actually woke me up and told me it was time to push. I would not change a thing and I plan on doing the same this time around. I also planned on natural birth but as soon as those contractions hit me I begged for pain relief. It is no field trip by any means. If you can handle the pain, more power to you but do not feel bad if you need an epidural or any other drugs.

Mommyof 3 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) Everyone has fears about giving birth. I sure did, but I made it! I actually helped deliver my daughter, as soon as I pushed her head & sholders out I reached down and pulled her out right onto my chest. She immedietly wrapped her little fingers around my finger! It was amazing!! I did use pain medication and actually alot. I had to have 2 epidurals because the pain was so intense. I feel that you should do whatever you feel is right for you. They would not have the pain medication available if it was not safe for you and the baby. You are the one giving birth not your boyfriend so it is YOUR choice. Just talk to your doctor about your concerns. And yes you can do this! Otherwise woman would only have one child ever! Just do your research and do what you feel is best. Do not be ashamed if you decide to go ahead and use pain medication after deciding originally not to. Best of luck I am sure you will do great!!

babymama1989 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) I had the epidural and labour went extremely well. I dilated fast i was able to nap and just relax and be happy. Even with the epidural pushing still hurt really bad and i am a wimp! So if you have a low pain tolerance i would suggest the epi

amy2088 - 1048 days ago Rating: 0 (0 votes) If you have a low pain tolerance, i dont think you can go threw with a natural birth. I was bawling my eyes out during my contractions in the hospital, it hurt alot im going to to lye. But i got an epidual and they ALL the pain went away, i didnt feel a thing it was great. But if a Natuarl Birth is what you want then try it. People have natural births all the time, and i always hear about how better an exprience it is. I personally couldnt handle it and i have pretty high pain tolerance. Oh and i was scared about the pain as well. My whole pregnant i was so nervous about the labor part i obessed about it. But it turned out to be alot easier then i thought!!! Good luck