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I'm not sure what era of hospitals you are talking about, but the majority of birthing rooms do have tubs, there are yoga balls to bounce on, and they encourage you to walk around as much as you want. Also, the majority of birthing centers today ARE in hospitals (or on the same campus) and they absolutely offer drugs. They are not allowed for ethical reasons to tell you what you should do, or what they would do. They simply offer the options. In the hospital I gave birth in, 90% of women end up choosing epidurals whether it was their birthing plan or not...so I do agree if you don't want to be tempted, go to a facility described in this article, if you can in fact find one.
posted by : stillmomschoice on 7/15/2009 at 10:12 AM Flag For Abuse
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FWIW, I gave birth in a hospital without an epidural. However I was under the care of a midwife so that probably made a difference. And my husband did an amazing job as a birth partner. It can be done! Good luck!
posted by : Lou on 7/15/2009 at 10:16 AM Flag For Abuse
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I have to agree with the first responder that the hospital information is very dated. I gave birth in a small rural hospital without a birthing center/OB ward, and was well supported in my birth plan to have no epidural and use alternative pain strategies.The key to this is to have a supportive doctor, a written birth plan submitted to the hospital prior to your entry, and a support person who knows what is going on, i.e. probably NOT your husband but someone who can advocate knowingly for what you want and what is the best course for you at that time.
posted by : Did it too on 7/15/2009 at 11:20 AM Flag For Abuse
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My advice is to find a doctor who will respect your wishes during delivery. My OB knew that I did not want an epidural, and when I asked for one anyhow during the throes of a nasty contraction, she reminded me of my pre-stated preference. I have no doubt that she would have respected my choice to get one if I had changed my mind (since she's required to...), but I was so thankful that she knew what I wanted and made sure that I remembered, too. Having a birth partner who can advocate on your behalf is also key - whether that's a husband/life partner, friend, midwife, doula, whatever.
posted by : JRP on 7/15/2009 at 11:23 AM Flag For Abuse
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I gave birth in a hospital without an epidural -- and I even know someone who gave birth w/o an epidural despite being induced! Now that is hardcore. You can do it.
It definitely helps to have a midwife, or a practitioner who is truly supportive of your plan. And for me, it was essential that no one ever asked me if I wanted the epidural. Make sure you or your partner make they clear during your intake. Also, I really psyched myself up for a natural birth for months leading up to my due date. It wasn't just a passing idea -- it was a personally meaningful goal for me, like finishing the marathon (the funny thing is, I would never run a marathon in a million years, and in all truth I've never understood the people who do!)
Be realistic in your expectations -- natural childbirth will very likely be the worst pain you've ever felt, way beyond what you can imagine. That's why those who got the epidural will say, don't fool yourself, you'll give in too. But they don't have to be right. Yes, it is more pain than you can imagine, but it's also finite. And you're built to withstand it. Barring major complications and other interventions (like induction), we're all capable of natural birth.
posted by : EmDu on 7/15/2009 at 11:27 AM Flag For Abuse
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I gave birth in a hospital, and I got an epidural, but I have to point out that the staff was supportive of other ways of laboring. They had me walk around. They offered up a birthing ball, the bars they can attach to the bed so you can squat with support, back rubs, a jacuzzi, a spa-style shower, and anything else I could think of. I went thirteen hours before they gave me Pitocin and I decided I had had enough. That's why I went with the hospital I went with: they did everything they could before offering medication, but it was still a choice. I was also very nervous about the possibility of complications, and having help right there eased my mind. You can definitely give birth without an epidural in a hospital, but tour your hospital first, and ask what their policies are, and what other coping mechanisms are available. Some hospitals are more pushy than others. Good luck!
posted by : coolteamblt on 7/15/2009 at 12:20 PM Flag For Abuse
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I too feel that the answer had very dated information on hospitals - either that, or the one I birthed in wasn't the norm. We were well equipped (knowledge wise) about what we had there physically for labor, as well as the options for pain relief if we so choose.
The one interesting thing that I was fairly glad I knew about ahead of time: that particular hospital used ONE release form for all types of anesthesia, from a local used to numb your hand for an IV all the way up through being put out for an emergency C section. Due to a pre-existing skeletal issue that caused me to be a bit of a potential C section candidate, I signed that sucker upon check in (why tempt fate?).
posted by : PlumbLucky on 7/15/2009 at 12:26 PM Flag For Abuse
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I've had two hospital births, no epidural with either one. It can be done.
posted by : kd on 7/15/2009 at 12:30 PM Flag For Abuse
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I think it all depends on where you are and the hospital you are at. I had planned to have a natural childbirth, but the hospital was NOT conducive to this. They had none of the amenities you all mentioned at either hospital I could deliver at. There are no "birthing centers" that I could find in my area. I did end up getting the epidural. I was constantly told to get back in bed on my back so they could check me, told I had to get out of the shower, and given pitocin because they felt things were to slow. So I got the epidural. I hope next time I have the experience some of you ladies did.
posted by : licia on 7/15/2009 at 12:56 PM Flag For Abuse
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I totally disagree that this information in this article is "dated." Instead, I think it is very regional- some areas have hospitals with a more modern and labor-friendly facilities, others are way behind the times and basically force you (via lack of options) to comply with their protocols. And hospital choice in a small city like mine does not exist- we have one OB hospital for a 5 county area. Even provider choice is a joke here- we have a horrible shortage of OBs and many times you just get whoever is accepting patients- no matter what their "philosophy."
That said, even in our totally 1960's hospital with no tub, no balls, IV mandatory, birth attitudes that went out with Reagan- I still have some friends that birthed there without epidurals. They all had fast, uncomplicated labors, mind you- but it can be done even in a fairly dysfunctional environment. As for me- I hedged my bets and went to our new birth center that has intentionally no connection to our hospital. I had a very challenging, very long birth (36hrs!) without an epidural- and a huge healthy baby and a very rapid easy recovery.
posted by : BigWesternStates on 7/15/2009 at 1:08 PM Flag For Abuse
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I had an awesome unmedicated birth at a hospital...I had an amazing doula though and stayed home until I was deep into active labor. Do your research - if you want a natural birth don't sashay (okay - it's hard to sashay when you're 40 weeks ;)) into the hospital unprepared expecting that you can push through it. It's like training for a marathon. Read up, go to prenatal yoga regularly, visit a chiropractor to get everything in line, indulge in some mayan abdominal massage, and make sure you have adequate birth support. It's transformational and you and your baby are worth it!!
posted by : rock star momma on 7/15/2009 at 2:48 PM Flag For Abuse
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I had my children in the same college town, Midwestern hospital and was able to do it without an epidural. There is actually a popular birthing center in a neighboring town just 30 minutes away but I opted for my local hospital because, well, it's 5 minutes away, and because I have friends who were able to birth naturally there. I was able to labor in the bath, on a birthing ball, and I walked around the hospital halls during labor.
My advice is to have a birth plan and stick to it. I gave my birth plan to my doctor and nurses ahead of time, and with both kids I found the nurses followed it carefully, often reminding me of things I had requested that in the process of labor I had forgotten about! I know not all hospitals are like this. I think you just need to be strong about what you want from the beginning--talk to your doctor early on about your wishes and you'll get a sense whether or not that doctor and hospital will suit your needs.
posted by : ksmomma on 7/15/2009 at 2:56 PM Flag For Abuse
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Don't want a medicated birth? Then steer clear of O.B.s, period.
posted by : Wynter08 on 7/15/2009 at 2:57 PM Flag For Abuse
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My hospital delivery went quite smooth with no medication whatsoever. I used a birthing ball, walked the hallways, and although my husband had to shoo away nurses who were ready to call in the drugs, it went pretty well. I labored for 31 hours naturally and in the end, got a healthy baby boy.
My doctor was completely aware of my birth plan and while I knew he didn't think I could do it, was more than willing to let me try to 'do it on my own.'
My hospital, Anne Arundle Medical Center (which I reccomend to any Maryland Mother) was really fabulous during the whole proccess.
Non medicated natural labor, can be done in a hospital. :)
posted by : xMaureenx on 7/15/2009 at 3:02 PM Flag For Abuse
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Wynter08...are you suggesting that women do not get pre natal care so that they can labor naturally?
Steering clear of OB's is not sound advice...ridiculous actually. Seeing an OB does not mean you are unable to have an unmedicated birth.
posted by : anon on 7/15/2009 at 3:24 PM Flag For Abuse
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I totally disagree with the tone of this article. Our hospital has birthing balls, hot tubs, rocking chairs - all in private suites. When I arrived in labor with my first daughter, totallly set on a Bradley birth, the nurses were 100% kind and supportive. As my labor progressed and then stalled, they continued to be supportive of my choices. I did choose an epidural after 8 hours of 2minute contractions (that got nowhere - baby was stuck), and when I did make that choice, they were supportive and kind about it, too. Most importantly, when it came to the point that we needed to have a c-section or risk the safe arrival of my daughter, it only took about 5 minutes to get to the operating room. Hospitals are safe, effective, and many of the nurses (let's face it, they're the ones who are helping you through labor, not your ob/gyn) are amazing. Don't write them off.
posted by : jessicamama on 7/15/2009 at 3:24 PM Flag For Abuse
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I have two kids, both were unmedicated hospital births. The first time, five years ago, the nurse insisted that it was hospital policy that I had to have a hep-lock in place, "so that it is easier for us to give you medicine when you change your mind", that I had to have the external fetal monitor in place for 20 minutes out of every hour, and that I must remain in bed during the monitoring times. I refused the hep-lock, pulled the fetal monitor off after 10 agonizing minutes in bed, went into the bathroom and spent a blissful 2 hours in the shower, only coming out when I knew it was time to push. When that nurse came to check on me, and yell at me for defying her orders, I growled at her and told her to leave. A new nurse came and respected my wishes entirely, never even mentioning medicine.
The second birth, 3 years ago, was glorious. There were no needles, only a couple of minutes of monitoring on a hand-held machine while I was standing, and everyone respected my wishes.
Both labors ocurred at the same hospital, less than 2 years apart. If you know you want an unmedicated hospital birth, stick with your decision and demand appropriate behavior from your health care providers.
posted by : 2kids on 7/15/2009 at 3:54 PM Flag For Abuse
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Four babies, zero epidurals. Epidurals were seen as last resort by everyone up and down the chain of command at the conventional hospital where I delivered. Every nurse and midwife I saw encouraged hot showers, hot towels, birthing ball, walks around the hallway, et cetera and did not even breathe the word "epidural." I asked about it with my first and they said I was doing so great (ha) that maybe if I stuck it out just a bit longer I wouldn't need one. They were right. I guess hospitals are quite variable at least according to this post and the comments. FWIW, the hospital where I delivered has a relatively low c-section rate.
posted by : ceecee on 7/15/2009 at 4:00 PM Flag For Abuse
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@anon: I don't think that's what Wynter08 was intending to suggest. One can get excellent (some would argue the best) pre-natal care from midwives.
I had my babies in the UK where this is the norm (no one would ever see an OB unless there was a serious problem with her pregnancy). Midwives are considered to be the experts at child birth.
I had two entirely natural deliveries at birth centres (where, for the record, no drugs were available). There was no IV, no suggestion that I take anything to speed up what was a long-ish, but perfectly normal low-risk delivery, and no electrical fetal monitoring. I walked A LOT, was fed endless amounts of toast and could have brought any food and drink I wanted, used the bath tub, birthing ball, birthing stool, massage, rocking chairs, aromatherapy, a TENS machine and the birthing pool (where my second child was born). My first labour was 32 hours, 17 of it spent in the centre and the second labour was 12 hours, about 2 of it spent in the centre. I think it's fair to say my birth plan was, for the most part, respected.
I give this kind of detail because I think it's really important that the woman posing the original question realizes that just because labour can be fairly long, it doesn't mean that anything is wrong or that any kind of intervention is necessary. Being allowed to labour without unnecessary interference is the best way to avoid an epidural. I would strongly second rock star mama's recommendation of being as prepared as possible. Read Peggy Vincent's 'The Baby Catcher' for example.
I know people who have had hospital deliveries without epidurals, but it seems like it's a lot of work to make it happen. (That's energy I personally would rather expend on delivering my child!)
From reading the comments, it's clear that there is a huge amount of variation regarding what's on offer at hospitals and that many hospitals are now following the birth centre model, with the exception of having drugs available. My bet would be, though, that births managed by midwives have a lower rate of epidural uptake than births managed by doctors. Does anyone have any statistics on this?
posted by : Voice of Reason on 7/15/2009 at 4:12 PM Flag For Abuse
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Bottom line, epidural = another charge.
I've had 6 kids without epidurals. I had them in hospitals with "normal" nurses and doctors. I didn't do all that think of something positive crap.
Everyone has a threshold for pain. Let me tell you, that crap hurts beyond anything any of us can describe.
If a nurse offers drugs, YOU still have a choice of saying yes or no. Nobody holds a gun to your head (although you wish they were to put you out of your misery, lol).
Ive had my kids in the U.S. and in Europe. There were balls and all that other stuff to "help with the pain. But I was too pissed to have anyone suggest anything all 6 times.
With my oldest, Mesa-13, I thought I was going to die. I wanted an epidural. What had happen; I was in labor for a long time and didn't realize it. I thought I was just in general discomfort. By the time I was in the hospital asking for anything, I was too far along for them to give me anything, they said. I cursed them out.
Looking back on all my deliveries, after me cursing people out, they would ask if I wanted drugs. I wasn't offended that "oh my gosh, how could you ask me such a horrid thing!". I was more offended that they were talking to me. If you're not pulling the baby out, get out of my face. Husband too!
Drugs are a choice. Sometimes, women are so dramatic with their labor that a nurse doesn't know what to do. I've seen women with the balls and tubs, and STILL get an epidural when a nurse asked. They couldn't take it anymore.
Labor is just that, labor. Not everyone can put in the elbow grease. Some women don't want to be worn out once their baby is born. Some women go for c-sections. Some women have the kid at home. Whatever reason, we make our choices. and hell, we have a million and one hormones popping through us at the moment of conception. Who knows what we really want half the time. So forgive the nurses for asking if you want to be put out of what seems like your misery.
posted by : Zicea Becks on 7/15/2009 at 6:38 PM Flag For Abuse
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>Labor is just that, labor. Not everyone can put in the elbow grease. Some women don't want to be worn out once their baby is born. Some women go for c-sections. Some women have the kid at home. Whatever reason, we make our choices. and hell, we have a million and one hormones popping through us at the moment of conception. Who knows what we really want half the time. So forgive the nurses for asking if you want to be put out of what seems like your misery.
Thank you for posting this. I had an epidural with the birth of my son, and I do not regret it. Not after 20-odd hours of labor and nearly four hours of pushing. I did not have any less of an authentic birth experience than someone who did not receive an epidural. Nor should anyone believe it makes their labor experience a failure if they set out to go drug-free and change their minds mid-way.
posted by : Sammie on 7/15/2009 at 6:49 PM Flag For Abuse
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Sammie, thank you. That is basically what happened to me as well, and I do get tired of hearing how my birth experience wasn't real or authentic. I did hope to have a drug-free birth, but that's just ultimately not what happened. However, I have a gorgeous, healthy baby, and that's all that matters.
posted by : Alice on 7/15/2009 at 7:50 PM Flag For Abuse
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I'm envious reading all your posts of supportive hospitals with such wonderful nurses that encourage non-medicated births. In my home state of Illinois, freestanding birthing centers are ILLEGAL and midwife licensure regulations are so messed up that getting an insurance-covered, safe homebirth is next to impossible. My hospital (widely regarded as the best in the area) pushed Pitocin from the start even though I was already in active labor, insisted on the monitor at all times, forbade getting up out of bed except to go to the bathroom. I guess I could have fought harder for my rights and resisted these interventions, but I was in labor and basically just defaulted to the doctors. So, rather than fault the author for "antiquated" or "inaccurate" descriptions of hospitals, let's just accept that every birth and every facility is different, and what really matters is that we have healthy babies.
posted by : IL stinks on 7/15/2009 at 8:06 PM Flag For Abuse
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I may be the only woman on the planet who labored for 12 hours (with petocin) for my second child and INSISTED that they give me an epidural after 10cm dilated....yes, I did say 10cm. The epidural did absolutely nothing physically, but it did give me the strength and mental focus to push my daughter out after I hit my mental wall. (I also opted for an epidural with my 1st child after laboring for 15 hours and dilating only 2cm). I took both births moment to moment and tried to be flexible with my decisions based on what I was feeling and thought I needed at the time....two beautiful, healthy children. The hospital staff was encouraging and supportive during both births, and tried to explain options but made me feel that I was in control of the situation.
posted by : happywith2births on 7/15/2009 at 8:23 PM Flag For Abuse
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Wow, IL...I am from Chicago and shudder to think how my birthing experience would have been different had I not moved away. I really, really value my home birth experience as highly empowering. Probably one of the top experiences of my life, if not THE top.
I, too, have heard more along the lines of hospitals being less than supportive of normal birth with interventions only when truly medically indicated than not. I live in a major metropolitan area that has higher than national income levels and wonder if, perhaps, it is the urban/metropolitan or high-income areas that tend toward more unnecessary interventions and have higher C-section rates. Hospitals in my area have around 30% or more in some cases....clearly indicating a problem with interventions.
All that said, I remember when planning my birth, thinking, if I had to transfer and they give me pitocin (after me definitely demanding informed consent), all bets are off and I would likely ask for the epidural! Glad I had the skilled support of a great midwife and doula so I didn't have to go through any of that.
posted by : GP on 7/16/2009 at 7:25 AM Flag For Abuse
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I have to disagree with those who think this hospital information is outdated. The hospital where I gave birth - in the DC area - had just undergone extensive renovations and did not offer a tub, balls, or other alternate pain management strategies. While I do hope more hospitals are providing women with the options to help them have a non-medicated birth, I highly doubt that is the current norm.
I do agree that one of the best things you can to do avoid an epidural is to find a supportive doctor or midwife who will help you achieve your goal of a natural/non-medicated birth. I went in to my birth with that goal; however, I didn't have a natural birth. While my husband was very supportive and tried to help me avoid an epidural, next time I'm getting a doula!
If you need inspiration, my friend gave birth to healthy twin boys (both 6+lbs) on April 1, NATURALLY in a hospital!! She's my inspiration for knowing that it can be done. She knew from the beginning that she wanted a natural birth and sought out a doctor who would help her achieve her goal (he's the only one in the DC area that does this due to malpractice issues). She also had two doulas and a supportive husband helping her through her labor. Amazing!
posted by : happyhuff on 7/16/2009 at 9:19 AM Flag For Abuse
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yep, I am DC area too...and I know of that doc...he's very well-respected and known for his approach...we need more like him
posted by : GP on 7/16/2009 at 9:25 AM Flag For Abuse
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GP - interesting question about higher-income areas having higher C-section rates. One thing that messes up these stats is that, in higher-income areas, there is a tendency to have women giving birth at an older age, which on average results in more difficulties and thus more interventions. On the flip-side, in higher-income areas there tend to be more home births, because women have the time/means to seek out this option.
Also, I truly believe that we need to do something to protect MD's from frivolous lawsuits. This is really what is causing the extreme caution and "need" for more interventions. OB's get sued more than any other profession, mostly because birth is so unpredictable.
posted by : Laure68 on 7/16/2009 at 12:39 PM Flag For Abuse
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I gave birth to twins in the hospital with no drugs and then again to a singleton two years later again with no drugs. I was very clear with my doctor from the very beginning about my feelings on the topic. They warned me that if something went wrong they would have to put me under completely and my hubby would not be there. I figured if thirteen year old girls can do it all by themselves in a bathroom I could certainly do it with the support of my husband and mom! I believe it was the best thing for me and my kids. However I believe it is a very personal choice and what worked for me may not work for everyone.
posted by : momof4 on 7/16/2009 at 6:31 PM Flag For Abuse
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I've had two unmedicated hospital births. One was a back-labor twin birth in a top-notch but not natural-birth-friendly hospital. Having a doula was key for me. If I hadn't had someone who knew how to address my pain RIGHT THAT MINUTE, I probably would have requested the epidural. Of course, it's a hefty financial cost, but I don't see any other way.
posted by : Loonanj on 7/17/2009 at 3:08 PM Flag For Abuse
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I had two natural hospital births and I had no epidural. They were actually easy because I used Hypnobabies and they were almost completely pain-free. My doctor and the two nurses said they had never seen a delivery as calm and relaxed as mine. They were very impressed and I was able to give birth naturally without screaming. The nurses asked me several times if I wanted an epidural and then I asked them to stop and they did. They saw that I was actually doing it without drugs and without pain and left me alone. I even pushed my babies out without episiotomies, since I learned in my hypnosis course how to push their heads out in between contractions. Good hospital experiences and no epidural.
posted by : Momoftoo on 8/4/2009 at 4:35 PM Flag For Abuse
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I gave birth in hospitals to all four of my children with no epidurals. No one ever tried to make me get an epidural. I considered getting one with my third child but by the time I decided I might try it , it was too late. I did have episiotomies. I was afraid to get the episiotomy at first, but after pushing for 2 hours with my first child and then getting the episiotomy and then delivering almost immediately, I did not really mind getting them after that. (I wondered to myself why they did not do it sooner) I would say the birthing process was uncomfortable but it was nice having a monitor that my husband could watch during each contraction and tell me when they had reached their peak so I knew the pain would be decreasing for the rest of the contraction. I also liked it when he rubbed my forehead during each contraction. It seemed to help me relax and get through it. However you do it, I recommend you watch the baby come out if they provide a mirror for you to look in. I didn't realize I could watch it it with my first but the nurse told me to watch and it was truly amazing and it made any discomfort/pain I had gone through worth it. Also everyone and every birth is different. If you go in there not wanting an epidural but end up needing one, don't feel guilty. Good luck!
posted by : no epidural mom on 8/17/2009 at 4:42 PM Flag For Abuse
