I had my first son natural by choice -- went to all the Lamaze classes and was hyped for doing it drug free. After 24 hours in labor I said screw the natural stuff, I want drugs. Of course it was too late and they could not give me any. Second and third time I made sure the doc and anyone who would listen knew I wanted an epidural. My sisters told me how great they were -- they actually got to be more attentive to the actual birth because they were not fighting the pain as much. But 2nd and 3rd time they told me -- too late again. I think it was a trick. Sure after everything is over, you feel great. the arenaline rush kept me shaking for over an hour. I would not trade the childbirth experience for anything in the world, but see no reason to do it completely drug free when they have the right stuff and it does not harm the baby. |