It doesn't get any bigger than this!
 

....Or at least I hope not. :p

Any recommendations on pain relief if I do a "natural" delivery? I'm not really terrified of an epidural, but I'd like the ladies experiences to weigh in here. The "big day" is coming up fast.
I've given the little one her eviction notice. She's got 'till the 28th to be out, or she'll be physically removed from the premises. :D

You're so pretty.
I had "natural childbirth" when I had my daughter 29 years ago....back then they didn't give anything for discomfort. She's had 3 babies and the first 2 came so quick she didn't have time for the epidural, she had natural with them. She had the epi for her 3rd...and that labor was alot easier for her. She had all 8 lb+ babies. It's whatever you want. Just remember that the discomfort and pain that you are going through quits as soon as that little one comes out and then you're just filled with joy and love.

I had my first child 19 years ago and back then they did not do epidurals for a first child. It was an awful experience. I had back labor so bad and had to push for over 2 hours. I was exhausted and didn't enjoy the experience at all. With my second child I had an epidural and was so glad. I was able to concentrate on what I was doing and able to enjoy the birth of my daughter. I still had to push just as long but because the pain was not so unbearable I was actually able to enjoy it. I would highly recommend the epidural or starting natural and having the option. Just don't let yourself get to far along before asking for one. It was not bad at all having it. God Bless you and your baby and may the experience be a Blessed one whichever way you choose to go. It is an awesome wonder!!! You should enjoy it.

You look glowing! I hope you feel that way:p
So you know your having a little girl. Any names picked
out? It will be over before you know it and you will then
have the most precious gift of all. Motherhood;)
Can't wait to see pictures.


Carol & Buddy:aimeeyork

Awwwwww what A cute belly

One of my daughters just had her third baby, natural. The pain is bearable, adrenaline will kick in to take care of it.

I can tell you from experience, that there is no greater feeling in the world, than the adrenalin rush.

I've had two kids and two epidurals. I so so so wanted to not have the epidural for the second one. We did bradley method, all that. With my first, the epidural was so strong, I could not feel my legs and I could not push.

Well, for the second one, the pain was so bad, I wimped out and had the epidural, but this is what I told the anesthesiologist. I asked for the lowest dose possible. I would totally recommend doing it this way. It was perfect. I felt no pain, but I could feel my legs still, I could push fine--in fact, I pushed my son out in 4 pushes. It wore off much more quickly after all was done, and I had a way speedier recovery than the first time around.

Whether or not you want to do it without the meds is a decision only you can make; however, if you do opt for the epidural, ask for the lowest dose. I would do it the same way again in a heartbeat.

hope this helps :)

Congratulations! I have 4 kids and had 3 epidurals and 1 spinal block. The first 3 I knew I wanted an epidural, the 4th, well I wanted one but he came so fast that there really wasn't much time, I went to 9 1/2 centimeters and the only thing that kept him in there was my water hadn't broke yet! The pain was bareable, my doctor and the nurses didn't believe that I was in labor when I got to the hospital (they were going to send me home!), when they checked me I was 7 1/2! They all apologized! I just had no desire to push him out without any drugs! lol So when the epidural guy got there, he asked if I wanted an epidural or a spinal block.....didn't know the difference, so he said that it's the same medicine in both, the spinal block only lasts 2 hours then wears off, he guessed that me being 9 1/2 already that I wouldn't be in labor that long! lol So I went with the block, my doctor broke my water and 15 min later Jaxton Avery was born, he was 1 year old yesterday:)

26 years ago, I had the epidural b/c I had an emergency c-section (after 15 hours of labor????) ...
I also thought I'd be afraid of the epi ... but by that point, they could have given me a shot in my eyeballs and pulled her out thru my nose I was in such agony ... BTW she was 8 lbs. 15 oz and today she is 105 lbs dripping wet.

Good luck .... I am sure you will do the right thing.

OMG you BRAT! You are way too beautiful:D!

I have no clue on the pain meds, but I :love: Morphine:p I dunno what they can use on pregnant women that's safe for the baby, but I had 2 c-sections, so never had to think about pain relief until after the babies were born.

You look amazing!:thumbup:

wow girl you are so cute PG :) I hope all goes well and I say get the epy I did and I did still feel it just not as bad.

I didn't have the option of an epi with my daughter (too old :D ) and it was a painful, difficult journey - one that I never repeated (I only have one daughter). I have been with her when both of my granddaughters were born and she had epis with both. BOY! What a difference. It made the whole experience so much more enjoyable for her. With her first baby, she was going to try to go natural but she had some difficulty dialating so she got the epi and promptly went to sleep because she had been in labor some time and was exhausted. With the relaxation of the nap, she dialated and the process was so much quicker and easier. She took the epi with the second baby, at the first opportunity.

It really is just up to you - you are wise to seek advice - and mine would be to get an epi - but do it the way that you are most comfortable (mentally and/or physically). I think the process will be more enjoyable with the epi - but the outcome with or without an epi, is pretty much the same!!! :)

What ever you plan, give yourself permission to take another route should you need to. You shouldn't feel pressured to do it a certain way. Pre-labor decisions have a way of changing during the actual thing, and that is OK!

I had three, and they wouldn't give me anything for pain, because they all popped out within two hours. Oh, what a relief it was, but whatever you choose once you see your baby you'll forget about any pain.

You look great! You definitely look alot better than I did when I was at your stage...my daughter was over due and I vigorously walked up and down my street trying to bring it on LOL! I was induced and 36 hours later, epidural working on one side only of my body, I was able to get her into the world without the c-sec. Looking back now, I think I would have opted for the c-sec. My body was totally worn out from 36 hours of labor for a couple weeks afterwards. I can't wait to hear of her arrival Leslie. Wishing you the best now and always!

Hmmm....my first one I said I was 'goin natural' too. After 23 hours of labor, I was in SO much pain that I begged for an epideral :( Not tryin to scare you love...just my experience and that was 20 years ago so not sure what is out there these days for "natural pain relief?" My second one was a breeze though....all they did was give me a shot for pain :D

You look adorable. Soo cute...:p . Did you go to prenatal classes? Did you learn the breathing techniques? Look it up on the internet if you didn't learn them. Basically when you feel a contraction coming on just breathe in through your nose really slow and long and breathe out through your mouth with pursed lips really slow and long until you feel like you have blowed more air out than in, all the while you are supposed to be focusing on something small and keep doing that until the contraction is over. Then as you go farther into delivery there is other breathing techniques to use too. The main thing to remember is not to loose control, because you won't get it back. Just keep breathing until the contraction is over and rest in between contractions. Another thing to remember is that you need to rest. I know that everyone is going to be excited and want to be in the room with you and if you are not in alot of pain its ok, but when labor really starts you really only need one or two people in there to keep you motivated and let the nurses be the bad guys and tell them not to let people run in and out. You will loose concentration if there is alot of traffic. Be sure to close your eyes and rest in between contractions, that will make the biggest difference. If you are more rested then you can tolerate more. And finally don't be afraid to ask for iv pain medication. You may do just fine with just the iv meds and not even need an epidural. I am hoping for a fast labor and delivery for you. Just think of the epidural as insurance if things get too bad to handle. If you go into labor naturally and progress well then I think you can do it without an epidural but if you have to be induced or augmented with pitocin then you may want to consider the epidural. You don;t have to get it right away, just see how things go, you may get to 6 cm dilated before you feel like you need it. If you do go natural don't forget to ask about the numbing medicine in your "bottom" during delivery if you feel too much pressure or burning down there. .Sorry this is so long but I just want to tell you everything I can think of to help you with your BIG day. Good luck. Keep us informed. :goodluck:

I love her...despite the kicking and twitching and pinching and......;)
 

Thanks ladies!
I appreciate all the input. Anything new or additional to know? Keep it comin'! I'm all ears. ;)

I think that I'll go ahead and have them insert the epideral and do a "walking epidural" where they give me a small dose of the medicine. And if I need more, fine or if I need a c-section last minute, then the epidural is already in place. Sounds like a good precaution to me.

So now, the big question is, what do you girls think I can do to go ahead and encourage labor to begin! lol I'm DONE being pregnant. :p She's been a great kid so far, thankfully, but man oh man is she getting heavy! AND she's brought my girth up to 42-43" and my weight up to 153! omg....

:D

So now, the big question is, what do you girls think I can do to go ahead and encourage labor to begin!



Spicy food and S-E-X (lots of sex). Also nipple stimulation causes your body to naturally produce oxytocin.....That is what make your uterus to contract. So go out for mexican and then come home for dessert...;)

I am happy to say my daughter was 2 weeks early ... and she was still 8 lbs. 15 oz. Everyone thought someone had left her in the nursery and forgot to come back ....

I did not do anything to bring it on earlier, but I wish you luck. I worked up until the day before ...

one teacher at my school broke water in the library during a faculty meeting ....

BTW, you look fantastic ....

lol, Thanks! ;)

And I LOVE your post genie! :D
Just might have to give that a shot-

Oh you poor thing :fainted:

I think there is definately truth to how pregnant women carry boys vs. girls. I carried both my boys around butt, I swear. My best friend carried her girl straight out front like a shelf, much like you :p

My first son was two weeks early. I blame the full bag of mini butterfinger bars that I bought for the trick or treaters (ya right :rolleyes: ) BUT I consumed right before bed. Woke up to an uncontrollable leak LOL Gave the kid a sugar rush I'm sure and my water broke. He was 6.5 pounds and so skinny. So I do not recommend encouraging early labor. Of course then my second son was two weeks late and that was terrible! Remember that episode of Roseanne when Jackie was freaking out about her baby being late and pulled up her shirt exposing her big pregnant belly and screamed "Roseanne! I have a 2 week old CHILD inside of me!" God I felt just like that! LOL

I wanted to send you many good wishes for a wonderful labor, delivery and first precious meeting of your very special daughter.

Congratulations on your upcoming birth and like others have said naturally can be painful but you kinda forget after the baby is in your arms.

My vote is for an epidural. I have three boys, first was 8lbs7oz and the epidural only took on one side of my body, that was not fun. My second child was 8lbs12oz and the epidural was great, he was a difficult delivery they tell me because he presented face first instead of the back of the head delivering first, he had a lot of bruising and swelling but no permanent damage. Then my last son was 8lbs15oz and the anestesiologist never showed up (i'm still looking for him) that was pretty painful but the labor was only a couple hours. Any way you'll be fine either way just do what you need to do to make it a happy time for you. Best wishes!

hee hee
 

"Then my last son was 8lbs15oz and the anestesiologist never showed up (i'm still looking for him) that was pretty painful but the labor was only a couple hours."

Windsor'smom- :sidesplt: Still never found him, huh? ;)

By the way, when I said "Natural" birth...it was just a polite way of saying Vaginal birth. TRUST ME, I don't know that I want to go the real All Natural way of doing this! lol I'm ALL FOR pain killers, but I wanted to see if anyone had any side effects, if they're babies had any issues w/ these medications being given to you and so on. And just what you all recommend based on your experience of the method you went w/. I really am due any day now and just joking and chatting w/ you all about options and what you went through has helped tremendously! Thank You so much! I'll be checking in here off and on until she arrives!

Wow! You are seriously GLOWING!!!!!!!

I'm 42/43" around and now weigh 154!
 

Still nothing. *sigh*

The weather is great out today, so I'm going to take advantage of it w/ the BRT and Yorkies and go for a nice walk. ;)

:animal36 :aimeeyork

I've decided on a "walking epidural" and if they need to do an episiotomy, I'd rather that than tear. Here's to hoping that she turns around in the right position and I don't have to have a c-section! :thumbup:

You look so cute! I looked like a whale with all mine..never cute.

new baby
 

Best wishes to you and your baby girl...I know you are ready to gitter done...!

My theory is that it is a "natural" delivery as long as you are the one having the baby (i.e. not adopting). Medications are so that the experience is pleasant for the mother and baby alike. Do what you feel comfortable and what you feel is best for you and your child?

All three of my children were natural with no pain meds. It hurt like H*ll during the process, but within a couple of hours the pain was forgotten, I was coherent and breast feeding my babes and BEST of all, my babies were never exposed to drugs their first day on earth. My first was a preemie, and my second birthing went so successfully that we both were home within 24 hours. I had my tubes tied after my daughter was born -- breast feeding didn't go as well with her, I feel certain that the surgery and meds I was given had a direct result on that. With the first two I had an episiotomy -- that wasn't fun, but I survived :)