How do you do it?
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2996
Printed Date: 06 September 2025 at 7:11pm
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Topic: How do you do it?
Posted By: Kelpa
Subject: How do you do it?
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 1:31pm
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I really take my hat off to Mums who give birth naturally without any pain relief or meds?Especially first time MUMS and MUMS that do it three times over!!! How do you do it? Is it a mind thing?
I would love to be able to say I had a 10 hour Labour with no Pain Relief but I just dont know that I could. I really dont want and EPI again tho but not so sure about the other options as Pethidine makes me sick and Gas does not seem very strong! -------------  
 
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Replies:
Posted By: Alan & Bubbles Mummy
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 1:40pm
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I wonder the samething course in saying that I am planning a homebirth this time round with no pain relief. For me I think it does have alot to do with a mind set the whole "if I believe I can then I can" However if at anytime it gets too much I will be going to the hospital and having the drug's it is always an option.
I guess it is a case of doing what work's for you not all of us are the same and we need to do what we feel is best for us and our families.  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
[url=http://lilypie.com]  [/url
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Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 1:55pm
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why are you worried about having an epi again? I had one first time round and personally dont care, if anyone thinks Im a wimp then too bad. I still felt some pain and did the whole labour thing and couldnt stop throwing up cos of the pain, after the epi I actually enjoyed the experience and have told my midwife to get it ready this time too (especially if I have to have that syntosin stuff which is highly likely)
My friend used pethadine and was ok with it but me and my midwife arent keen on it and like you the gas did nothing for me. Not sure of any other options for later in the labour sorry, maybe breathing techniques? |
Posted By: lenabeanz
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 2:17pm
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Well I had all 3 :
Gas - Made me all wheezy and the room started spinning and I couldnt make out what people were saying or where in the room they were (I had my eyes shut as I was scared if I opened them I would flake out!) Pethadine - Made me throw up yucky green stuff, also made me majorly DEHYDRATED! Yuk Epidural - I had a contraction when the guy was putting the needle in my back, ended up going into my spinal space causing an epidural headache... So I had all 3 and hated all of them!! But with #2 I will probably have an Epi if I needed one, just will make sure that I am not having a contraction while they are doing it!!! ------------- http://www.snugglepie.com"> 
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 2:22pm
| I had gas and pethidine with jake, and just gas with Taine. For me, it was less of a "mind-set", and more than my labours were really quicvk which left no time for an epi even if I wanted one. I never really thought about what i would and would'nt have. i had said to my midwife that I would decide at the time - whatever was necessary was okay. |
Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 2:32pm
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I've had two drug free births, and hope to do the same again. I don't know that it is particularly a "mind set" that you need, but having a fairly high pain threashold (sp?) seemed to help me. I am not against having pain relief, but wanted to see how well I would go first. I don't like the gas, it makes my head spin and makes me feel out of control... but if I got/get to a point when a shot of pethadine would help (as it did for my Mum when having my sister) then that's fine.
Umm... as far as pain relief goes, the hot water helped! I had water births in a spa bath both times. Breathing with the contraction helps, and listening to your body. Being upright seems to make a difference... I delivered Kiya squatting, with my midwife supporting my upper body with her hands under my arms. I delivered Josiah kneeling, leaning on the end of the bath, and if I can this time that's the position I'll choose again. ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 2:38pm
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I had a drug free birth with Andrew and I really didn't think it was painful, there was a buring sensation (sorry TMI) when his head and sholders came out but that was all. I did have a shot of Peth at 6pm but that was to relax me and help me go to sleep so we could try again tomorrow. (I was induced and it didn't work). At 9pm my waters broke and it was full swing (7cm in 45 minutes), by that stage I wanted more drugs but wasn't allowed them as I was so far on and the peth had worn off by 10pm. I thing it is mindset. Go into the birth with the attitude of I don't need pain relief I can do this and think positive. I am going to try with no drugs again with this one (so long as it is only 1). ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: mum2emj
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 3:27pm
| i had a drug free second birth, which is what i really wanted for my first too, but due to circumstances was unable..... anyway, for me it was just focus and breathing, moving into comfy positions.... a nice bath..mmm.... it was only while in transition, not knowing it at the time.... that i was thinking... hmmm i dont know how much more i can take, but than i found out i was ready to push! i am hoping for another drug free birth this time, but like i did with both other births will go in with an open mind. |
Posted By: k&jsmum
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 4:11pm
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I had a pretty much drug free birth with the boys - only one small puff of the gas then threw up every where so didnt want that near me.
It wasnt that I didnt want drugs as I desprately wanted an epi but there was no time. I have always been scared of labour and when was told would most likely have a c section was wrapped (such a wimp lol) but Im glad had them naturally without drugs and it had changed my mind for if I ever hav another bub I would want it as natural and drugfree as possible if I could - even a home birth!!!. Mainly because I know I can cope and I felt so fantastic afterwards. Was up and about as soon as I was allowed. Infact would have been up as soon as it was over had I not been made to stay in bed for an hour on a drip ------------- Marlene Keegan ~ 14 October 2003 Jaidyn ~ 14 October 2003 |
Posted By: Kazzle
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 5:09pm
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I had a drug free birth up until i needed the c section.
for me it was just a matter of concentrating on my breathing to get through the pain, and while it was painful, its not as painful as having gallstones. My midwife had me practising mediations before the birth just to help me focus. im positive that if you want a drug free birth then thats what you will have ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: meow
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 8:38pm
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I had gas and air and yes the room does spin at first but only for a few seconds.
I found it really helped with the contractions, I didn't want to give it up to push lol.. I had a drug free birth (don't consider gas a drug really) as I was at home most of my labour, I used hot water bottles and heat packs.. got to hospital and was 8cm dialated so didn't have the choice of an epi, which I didn't want anyway.. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: mum2paris
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 8:43pm
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I can agree with Becca, hot water helps - i had two drug-free births too.
but also i just remembered to BREATHE, like all the other ladies said. now i don't mean none of that crap lamaze he he ho he he ho stuff, but really breathing properly, in really deeply, and out again, i remember reading something about breathing like a fire-breathing dragon and it works, like pushing all the pain out with each breath, slowly and deeply... eyes closed, and not focused on the pain but on the breathing, if you focus enough you kinda get into a trance, and yep it still HURT HURT HURTS!!! but you can get through it. I do remember it getting intense with Paris but it all built up slowly, ayja was out of control and i was in no way calm nor quiet, i now get what they mean when they say the URGE to push, it's horrible and hard to fight, never got that with paris... still, short births, - over quickly - if i had a 10 hour labour i would probably give in and have druggggsssss ------------- Janine and her 2 cool chicks, Paris & Ayja 
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 8:51pm
I'd like to try drug free if I have another one (I don't count gas  ). I had pethidine and gas with Hannah and while it was still painful as hell, I think I could manage the next time being more aware of other techniques etc.
I'd like to stay at home as long as possible and use the bath. But yeah, I admire you ladies who have done it time and time again! I haven't forgotten that I said I'd never do it again! hehehe 
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 10:12pm
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i had a 24 hour drug free labour.....but it was NOT by choice!
i laboured the majority of my labour at Bethany centre (where i stayed during pregnancy) i "coped" with the pain by having spa baths and terrorising my mum and mate (my labour partners)...my friend actually hid from me at one stage.Cow. Finally i thought feck this, off to the hospital and my dear friend epidural i go, on the way i had the urge to push, but wisely kept my mouth shut (i was in so much pain i couldnt actually talk) cos my mum wouldve panicked and driven the car off the road
When we got to the hospital my mw told me the anesthesist would be another 20mins, i was not impressed, then cos i was bored and thought id add to the drama i said i needed to push and she took me seriously (fool)and checked me and oh goody i was fully dilated, and oh joy and rapture i said good bye to my friend anaesthesia and pushed that baby out (took only 45mins so not too bad) Straight after i said id never ever do it naturally (however i also said id never have er, intercourse again too) now id love to do it naturally again one day, preferably at home, apparently hot/cold packs pressed against that region in labour are good. But i also say, they have drugs for a reason and if there available to be used....use them if you want. I am yet to recieve my medal for doing it wthout drugs....cos we ALL deserve medals....no matter how u do it, epi,c-section, naturally standing on ur head (u really deserve one for that lol) we are all bringing amazing human beings into this world and for that...we are all super heroes. thankyou, novel over 
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Posted By: Kelpa
Date Posted: 28 June 2006 at 10:29pm
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I still think you are all amazing.
I am trying very hard to think positively about it all and then maybe I can do it!!!! I dont want the EPI again because it took so long to get in hunched on the edge of the bed trying to not move and it hurt so much and my left side was numb for ages afterwards and my left leg would not work properly either. Plus that needle gives me the creeps! And i could not stand that cold feeling when they topped it up! Ewww. I know I am probably such a wimp. -------------
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Posted By: preggy_sunflower
Date Posted: 29 June 2006 at 5:58am
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I had a drug free labour for 18 hours, and was given an epidural when it was clear labour wasn't progressing too well and I was just so exhausted. And I tell you what, I wanted to marry the anaesthetist!! Go the drugs I say. There are no medals handed out for doing it without help, but then maybe a great sense of achievement makes up for the pain. I would have been happy if Joshie had come without me needing the drugs or the c-section, but if I was to have another baby I will be getting the epidural as soon as the contractions start!!! ------------- Joshua Hadynn - Born 3 May 2006 |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 29 June 2006 at 9:23pm
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i always said next baby im starting on the epidural the minute i know im pregnant...
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Posted By: k&jsmum
Date Posted: 29 June 2006 at 11:06pm
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When my specialist bought the anaesthetist in to ontorduce us I made him promise to give me the epi when he caame back.... I mean I had hold of his hand and everything. I really didnt want to let him got lol. Ended up calling my specialist a lier once I realised i wasnt get the epi!!! Bloody man doctor what the heck does he know!!! ------------- Marlene Keegan ~ 14 October 2003 Jaidyn ~ 14 October 2003 |
Posted By: Xander&Harmony
Date Posted: 30 June 2006 at 12:03am
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my epi with xander was sooo hasslefree and the doc said i was the easiest person to give one to as my tattoo has 2 dots down the bottom and the injection site was slap bang in the middle of the 2 dots lol. When i got to the delivery room wiv harms i jokingly said to m/w "so i guess and epi is outta the question then?" considering i was already 8cm dilated when i arrived lmao i had a pain relief free birth wth her and was great(i must sound nutty) but it was tho,it was all over really quickly(2hrs 44mins from wo to go wiv harms) compared to xanders(18.5 hrs from wo to go) ------------- BECS http://www.sparklee.com"> 
Angel Baby 10/07/09 (10wks4days) |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 30 June 2006 at 8:36am
| I must say while the gas made me feel a little weird, it really helped me concentrate on my breathing which is a distraction (realy). Maybe just breathing through a mask would help next time (assuming there is a next time - starting to like the idea of just two kids) |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 30 June 2006 at 12:49pm
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I say bring on the drugs! I am allergic to pethadine and teh gas made me nauseous, so after 36 hours of contractions I had the epi, and now I have no idea why anyone wouldn't want one! Will most likely have a c-sect with the twins under epi, but if by some slim chance I do labour, I will be asking for the epi again! -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: 98765
Date Posted: 30 June 2006 at 2:24pm
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If u have ever tried nos and liked it u will like the gas cos its the same thing it does nothing for the pain but it put me in a happier mood and made it easier to cope. I think i was lucky cos it wasn't too painful until i got to 9 cms and i didn't beleive i was really in labour til i was checked and i was 8 cm. I can reccommend ice packs for your tum and back and being alone really helped me. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
www.jackkeith.blogspot.com |
Posted By: k&jsmum
Date Posted: 30 June 2006 at 9:34pm
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I just so couldnt do the gas. I honestly puked my guts out and I am not a vomitter by nature. I couldnt even have the thing in my mouth so the midwife changed it to a mask and still cauldnt handle that near me ------------- Marlene Keegan ~ 14 October 2003 Jaidyn ~ 14 October 2003 |