I know this is an older video but still, it helped me! I'm 20 weeks with my first and I can't figure out if I'm more anxious of the pain of natural birth or of the epidural 😂 But your advice of "see how it goes and if you are suffering, go for it and don't shame yourself" is just what I needed to hear.
If you remove your fear and look up videos on how to relax during labor you can do it unmedicated. If you talk to yourself like “we shall see IF I can” you wont do it. Just because you programmed yourself this way. Your body is perfectly designed and can do amazing things. Labor is one of them. Don’t be afraid. Labor pain is like running a marathon. It starts small and naturally progresses gradually letting you get ready for the next stage physically and mentally. Just don’t let them push pitocin on you for no reason. God bless ❤️
Pregnant with #4 and due any day now, previous births were all with epidural and I loved it, I enjoyed watching my babies being born and being pain free at the moment, I felt all the pressure of the baby passing through but it was painless. I always say I thank God for those doctors who came up with epidural and made women feel better and fearless. There’s no one to impress with unmediated birth or home birth or any other way, every woman is a hero giving a life to a tiny human, it’s a choice each woman makes if she wants to scream from pain or be pain free and enjoy the birth of your precious child. Each labor is a natural thing and it was given to each woman to experience but we are the ones who chose to have it medicated or not medicated and that’s the only difference.
I think those of us who do it unmedicated are not trying to impress anybody, that will just be a natural result of our choices, we do it because we trust our body’s design, we do it because we don’t want drugs pumped into our bodies with our babies still inside, we even do it because we want the whole natural experience.
I totally agree-- due with baby #5 in 2 months and the most memorable and peaceful labor was the one when the epidural worked fully! My non medicated delivery one was super traumatic!
I was going to have an unmedicated labor because not being able to walk felt scary, so I didn’t want an epidural. But then once I went into labor, I couldn’t have walked anyway. I was shaking with pain and had no energy to walk so the epidural was right for me and I’m so thankful I did it!
Currently 7 weeks pregnant with my second and omg, the wave of emotion that overcame me when I saw Juliet home with you.... big old tears. My first was in the NICU and I remember how amazing it was to finally bring him home. So beyond happy for you guys ❤
I just got to 36 wks and I can't tell you how much your videos have helped me. I'm 42 and she is my first child. The information you provide is so unique and detailed. I absolutely love how you break everything down in your own words and experiences. Thank you so much for everything
Thank you for your kind words in the end of this video! I had an intention/preparation to go unmedicated and, after my water had been broken for 48 hours and I was only 5cm, I was exhausted, falling asleep between intense contraction, and opted for the epidural. It has been challenging to accept the way it went when I had my heart set on a different way, but I like your perspective that there is no shame and instead we can be thankful for healthy babies! Thank you
Wow, I just gotta say wow, this is such a wonderful example of non judgmental mothering and women supporting women in all of their diverse choices, you are what is right about the internet, thank you for your honest, helpful words 🙏
I'm still processing and accepting my birth experience. I went in expecting an unmedicated birth and ended up with both an epidural and a cesarean. Thank you for your healing words. Watching the end of this video, I felt you holding me and telling me it IS ok! 🧡
I can't accept mine yet, 7 years later every time I remember I just cry. This don't let me have more babies. Sometimes I think I will like to have another one but then this memory come back to hunting me again and again then I just keep telling myself that with one is ok.
Thank you for keeping an open mind and heart to what is best for each pregnancy and stage in your life. I've had seven pregnancies and have six children, so I've experienced it all, I feel. The point is to deliver a healthy child, and you survive to be the best mom you can be-hats off to you and congratulations.
omg when you said you prepared so much..and it "didn't work for me" LOL I was like YES THAT'S THE DAMN TRUTH. OMG I did Hypnobirthing, I had a birthing pool, a playlist, candles, prayer affirmation flags, I watched endless natural birth videos for legit 42 weeks straight. I planned for a home water birth- and had a home on land birth..he was 7 pounds 10 oz. I went into labor at 1am on September 20th and labored alone with my husband in and out of the birthing tub for 13 hours until my midwife arrived. She checked me as soon as she arrived and I was at 10cm dilated and fully effaced. I couldn't believe that I had gone through transition alone without the midwife. Everyone had said that transition was the hardest part- and that the pushing phase was a "relief." Because I was at 10cm, she said I was ready to go- but that my water had not broken. So we waited for another 2 hours for it to break, but it didn't- so they broke it for me. By 4pm I started pushing, and he was born at 6:35pm. MAY I JUST SAY, the pushing phase was THE WORST part of the entire thing. Feeling my vagina stretch and inevitably tear as his head was coming out, was LEGIT INSANE. Most intense pain of my entire existence- like I did not know pain like that was actually possible. SO thank you for your awesome honest videos..and sorry if this was TMI.. but I had to share!
Agreed! I don't even remember the pain of the contractions, but the pain of pushing my son out.... unmatched. I actually laboured at home alone for 7 hours before my husband got home, took me to my midwife appointment, found out I was 9cm, drove to the hospital, and pushed for almost 2 hours. I always hear that you forget the pain, but I haven't, and now I'm pregnant with twins! I will most definitely be getting an epidural (at least that's the plan).
Thank you so much for your honest comment... I’m 8 weeks 3 days and wanted to try for a natural but as I read your comment I was thinking about the pain and I think I just decided to get an epidural😂😂😂😂 I think I could do it but do I want to go through the pain? I dont think so😭Sounds too much!!!
@@lauradermatis1372 honestly- the pain was UNREAL.. but I would still do it again. The benefits of having a natural unmedicated birth outweighed the pain, even now looking back at it!! Ultimately you will make the decision that is best for you!! I wish you a wonderful and chill pregnancy!!! :)
@@lauradermatis1372 I know many women (my sister and mom included) who have had all unmedicated births and not found it insanely painful at all. I believe there were other factors that played apart in my birthing experience (past sexual trauma, etc.), and my comment wasn't meant to scare others into an epidural, but just to relate to Rachel's experience :)
I loved, loved, LOVED my unmedicated labor experience. But I'm 21 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and I could absolutely imagine myself getting an epidural this time.
I love this video!! I am terrified of epidurals, refused the offer my first time and totally didn’t even have time for one the second time. I would say if you’re on the fence: try unmedicated and if you can handle the pain and *you are progressing well with dilation* it can be great. I feel more empowered by my unmedicated births. And yes!!!! Cesareans are legitimate ways of having children, ain’t no shame in that game!!! 💜💜💜
You’re the best! Your relaxed and positive view on birth and planning for your birth experience is so calming for me. My baby is due a month from today and i really have no idea what to expect. I’m high risk so my doctors have talked about possible c section, possible induction, possible preterm labor... so basically anything could happen. And on top of that, I haven’t decided if i want the epidural or not even though everyone in my life is telling me to do it. But surprisingly I’m not too worried. I’m just excited to see how it all turns out and thrilled to meet my little man. Thank you for what you do! I hope you and Jules are feeling fabulously ❤️
Just had my baby last Saturday. I opted for an epidural (after 27 hours of contractions) which was botched so I had one completely numb dead leg and I felt everything else. The pain was so intense but it was too late to fix it as they broke my water and started pitocin. My baby was delivered within 2 hours of that...INTENSE is an understatement. I told myself I wouldn’t be a drama queen but I couldn’t help from yelling aloud during contractions to the bittersweet end. That day I vowed off having any more children (this is my first). The next day I said “yeah, I’d do that again.” You forget about the pain literally overnight. Anything to bring a beautiful and healthy baby into the world.
Your birth experience is like mine, opted after 24hours for an epidural, one leg was dead and still felt everything but I ended up having a C-section after 3 hous of pushing where I was in so much pain, but I could not really push because everything was just so numb. So I would not go for an epidural again....
A lot depends on the skill of the anesthesiologist. It’s a shame your epidural was not right. No reason to suffer through all of that pain. That’s awful.
I have never in my entire youtube watching career followed someone so closely that I noticed when they didn't post at their usual time. But I have been praying for you all week when you didn't post earlier and it absolutely thrills me to see that beautiful baby girl home with you. I am due TODAY with my little boy and you have helped relax my fears in so many ways. Thank you and God bless you. 💛
@@rjahood2473 it was my second birth and it went incredibly well. I was so relaxed and peaceful for the entire thing. Pushing was the only thing that hurt like heck but it only lasted about 15 minutes and then my baby was out. :)
Thank you for this!!!! I also had an unmedicated birth with my daughter, and went into it thinking I could “breathe” through my 14 hrs of contractions (as I learned in hypnobirthing) but I will tell you I did a lot more teeth grinding and screaming into the pillow than I did gentle, zen like breathing🤣🤣🤣 I will say, although it was the worst pain of my ENTIRE life, and literally the hardest thing I have ever done, it was the most empowered I have ever felt. An out of body experience that I can only described as….raw, intense and insanely spiritual😭
Very informative, thank you! There's two points that I describe often to my new-mum friends who ask me about those two experiences. Pro epidural in my opinion is the fact that in case that you need stitches afterwards (which is very common) they can just up the epidural and you don't feel a thing, loved that! Pro unmedicated in my experience is that it's much easier and more intuitive to push, I had real trouble with an epidural even though it was my smaller baby and very intuitive in my other birth. But, yes, totally go with the flow mamas and don't be afraid whatever way you give birth!
My epidural was amazinggggg too! The guy who did it was so awesome. Just from that being my first experience makes me want one for any future children I have! My son was born this June. So glad Jules is home with you!
@@roxannebennett5809 not as painful as the contractions. I was in so much pain from labor I would have done anything to have a break. I don’t even remember if it was painful honestly because the labor pains were so memorable
Coming into this video, I had this mindset that I absolutely did not want any kind of intervention unless there was an emergency. After hearing your perspective and story, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that it will be so much better for me going into labor if I am open to the many different types of labor experiences-including C-section. I’m a Christian and I’m doing Christian hypnobirthing right now in prep for my unmedicated labor. One of the affirmations is “I give this birth over to Our Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit.” If I truly believe that, I think I need to be open to the process going any number of ways. So your advice to “go into it trying unmedicated and be open to an epidural” has really helped me start this process. I know that if I’m so afraid of interventions that the idea of having them is out of the question, that’s just going to put more pressure on me and make it harder to stay calm. So I think in a roundabout way, being more accepting of other possible outcomes will better help me to achieve the one I would prefer.
I'm so so happy little one is there with you all now! I'd love to know how the family is getting along❤️ Can we also acknowledge how crappy getting a catheter is??
Sarah Lavonne on UA-cam is a nurse and fouls and she puts it this way, if you’re coping with the pain, continue unmedicated. If you feel like you’re suffering and REALLY having a hard time handling your contractions, get the epidural to have a positive birth memory. I had an epidural during my preeclampsia induction with my first and it helped TREMENDOUSLY. We still ended up with a cesarean but the pitocin really became unbearable at the highest level. I’m 22 weeks with my second and I really hope I can go into labor naturally this time as I think those contractions I could probably handle unmedicated.
Get the epidural if you want, you don't need to be in unimaginable pain to get one. Also, being able to cope with the pain before you're dilated too much to get an epidural, doesn't mean you'll be able to cope as well after the chance is gone.
I was always against epidurals. I was scared of secondary effects some people would say that it causes chronic back pain. I wanted a natural birth but I was induced and decided I didn’t want to last 2days in pain. Best decision I ever made! I was able to sleep and rest at one point and I didn’t get any secondary effects. My friend also said ‘who are you trying to impress’ lol
Also, in many cases, because the pain is gone, the mother’s body relaxes and releases all the tension. The rest leads to body dilating faster. A win win!
I’ll never understand the “who are you trying to impress” or “you don’t get a trophy”…it’s not about that. It’s not about trying to show how tough you are. It’s the exact opposite. It’s a choice of putting yourself through potentially more pain because you feel the medicated birth cons aren’t worth it for you or baby. It’s simply a choice and has nothing to do with ego. Those comments truly baffle me.
@@alleyj826same. During my labor my doctor said “you don’t get a prize for doing it unmedicated”-I don’t want a prize I just don’t want the severe back pain that comes every day after the fact 😂 I was terrified of getting a catheter too. My prize was my baby 😂
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been struggling with my birth experience. This helps. I have a healthy baby and I am healthy that's what matters
I had an epidural and I was so grateful for it. The labor pain was unbearable for me-I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to pain lol BUT I felt like from that point I was really able to enjoy the rest of the experience and be excited for it. Little did I know that I would need an emergency c-section shortly after 🤷🏻♀️ baby girl wouldn’t progress any more and my pelvis was too narrow for her to come out through !
I’m with you- I got an epidural after laboring 15 hours !! LIFECHANGING. I agree that it’s a little bizarre that the relaxation feels anticlimactic in a way- but I welcomed that after not having slept !
I ALWAYS wanted an epidural, which I had with my first, but the second came too fast and they refused to do an epidural. I was not ready for the pain. Really not ready. I'm very happy i experienced it but on the moment i honestly thought i was going to die. I screamed like all hell broke loose, cried, and just was on the verge of passing out. If you plan unmedicated, be really ready.
I’m 38 weeks pregnant and I want to thank you for sharing an honest and open experience! I was deliberating between the two choices and I’m glad I got to hear your stories. I really like how you ended the video with a positive tone - try the unmedicated labour and if it becomes too much, there is nothing wrong with an epidural. I also liked how you reminded us to ask questions to make an informed decision. Congratulations on your bundle of joy!
I had my son, unmedicated, 5 weeks ago and I regret not getting an epidural. The pain was unbearable and I actually begged them to do an episiotomy because he had been crowning for 30 minutes and wouldn't budge. When he was finally born and they handed him to me, I remember just holding him like a teddy bear feeling traumatized and in shock. I wanted to feel feel joy and excitement in that moment but I just couldn't. If I have a second child I want to actually enjoy their arrival, so I think I would definitely get an epidural.
That’s what many women say. When they have a good epidural, because they are not in utter agony, they can relax and be present for the experience. See The Doctors Bjorkman birth video. She’s an ob/gyn who just had her first. She describes how nice her experience was with the epidural. She was talking and laughing with her husband, ob ( her good friend ) and one nurse. Happy memories.
Eek! Jules is So cute!! I’ve been checking every day for a new video and I’m so excited when you upload! Im 34 weeks pregnant with my second and I love seeing all the newborn videos and pictures
Sorry for this being a random comment but my name is also Mary Rose and i had never seen another person also named it before. Congrats on your pregnancy btw :)
I just had my second baby on Thursday (the 10th) it was my 2nd unmedicated birth. My first was in a hospital I attempted a water birth and my 2nd was in a birth center were I was also supposed to do a water birth (water is a natural pain reliever). My labor progressed way too quickly for me to have a water birth at the birth center by the time I got there I was 10cm. I attribute my quick labors to 3 things and I recommend you give them a try if you’re serious about trying unmedicAted births 1. drink red raspberry leaf tea 2. Eat medjool dates 3. Exercise on a birth ball. Look into all 3 of these and determine if it’s something that could work for you.
@@araselimenera1357 congratulations! Thank you for the advice. I was defo planning on using a ball and the tea one is a good idea so I will defo try that 😁
Definitely be prepared because you never know what could happen but I would so do everything you can to attribute to a faster easier labor not everything is in our control but at least try to do what you can control. And more then anything convince your mind that your body was made to birth naturally millions of women have done it before you and millions more will continue to do it. Trust your body sometimes we tense up and we slow down the labor so it’s important you trust what your body is doing. Best of luck to you!
So happy for you ❤️ I had two babies Unmedicated and it was amazing but I’m totally the same - it was very painful!!! Yes it’s possible, beautiful, all the things, including painful!!!!
I’m glad you had a great & positive epidural experience! That’s really motivating and good to hear. It definitely brings me some relief to hear that. I don’t even know if I’m pregnant or not yet, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching these videos nonetheless.
Long story short… you do you girl🎉🎉 I have had 2 epidural births that were both positive experiences. With that said I am currently pregnant with baby number 3 and fully intend to have another epidural with no shame/ guilt
I watched your video on unmedicated birth to prepare for my first birth and now I've had 2 unmedicated! I'm not opposed to epidurals, and feel similar to you. I would totally get one if that was best for the situation
When I had my first son there was a woman in the room next to me that was screaming and the nurse turned to me and said oh don’t worry honey you’re getting the epidural she didn’t.
Love hearing both your experiences! I feel the exact same way :) I would try and labor unmedicated, but if I felt tired or too much pain, I would totally get an epidural. Why not? As long as the baby comes out one way or another! (I have no kids but hoping to)
I’m currently in the hospital at 33 weeks because my water began leaking a week and a half ago. They’re trying to get me to 34 weeks before I deliver and this video calmed my nerves so much just to see her home and healthy. 💕 I’m planning to deliver without an epidural but we’ll see how it goes!!
Mama of 3 all home births and worked with midwife I just want to say that the weight of the baby doesn't really change head size all that much the diameter of babies heads are relatively the same.
Thank you for sharing your vid! I’m 21 weeks with my first baby, & been putting off even thinking about it for fear, but this really helps, & striving for your calming vibes. Congrats on your princess❤️👶🏻❤️
Congratulations!! This is maybe different than many, but I really wish I'd been prepared to possibly absolutely hate the birthing experience and not feel any rush of good feelings after my baby was born. I did both of mine med/epidural free and was left absolutely traumatized after my first. I was completely prepared for pain, but I also was prepared to feel like it was all worth it after having her. I don't know if it was due to the degree of tearing or what, but I felt so angry and unprepared about how I'd feel. It took until after the birth of my second before I finally let go of some of the trauma. My second was much more what you describe. The pain was intense and horrible, but after I held my baby, I overall felt much better. I really wish my first had been like that.
I just had my first back in the end of May with the intentions of it being an unmedicated birth experience. When I realized I was still sitting at 4cm for 8 hrs in agonizing pain, I couldn't imagine enduring another 10+hrs in the condition I was in so I took the epidural. I SLEPT LIKE A GOD once it took over 😂 Downside is that by the time my body was ready to push, the epidural wore off and I felt it all. I wasn't screaming btwn pushes but I do remember during the breaks I would apologize to the nurses and beg and bribe them with dinner for them to just get her ass out NOW 😂😂 Good times lol
I'd love to hear how you knew that you were in early labor-- I'm 30 weeks pregnant with baby#5 and I started getting back labor :( so I've just been timing them and usually just wait until last minute to go to the hospital. Hoping it all calms down! Glad your little J is healthy!!
Both my epidurals failed. ☠️ So there’s that. Going natural this time. Maybe I’ll come back and let yall know if it’s the same or if it is worse as far as pain, haha.
Oh no! Im sorry! I did unmedicated twice and they went really well. It’s a lot 😅 but worth it. Maybe you can ask what other pain relief that can offer outside of an epidural. Sending love! Congratulations on another pregnancy!
Every mom I know has chronic back pain/nerve damage from having epidurals. Many had complications of the epidural during labor... like it not working, only working on one side, being completely numb... ect. I've done so much research about epidurals & I'm absolutely terrified. The risks outweigh the pain management in my opinion (as of now - maybe my opinion will change after I have my baby) but I most definitely will be doing everything in my power to avoid an epidural. I believe I have a high pain tolerance after 10 tattoos, countless broken bones, kidney stones & tooth abscesses... if I can manage that pain, I think I can handle child birth after all the preparation & research I've done. I appreciate hearing birth stories, it's encouraging.
I'm definitely on the fence but I am gonna go with how I feel once that time comes. I don't believe I should put myself through torture to have my child but if I can bear the pain then I definitely will try to experience the real deal
As long as you stay calm, the pain will be much less. Adrenaline will block your endorphins and endorphins are your natural pain relief. All you have to do is control your adrenaline (so stay calm and relaxed) and it will be A LOT easier. I’ve had two unmedicated 9lb babies and I just concentrated on staying calm and relaxed. When each contraction came, I imagined it was a wave and I was in the sea. Instead of tensing up as the wave came, I relaxed all my muscles and rolled with the wave. Good luck for your labour, whichever route you choose.
When I became pregnant I found out as soon as I got my ultrasound my little guy had something wrong with his heart. From their everything was a smooth and comfortable pregnancy. As soon as I needed to start the birthing process all my birthing plans went out the window. I wanted as natural a birth as possible, I wanted a water birth and no pain medicine. I had to be induced and I tried to just handle the pain. I could not and had to get an epidural. I did not like how I didn't know when my body wanted me to push, needed me to push. I at least got my vaginal birth and not a C section.
I just had my first baby, she’s almost 3 months old now😁 you look great Jess especially for just having a baby. I was praying for you and your LO❤️ btw I love your style and room. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I found your vids and have been following since. Also I really wanted an unmedicated birth and was scared of the epidural as well but I ended up taking it and I had a great birth with no serious issues. The epidural had worn off by the time I started pushing, so baby girl was out soon after I started pushing. I’m guessing it’s because I could feel the pushing easier since the medication had worn off but it helped so much when I needed it. Still was one of the most painful things I’ve ever been through😂😂
i just found out im having a baby and have avoided watching such videos but i took the plunge and decided to watch yours... this was sooo helpful... 💜💜💜
I'm looking back at this comment after rewatching this video and forgetting I ever commented! I DID have my second baby last year, however, I again did not get the epidural but now am considering it for future baby #3.... Maybe I'll have a updated comment then 🤣
I should tell you that we try to stay away from episiotomies unless necessary. I’ve seen episiotomies and natural tears and the natural tears generally are not worse. Episiotomies should only be used when absolutely necessary. I loved my unmedicated births. I just like going through the whole birthing process and feel the whole thing. I’m not scared of epidurals at all. I encourage those who don’t want an epidural over the fear of one to get one. You have to be mentally prepared for a natural birth for sure.
I go in for my induction at 8pm today with my first son & im so tied between trying unmedicated or getting epidural. This will be my second baby so I'm hoping things go a lot faster than they did with my daughter. I had an epidural for her & the experience was so painless & I loved it! But I do want to try an unmedicated birth so I can experience that as well .. thanks for this awesome video!!! Glad your babygirl is home with you. ❤️
When I was having contractions I wasn’t a yeller but I also wasn’t silent I was more of a growler if that makes sense? Haha i did labor and push very fast so I didn’t have time for an epidural but if it had taken longer I don’t know if I would have managed without pain relief. I will say the one thing that I swear helped me dilate faster was I envisioned myself peeing. I know it sounds crazy but I just envisioned my vagina relaxing to the point of allowing myself to pee. I just didn’t care. I probably peed everywhere! 😂 it was my way of relaxing and overcoming the pain.
I love the mental picture hahah and I love a mom comfortable enough to do what is best for her, that is amazing. I remember the midwives/nurses kept offering me to cover up and I just sat there with an unbuttoned hospital shirt and nothing else through the entire 12+ hour dilation process lol
I love that. I was absolutely 100% butt ass naked! Haha i mean, I just thought that was what you were supposed to do and it never occurred to me to wear clothes while birthing a human. We all come into this world naked!
im 2 months pregnant and i have a deathly fear of catheters and needles, as well as the feeling of numbness - I get a ton of anxiety when i'm on any sort of medication that makes my brain/body feel any different aside from feeling/coherent. I literally cannot smoke or drink either - the feeling of being intoxicated also induces panic attacks for me. So im not sure if i will do the epidural... but i will not ignore medical intervention if needed. Its not about trying to prove anything to anyone, its just more about control. I feel like if i have to get an epidural, they'll have to knock me out with a bat for me to not go into a panic attack lol
Your epidural experience sounds just like mine! I went in thinking I would try unmedicated (as a first time mom just to see what my body could do) but ended up on a ton of pitocin with back to back contractions and needed relief. It was an awesome birth and I wouldn't change it. Both routes are awesome and it's all about what is best for the individual giving birth- mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. Thanks for this video Jess! I wish you a healing postpartum! (And lots of love to beautiful Jules!)
My first labour was an induction followed by the suction cup. I asked for some gas and air but the labour ward was so busy there wasn’t a labour suite free and they couldn’t give me gas and air. They eventually found a canister but it turned out it was empty. I ended up doing most of the painful bit (the transition) without any pain relief. I then had two saline drips as I lost a lot of blood and ended up with loads of stitches after I needed to be cut to get the suction cup in. Despite all of this, I would do that birth again in a heartbeat. The endorphins, the satisfying feeling of labouring my baby, it was such an amazing feeling. The only thing I can liken it to is a really tough workout, the type that makes you feel amazing, like cloud 9 amazing once it’s done, to the point where you want to do it all over again (just with some added pain) maybe that’s what it feels like to run a marathon. My second labour was much more straight forward. Despite being 10 days over due I didn’t realise I was in labour at first, I thought I just had a tummy ache from eating a big dinner 🤦🏼♀️ I didn’t realise until my waters broke and all of a sudden my contractions were 3 minutes apart. I almost didn’t get to the hospital in time so I transitioned without pain relief again 🙄. You just don’t know how it’s going to go on the day, you just have to be open to whatever’s right for you and your baby, and don’t feel any shame or guilt for your labour journey.
I also have experienced both..my first 2 i had an epidural and my last two i did all natural. My first two labors were long and drawn out bc of the epidural. My last two were born in 2 pushes after 4 hours of intense labor and it was the most difficult, most satisfying experience of my entire life.
Just had a baby on Saturday and did It unmediated. Idk If I’d do it again, It was VERY intense! Thank you, Jess, for your helpful info and attitude! Has been very helpful to me leading up to his birth :)
I think she faced alot especially that the baby came early so it was harder to relax and be mentally prepared for such pain. I hope your and my labour goes much smoother and let’s try to focus on how to enjoy the experience with the options we have today in time of need.
It is definitely worth noting that if you have scoliosis or any kind of curvature to your spine that an epidural may not be effective or as effective as it is for someone who doesn't. I found that out *after* my nightmare labor of getting an epidural and then it not working at all. The anesthesiologist didn't even ask about spine issues. ;_;
Omg our birthing experience sounds exactly the same ! But I was in labor from Sunday and had my baby Thursday. My Water broke, I wasn't dilating, I received potocion, baby wouldn't come down and screamed for an epidural lol My anesthesiologist was amazing !! I felt nothing and was able to have my hubby by my side asking all of the questions.
I hated the epidural, finally used it on my 4th pregnancy, I hated how I could not feel how hard I was pushing although, my baby came quick. Also, the catheter jacked me up where I felt like I had a bladder infection for almost 3 months. It was painful being intimate with my husband for 3 months also. Now, I'm pregnant again, and I am 100 percent going unmedicated. That's my experience having an epidural.
Thank you I’ve had 4 unmediated births . . . I’ll be having no. 5 in the hospital alone this time and I really just don’t feel like doing all the centering myself alone unmediated
I want to correct what you said about episiotomy : a natural tear will heal better because it follows the natural fibers of the muscles. Add that a lot of natural tears are just first degree (skin) while an episitiomy is already 2nd degree (cutting through the skin AND the muscles). The WHO does not recommend routine episiotomy. It's malpractice.
That’s what I heard, and so I didn’t get an episiotomy, but I tore naturally a second degree tear, and it was so jagged and zigzag I feel like it took forever to heal! And the doctor had to add stitches in my postpartum visit because it was so zigzag :/ I regret not getting an episiotomy
@@alexandratewell5337 you getting an episiotomy would not have been a guarantee that you would not have had a natural tear too! Episiotomy has not been proven to be effective as preventive against tears.
@@miyara928 no not everyone tears! You have more chances to tear for the first child. But also there are more tears at the hospital because they want to make you go faster, because labor in the back is not great etc. Respecting the body's physiology is the better way to avoid or minimize tears.
You are really brave, I hope you doing better now and the baby be healthy and happy. I am 23 weeks and this video been helpful and waiting for the coming video you mentioned as well to have a clear overview
If these items are second hand. You should wash before using specially if you buy for kids. So many skin diseases can transfer easily through these clothes. Wash well and put in front of sun at least 3 hours
Thank you so much for your videos I'm 7 months pregnant right now and im starting to get so anxious about labor, I really want to do it naturally and im so afraid of getting an epidural, so your videos makes me feel so at ease ❤️
My anesthesiologist couldn’t get the epidural between vertebrae. After 26 try’s and 1.5 hours I just took what we got and I could still feel half my body and got all the negative spiral effects of the epidural. I am hoping to do natural with my next because I just mentally can’t go through all that again for no results.
Thanks for your positive and encouraging attitude! Very comforting to this first-time mom who is surrounded by people who have varying opinions on how my birth story should go. Counting down until March! :) Also.....I've been praying for you and your family during this time; I was so happy to see Jules is home!!!! I know you said you were nervous about her doing well when she came home, so I hope it has been a smooth and peaceful transition for you. :)
Getting an epidural after having a previous unmedicated labor is like black and white . I remember thinking , “wow this is a walk in the park “. I had a similar experience . I wanted another unmedicated birth but between the limitations with covid , pictosin, and strapped to the bed ... I’m like yeah ok not gonna happen , let’s just do the epidural .
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Welcome home Jules!
Video starts from 5:00
I know this is an older video but still, it helped me! I'm 20 weeks with my first and I can't figure out if I'm more anxious of the pain of natural birth or of the epidural 😂 But your advice of "see how it goes and if you are suffering, go for it and don't shame yourself" is just what I needed to hear.
Same here I’m 19 weeks today and I’m nervous about both
If you remove your fear and look up videos on how to relax during labor you can do it unmedicated. If you talk to yourself like “we shall see IF I can” you wont do it. Just because you programmed yourself this way. Your body is perfectly designed and can do amazing things. Labor is one of them. Don’t be afraid. Labor pain is like running a marathon. It starts small and naturally progresses gradually letting you get ready for the next stage physically and mentally. Just don’t let them push pitocin on you for no reason. God bless ❤️
Labor pain will certainly help you decide.😂
Pregnant with #4 and due any day now, previous births were all with epidural and I loved it, I enjoyed watching my babies being born and being pain free at the moment, I felt all the pressure of the baby passing through but it was painless. I always say I thank God for those doctors who came up with epidural and made women feel better and fearless. There’s no one to impress with unmediated birth or home birth or any other way, every woman is a hero giving a life to a tiny human, it’s a choice each woman makes if she wants to scream from pain or be pain free and enjoy the birth of your precious child. Each labor is a natural thing and it was given to each woman to experience but we are the ones who chose to have it medicated or not medicated and that’s the only difference.
I think those of us who do it unmedicated are not trying to impress anybody, that will just be a natural result of our choices, we do it because we trust our body’s design, we do it because we don’t want drugs pumped into our bodies with our babies still inside, we even do it because we want the whole natural experience.
Damn even with epidurals once the baby crowns for me it feels the same as without. (I've done both, this is just my personal experience)
Looovvvveeee my epidurals. No issues with either. Just relief and a happy momma 🙌🏼
I lost some of my hearing after my third with an epidural. Wasn't worth it. It's a rare side effect.
@@mattcleech whoa😳 is it??!!😧
I am so torn on if I should get one or not 😭😭
I totally agree-- due with baby #5 in 2 months and the most memorable and peaceful labor was the one when the epidural worked fully! My non medicated delivery one was super traumatic!
ahhh so torn! I guess getting it is something you know in the moment! Everyones body is different and have heard birth stories go both ways :(
I was going to have an unmedicated labor because not being able to walk felt scary, so I didn’t want an epidural. But then once I went into labor, I couldn’t have walked anyway. I was shaking with pain and had no energy to walk so the epidural was right for me and I’m so thankful I did it!
Currently 7 weeks pregnant with my second and omg, the wave of emotion that overcame me when I saw Juliet home with you.... big old tears. My first was in the NICU and I remember how amazing it was to finally bring him home. So beyond happy for you guys ❤
I just got to 36 wks and I can't tell you how much your videos have helped me. I'm 42 and she is my first child. The information you provide is so unique and detailed. I absolutely love how you break everything down in your own words and experiences. Thank you so much for everything
Thank you for your kind words in the end of this video! I had an intention/preparation to go unmedicated and, after my water had been broken for 48 hours and I was only 5cm, I was exhausted, falling asleep between intense contraction, and opted for the epidural. It has been challenging to accept the way it went when I had my heart set on a different way, but I like your perspective that there is no shame and instead we can be thankful for healthy babies! Thank you
I’m on both teams too! Every birth is different, so there should never be any shame. If you loved that baby into getting here, you did it right! ❤️
Wow, I just gotta say wow, this is such a wonderful example of non judgmental mothering and women supporting women in all of their diverse choices, you are what is right about the internet, thank you for your honest, helpful words 🙏
I'm still processing and accepting my birth experience. I went in expecting an unmedicated birth and ended up with both an epidural and a cesarean. Thank you for your healing words. Watching the end of this video, I felt you holding me and telling me it IS ok! 🧡
Same. Epidural, episiotomy, then emergency c section
Would a warm and sincere celebration from friends and relatives help processing it?
I can't accept mine yet, 7 years later every time I remember I just cry. This don't let me have more babies. Sometimes I think I will like to have another one but then this memory come back to hunting me again and again then I just keep telling myself that with one is ok.
Same with me, I still feel like crying memorizing that time.
@@nv2781 maybe you can go for a c-section by choice?
Thank you for keeping an open mind and heart to what is best for each pregnancy and stage in your life. I've had seven pregnancies and have six children, so I've experienced it all, I feel. The point is to deliver a healthy child, and you survive to be the best mom you can be-hats off to you and congratulations.
What happened to your one child. How all your children born??
omg when you said you prepared so much..and it "didn't work for me" LOL I was like YES THAT'S THE DAMN TRUTH. OMG I did Hypnobirthing, I had a birthing pool, a playlist, candles, prayer affirmation flags, I watched endless natural birth videos for legit 42 weeks straight. I planned for a home water birth- and had a home on land birth..he was 7 pounds 10 oz. I went into labor at 1am on September 20th and labored alone with my husband in and out of the birthing tub for 13 hours until my midwife arrived. She checked me as soon as she arrived and I was at 10cm dilated and fully effaced. I couldn't believe that I had gone through transition alone without the midwife. Everyone had said that transition was the hardest part- and that the pushing phase was a "relief." Because I was at 10cm, she said I was ready to go- but that my water had not broken. So we waited for another 2 hours for it to break, but it didn't- so they broke it for me. By 4pm I started pushing, and he was born at 6:35pm. MAY I JUST SAY, the pushing phase was THE WORST part of the entire thing. Feeling my vagina stretch and inevitably tear as his head was coming out, was LEGIT INSANE. Most intense pain of my entire existence- like I did not know pain like that was actually possible. SO thank you for your awesome honest videos..and sorry if this was TMI.. but I had to share!
Agreed! I don't even remember the pain of the contractions, but the pain of pushing my son out.... unmatched. I actually laboured at home alone for 7 hours before my husband got home, took me to my midwife appointment, found out I was 9cm, drove to the hospital, and pushed for almost 2 hours. I always hear that you forget the pain, but I haven't, and now I'm pregnant with twins! I will most definitely be getting an epidural (at least that's the plan).
Thank you so much for your honest comment... I’m 8 weeks 3 days and wanted to try for a natural but as I read your comment I was thinking about the pain and I think I just decided to get an epidural😂😂😂😂 I think I could do it but do I want to go through the pain? I dont think so😭Sounds too much!!!
@@kaayjane omg yes! The contractions were nothing compared to pushing him out. Twins!! Omg share your birth story after !! Wishing you all the best :)
@@lauradermatis1372 honestly- the pain was UNREAL.. but I would still do it again. The benefits of having a natural unmedicated birth outweighed the pain, even now looking back at it!! Ultimately you will make the decision that is best for you!! I wish you a wonderful and chill pregnancy!!! :)
@@lauradermatis1372 I know many women (my sister and mom included) who have had all unmedicated births and not found it insanely painful at all. I believe there were other factors that played apart in my birthing experience (past sexual trauma, etc.), and my comment wasn't meant to scare others into an epidural, but just to relate to Rachel's experience :)
I am so happy that Juilet is home with you guys now! I still will be praying for you guys! Have a blessed day!:)
I’m 20 weeks with my first and this was so helpful! I’m the first in my friend group to have a baby too - thank you for being so transparent.
I loved, loved, LOVED my unmedicated labor experience. But I'm 21 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and I could absolutely imagine myself getting an epidural this time.
Im about to have my third and my first two I was unmedicated. I plan on getting the epidural so I am so glad to have found this video!
I love this video!! I am terrified of epidurals, refused the offer my first time and totally didn’t even have time for one the second time. I would say if you’re on the fence: try unmedicated and if you can handle the pain and *you are progressing well with dilation* it can be great. I feel more empowered by my unmedicated births. And yes!!!! Cesareans are legitimate ways of having children, ain’t no shame in that game!!! 💜💜💜
I had 2 natural births and the other 2 with epidurals, I fell very empowered by both minus the pain with the he last two 😅
You’re the best! Your relaxed and positive view on birth and planning for your birth experience is so calming for me. My baby is due a month from today and i really have no idea what to expect. I’m high risk so my doctors have talked about possible c section, possible induction, possible preterm labor... so basically anything could happen. And on top of that, I haven’t decided if i want the epidural or not even though everyone in my life is telling me to do it. But surprisingly I’m not too worried. I’m just excited to see how it all turns out and thrilled to meet my little man. Thank you for what you do! I hope you and Jules are feeling fabulously ❤️
Just had my baby last Saturday. I opted for an epidural (after 27 hours of contractions) which was botched so I had one completely numb dead leg and I felt everything else. The pain was so intense but it was too late to fix it as they broke my water and started pitocin. My baby was delivered within 2 hours of that...INTENSE is an understatement. I told myself I wouldn’t be a drama queen but I couldn’t help from yelling aloud during contractions to the bittersweet end. That day I vowed off having any more children (this is my first). The next day I said “yeah, I’d do that again.” You forget about the pain literally overnight. Anything to bring a beautiful and healthy baby into the world.
Your birth experience is like mine, opted after 24hours for an epidural, one leg was dead and still felt everything but I ended up having a C-section after 3 hous of pushing where I was in so much pain, but I could not really push because everything was just so numb. So I would not go for an epidural again....
A lot depends on the skill of the anesthesiologist. It’s a shame your epidural was not right. No reason to suffer through all of that pain. That’s awful.
I just love how you communicate with your audience. I'm pregnant and your video really helped me.
I have never in my entire youtube watching career followed someone so closely that I noticed when they didn't post at their usual time. But I have been praying for you all week when you didn't post earlier and it absolutely thrills me to see that beautiful baby girl home with you. I am due TODAY with my little boy and you have helped relax my fears in so many ways. Thank you and God bless you. 💛
That is SO nice of you! Thank you! Congratulations on your little boy! I hope you have an amazing delivery! SO excited for you!
How did your birth go?!
@@rjahood2473 it was my second birth and it went incredibly well. I was so relaxed and peaceful for the entire thing. Pushing was the only thing that hurt like heck but it only lasted about 15 minutes and then my baby was out. :)
Thank you for this!!!! I also had an unmedicated birth with my daughter, and went into it thinking I could “breathe” through my 14 hrs of contractions (as I learned in hypnobirthing) but I will tell you I did a lot more teeth grinding and screaming into the pillow than I did gentle, zen like breathing🤣🤣🤣 I will say, although it was the worst pain of my ENTIRE life, and literally the hardest thing I have ever done, it was the most empowered I have ever felt. An out of body experience that I can only described as….raw, intense and insanely spiritual😭
Yes! Scared of epidurals. Ended up getting one, and the Dr said "wow, you sat so well."
I was too terrified to move while he put it in.
Of course; best to sit still when needles are going into important places. Hope you had good experience with your epidural. I definitely did!
Hahaha me too! And my husband decided to make a joke while I was frozen, thinking he’d help. Literally the only time I got mad with him lol
Very informative, thank you! There's two points that I describe often to my new-mum friends who ask me about those two experiences. Pro epidural in my opinion is the fact that in case that you need stitches afterwards (which is very common) they can just up the epidural and you don't feel a thing, loved that! Pro unmedicated in my experience is that it's much easier and more intuitive to push, I had real trouble with an epidural even though it was my smaller baby and very intuitive in my other birth. But, yes, totally go with the flow mamas and don't be afraid whatever way you give birth!
So glad to hear Juliet is home now. Praying that everything continues to go smoothly!
My epidural was amazinggggg too! The guy who did it was so awesome. Just from that being my first experience makes me want one for any future children I have! My son was born this June. So glad Jules is home with you!
was it painful? :((
@@roxannebennett5809 not as painful as the contractions. I was in so much pain from labor I would have done anything to have a break. I don’t even remember if it was painful honestly because the labor pains were so memorable
You have such a soft, suiting voice and you seem to be a very gentle and calm person. Thank you for your video :) All the best to you!
Coming into this video, I had this mindset that I absolutely did not want any kind of intervention unless there was an emergency. After hearing your perspective and story, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that it will be so much better for me going into labor if I am open to the many different types of labor experiences-including C-section. I’m a Christian and I’m doing Christian hypnobirthing right now in prep for my unmedicated labor. One of the affirmations is “I give this birth over to Our Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit.” If I truly believe that, I think I need to be open to the process going any number of ways. So your advice to “go into it trying unmedicated and be open to an epidural” has really helped me start this process. I know that if I’m so afraid of interventions that the idea of having them is out of the question, that’s just going to put more pressure on me and make it harder to stay calm. So I think in a roundabout way, being more accepting of other possible outcomes will better help me to achieve the one I would prefer.
I'm so so happy little one is there with you all now! I'd love to know how the family is getting along❤️
Can we also acknowledge how crappy getting a catheter is??
Such perfect timing, I’m currently 37 weeks and struggling with this decision! Thank you for sharing ♥️
aw yay! you are almost there! Happy to help!!
Sarah Lavonne on UA-cam is a nurse and fouls and she puts it this way, if you’re coping with the pain, continue unmedicated. If you feel like you’re suffering and REALLY having a hard time handling your contractions, get the epidural to have a positive birth memory.
I had an epidural during my preeclampsia induction with my first and it helped TREMENDOUSLY. We still ended up with a cesarean but the pitocin really became unbearable at the highest level. I’m 22 weeks with my second and I really hope I can go into labor naturally this time as I think those contractions I could probably handle unmedicated.
**doula not fouls 😅
Get the epidural if you want, you don't need to be in unimaginable pain to get one. Also, being able to cope with the pain before you're dilated too much to get an epidural, doesn't mean you'll be able to cope as well after the chance is gone.
Make an informed decision! My sister had epidural and she suffers from headaches and backache from it.
I was always against epidurals. I was scared of secondary effects some people would say that it causes chronic back pain. I wanted a natural birth but I was induced and decided I didn’t want to last 2days in pain. Best decision I ever made! I was able to sleep and rest at one point and I didn’t get any secondary effects. My friend also said ‘who are you trying to impress’ lol
Also, in many cases, because the pain is gone, the mother’s body relaxes and releases all the tension. The rest leads to body dilating faster. A win win!
exactly my point - I dont want to impress anyone and no one is gonna give me a medal for doing it naturally.
I’ll never understand the “who are you trying to impress” or “you don’t get a trophy”…it’s not about that. It’s not about trying to show how tough you are. It’s the exact opposite. It’s a choice of putting yourself through potentially more pain because you feel the medicated birth cons aren’t worth it for you or baby. It’s simply a choice and has nothing to do with ego. Those comments truly baffle me.
@@alleyj826same. During my labor my doctor said “you don’t get a prize for doing it unmedicated”-I don’t want a prize I just don’t want the severe back pain that comes every day after the fact 😂 I was terrified of getting a catheter too. My prize was my baby 😂
I’ve only had one natural birth and plan to do another, but I SO understand all the reasons for getting an epidural in your situation!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been struggling with my birth experience. This helps. I have a healthy baby and I am healthy that's what matters
There are definitely good arguments on both sides, it really depends on the individual case!
I had an epidural and I was so grateful for it. The labor pain was unbearable for me-I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to pain lol BUT I felt like from that point I was really able to enjoy the rest of the experience and be excited for it. Little did I know that I would need an emergency c-section shortly after 🤷🏻♀️ baby girl wouldn’t progress any more and my pelvis was too narrow for her to come out through !
I’m with you- I got an epidural after laboring 15 hours !! LIFECHANGING. I agree that it’s a little bizarre that the relaxation feels anticlimactic in a way- but I welcomed that after not having slept !
I ALWAYS wanted an epidural, which I had with my first, but the second came too fast and they refused to do an epidural. I was not ready for the pain. Really not ready. I'm very happy i experienced it but on the moment i honestly thought i was going to die. I screamed like all hell broke loose, cried, and just was on the verge of passing out. If you plan unmedicated, be really ready.
I’m 38 weeks pregnant and I want to thank you for sharing an honest and open experience! I was deliberating between the two choices and I’m glad I got to hear your stories. I really like
how you ended the video with a positive tone - try the unmedicated labour and if it becomes too much, there is nothing wrong with an epidural. I also liked how you reminded us to ask questions to make an informed decision.
Congratulations on your bundle of joy!
I had my son, unmedicated, 5 weeks ago and I regret not getting an epidural. The pain was unbearable and I actually begged them to do an episiotomy because he had been crowning for 30 minutes and wouldn't budge. When he was finally born and they handed him to me, I remember just holding him like a teddy bear feeling traumatized and in shock. I wanted to feel feel joy and excitement in that moment but I just couldn't. If I have a second child I want to actually enjoy their arrival, so I think I would definitely get an epidural.
That’s what many women say. When they have a good epidural, because they are not in utter agony, they can relax and be present for the experience.
See The Doctors Bjorkman birth video. She’s an ob/gyn who just had her first. She describes how nice her experience was with the epidural. She was talking and laughing with her husband, ob ( her good friend ) and one nurse. Happy memories.
Eek! Jules is So cute!! I’ve been checking every day for a new video and I’m so excited when you upload! Im 34 weeks pregnant with my second and I love seeing all the newborn videos and pictures
Youre so sweet! Thank you!!
Sorry for this being a random comment but my name is also Mary Rose and i had never seen another person also named it before. Congrats on your pregnancy btw :)
The jeggings and the romper are a keeper!
May you and Jules always be blessed with health and happiness. 🙏
I’m nearly 20 weeks and planning on an unmedicated birth but not going to say no to an epidural if I’m too much pain 🥲
I just had my second baby on Thursday (the 10th) it was my 2nd unmedicated birth. My first was in a hospital I attempted a water birth and my 2nd was in a birth center were I was also supposed to do a water birth (water is a natural pain reliever). My labor progressed way too quickly for me to have a water birth at the birth center by the time I got there I was 10cm. I attribute my quick labors to 3 things and I recommend you give them a try if you’re serious about trying unmedicAted births 1. drink red raspberry leaf tea 2. Eat medjool dates 3. Exercise on a birth ball. Look into all 3 of these and determine if it’s something that could work for you.
@@araselimenera1357 congratulations! Thank you for the advice. I was defo planning on using a ball and the tea one is a good idea so I will defo try that 😁
@@araselimenera1357 I did all 3 also and my labor was 30 hours. Just be prepared!!
Definitely be prepared because you never know what could happen but I would so do everything you can to attribute to a faster easier labor not everything is in our control but at least try to do what you can control. And more then anything convince your mind that your body was made to birth naturally millions of women have done it before you and millions more will continue to do it. Trust your body sometimes we tense up and we slow down the labor so it’s important you trust what your body is doing. Best of luck to you!
30 wks here, I’m doing the same. My first child. Any tips from anyone?
So happy for you ❤️ I had two babies Unmedicated and it was amazing but I’m totally the same - it was very painful!!! Yes it’s possible, beautiful, all the things, including painful!!!!
5:00 experience 13:26 reflection 13:45 experience 16:30 reflection
I’m glad you had a great & positive epidural experience! That’s really motivating and good to hear. It definitely brings me some relief to hear that. I don’t even know if I’m pregnant or not yet, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching these videos nonetheless.
Long story short… you do you girl🎉🎉 I have had 2 epidural births that were both positive experiences. With that said I am currently pregnant with baby number 3 and fully intend to have another epidural with no shame/ guilt
I watched your video on unmedicated birth to prepare for my first birth and now I've had 2 unmedicated! I'm not opposed to epidurals, and feel similar to you. I would totally get one if that was best for the situation
The video about epidural starts at 5:00
When I had my first son there was a woman in the room next to me that was screaming and the nurse turned to me and said oh don’t worry honey you’re getting the epidural she didn’t.
Love hearing both your experiences! I feel the exact same way :) I would try and labor unmedicated, but if I felt tired or too much pain, I would totally get an epidural. Why not? As long as the baby comes out one way or another! (I have no kids but hoping to)
I’m currently in the hospital at 33 weeks because my water began leaking a week and a half ago. They’re trying to get me to 34 weeks before I deliver and this video calmed my nerves so much just to see her home and healthy. 💕 I’m planning to deliver without an epidural but we’ll see how it goes!!
How did it go?!
Mama of 3 all home births and worked with midwife I just want to say that the weight of the baby doesn't really change head size all that much the diameter of babies heads are relatively the same.
Thank you for sharing your vid! I’m 21 weeks with my first baby, & been putting off even thinking about it for fear, but this really helps, & striving for your calming vibes. Congrats on your princess❤️👶🏻❤️
This is so nicely explained! I want to have an epidural and I’m trying to research first about it.
No epidural and i had a deep painful virginal tear and it is my first birth. The experience was horrible. Thank God for safe delivery.
Congratulations!!
This is maybe different than many, but I really wish I'd been prepared to possibly absolutely hate the birthing experience and not feel any rush of good feelings after my baby was born. I did both of mine med/epidural free and was left absolutely traumatized after my first. I was completely prepared for pain, but I also was prepared to feel like it was all worth it after having her. I don't know if it was due to the degree of tearing or what, but I felt so angry and unprepared about how I'd feel. It took until after the birth of my second before I finally let go of some of the trauma. My second was much more what you describe. The pain was intense and horrible, but after I held my baby, I overall felt much better. I really wish my first had been like that.
I’m so happy Jules is home with you 💗
I just had my first back in the end of May with the intentions of it being an unmedicated birth experience. When I realized I was still sitting at 4cm for 8 hrs in agonizing pain, I couldn't imagine enduring another 10+hrs in the condition I was in so I took the epidural. I SLEPT LIKE A GOD once it took over 😂 Downside is that by the time my body was ready to push, the epidural wore off and I felt it all. I wasn't screaming btwn pushes but I do remember during the breaks I would apologize to the nurses and beg and bribe them with dinner for them to just get her ass out NOW 😂😂 Good times lol
I'd love to hear how you knew that you were in early labor-- I'm 30 weeks pregnant with baby#5 and I started getting back labor :( so I've just been timing them and usually just wait until last minute to go to the hospital. Hoping it all calms down! Glad your little J is healthy!!
Both my epidurals failed. ☠️
So there’s that. Going natural this time. Maybe I’ll come back and let yall know if it’s the same or if it is worse as far as pain, haha.
Oh no! Im sorry! I did unmedicated twice and they went really well. It’s a lot 😅 but worth it. Maybe you can ask what other pain relief that can offer outside of an epidural. Sending love! Congratulations on another pregnancy!
Every mom I know has chronic back pain/nerve damage from having epidurals. Many had complications of the epidural during labor... like it not working, only working on one side, being completely numb... ect. I've done so much research about epidurals & I'm absolutely terrified. The risks outweigh the pain management in my opinion (as of now - maybe my opinion will change after I have my baby) but I most definitely will be doing everything in my power to avoid an epidural. I believe I have a high pain tolerance after 10 tattoos, countless broken bones, kidney stones & tooth abscesses... if I can manage that pain, I think I can handle child birth after all the preparation & research I've done. I appreciate hearing birth stories, it's encouraging.
I had the same pitocin situation! It was way tooo high and I had nonstop contractions. Love you Jess!
I'm definitely on the fence but I am gonna go with how I feel once that time comes. I don't believe I should put myself through torture to have my child but if I can bear the pain then I definitely will try to experience the real deal
As long as you stay calm, the pain will be much less. Adrenaline will block your endorphins and endorphins are your natural pain relief. All you have to do is control your adrenaline (so stay calm and relaxed) and it will be A LOT easier. I’ve had two unmedicated 9lb babies and I just concentrated on staying calm and relaxed. When each contraction came, I imagined it was a wave and I was in the sea. Instead of tensing up as the wave came, I relaxed all my muscles and rolled with the wave. Good luck for your labour, whichever route you choose.
When I became pregnant I found out as soon as I got my ultrasound my little guy had something wrong with his heart. From their everything was a smooth and comfortable pregnancy. As soon as I needed to start the birthing process all my birthing plans went out the window. I wanted as natural a birth as possible, I wanted a water birth and no pain medicine. I had to be induced and I tried to just handle the pain. I could not and had to get an epidural. I did not like how I didn't know when my body wanted me to push, needed me to push. I at least got my vaginal birth and not a C section.
I just had my first baby, she’s almost 3 months old now😁 you look great Jess especially for just having a baby. I was praying for you and your LO❤️ btw I love your style and room. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I found your vids and have been following since. Also I really wanted an unmedicated birth and was scared of the epidural as well but I ended up taking it and I had a great birth with no serious issues. The epidural had worn off by the time I started pushing, so baby girl was out soon after I started pushing. I’m guessing it’s because I could feel the pushing easier since the medication had worn off but it helped so much when I needed it. Still was one of the most painful things I’ve ever been through😂😂
May i ask. Where did you give birth. I’m looking for the best place. 🙏🙏
Great video. Wow!
The Pitocin causes lots of pain.
i just found out im having a baby and have avoided watching such videos but i took the plunge and decided to watch yours... this was sooo helpful... 💜💜💜
Congratulations Mama!! 🎉🎉🎊
Did you tear with Jules? Can you talk about how different was postpartum recovery this time?
yay thank you for this!! I had my first child with no epidural :) hoping to be pregnant soon and thinking i want to try the epidural next time!!
I'm looking back at this comment after rewatching this video and forgetting I ever commented! I DID have my second baby last year, however, I again did not get the epidural but now am considering it for future baby #3.... Maybe I'll have a updated comment then 🤣
I should tell you that we try to stay away from episiotomies unless necessary. I’ve seen episiotomies and natural tears and the natural tears generally are not worse. Episiotomies should only be used when absolutely necessary. I loved my unmedicated births. I just like going through the whole birthing process and feel the whole thing. I’m not scared of epidurals at all. I encourage those who don’t want an epidural over the fear of one to get one. You have to be mentally prepared for a natural birth for sure.
And also why couldn’t you move with your water broken???? I always let my moms move around their water being broke.
I go in for my induction at 8pm today with my first son & im so tied between trying unmedicated or getting epidural. This will be my second baby so I'm hoping things go a lot faster than they did with my daughter. I had an epidural for her & the experience was so painless & I loved it! But I do want to try an unmedicated birth so I can experience that as well .. thanks for this awesome video!!! Glad your babygirl is home with you. ❤️
Bless you and your new child!
When I was having contractions I wasn’t a yeller but I also wasn’t silent I was more of a growler if that makes sense? Haha i did labor and push very fast so I didn’t have time for an epidural but if it had taken longer I don’t know if I would have managed without pain relief. I will say the one thing that I swear helped me dilate faster was I envisioned myself peeing. I know it sounds crazy but I just envisioned my vagina relaxing to the point of allowing myself to pee. I just didn’t care. I probably peed everywhere! 😂 it was my way of relaxing and overcoming the pain.
I love the mental picture hahah and I love a mom comfortable enough to do what is best for her, that is amazing.
I remember the midwives/nurses kept offering me to cover up and I just sat there with an unbuttoned hospital shirt and nothing else through the entire 12+ hour dilation process lol
I love that. I was absolutely 100% butt ass naked! Haha i mean, I just thought that was what you were supposed to do and it never occurred to me to wear clothes while birthing a human. We all come into this world naked!
I'm so happy to see Juliet home and healthy! What a blessing! Such a cutie 😍
im 2 months pregnant and i have a deathly fear of catheters and needles, as well as the feeling of numbness - I get a ton of anxiety when i'm on any sort of medication that makes my brain/body feel any different aside from feeling/coherent. I literally cannot smoke or drink either - the feeling of being intoxicated also induces panic attacks for me. So im not sure if i will do the epidural... but i will not ignore medical intervention if needed. Its not about trying to prove anything to anyone, its just more about control. I feel like if i have to get an epidural, they'll have to knock me out with a bat for me to not go into a panic attack lol
Omg your video was so helpful and informative. I'm 31 weeks with my second child and don't want the epi this time.
Your epidural experience sounds just like mine!
I went in thinking I would try unmedicated (as a first time mom just to see what my body could do) but ended up on a ton of pitocin with back to back contractions and needed relief. It was an awesome birth and I wouldn't change it.
Both routes are awesome and it's all about what is best for the individual giving birth- mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually.
Thanks for this video Jess! I wish you a healing postpartum! (And lots of love to beautiful Jules!)
My first labour was an induction followed by the suction cup. I asked for some gas and air but the labour ward was so busy there wasn’t a labour suite free and they couldn’t give me gas and air. They eventually found a canister but it turned out it was empty. I ended up doing most of the painful bit (the transition) without any pain relief. I then had two saline drips as I lost a lot of blood and ended up with loads of stitches after I needed to be cut to get the suction cup in. Despite all of this, I would do that birth again in a heartbeat. The endorphins, the satisfying feeling of labouring my baby, it was such an amazing feeling. The only thing I can liken it to is a really tough workout, the type that makes you feel amazing, like cloud 9 amazing once it’s done, to the point where you want to do it all over again (just with some added pain) maybe that’s what it feels like to run a marathon.
My second labour was much more straight forward. Despite being 10 days over due I didn’t realise I was in labour at first, I thought I just had a tummy ache from eating a big dinner 🤦🏼♀️ I didn’t realise until my waters broke and all of a sudden my contractions were 3 minutes apart. I almost didn’t get to the hospital in time so I transitioned without pain relief again 🙄.
You just don’t know how it’s going to go on the day, you just have to be open to whatever’s right for you and your baby, and don’t feel any shame or guilt for your labour journey.
I also have experienced both..my first 2 i had an epidural and my last two i did all natural. My first two labors were long and drawn out bc of the epidural. My last two were born in 2 pushes after 4 hours of intense labor and it was the most difficult, most satisfying experience of my entire life.
I was amazed at how satisfying child birth was. I kinda want to do it again (but I won’t because 2 children is enough for me!)
im 16 and i dont want kids but im obsessed with your channel keep it up!!
Just had a baby on Saturday and did It unmediated. Idk If I’d do it again, It was VERY intense! Thank you, Jess, for your helpful info and attitude! Has been very helpful to me leading up to his birth :)
Honestly, i've been scared away from not having an epidural
I think she faced alot especially that the baby came early so it was harder to relax and be mentally prepared for such pain. I hope your and my labour goes much smoother and let’s try to focus on how to enjoy the experience with the options we have today in time of need.
This is the best perspective and exactly how I feel.
It is definitely worth noting that if you have scoliosis or any kind of curvature to your spine that an epidural may not be effective or as effective as it is for someone who doesn't.
I found that out *after* my nightmare labor of getting an epidural and then it not working at all. The anesthesiologist didn't even ask about spine issues. ;_;
This is really good info.. Thank you. You helped make my decision easier
I have a lot of curvature too..
Omg our birthing experience sounds exactly the same ! But I was in labor from Sunday and had my baby Thursday. My Water broke, I wasn't dilating, I received potocion, baby wouldn't come down and screamed for an epidural lol My anesthesiologist was amazing !! I felt nothing and was able to have my hubby by my side asking all of the questions.
Pitocin makes that epidural come in clutch 😂
@@nanaronhano337 yasss I wanted a natural birth but after pitocion and laboring for 5 days I was over it
I hated the epidural, finally used it on my 4th pregnancy, I hated how I could not feel how hard I was pushing although, my baby came quick. Also, the catheter jacked me up where I felt like I had a bladder infection for almost 3 months. It was painful being intimate with my husband for 3 months also. Now, I'm pregnant again, and I am 100 percent going unmedicated. That's my experience having an epidural.
Having my first and planning on delivering natural. I’m scared to death of the catheter & side effects of the epidural.
Thank you I’ve had 4 unmediated births . . . I’ll be having no. 5 in the hospital alone this time and I really just don’t feel like doing all the centering myself alone unmediated
I want to correct what you said about episiotomy : a natural tear will heal better because it follows the natural fibers of the muscles. Add that a lot of natural tears are just first degree (skin) while an episitiomy is already 2nd degree (cutting through the skin AND the muscles). The WHO does not recommend routine episiotomy. It's malpractice.
That’s what I heard, and so I didn’t get an episiotomy, but I tore naturally a second degree tear, and it was so jagged and zigzag I feel like it took forever to heal! And the doctor had to add stitches in my postpartum visit because it was so zigzag :/ I regret not getting an episiotomy
@@alexandratewell5337 you getting an episiotomy would not have been a guarantee that you would not have had a natural tear too! Episiotomy has not been proven to be effective as preventive against tears.
@@alexandratewell5337 and anyway a individual experience is not scientific proof. The WHO has a good reason for its recommandations.
Does every woman tear? What are the percentages.. scares the .. out of me
@@miyara928 no not everyone tears! You have more chances to tear for the first child. But also there are more tears at the hospital because they want to make you go faster, because labor in the back is not great etc. Respecting the body's physiology is the better way to avoid or minimize tears.
You know you’re pregnant when Jessica says “no shame. Do what you need. You’re sound a great job” and you start crying.
Jess thank you SO MUCH for your videos. I want to have a baby soon but am also terrified and your videos inspire me that I can do it!
You are really brave, I hope you doing better now and the baby be healthy and happy. I am 23 weeks and this video been helpful and waiting for the coming video you mentioned as well to have a clear overview
Do you still feel pain when pushing with the epidural?
If these items are second hand. You should wash before using specially if you buy for kids. So many skin diseases can transfer easily through these clothes. Wash well and put in front of sun at least 3 hours
Thank you so much for your videos I'm 7 months pregnant right now and im starting to get so anxious about labor, I really want to do it naturally and im so afraid of getting an epidural, so your videos makes me feel so at ease ❤️
You are so calming. Thank you for another amazing video and sharing your experience!
My anesthesiologist couldn’t get the epidural between vertebrae. After 26 try’s and 1.5 hours I just took what we got and I could still feel half my body and got all the negative spiral effects of the epidural. I am hoping to do natural with my next because I just mentally can’t go through all that again for no results.
Thanks for your positive and encouraging attitude! Very comforting to this first-time mom who is surrounded by people who have varying opinions on how my birth story should go. Counting down until March! :) Also.....I've been praying for you and your family during this time; I was so happy to see Jules is home!!!! I know you said you were nervous about her doing well when she came home, so I hope it has been a smooth and peaceful transition for you. :)
Getting an epidural after having a previous unmedicated labor is like black and white . I remember thinking , “wow this is a walk in the park “. I had a similar experience . I wanted another unmedicated birth but between the limitations with covid , pictosin, and strapped to the bed ... I’m like yeah ok not gonna happen , let’s just do the epidural .
Not sure why I'm watching this?! I am absolutely getting a epidural