old fashioned
Almost Self-Reliant
All 3 of mine were in the hospital with doctors.
My first, I was young and didn't give it a second thought other than "it must be safer this way" and used pain meds cause I was chicken of pain. Yet by the time I was given said meds it was almost over and needn't have bothered.
Second one also thought safer because of so many years since the first. This little gem was induced, but no pain meds. Induced because I was already a week late and doc was about to go on a 3 week vacation.
And by the third one, I was finally getting the idea that docs & hospitals were just along for the ride but still went with it. I had pain meds but then labor stopped and as the nurse was going to get labor jump start meds the pain meds were wearing off and labor began again I said don't bother, let's just get on with it.
One thing I noticed with pain meds, they'd knock me for a loop and took much longer time for recovery. My second, without pain meds, I could have done anything within a few hours. Reminded me of the stories of those who had their babies in the fields and went right back to work. I felt great.
If I would have known then what I know now....I'd probably have homebirths with or without professional intervention.
BTW.......
to chikeemomma
My first, I was young and didn't give it a second thought other than "it must be safer this way" and used pain meds cause I was chicken of pain. Yet by the time I was given said meds it was almost over and needn't have bothered.
Second one also thought safer because of so many years since the first. This little gem was induced, but no pain meds. Induced because I was already a week late and doc was about to go on a 3 week vacation.
And by the third one, I was finally getting the idea that docs & hospitals were just along for the ride but still went with it. I had pain meds but then labor stopped and as the nurse was going to get labor jump start meds the pain meds were wearing off and labor began again I said don't bother, let's just get on with it.
One thing I noticed with pain meds, they'd knock me for a loop and took much longer time for recovery. My second, without pain meds, I could have done anything within a few hours. Reminded me of the stories of those who had their babies in the fields and went right back to work. I felt great.
If I would have known then what I know now....I'd probably have homebirths with or without professional intervention.
BTW.......
to chikeemomma
Anyway I have five kids. My first one was my only 'natural' childbirth experience. I suppose it went rather well, natural childbirth style....but at the same time...I had my other four...epi style. 
Actually my oldest sis had nine children all natural style. I felt like I had to at least give it a good ole' team try at least once. Soo...up until the stage they 'call' transition, I was good. Then I turned into the demon from hell. I told my dh that I hated him. I wanted to kill him and that he was scum for doing this to me. ......I must have had smoke coming out of my ears and my eyes must have turned a bright red. I could see fear in his eyes. The nurse made me stand up...saying 'honey...it'll help with the pain if you stand up...it'll also make the baby come out faster'....ummm wth? Okay...so I tried it...NO on both accounts! I wanted to wring her neck too! Okay so I am not the most laid back, relaxed type person. Anyway I stand up like they say...and hold onto my dh's waist. Well let's just say his pants were no longer up around his waist when I was done b/c the pain was so bad. 
