Just how horrible is labor?

[shandi]

I've had two children. The first I had completely natural. I wanted to be part of elite group of women that, throughout time, have endured the most painful but most natural of all challenges. They also had to induce because he just wasn't coming fast enough. This increases the pain. I coped with the pain by visualizing the contractions as a searing hot light bulb that would get brighter and brighter but finally (and inevitably) would fade giving me time to prepare for the next. You have to keep reminding yourself that the pain will not last. Also, when you start pushing, you think, "There is NO WAY this baby is going to come out." I even had a moment where I said to myself, "I won't live through this." That's just panic talking. I felt the tearing and I did deficate. Oh well. At that moment, a little poop is the least of your worries and the doctors and nurses have seen it a million times. They don't care either.

 

Obviously the next child was an epidural. I didn't get it until I was just about to push so I still lived through the labor part without drugs. I was 10 years older this time and knew what to expect. This time I dealt with the pain by chanting and tapping my forhead to remind myself to breathe. The pushing, post epidural, was a piece of cake.

 

Don't worry too much. It's nothing you can't handle. If you allow the whole thing to be videotaped, don't watch it yourself. And if you insist on watching it, turn the volume down. I relived the whole thing each time I watched the video.

 

If you're worried about pain, get some witch hazel pads and good stool softener for the episiotomy.

[lostnscared]

What is the episiotomy?

 

When my bf's cousin in law was going through her first labor, she called her husband crying "I'm dying"--everyone thought it was the funniest thing ever, but I believe it was panic talking, because of the pain.

 

I'm young and idealistic as well, but certainly not as idealistic where I believe I won't need an epidural. If it gets too much I have no issue throwing the "I want to go through this natural" out the window and begging for the epidural.

[shandi]

The episiotomy is where they cut you from your vagina back toward your anus. This is supposed to keep you from tearing so that you heal faster. I've read that if the doctor gives you plenty of time to push, without rushing you, you may be able to stretch naturally without tearing. Some doctors just do the episiotomy routinely. It stings quite a bit post birth when you urinate. Get yourself a sqeeze bottle and fill it with warm water when you're about to go to the bathroom. Spray the water on while urinating to dilute the sting. Then wear a witch hazel pad in your underwear just after. Very soothing. Going #2 is a bit of a challenge the first time. Get the sqeeze bottle or just sit in the tub with warm water the first time. It's not difficult to clean up after and it keeps you from hurting. Each day it gets better and easier. Surely not as bad as I have made it sound. I don't want to scare you. This truly is the most wonderful, selfless thing you can do for your child. He/she is worth it.

 

When are you due?

[lostnscared]

Oh I'm not pregnant at all. Sorry if I confused you. I'm just curious.

[tinkerbellkj]

I am due 4 months from today and I have to say I am very scared. I have a decent pain tolerance, but I will be opting for the epidural for sure.

[newwave]

I'm not pregnant either, also curious. Strangely, I'm more scared of the epidural than the pain. I really hate the idea of something in my spine because in some cases it can cause being paralyzed and that would devastate me.

[shandi]

OH! Well I hope we haven't just talked you out of ever having children. Geez, i would hate to have read all this if I was only considering the whole thing. So... knowing that... here's my new advice:

 

"childbirth is the most beautiful of all experiences and well worth any pain involved. it's "raising" children rather than "birthing" them that's the most painful.

[lostnscared]

I'm not pregnant either, also curious. Strangely, I'm more scared of the epidural than the pain. I really hate the idea of something in my spine because in some cases it can cause being paralyzed and that would devastate me.

 

I heard the epidural is pretty painful(like an electric shock going through your back) then when it's over your glad you got it. But you can have back problems afterwards. I'm very curious about labor lol. It's always been my biggest fear in regards to being pregnant(that and getting fat).

[lostnscared]

OH! Well I hope we haven't just talked you out of ever having children. Geez, i would hate to have read all this if I was only considering the whole thing. So... knowing that... here's my new advice:

 

"childbirth is the most beautiful of all experiences and well worth any pain involved. it's "raising" children rather than "birthing" them that's the most painful.

 

LOL. I think I'd be okay waiting a few more years to be pregnant.

[newwave]

I too have heard it can cause back problems and that kind of scares me. The idea of not being as physical as I've always been terrifies me if it happens because of pregnancy.

 

Yes the childbirth is only the beginning. That's why I would never do this by myself. I couldn't imagine raising a child by myself or being the only one to take care of the baby. That's why I personally would never have a kid unless the dad was just as involved, including leave when the baby is born.

[CSLX9]

One of the things that make you able to experience pain again, like

that of childbirth, is because you can't remember exactly how the pain

felt when you felt it. You've either forgotten or it doesn't seem as bad.

Something like that, science says.

[shandi]

The epidural isn't itself all that painful. yeah, it's freaky to think of where that needle is going but at the time, you really don't care. They could have injected the needle straight into my eyeball and I would have been fine as long as I knew it was taking away pain. It was the sitting completely still during the process that drove me nuts. I was having back to back contractions while they gave me the epidural. Sweat was pouring down my back and every muscle in my body was tense and trembling. I think I was even cussing under my breath. If you're going to get the epidural, get it as soon as the offer it, early so you can get it between contractions not during. Don't wait till the end like I did. I was in transition and almost ready to push when I screamed for it. You always want it right there at the end because panic sets in. Decide before you go in.

[shandi]

One of the things that make you able to experience pain again, like

that of childbirth, is because you can't remember exactly how the pain

felt when you felt it. You've either forgotten or it doesn't seem as bad.

Something like that, science says.

 

This is true! You have a natural amnesia that sweeps away the very worst of it. That's why you don't want to watch the video or hear the sounds you made.

[Circe]

Oh. My. God.

 

I really don't think I want to go through that. I highly doubt its worth it now. I don't think I could handle this without feeling negatively about the child that caused it. I know thats wrong.. but god - you guys have made it sound so horrible and I know you are just telling the truth - the truth that noone really talks about. I just don't think I'm interested anymore. Jesus. How could it possibly be worth it?

[OptomisticGirl]

My mom literally pushed once with me, I was seven mins of hard labor. I was almost born on the elevator. My sister, on the hand, forty some odd hours I believe.

 

I told CS he hae two major things to do when we get pregnant and im in labor: a) he is to get me an epidural, no waiting around by the doctor until the last sec and b) he cant not look down there while im in labor bc I would still like him to be attracted to me and there could be poop.

 

It really doesn't ecare me, the pain at least. The knowledge a million things could go wrong is what scares me the most. But yeah, i want a epidural and as fast as possible.

[newwave]

Oh. My. God.

 

I really don't think I want to go through that. I highly doubt its worth it now. I don't think I could handle this without feeling negatively about the child that caused it. I know thats wrong.. but god - you guys have made it sound so horrible and I know you are just telling the truth - the truth that noone really talks about. I just don't think I'm interested anymore. Jesus. How could it possibly be worth it?

 

It really is scary, isn't it? I know I couldn't go through it without a devoted husband. Adoption is looking better and better.

[shandi]

Oh. My. God.

 

I really don't think I want to go through that. I highly doubt its worth it now. I don't think I could handle this without feeling negatively about the child that caused it. I know thats wrong.. but god - you guys have made it sound so horrible and I know you are just telling the truth - the truth that noone really talks about. I just don't think I'm interested anymore. Jesus. How could it possibly be worth it?

 

I knew someone would be talked out of ever giving birth. It's bad... YES. But I swear to you, with every fiber of my being, it is SOOOO WORTH IT!!! Your children are the world to you. 24 hours of pain is worth a lifetime of INCREDIBLE LOVE. Besides, I think painful childbirth is natures way of keeping you from killing them when they're teenagers. It took so much to bring them into this world, you're willing to keep them around for a while.

[Circe]

But is it true that an epidural could cause problems - like lifelong back problems?

[Circe]

I knew someone would be talked out of ever giving birth. It's bad... YES. But I swear to you, with every fiber of my being, it is SOOOO WORTH IT!!! Your children are the world to you. 24 hours of pain is worth a lifetime of INCREDIBLE LOVE. Besides, I think painful childbirth is natures way of keeping you from killing them when they're teenagers. It took so much to bring them into this world, you're willing to keep them around for a while.

 

You just said raising them is even worse than giving birth to them!!!!!

[CSLX9]

Oh. My. God.

 

I really don't think I want to go through that. I highly doubt its worth it now. I don't think I could handle this without feeling negatively about the child that caused it. I know thats wrong.. but god - you guys have made it sound so horrible and I know you are just telling the truth - the truth that noone really talks about. I just don't think I'm interested anymore. Jesus. How could it possibly be worth it?

 

Hence why (sorry haha) many get depressions after birth.

Of course the reasons differ.

[OptomisticGirl]

There are some who have problems with an epidural (some experience back pain when bending down) but its a case to case thing.

[shandi]

You just said raising them is even worse than giving birth to them!!!!!

 

Yeah it is! When they're teenagers and they start smoking pot, skipping school, making you wait up for them till all hours of the night, worrying, worrying, screaming, and worrying... I actually use the same techniques for coping with labor pain. I tap my forhead and chant, "This too shall pass and it won't kill me". And then there is the thought that makes it all worth it, "One day I will talk this young woman into making me a grandma and then I get all the joys of a baby with no pain and no work. Baaahhaaaa!!!"

 

If you're never willing to give birth, you never get grandkids. You also never get the opportunity to move in and mooch off your kids when you're old and feeble. (of cource I joke here)

[Circe]

Jesus I just read up on the side effects of having an epidural. Here it is if anyones interested:

 

 

 

 

Natural Labor Pain Relief with Maternity Acupressure

 

Epidurals:

real risks for mother and baby

 

by Dr Sarah Buckley

 

 

 

Epidural pain relief is an increasingly popular choice for Australian women in the labour ward. Up to one-third of all birthing women have an epidural (1), and it is especially common amongst women having their first babies (2). For women giving birth by caesarean section, epidurals are certainly a great alternative to general anaesthetic, allowing women to see their baby being born, and to hold and breastfeed at an early stage: however their use as a part of a normal vaginal birth is more questionable (3).

 

There are several types of epidural used in Australian hospitals. In a conventional epidural, a dose of local anaesthetic is injected through the lower back into the epidural space, around the spinal cord. This numbs the nerves which bring sensation from the uterus and birth canal.

 

Unfortunately, the local anaesthetic also numbs the nerves which control the pelvic muscles and legs, so with this type of epidural, a woman usually cannot move her legs and, unless the epidural has worn off, cannot push her baby out, in the second stage of labour.

 

More recent forms of epidurals use a lower dose of local anaesthetic, usually combined with an opiate, such as pethidine, morphine or fentanyl (sublimaze). With this low-dose or combination epidural, most women can move around with support; however the chance of a woman being able to give birth without forceps is still low (4). Another form of epidural, popular in the US, is the CSE, or combined spinal-epidural, where a one-off dose of opiate, with or without local anaesthetic, is injected into the spinal space, very close to the end of the spinal cord. This gives pain relief for around 2 hours, and if further pain relief is needed, it is given as an epidural. These forms of "walking epidural" may seem advantageous, but being attached to a CTG machine to monitor the baby, and hooked up to a drip which is also a requirement when an epidural is in place, can make walking impossible.

 

Many women have a good experience with epidurals. Sometimes the relief from pain can allow a woman to rest and relax sufficiently to go on and have a good birth experience. However deciding to use an epidural for pain relief can also lead to a "cascade of intervention", where an otherwise normal birth becomes highly medicalised, and a woman feels that she loses her control and autonomy. Often the decision to accept an epidural is made without an awareness of these, and other, significant risks to both mother and baby.

 

Although the drugs used in epidurals are injected around the spinal cord, substantial amounts enter the mother's blood stream, and pass through the placenta into the baby's circulation. Most of the side effects of epidurals are due to these "systemic", or whole-body effects.

 

One of the most commonly recognised side effects is a drop in blood pressure. Up to one woman in 8 will have this side effect to some degree (5), and for this reason, extra fluids are usually given through a drip to prevent problems. A drop in the mother's blood pressure will affect how much of her blood is pumped to the placenta, and can lead to less oxygen being available to the baby.

 

An epidural will often slow a woman's labour, and she is three times more likely to be given an oxytocin drip to speed things up (6, 7). The second stage of labour is particularly slowed, leading to a three times increased chance of forceps (8). Women having their first baby are particularly affected; choosing an epidural can reduce their chance of a normal delivery to less than 50% (9).

 

This slowing of labour is at least partly related to the effect of the epidural on a woman's pelvic floor muscles. These muscles guide the baby's head so that it enters the birth canal in the best position. When these muscles are not working, dystocia, or poor progress, may result, leading to the need for high forceps to turn the baby, or a caesarean section. Having an epidural doubles a woman's chance of having a caesarean section for dystocia (10).

 

When forceps are used, or if there is a concern that the second stage is too long, a woman may be given an episiotomy, where the perineum, or tissues between the vaginal entrance and anus, are cut to enlarge the outlet and hurry the birth. Stitches are needed and it may be painful to sit until the episiotomy has healed, in 2 to 4 weeks.

 

As well as numbing the uterus, an epidural will numb the bladder, and a woman may not be able to pass urine, in which case she will be catheterised. This involves a tube being passed up from the urethra to drain the bladder, which can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing.

 

Other side effects of epidurals vary a little depending on the particular drugs used. Pruritis, or generalized itching of the skin, is common when opiate drugs are given. It may be more or less intense and affects at least ¼ of women (11, 12): morphine or diamorphine are most likely to cause this. Morphine also causes oral herpes in 15% of women (13).

 

All opiate drugs can cause nausea and vomiting, although this is less likely with an epidural (around 30% (14)) than when these drugs are given into the muscle or bloodstream, where larger doses are needed. Up to 1/3 of women with an epidural will experience shivering (15), which is related to effects on the bodies heat- regulating system.

 

When an epidural has been in place for more than 5 hours, a woman's body temperature may begin to rise (16). This will lead to an increase in both her own and her baby's heart rate, which is detectable on the CTG monitor. Fetal tachycardia, or fast heart rate can be a sign of distress, and the elevated temperature can also be a sign of infection such as chorioamnionitis, which affects the uterus and baby. This can lead to such interventions as caesarean section for possible distress or infection, or, at the least, investigations of the baby after birth such as blood and spinal fluid samples, and several days of separation, observation, and possibly antibiotics, until the results are available (17).

 

Less common side effects for a woman having an epidural are; accidental puncture of the dura, or spinal cord coverings, which can cause a prolonged and sometimes severe headache (1 in 100) (18) ongoing numb patches, which usually clear after 3 months(1 in 550) (19); and weakness and loss of sensation in the areas affected by the epidural, (4-18 in 10,000) also usually resolving by 3 months (20).

 

More serious but rare side effects include permanent nerve damage; convulsions and heart and breathing difficulties (1 in 20,000) (21) and death attributable to epidural. (1 in 200,000) (22) When opiates are used, a woman may experience difficulty in breathing which comes on 6 to 12 hours later (23).

 

There is a noticeable lack of research and information about the effects of epidurals on babies (24). Drugs used in epidurals can reach levels at least as high as those in the mother (25), and because of the baby's immature liver, these drugs take a long time- sometimes days- to be cleared from the baby's body (26). Although findings are not consistent, possible problems, such as rapid breathing in the first few hours (27) and vulnerability to low blood sugar28 suggest that these drugs have measurable effects on the newborn baby.

 

As well as these effects, babies can suffer from the interventions associated with epidural use; for example babies born by caesarean section have a higher risk of breathing difficulties (29). When monitoring of the heart rate by CTG is difficult, babies may have a small electrode screwed into their scalp, which may not only be unpleasant, but occasionally can lead to infection.

 

There are also suggestions that babies born after epidurals may have difficulties with breastfeeding (30, 31) which may be a drug effect, or may relate to more subtle changes. Studies suggest that epidurals interfere with the release of oxytocin (32) which, as well as causing the let-down effect in breastfeeding, encourages bonding between a mother and her young (33).

 

Epidural research, much of it conducted by the anaesthetists who administer epidurals, has unfortunately focussed more on the pro's and con's of different drug combinations than on possible serious side-effects (34). There have been, for example, no rigorous studies showing whether epidurals affect the successful establishment of breastfeeding (35).

 

Several studies have found subtle but definite changes in the behaviour of newborn babies after epidural (36, 37, 38) with one study showing that behavioural abnormalities persisted for at least six weeks (39). Other studies have shown that, after an epidural, mothers spent less time with their newborn babies (40), and described their babies at one month as more difficult to care for (41).

 

While an epidural is certainly the most effective form of pain relief available, it is worth considering that ultimate satisfaction with the experience of giving birth may not be related to lack of pain. In fact, a UK survey which asked about satisfaction a year after the birth found that despite having the lowest self-rating for pain in labour (29 points out of 100), women who had given birth with an epidural were the most likely to be dissatisfied with their experience a year later (42).

 

Some of this dissatisfaction was linked to long labours and forceps births, both of which may be a consequence of having an epidural. Women who had no pain relief reported the most pain (70 points out of 100) but had high rates of satisfaction.

 

Pain in childbirth is real, but epidural pain relief may not be the best solution. Talk about other options with your care-givers and friends. With good support, and the use of movement, breathing and sound, most women can give themselves, and their babies, the gift of a birth without drugs.

 

 

Natural Labor Pain Relief with Maternity Acupressure

 

 

 

References:

 

1. Perinatal Statistics, Queensland 1996. Queensland Health 1998. At the present time, national figures for epidural use are not collected.

 

2. Dr Steve Chester, Head of Anaesthetics Dept, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Around 45% of primiparous women at RWH have an epidural. Personal Communication

 

3. World Health Organisation. Care in Normal birth: A Practical Guide..P 16. WHO 1996

 

4. Russell R, Reynolds F. Epidural infusion of low-dose bupivicaine and opioid in labour. Does reducing the motor block increase the spontaneous delivery rate? Anaesthesia 1996; 51(5): 266-273

 

5. Webb RJ, Kantor GS. Obstetrical epidural anaesthesia in a rural Canadian hospital. Can J Anaesth 1991; 39:390-393

 

6. Ramin SM, Gambling DR, Lucas MJ et al. Randomized trial of epidural versus intravenous analgesia during labor. Obstet Gynecol 1995; 86(5): 783-789

 

7. Howell CJ. Epidural vs non-epidural analgesia in labour. [Revised 6 May 1994] In: Keirse MJNG, Renfrew MJ, Neilson JP, Crowther C. (eds) Pregnancy and Childbirth Module. In: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database. (database on disc and CD-ROM ) The Cochrane Collaboration; Issue 2, Oxford: Update Software 1995 (Available from BMJ publishing group, London)

 

8. Thorp JA, Hu DH, Albin RM, et al. The effect of intrapartum epidural analgesia on nulliparous labor; a randomized, controlled, prospective trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993; 169(4): 851-858

 

9. Paterson Catherine, Banfield Philip. Epidural analgesia and maternal satisfaction. BMJ 1991 v302: 1079

 

10. Thorp JA, Meyer BA, Cohen GR et al. Epidural analgesia in labor and cesarean section for dystocia. Obstet Gynecol Surv 1994; 49(5): 362-369

 

11. Lirzin JD, Jacquintot P, Dailland P, et al. Controlled trial of extradural bupivicaine with fentanyl, morphine or placebo for pain relief in labour. Br J Anaesth 1989; 62: 641-644

 

12. Caldwell LE, Rosen MA, Shnider SM. Subarachnoid morphine and fentanyl for labor analgesia. Efficacy and adverse effects. Reg Anesth 1994;19:2-8

 

13. John Paull, Faculty of Anaesthetists, Melbourne. Quoted in: "The perfect epidural for labour is proving elusive" New Zealand Doctor. 21 Oct 1991

 

14. as above

 

15. Buggy D, Gardiner J. The space blanket and shivering during extradural analgesia in labour. Acta-Anaesthesiol-Scand 1995; 39(4): 551-553

 

16. Camann WR, Hortvet LA, Hughes N, et al. Maternal temperature regulation during extradural analgesia for labour. Br J Anaesth 1991;67:565-568.

 

17. Kennell J, Klaus M, McGrath S, et al. Continuous emotional support during labor in a US hospital. JAMA 1991;265:2197-220

 

18. Stride PC, Cooper GM. Dural taps revisited: a 20 year survey from Birmingham Maternity Hospital. Anaesthesia 1993; 48(3)

 

19. Epidurals for pain relief in labour: Informed choice leaflet for women. MIDIRS and the NHS centre for Reviews and dissemination 1997.

 

20. Epidural pain relief during labour; Informed choice for professionals. MIDIRS and the NHS centre for Reviews and dissemination 1997.

 

21. see 13

 

22. see 13

 

23. Rawal N, Arner S et al Ventilatory effects of extradural diamorphine.Br J Anaesthesia 1982;54:239

 

24. Howell CJ, Chalmers I. A review of prospectively controlled comparisons of epidural with non-epidural forms of pain relief during labour. Int J Obstet Anaesth 1992;1:93-110

 

25. Fernando R, Bonello E et al. Placental and maternal plasma concentrations of fentanyl and bupivicaine after ambulatory combined spinal epidural (CSE) analgesia during labour. Int J Obstet Anaesth 1995;4:178-179

 

26. Caldwell J, Wakile LA, Notarianni LJ et al. Maternal and neonatal disposition of pethidine in child birth- a study using quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Lif Sci 1978;22:589-96

 

27. Bratteby LE, Andersson L, Swanstrom S. Effect of obstetrical regional analgesia on the change in respiratory frequency in the newborn. Br J Anaesth 1979; 51:41S-45S

 

28. Swanstrom S, Bratteby LE. Metabolic effects of obstetric regional analgesia and of asphyxia in the newborn infant during the first two hours after birth I. Arterial blood glucose concentrations. Acta Paediatr Scand 1981; 70:791-800

 

29. Enkin M, Keirse M, Renfrew M, Neilson J. A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth. P 287 Oxford University Press 1995

 

30. Smith A. Pilot study investigating the effect of pethidine epidurals on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Review, Nursing Mothers Association of Australia. V5 no1 May 1997.

 

31. Walker M. Do labor medications affect breastfeeding? J Human Lactation 1997;13(2) 131-137

 

32. Goodfellow CF, Hull MGR, Swaab DF et al. Oxytocin deficiency at delivery with epidural analgesia. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1983; 90:214-219

 

33. Insel TR, Shapiro LE. Oxytocin receptors and maternal behavior. In Oxytocin in Maternal Sexual and Social Behaviors. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1992 Vol 652. Ed CA Pedersen, JD Caldwell, GF Jirikowski and TR Insel pp 122-141 New York, New York Academy of Science

 

34. Howell CJ, Chalmers I A review of prospectively controlled comparisons of epidural with non-epidural forms of pain relief during labour. Int J Obstet Anaesth 1992 1: 93-110

 

35. See 31

 

36. Scanlon JW, Brown WU, Weiss JB Alper MD. Neurobehavioral responses of newborn infants after maternal epidural anesthesia. Anesthesiology, 1974; 40: 121-128

 

37. Morikawa S, Ishikawa I, Kamatsuki H, et al. Neurobehavior and mental development of newborn infants delivered under epidural analgesia with bupivicaine. Nippon Sanka 1990; 42: 1495-1502

 

38. Lester BM, Heidelise A, Brazelton TB. Regional obstetric anesthesia and newborn behavior: a synthesis toward synergistic effects.Child Dev 1982; 53;687-692

 

39. Rosenblatt DB, Belsey EM, Lieberman BA et al. The influence of maternal analgesia on neonatal behaviour II epidural bupivicaine. Br J Obstet Gynecol 1981 24;649-670

 

40. Seposki C, Lester B, Ostenheimer GW, Brazelton, TB. The effects of maternal epidural anesthesia on neonatal behavior during the first month. Dev Med Child Neurol 1992:34;1072-1080

 

41. Murray AD, Dolby RM, Nation RL, Thomas DB. Effects of epidural anesthesia on newborns and their mothers. Child Dev 1981; 82:71-82

 

 

42. Morgan BM, Bulpitt CJ, Clifton P, Lewis PJ. Analgesia and satisfaction in childbirth (the Queen Charlotte's 1000 mother survey) Lancet 1982; 2 (Oct 9) 808-810

 

 

 

Sarah J Buckley is a NZ-trained GP, and an internationally-published writer and advocate for gentle choices in pregnancy, birth and parenting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This paper may be copied and circulated, as long as the author is acknowledged.

Sarah Buckley, Brisbane, Australia. Nov 1998

The author can be contacted @ sarahjbuckley @ link removed

 

More articles about labor and delivery:

 

How to go into labor?

 

Labor induction risks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maternity Acupressure Natural Ways To Induce Labor

 

Inducing Labor Naturally with Acupressure Home Birth

 

 

 

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The material provided in this site is provided for personal, non-commercial, educational and informational purposes only and in no way should be considered as an offering of medical advice. You should regularly consult a licensed health care professional in matters relating to your pregnancy, labor and health in general and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

[Circe]

Ok well.. I can't tell you how bad I feel now. I was already having a blue day. Now I feel just awful. I dont even want a baby. I feel like I'll end up having one because of all the gazillion forms of pressure:

> Parents

> society

> in-laws

> friends

> spouse (who wont apply direct pressure but knowing he wants one is enough pressure)

> me thinking -what if I hit 40 and then desperately want one

 

... and now I'll have to go through this .. horrible, horrible experience. And I dont even want to have a child. Not really. God I feel awful.

[shandi]

I joke but having children is the most wonderful thing in the world. They have brought me more joy than everything else in my life combined. They make my life worth living. Yeah labor is tough. So is trying to raise them properly as a single parent. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I often dream that I have a newborn. I always wake up with a smile on my face.

 

Don't have a child just to please your spouse, family, or friends. Don't do it because of societal pressures. But don't let my jokes convice you that it is a miserable experience. It's NOT. Have a child when you want one so badly that any amount of pain, work, and worry isn't a concern. If you don't want one that badly, then you're not ready.