Do You Know Anyone Who Has Given Birth Without Any Drugs?

I didn't have any drugs with my second. I just answered another question just like this. I wish people wouldn't compare or care. No matter how the baby came into the world, the fact that the baby arrived should be prize enough.

I had one with and one without...but really what difference does it make. I get so frustrated when women think they are better for it or are tougher.....who cares if you had drugs or not? You had a heathy baby and should just be happy with that. Nothing bothers me more than when mother starts her birth strory with "and I didn't have drugs". It doesn't make you a better parent or mean you have a better baby, so who cares. I am sorry to be so blunt but this is ridiculous.

It is wonderful to read all the responses. I also delivered drug free - 8 lbs 11 oz girl. I stayed at home as long as possible so I could do what felt right.. rock in a rocking chair, bounce on an exercise ball, walk around or take a bath. I was only at the hospital about 45 mins before my daughter was born. It was incredibly intense at the end - but such an incredible experience.

Yep- My 2 boys were born natural, no drugs. 1st one 6lbs., 2nd one 9 lbs. Would I do it again? Not too sure... :-)
The 9lb. boy was "sunny-side up" making it a little (ok, a lot) tricky to push out, the doc "turned" him by reaching up there and turning his shoulders while he was in the birth canal....ow-wieeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm guessing you might get a lot of comments on this as I'm thinking they are still quite a few "all-natural" births out there.... :-)

Your mothers probably didn't have any drugs except for Novacaine before the episiotomy!!! I have three children, born in '78, '81 and 1989 and never had drugs with any of them. It was all about Natural childbirth and we didn't think we were super human or anything. My daughter is expecting now and plans to have a natural delivery without pain meds. Childbirth is a wonderful, natural experience and it's really a shame not to be totally aware of the whole process.

My boss had a 10+ lb. baby boy.
When she tells me to jump, I do!

I did! Mine was 9 lbs, too.

Although I see you had a ton of enthusiastic responses, I'll add mine too. How awesome by the way - all these women. I had both of mine w/out drugs, much to the dismay of the OBGYN. I purposely waited at home until the contractions were fairly close before even going to the hospital. He said "you know, it's too late for me to administer any pain medication..." Yeah - I know. Hard work, but well worth it. I wouldn't want to dim any moment of those memories. First one was 6 lbs 6 oz, second 6 lbs 12 oz.

Yes I can think of 7 women I know right off hand who gave birth without any drugs. One of them was a friend who just gave birth on Friday. It is not as unusual as you think.

No drugs for me. My son 21.5" and 9lbs 10 oz. I went into labor not wanting any drugs. When they wanted to speed things along with petosin, I refused because when my sister-in-law was given petosin she ended up with very painful, erratic contractions and then ended up with a C-section anyway. Then when it came time for deciding on having an epidural or not I refused. During labor I dislocated a rib head which is incredibly painful and since the epidural would not have touched that pain, I saw no point. The pain from labor was very manageable because it is productive pain...I could feel every contraction bringing my son closer to my arms. I loved the feeling of the final stages of labor...I felt like my son and I were working together, without the drugs he was able to help push himself out with his strong little legs. I also liked how alert he was right after his birth.

You are not alone. My daughter was 9lbs, 10 oz. My epidural wore off at 7 cm and no one could find the anesthesiologist...

On the other hand, my son was 10lbs, 1 oz. and the epidural was wonderful. I was not stressed out, I could control my pushing, I was not begging the nurse to 'get him out'.

My opinion, there is no shame or guilt to be felt in getting an epidural. It does not affect the baby, in fact my son's Apgar score was higher than my daughters....

I did it naturally (without drugs or other interventions) with a 9lb. 2 oz baby. I also know of many women who have delivered at home without drugs. It's totally doable and I wouldn't change it!

Actually our hospital doesn't offer epidurals! Sounds barbaric doesn't it? I delivered both my children without drugs and my son was 10lb 1oz, my daughter 8lb 11oz. Good luck to you!!

I had four children without having to use any drugs besides the pitocin. My first labor was 17 hours long (back labor too!) and my son was 9#. My second labor was 8 1/2 hours (induced because I was 3 days late and my husband was going out of town) and my daughter was 8#3oz. My third labor was 3 1/2 hours (induced because I was 8 days late) and my daughter was 9#3oz. My fourth labor was 7 1/2 hours (induced 2 weeks early due to the baby's size and my health- horrible back labor too!) and my son was 9#7oz. I went into childbirth not wanting to use any medications especially since I am so sensitive to medications and I did not want the babies to be affected either. I have a high pain threshold as well that helped me, but the boys certainly did hurt more than the girls due to them being turned wrong especially the last since he was so large.

I did....twice. I don't know many women that have though - definitely not the norm today.

Yes, my mom had all six of us with no drugs. I had two of my kids with no drugs. No c-sections, obviously.

first 2 no drugs and the 3rd i had a shot of something that made me sleepy until i delivered

Yep, and I'm doing it again. My first was 8 lb. 10 oz. and I was in labor for FOUR DAYS. It was tough, but I did it, and it's one thing I am very proud of. I'm due any day now and plan on having my second drug-free, at home, and hopefully doing a waterbirth. :)

T.

I delivered a 9 pound 6 oz boy with absolutely no drugs. It was an all natural drug free vaginal birth that I wanted. It was my 2nd child and I hated the epidural I had with the first. IF you put your mind to it you can do it. Most people I think just don't like the idea of having to go thru that much pain but its so worth it in the end.

yup, my 1st was 7"4 & my 4th was 8'5 i went from 1cm - 10 in 40 minutes & 2 pushes she was out..........my 2nd & 3rd i had pitocin & that stuff is horrible it made the contractions unbearable, so i got an epidural with them although i dont have any regrets getting the epidural............i am only 5'1 & very small frame, so my Dr was shocked that i was able to have vaginal births

My first was no drugs... thanks to my (now ex-) husband. He didn't want to "have to sit in the waiting room for several more hours" after my mother told him to get me to the hospital or he'd be delivering the baby in the living room!

I got there and 25 minutes later they were delivering my son.

With my first child, I had an epidural and had a horrible experience. So, I chose to have both my second and third completely naturally and they were both 9 pounds.

I had no drugs with my first child (28+ years ago). She came too fast, a total of 1.5 hrs. of labor. My second child 20 years later was induced and had a dose of something to "take the edge off" (ha, ha).

Okay, I'll add myself to the list. LOL I've had three without pain meds but all my babies were under 7 lbs and all my labors were super fast (the doctor wasn't even in the room with my dd2!). I'm pregnant again with my fourth so I'm planning on doing it again!

My mom had all 5 of her kids at Fairview in Minneapolis and used a midwife. She never needed any kind of pain intervention for any of us. We ranged in size from 5.5 lbs to 9 lbs.

I, on the other hand, had my first son by emergency c-section since, 4 weeks before my due date I couldn't feel him moving as he had been strangling in his umbilical cord. My 2nd son I attempted to do a VBAC, but was induced with Pitocin, which is a very unnatural way to go about labor. After 12 hours I hadn't dilated to even 2 cm, and I finally asked for meds. After being on the meds for about 10 min my baby's heart rate dropped, so we opted to do a c-section. Now, I really wish that I had not asked for the meds and stuck it out longer to see if I could do it. I certainly tip my hat to mamas who can go au naturale.

When I was pregnant with my son, I decided I would try as long as I could through labor without drugs. Also, my husband was REALLY against epidurals (even though he wasn;t the one having the baby!). I was in labor for 15 hours and at the end, they had to give me pitocin. Only then did I decide I wanted nubain. I got 1 shot which didn't really do much except make me sleepy. My whole pregnancy my midwife told me he would be an average sized baby. He was born at 9.8 pounds and 22 inches. A big baby!
My second pregnancy I wanted to do the same thing, leave an option for an epidural. I was in labor for 7 hours. When I asked to get the epidural it was time to push so I didn't get one (and I'm glad). She was 8.5 pounds and 20 inches.
We're not planning on having any more kids, but if we do, I would do the same thing.

Plenty of people, but that is much less likely for your first. I did have pain killers for my first two, both took over 12 hours. My third shot out before they could get me into the room, no time for anything.

You are not alone. My oldest is 17 no meds,a few stiches,and about 4 pushes.Plus a mid-wife...then my second one was 7 1/2 weeks early 2 pushes(no meds). My 3rd one term 6lbs 5oz,water broke at 10:30pm had him at 12:01am 3 pushes and ones again no meds.Then my 4th and 5th where both early births So,you 7 1/2 weeks and 5 1/2 weeks early. a couple of pushes both no meds.So,you are not alone.

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You are not alone. My oldest is 17 no meds,a few stiches,and about 4 pushes.Plus a mid-wife...then my second one was 7 1/2 weeks early 2 pushes(no meds). My 3rd one term 6lbs 5oz,water broke at 10:30pm had him at 12:01am 3 pushes and ones again no meds.Then my 4th and 5th where both early births So,you 7 1/2 weeks and 5 1/2 weeks early. a couple of pushes both no meds.So,you are not alone.

Updated

You are not alone. My oldest is 17 no meds,a few stiches,and about 4 pushes.Plus a mid-wife...then my second one was 7 1/2 weeks early 2 pushes(no meds). My 3rd one term 6lbs 5oz,water broke at 10:30pm had him at 12:01am 3 pushes and ones again no meds.Then my 4th and 5th where both early births So,you 7 1/2 weeks and 5 1/2 weeks early. a couple of pushes both no meds.So,you are not alone.

Updated

You are not alone. My oldest is 17 no meds,a few stiches,and about 4 pushes.Plus a mid-wife...then my second one was 7 1/2 weeks early 2 pushes(no meds). My 3rd one term 6lbs 5oz,water broke at 10:30pm had him at 12:01am 3 pushes and ones again no meds.Then my 4th and 5th where both early births So,you 7 1/2 weeks and 5 1/2 weeks early. a couple of pushes both no meds.So,you are not alone.

Updated

You are not alone. My oldest is 17 no meds,a few stiches,and about 4 pushes.Plus a mid-wife...then my second one was 7 1/2 weeks early 2 pushes(no meds). My 3rd one term 6lbs 5oz,water broke at 10:30pm had him at 12:01am 3 pushes and ones again no meds.Then my 4th and 5th where both early births So,you 7 1/2 weeks and 5 1/2 weeks early. a couple of pushes both no meds.So,you are not alone.

Yes, I had my 8 lb. 10 oz. baby girl completely drug free! There is no question that I would do the same in any future births.

My first I labored (total time) for 23.5 hours, pushed for 2 hours and had no drugs. She was 8lbs 1oz. My second was a total of 5 hours of labor, pushed for less than 10 mins and had no drugs. He was 7lbs 14oz. :)

You are among many friends. My third son was 9lbs 8 oz. No drugs, no tearing. It was a long and tough labor. My sister delivered her 8lb 15 oz baby with no drugs. My best friend has had one over 9 lbs with no drugs. She and I

Way to go! I hope the labor went well. Did you deliver in the hospital? With midwives or doctors?

I had both my babies drug free.....not even an advil. Fairly fast labors, too.
The first was 5 1/2 (with back labor) and she was 7lbs 3oz. The second was 4 hours and he was 7lbs 9oz. I wouldn't do it any other way!

oh believe me you are not alone. lol i had my son with NO drugs. he was coming to fast and the only thing they could give me were IV drugs. but as soon as they pulled the needle out of my IV LINE(and i mean literally as soon as the tip came out) they checked me and said you are complete its time to start pushing. i pushed him out quick and the drugs didn't kick in until 45 minutes later. I fell asleep with a BIG mac in my mouth once they did kick in. but fortunetly my son was only 6lbs 5 1/2 oz. so no you are not alone.

hi L.!
i'm happy to tell you tahat all my 3 kids was born without any drugs or C section ( 4.650 kg. 3.999 kg. 3750 kg.)you dont have to be a masochist for that. just have the ability to bear the pain ..

I had my third baby last August and during my delivery, my epidural failed. It was bad and I'm a big chicken when it comes to pain. The ob decided that all I needed was an epidural and no other pain medication since epidurals are more potent now than before. So, cool, I went that route. I would never have chosen to deliver naturally--drug me to the max has always been my motto. For my first two pregnancies, I had Demerol and epidurals and they worked wonderfully. So, I never bothered learning all the breathing techniques because I assumed with an epidural, why bother.....NOT! Luckily, my labor nurse coached me on how to breathe and all. It was hard for me to focus on her instructions. My advice is if you want to go natural, talk to your ob about it and make sure that meds are available for you if it becomes too difficult. And, make sure you learn all those breathing techniques and pain management techniques should the need arise:(

M

both my kids weighed in at just over 12 pounds,i did it all natural-and no drugs..both were a month late..so there are some of us out here....

In 1986 I gave birth to a 9lb 14oz, 23in boy and had absolutely no drugs. So it is posssible! Although I had quite a tear, the epiziotomy(sp) was not nearly enough. We managed to have 4 more children and all 5 were happy healthy babes.

No drugs here. Although I took some tylenol after some of my births. Our biggest baby was 10 lbs. 2 oz. Most were in the 7 or 8 1/2 lb. range though. 5 of the 6 were home births...knew we could do it after no drugs during the induced birth of our first. Love going all natural :) Healing was easy, though the birth work was intense.

Yes, my mother is 5'4" and weighs all of 100 pounds. She gave birth to my sister naturally and she was nearly 10lbs! My babies were both small, so I can't even imagine.

I did! To a 9 lb 4 oz :) Most of my friends had natural births too.

Hi L.,

I delivered twins vaginally - with no drugs. My cousin just had her baby girl - and it was number 4 for her - with no drugs. My friend just gave birth to number 3 - with no drugs. Certainly not unheard of...some people do cringe when they ask me about my birth experience and realize that I said no to any kind of drug!

J.

I have two friends who has done it. One actually did home births, I believe. I commend you because I know there is no way I would be able to do it. I ended up having three C-Sections, but if I had normal birth there is still no way I could handle the pain! I'm an wuss and the first to admit it :-)

I know what you mean when you say you feel like you're the only one. I've only had a couple of my friends that have had drug-free labors. My first was C-section because she was breech and wouldn't move (6lbs 6oz). My 2nd I was at 8 cm when we got to the hospital and I got an epidural just in case I needed another c-section, but had a successful VBAC (7 weeks premature, 5lbs 10oz). My 3rd baby was 6 weeks premature, weighed 6 pounds, was almost a home birth because I was wanting to push before we left for the hospital so completely drug free! That was by far my best labor and recovery! Way to go on your 9lbs baby! 6 is what the doctors figure I could do. :)

Both of my sister in laws had natural births. one was 6 lbs the other about 9, and they were both in labor for over 24 hours.

This seems to be the subject of the day...

I did with my daughter. Intentionally and I would not change that experience for a million $$$$. It was great!

Good job on the 9 pounder!

I DID!!! About 2 1/2 yrs ago when I went into labor with my 1st daughter I called the hosptial when my contactions were 3-7 min apart, the told me to take a bath and drink some water and call back, so I did and my contractions were 2 min apart and they told me to get to the hospital ASAP! When we got there I was 10 cm and complete and it was time to go! I had her about an hour and a half after arriving. I had no choice, it was too late for drugs! So I'm with you! My daughter was 8lbs 6oz.

My grandmother gave the first hospital birth in Seattle without drugs or any other form of aid like forceps, etc. (my grandfather was the delivering doc, and the nurses all worked FOR my grandmother, so they got to do whatever they wanted however they wanted). She had four 8-11 lb babies sans meds. My mum, my aunts also all went sans drugs.

Me'self... I was accidentally given pitocen as I was transitioning , which stuck me in transition for several hours. :P Given the choice of epi or c-sect, I chose the epi... and if I was going to be having any more children, would get an epi from the beginning. (They can vary the doseage, come to find, so that you're off of it for the actual birth, so you aren't at risk for tearing etc., and are fully mobile. I was walking around 10 minutes after kiddo was born.) He was also a 10 pounder... but I was on drugs for 4 hours... actually, I took a nap during that period. Then they pulled me off the drugs shortly before crowning, and voila.

no drugs 7lb 10

that's not to say I didn''t WANT drugs lol - but there was no time

Yes myself all 3 children they were 8.5,8.1,7.5 lbs.

Yes, I had my youngest son without any drugs. This was almost 40 years ago and going natural was a pretty new thing. I had been given an anesthetic with my five previous deliveries. With my youngest my husband and I went through childbirth education classes - essentialy LaMaze. Everything went well and I was really glad I was able to be awake and experience the wonder of birth at least once! Unfortunately my husband did not get to be in deivery with me. That was also just starting to happen and my hospital still didn't allow Dads in the delivery room. My, how times have changed!

I had both my kids by natural childbirth back in the 1970's. I took Lamaze classes with my husband & you could take just a refresher class if the deliveries were less than 3 years apart- mine were 2 yrs + 9 months. I had no drugs, but they gave me a shot of Lidocaine for the episiotomy, which was done routinely to avoid tearing. I was in labor less than 4 hours for my daughter, born in 1974, but I only gained 19 pounds (they put a limit of 25 lbs. on you back then) & she was born 10 days early, weighed 6lb. 8 oz. & was 19.5 inches long. Lamaze made it all predictable, I used my breathing techniques, etc. & never screamed. Because I had no drugs, I was given breakfast shortly after she was born & was pretty hungry, too! (:

I had two with no drugs. Right after birth, life back to normal...as much as possible.

I had drug-free labor for both of mine. I was induced for the first, 8lbs 6oz with shoulders stuck - that was tough. My second came so fast she was born at home. I barely pushed twice - and she was 9lbs 10oz!!! The bigger one was by far easier; my body just took over. People have had natural labors for thousands of years. A lot of the need for drugs is cultural.

I did it twice -they were 8.0 and 8.6 lbs, and I chose have drug free home births. I had bad back labor. They were both in good position, but I have back issues so my back was not in good position. Yep, it hurt, but I've had kidney stones which was much worse. I'd do it again if we were having more, but we are done.

No meds here either. Go us!

I've given birth 4 times with no drugs, by choice. If I ever got pregnant again, I'd do it the same way. I recovered very quickly and was up walking less than a half an hour after delivery!

I gave birth twice without any drugs. My daughter, now 19 yrs old was 6 lbs. & 7 oz & beautiful. I had asked the nurse at one point during my labor if the pain would get worse. The nurse had the magic answer " They may not"
I toughed it out & was glad I did.

My first was without drug...not really by my choice, at all. I had a VERY anti-drug nurse who kept scaring/guilting me out of them. After I had my daughter I felt completely hopped up on drugs, though. I was totally tired and my face was swollen and I had lots of broken blood vessels around my eyes from pushing and scrunching my face so hard. My vision was a little blurry and I felt drunk. I had wanted an epidural all along, but it was the middle of the night and I think they didn't want to have to call him in. During one of the contractions the nurse commented how impressed she was with my concentration. My sister asked me after everything was over, "That wasn't concentration, you were just pissed off at her, weren't you?" She was totally right, I had been thinking how much I would have liked to punch that nurse in the face and then told her, "No drugs for you!"

I had an epidurla with my 2nd one and it was AWESOME! I chit-chatted with my husband, mom, and sister the whole time, untill the Dr said push. My son popped out in 2 pushes and I was able to talk to my aunt on the phone within minutes. I felt GREAT. The only thing that was a little wierd was when the Dr first showed me the baby. I felt like.."I think you just pulled that baby out from under the table, 'cuz I didn't feel it come out of me."

I think it's fine for women to not use drugs, if that's what they choose, but unless there is a medical reson to not use them, I don't know why you would choose to forego them. Would you go to the dentist to get your tooth drilled and choose to do it "all natural"? I'm not asking this in a provoking way, just saying why put yourself through it if you don't have to.

Didn't have anything with any of my deliveries (4 in all). My biggest babe weighed 8# 12oz. Things come and go. My kids are now ages 27-20 and at the time I was having babies "natural" deliveries were the way to go. Emphasis on using Lamaze etc to get you through. One didn't want to introduce anything into your own system that could affect the baby. I even resisted taking a peak with ultrasound. Had an osteopath for my 2nd delivery who used the old stethescope to monitor fetal heart rate as he didn't want to expose the baby to the ultrasound used in more modern devices. I had fairly efficient labors and none of them were difficult. Really never felt the need. May have made different choices with a prolonged and difficult labor.

I had my son 19 years ago with no drugs. I did Lamaze breathing. I think I was given a local for the episiotomy but that's it. I was pleased with how the labor and delivery went. He was 6 lbs. 15 oz.
I had planned to have my daughter 2 years ago the same way but I had to be induced and my induced labor proved to be not at all like my first labor. Each contraction took so much out of me that I opted for the epidural. Once that kicked in I was fine. She was 6 lbs. 14 oz.
I feel whatever works for the mama is fine, and hopefully it results in a healthy baby and healthy mama. *Peace*! :)

I didn't! I have one 8lbs 3oz, one 8lbs 14oz. Both had 15.5" heads too!

With my youngest, Iwas in labor just under 3hrs, there wouldn't have been time for drugs anyway.

i always encourage everyone to walk, get up and move and stay moving during labor. Makes it go faster, the contractions are much easier when moving around, and the time goes by faster instead of just laying in bed.

I know a lot of people who have had completely natural child births. Two of them gave birth at home, on purpose. The most recent was a few weeks ago -a neighbor and friend of mine gave birth to an 11 pound boy at her house with no drugs! Not for me, but she seemed pretty happy about it. I know a lot of others who have had no drugs but delivered in a hospital with a doula or midwife.

My son was over 9 lbs. and I delivered without drugs. He was almost as wide as he was tall so it was a hard delivery. The doctor could not believe that I was in so much pain until the baby arrived.

I had 2 babies without meds and I know what you mean by feeling like the only one. Congrats on the 9 pounder! Mine weren't that big. Only 6 pounders but 1 was sunny side up :).

I did #2 without, and even with a 24 hour mental delay due to now wanting a Halloween baby, I labored for over 50 hours. At home for 12ish hours, hospital for 12 ish hours - then they said that if I stayed they would have to start interventions. I was barely at 3 cm, so I went home for another 12ish hours, and went in again and was there for another 12ish hours.

I don't plan on having any drugs when #3 decides to join our family either! You are definitely not alone!

I have delivered twice naturally...and both big babies! My first was 9lbs 10oz and my second was 11lbs 1oz!!

My first child was 9lb 4oz and I had no drugs and my second was 8lb with no drugs , my 3rd was a c section for other health issues but I am 99% certain I would have delivered with no drugs again.

I've had four children without drugs. Personal choice. I'm more afraid of the needles than the pain :P

I did, but that was years ago. Why suffer when you don't have to. Enjoy the experience.

My daughter was 8 lbs. 15 oz. and I just had nubain which didn't do much and my son was 10 pounds and I waited too long to ask for something so had nothing!

I did, and would do it again!! I had an un-planned C-section with our first (she was breech, flipped the day before delivery!) and then did a VBAC without drugs two times after that. The first v-BAC was the hardest thing I've ever done and I was real nervous going to have my third baby, but it was a breeze the third time! In fact I believe on the delivery "table" I commented that it was so fast and easy I could do it again. I would love to have a fourth baby, but still need to convince my husband.

Both daughters no meds born at home and wouldn't do it and differently.

dd1: 2 hours active labor, half hour pushing, 7#12oz
dd2: whole thing beginning to end less than 2 hours, 8.5#

Both were amazing experiences :)

L.,

Yup. My first I had the epidural, but then went natural (water births) with #2 and #3 (at St. Joe's in St. Paul). #2 was 9 lbs 7 oz!

J.

yeah, I did. I know lots of people who did....

Good question L. D. I'd like to add to that question of --- how? I swore I would do a natural birth and got up to 8cm and then I just woosy'd out. I read the Bradley method and practiced and practiced, but when it came down to it, I chickened out. I really want to do natural with my next one. Any ideas, suggestions on how?

I had one with an epidural (a preemie that weighed almost 6 lbs!) and swore never again. The next two were unmedicated vaginal births, both 4 weeks early, one 8lbs 7 oz and one 8 lbs 11 oz. They just keep getting bigger! My next one will probably be 9 lbs too!

My first 2 I had stadol at the begining of labor but it had long worn off by the time I delivered. My second 2 I figured if I delivered the first 2 without I was gonna do the second 2 with nothing. My sister and friends thought I was crazy but it was wonderful because I did not have to come down off of the drugs and I could remember every last thing about the deliveries. People think I was crazy, including my MD she said she wanted an epidural at 3 cm. LOL.

I had my son three years ago without the use of drugs. My water broke at 4:45 a.m.; contractions started at 6:00 a.m., and he was born at 9:53 p.m. He was not a nine pounder, but I was nine days past the end of my due date spectrum. I owe it all to Hypbirthing!

My mom gave birth to me in 1977 with no drugs, I was only 6 lbs. 11 oz., a good friend of mine gave birth to her 9 pounder, 5 years ago with no drugs, because she progressed too fast. I would've, but we had complications ( hypertension and later a nad non-stress test - baby had the cord wrapped around her neck 3 times) that caused me bedrest and then a c-section with my first, and then our hospital wouldn't do VBACs anymore by the time I had my second. I wish I could've gone natural. More power to you!

2nd chlid, no drugs--by the time I asked for a cervical block I was dilated to 10 cm.

Had my son with no drugs, at home. He was 7 and a half pounds. 31 hours of labor and two pushes to get him out. he was two weeks past his due date. It was completely by choice and sure it hurt but at the same time I was so happy to be there and experiencing it and when you don't have drugs your memory of the birth is supposed to be fuzzier around the edges and not as harsh- this is because the drugs your body naturally produces affect your brain and emotional state as well as just your body whereas medication usually only affects your body- doesn't pass through the blood-brain barrier. Naturally, your brain and body are prepared and in sync. And when anyone asks me about the pain etc my response is always that parenting is a much more consistently heart wrenching experience- the worry and stress as well as the love you feel for your child- so birth is just the perfect transition or ritual to lead into the world-changing experience of parenting. Pain is not bad. Pain is pain. It is judged so often as being bad these days but it doesn't have to be. Pain often comes before growth.

I delivered my last three with no drugs and felt so much better after it was finished. The babies were more awake and I didn't feel washed out. None of mine were very big. went from 8lb.1oz to 5lb.1oz with another little one between. Went fast and if I could do it all over none of mine would even be born in a hospital. Love home delivery.

I've done it twice. The first time was unintentional, we made it to the hospital too late for drugs. That was 8 years ago and in January I delivered my son without any drugs. I figured if I did it once I can do it again. I have to admit though my deliveries are super fast. This last one, I woke up at 5am and knew it was happening so we dropped our older kids off at the neighbors, drove the hour to the hospital ( in a snow storm). When I got there at 7am I was at 5 cm. Thirty minutes later, I pushed twice and my son was out. One other confession, I have small babies - my first and second were both 6.2 and this last one was 6.9.

It's not so bad but I am done having any babies!

My first is 2 weeks old now, and I had a home birth. No drugs or anything - I did have a water birth, which was great. He was 8 pounds. I had a great experience with my home birth, I wouldn't do it any other way.

I did it and I am proud of it. I was painful, but I will do it again with my second.

Me! My first, 8lbs 8oz. My second and third, twins, 6lbs 5oz and 7lbs 7oz. Not one drop of medication:)

I had my son naturally [all back labor...I never felt any pain in the front], and while I still feel like it was a beautiful, perfect birth, in the future I am not opposed to trying an epidural.
No one I know has done it naturally either.

hi i gave birth to my daughter without drugs but she was only 7.2 pounds, and i was 19 when i had her, still hurt like hell and i wished for the drugs LOL

Wow, most of the people I know had natural births, often at home or in a birth center. Maybe you need to find more like-minded friends. I had all 4 of mine without drugs.

Yup I did. 7# 9oz and not by choice :) I am glad I did it but it took a long time for it to sink in that I really did that! Amazing! I was planning an epidural but had a short labor and was 8-9 upon arrival to hospital, baby born 10 min later. Tore a bit more then with my first but she was 1# bigger and came so fast. Recovery was even easier then with my first. Not sure what I will do with the next, prob depends on how long the labor goes and if I have to be induced, like with my first. Its not super common but people do do it. I have work as a L&D RN so I know first hand. There are pros and cons each way! Good for you!

My friend had all 3 of her kids without Any pain meds. Her 1st was 7#3oz., Her 2nd was 8 something, and her 3rd was 9#3oz.... I had all mine with an epidural, 7#14oz, 9#6oz, and 8#1oz.... I also have another friend who has had 4 kids (1st pregnancy was twins) and she had all hers at home with a midwife and no pain killers either. Brave Women! I applaude you all. I wanted the drugs!

My 2nd was without drugs, there wasn't time. She was an 8-pounder.

I didn't make it to the hospital in time so my husband delivered our daughter at home with no drug. She was a healthy 6 lbs baby girl.

9-pounder and 8-pounder, vaginally, no drugs.

L.,

I gave birth four times with no pain medication, but I did have Pitocin to stimulate contractions. The temporary discomfort of labor was worth avoiding the epidural in my opinion. I hate needles and I liked the freedom of hopping of the table and walking down the hall as soon as I was done. My body also overreacts to pain meds, so I didn't want to touch them.

S.

I also had two children without drugs but not by my choice. Just quick deliveries on both.... (19 and 16 yrs old) it was awhile ago and I think now days its the norm to have drugs. No reason not to if you dont want to go through it without :) Times change and back then breast feeding was the "in" thing to do too and I dont know to many woman these days that do that either.

Me! And two of my good friends! I think we are a minority these days, but a good one. I'm a needle-phobe so that is a big reason, but I also don't get why we follow all these rules during pregnancy to make things best for baby and then take drugs during labor. Sure, there's not a huge risk there that they are harmful, but same with many of the other things we avoid during pregnancy due to very small risks.

My sister had her first 2 with no drugs, and had an epidural with her 3rd. Now she tells everyone to just get the epidural! She can not believe how much of a nicer experience it was for her that 3rd time around.

sorry to clog your inbox. i think the more people talk about it, the more mainstream it will be. i gave birth without drugs last summer to a 6 lb 12 oz girl a week before her due date. i'm 4'11". the first ob i went to told me i'd have to have a c-section at my 3rd month visit if i didn't stop gaining so much weight. i ended up gaining 30 pounds. labor was 11 hours including 3 hours of pushing. sure, it hurt, but it wasn't forever, and i'd do it again next time.

No drugs here either - at least not for my first two. Not so much as a Tylenol. For the third baby, I got the drugs. Every birth is different.

I had the EASIEST time with my largest baby (Just shy of 9 lbs.) My midwives said the tiny babies are the most difficult, because your body has to work so hard to contract and push the baby out.

Both of mine were without drugs. One of them I was induced for too.

I did both times and it was great. I had a midwife both times and a doula with the second, which I would highly recommend! The second time I was also in the tub which was great and I also got Hypno birthing training, which I ended up not needing.

Hope your delivery goes exactly how you want it to be. Congratulations!
J.

I've had four drug-free natural childbirths. #1 (6lbs 15 oz) in a hospital with an Ob/Gyn, #2 (7lbs 12oz) in a hospital with a CNM, #3 (7lbs 4oz) at home water birth with a Licensed Midwife, #4 (8lbs 12oz) at home water birth with a Licensed Midwife. All were hard work and worth it.

I did..and will never do it again. It was awful and took me forever to recuperate.

Yup, me too, although mine was smaller at 6.5 lbs. I suspect it is more common than you think, but I can only think of one other woman I know who had her baby au natural. Worked great for me though!

I was a completely natural with an 8 lb 6 oz and an 8 lb 3 oz. I wanted the whole experience! I got that and more!

I know quite a few women actually. I delivered 3 babies with no pain medication. They weren't nearly as big as your baby though. I commend you for that!

I actually know several people! The most recent gave birth to an 8+ pound boy who was facing "sunny side up" so she had about 16 hours of back labor with NO drugs and ended up breaking her tail bone in the process of labor. She still swears it was better than the needles. :-)

I did with my last one. Not by choice! I had an anesthesiologist that didn't know what he was doing and my Dr. kicked him out! It was no fun!

my mom, her mom, my whole family who give birth in Cuba...They dont use drugs in there so everything its more natural.

Yes, I gave birth to a 9 pound 13.4 ounce baby boy. I dont see what the big deal was. I remember feeling great.

3 times.....no drugs......all big babies!! Congrats!