Hi S.,
I recommend you check out Inanna Birth Center on Locust St. before you discount it. Even though you don't have the option of an epidural, there are other pain relief options they offer. My first child was born in a hospital and I did have an epidural. Long story, but I was doing just fine when the nurse asked me if I was ready for an epidural and I said that no, I was doing fine. She pressured me into getting one, though, when she replied, "Okay, but you're going to be asking for one and it will be too late." I got the epidural, and then my labor slowed down dramatically, I think due to being confined to the bed and not being able to move around. In hindsight, I'm convinced I would have delivered much more quickly had I not done the epidural. It wasn't a bad delivery, and in fact, when I became pregnant with my second child four years later, the first thing I said was that I wanted to have an epidural. After reading "Birthing from Within" and having a midwife tell me in no uncertain terms that I COULD have a natural birth, basically giving me the confidence that I could do it, I ended up having a wonderful natural delivery with Jean Sala at a birth center. I loved the environment I was in, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I were to become pregnant again. Just check out the pictures at http://www.inannabirth.com and you'll see what a beautiful place it is. The comforting thing is that the birth center is just five minutes away from Presbyterian, and Dr. Cummings is the backup doctor who would be delivering at Presbyterian, if necessary. Jean has never lost a child or mother, and she's been doing this for so many years. But she also doesn't take chances at all, so she'll refer moms with high-risk pregnancies to hospital deliveries, but she has the same training and equipment for newborns as they have in hospital labor and delivery. She has a great bedside manner. Jean is just a really neat lady, and I've heard great things about the other midwives who practice with her.
A friend of mine delivered in February with Dr. Cummings and had a great experience at Presbyterian with a natural delivery. She had a great nurse who completely supported her wishes for a natural birth. I think that's the key with a hospital birth, having a nurse who supports your decision and knows how to handle the natural process of birthing, vs. one who wants to push the drugs on someone who is doing fine without them. (My opinion.)
On another topic, if you plan on staying at home with your baby, we have a wonderful support group for at-home mothers, and you can even join before your baby is born! It's a great way to meet other moms and have playdates for your kids. Our two MOMS Club chapters are part of an international organization. (See http://www.momsclub.org.) If you live west of I35-E, you would fall into MOMS Club of Denton-South (http://www.momsclubdentonsouth.com), or east of I35E and including the towns of Aubrey, Cross Roads, Krugerville, Providence Village, and Savannah, is MOMS Club of Denton-Northeast (http://www.momsclubdentonne.com.) Our Sunshine Committee even delivers meals to members with new babies, so it's an extra perk to join ahead of the delivery!
If you have any questions or want some support in your decision for a natural birth, please feel free to contact me. I had the same support when I was gearing up for delivery (I switched to a birth center six weeks before I was due!) and it really helped to hear from other moms who had been there/done that.
Best of luck to you!
J.
