Epidural Vs. Natural Childbirth

[heartcutter]

Natural births are where it is at!!!! I was induced but had no pain medication. My next baby I am going to refuse to be induced up until 42 weeks. DO NOT LET THOSE DOCTORS TELL YOU WHAT TO DO!!! Your body knows what it is doing 90% of the time. Get a doula and a real midwife!

[Doodlebuggie95]

THAT. IS. A. BREAKING DAWN. BOOK!!!!!!

[hlmelson]

I agree. I had my son fully contracted, i had an epidural but at the last minute they decided to give me a c-section. I was awful afterward and I felt like I was sleep for days after. i was so drowsy and out of it I couldn't enjoy my son until I got home. My baby was even groggy, however with my daughter, I had her all natural no meds! it was great! 2 pushes and she was out!!! she was wide awake and didn't even cry afterward and I was walking around right after they cleaned me up it was great.

[trekkicat]

women should have a choice. I often hear a woman having epidural is no real woman... what an insolence, Birth is birth, the baby comes out! why not having something to ease the pain?

[taythegreenman]

This woman is my hero everyone is telling me I can't do it with out an epidural I am starting to get frustrated with them. I want to feel everything even if its the worst pain in the world. Thank you for your inspiration! !

[cherry0madness]

Of course 4th birth will always be easier. Wonder if the experience would have completely diff if it was the first

[The666princess]

bull shit

[VisFeminea]

LOVE IT!!!

[Octahoney]

@usurynation I am glad that you posted such an interesting comment. It proves a lot of points.

[bellareina05]

does getting the epidural hurt

[MsHappilynappily]

the husband is so funny how he wants to answer all the question like he was the one doing the pushing. lol :)

[sictwiztidlette]

i tried to do natural childbirth and could not do it. i have to say i loved and am very thankful for the epidural and pain meds i was given! and both of my children were alert after birth

[lemondropsforever]

Every birth is COMPLETELY different. My epidural experience was AWESOME! I had two natural births before the epidural birth and I have to say I was thankful for pain relief. I was up walking 1 hour after my epidural and had no problems from it That's just my experience, everyone's is so different. It was my most satisfying birth experience.

[Dontgetyouppl]

I never had a problem with epidural .... No back pains , nothing . Took me 2 hours after labor to be able to move . And there is no risks to mother and baby with the epidural ... Lol if I was a first time mother this would have scared me sinceless ! This chick don't know what she's talking about and first time mothers .... U will do fine and the epidural is great !

[stiffupperlip4]

natural is the way to go. safer for the baby and the mom.

[leo914lina]

That's my sister :-)

[Minyadagniriel]

im due in 8 weeks and so nervous :( people keep telling me that i WILL take the epidural and they give me funny looks when i say i want to try and go as long as possible without meds....we'll see how i do...

[carrie84uk]

@Minyadagniriel Do you know i just hate when people are so unsupportive. You just tell them "well i may or may not take it but either way it would be nice for you to have a little more faith in me" and watch them clamp down on their nasty words.

At the end of it all huni you have to do whats right for you and your baby and dont you worry about what anyone else says xxx

[Ardyia08]

I have two girls and had both with no meds or epidural. I'm having my boy in October and I pray that this baby comes out smoothly as my girls did. I have quite a few friends who have had epidural and now have back problems. I don't want back aches for the rest of my life. When that child comes out you literally have no more pain. It hurts like hell during but after your ready to go home with your baby.

[82mira82]

In my country (holland) about 35% of women choose homebirth and only about 5% of all women have epidurals. Half or so of hospitals don't even have the possibility for epidurals at nights and in weekends. Now it's changing slowly because women are demanding epidurals more often. Here women have to defend why they want pain relief...in US they have to defend why they want natural birth. Strange. Good if woman can make their own choices in this.

[eradulovic]

9/10 women here get an epidural, im not for it but the midwives told me that 90% of women get it so im thinking what are my chances of doing it naturally like you did?

[mpainter22]

I had a natural birth and am planning another one for this baby. Unless anything goes wrong and I "need" an epidural I won't be having one. I am pretty scared of the thought of pumping strong drugs into my body and not knowing how I may react to them. At least with the natural birth I had with my son, the pain was over as soon as he was born and there were no side effects from strong drugs.

[pumkin2bamboo]

hhhj guy ku

[honeybun941]

yeah im do in about 2 months and i tell my familly that i wanted to do it natural and they r like (no u will want the epidural because its painful without it) im so confused im haveing a baby boy his name is going to be jacob

[fattybatty1]

@honeybun941 kepp your option open and dont be closed minded because u may go in want natural but u dont know if u can handle the pain of child birth so if u cant then by all means ask for meds

[regalo1979]

my first birth was with epidural and my second birth was a natural birth. what i notice with the natural birth is that, i didn't get depressive, my connection with my child is stronger, i had strength to take care of my child. it was painful, but it's worth everything. i couldn't even remember how painful it was... i just know that it was painful, verrry fast, and worth it.

[chanelacra]

well, it's number 4... her vagina is stretched out anyway, isn't it? & why is she still looking pregnant... or didn't she have the baby yet? I had a natural birth and needed an episiotomy... damn it, I dread this shit! 5 more mths... Lord help me!

[gabbywicks]

@chanelacra

asshole!!!!

[zikaj]

Congrats to the mother of 4. With that said....

"do you think you're more likely to tear with an epidural?" This is an irresponsible thing to ask our dear hero K, unless you just didn't mention that she is a person we can assume has scientific data/facts to back up her 'thoughts'. I like this K, but who cares what her opinion is about the medical science of how and why tears occur?

And of curse it went quicker/easier in this case -it was her forth. Three young souls paved the way.

[sonia989]

She can give her opinion on whatever she wants.

But she is more right than you know. Stats have shown that women are much less likely to tear with a midwife (non-epidural) birth than with a hospital birth. It's probably ot only the epidural, which makes it impossible to feel what is going on, but also because midwives use counterpressure and other techniques to decrease the chance of a tear.

[bigbluefrogful]

@sonia989 If you mean a home birth, remember that the sample is not only very small but also skewed: the women who give birth at home are generally healthy and have less complications. A woman who knows in advance (or her doctor knows) she might have a problem will be giving birth in the hospital.

[sonia989]

@bigbluefrogful Of course. I gave birth in the hospital because I was 2 weeks overdue and he had the cord around his neck. I would not have chanced a home birth. But I wish I could have given birth at home, had circumstances been different.

[Octahoney]

Everyone should read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". Its an amazing book about natural childbirth from the U.S.'s leading midwife.

[sonia989]

Ina May is awesome!

[annkatcom]

@Octahoney I also recommend "Born in the USA" by Dr. Marsden Wagner and "Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born" by Tina Cassidy. NO ONE would have a baby in a hospital then.

[25amanda2002]

Pain assoc. with childbirth has a purpose. It causes our minds to be in tune and listen to the needs of our bodies. We move and shift to help the baby's decent through the birth canal. Proper perinal care by the delivering professional (ie-perineal massage/ warm compresses) should minimize tears or make them easily repairable. Epidurals and episiotomies block this natural pathway and cause issues. That is not to say that there isn't a time or place for them, but i think its become overkill.

[stacyjo49241]

ok... put this in perspective... If you can go down the road of light pain to no pain with an epidural... or go through hours of pain just cuz... that is just dumb... I am getting the epidural.

[Pridefulpain]

only it's not "just cuz." I mean there are reasons, rather valid reasons to boot. In order to know when to push, and how hard a woman needs to push, or if to push at all - she has to feel. So yeah you go can through labor pain free with an epidural, but what about recovery when there's a newborn who needs you 24/7? Put that in perspective. A few hours of pain, or a pain free labor then days of discomfort while caring for a baby. Even with support afterwords, sometimes "mom" is the only answer.

[tiffanypettey]

the guy should really stfu because the lady is the one who gave birth and is trying to share her experience and this guy swears he knows everything.......let the woman talk dude...you didn't give birth-get out of the spotlight

[wannashmooze]

The notion that a doctor will do an episiotomy so that it is easier to repair is true, but not for the reasons stated!

Episiotomy is performed if a tear is expected. It's similar to sewing up a ripped knee hole on a pair of pants vs. reclosing a seam that opened.

Episiotomy is preformed is for damage control. A tear can rip through any part perineum, resulting in various complications including fecal incontinence. Episiotomy is done in repairable locations, minimizing complications.

[TheUntouchables6]

I watched this b4 I had my son and I had him 6 months ago naturally and was successful. This video gave me the courage to think I could do it!

[carlyjordon2002]

I definitely agree I had my first child with the epidural and I tore really bad and the recovery took about 4 months. So after the first experience I decided to go natural but ended up having to be induced because of pre e but I did it without pain meds and I felt like I could of ran a marathon soon after giving birth. Going natural was definitely the best decision I have ever made. It wasn't completely natural since I had pitocin but there were no pain meds used at all.

[nelsonbig]

Epidurals are sooo bad. Women are being drugged up in the hospital and it's killing babies. Women are very strong. They have been made to believe that they are weak and need these things. They need this because it's difficult for a woman to give birth on her back. It's counterproductive. The woman needs to move. Midwives and unassisted have a way lesser mortality rate because it's how nature intended it. Please research and don't let "modern" medicine scare our powerful women.

[TheBgoz]

@nelsonbig it's not killing babies. shit doctor's are killing babies. not all women are strong, & having a painful birth when you have the option for pain relief doesn't make you stronger.

[tanygomery1]

She also had 3 children prior so her canal and body were very prepared to do the proper stretching.

[ShaydahMarie]

You seem like a smart woman! I think if someone is very concerned about their baby's health and theirs they shouldn't have an epidural, and the shouldn't have a c-section unless they need to. It's a lot better for them and their babies. The recovery is a lot quicker when you don't have an epidural, and I hear that once you get far enough into your labor it just SLOWS it down if you get any drugs or an epidural.

[NaughtyKitty23]

you have to take into account the mothers whole situation. i do agree that the risks are down played but in cases an epidural can help the mom have a healthier birth. I have an anxiety disorder and am prone to anxiety attacks especially in stressful, different and painful situations. birth is all three of these things and i know getting an epidural relaxes the mother so I'm considering it.

[sonia989]

Yes, I think it really depends on the mother and also her support system. We have a right to give birth whichever way we want, with or without pain control. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

[KayAreElle09]

I was 18 when my daughter was born. . . I had an epidural & a year later my back is still messed up. I can't work out or play sports otherwise I get VERY bad headaches. The doctor said she had poked a hole to my spinal fluid & that I needed a "blood patch". They took two big viles of blood from my arm & put them in my spine to "patch" up the hole that was left. I have now decided to have natural births lol.

[tuddyfruity4]

i liked the vid up until the end- natural is no good- i had 6 children naturally, my first 6, then with my last 2, i had c-sections, by choice, and i was asleep the whole time, when i got home, my babies were waiting for me, the best way- it was great

[sonia989]

C-section the best way??? Surgery?

One drawback of C-section is that babies are more likely to be born with wet lungs. This increases risk of lung infections.

C-sections also interfere with breastfeeding and carry the risks of any surgery. A young woman recently died of a hemorrhage from a C-section in Montreal. There is also the risk of c-section scar rupture with future pregnancies when labor starts.

[TheYTbiatch]

While I don't think epidurals are "bad" I think the risks associated with them are underplayed. I always heard "oh they're safe don't worry" but as I am not a blind follower I did some research. I chose not to get one because the risks outweighed the benefits in my situation. I've had two births without drugs and although there is pain I can tell you an exposed nerve in a tooth hurt ALOT more.

[daytripper18]

e. Stop for a second to think about your unborn baby and what an epidural does to him. I care more than anything about their health and think once they come out it'll be worth the pain...p.s. and I am not trying to make women who needed the epidural feel bad or like bad moms. It's all personal decision:) Just think about that.

[daytripper18]

I am going natural when I give birth in 6 months. I know I can do it when I think about my child. All that medicine goes to your baby, just like anything else you take. You've spent 9 months avoiding these things just to take a high dose of medicine in those last hours to avoid pain. Epidural causes the baby's heart to slow down and causes him/her lethargy. Also, my mom had an epidural with me and my twin brother and they paralyzed her, it's dangerour thing, they're putting a needle in your spin

[befany14]

What works for one woman won't necessarily work for another. Don't say, "all women should go natural." If I can't stand the pain any longer I am getting an epidural. We have the technology now, women don't need to suffer like we did in the past. My friend had a 12 pound baby and they had to do a c-section because he wouldn't come out. What does this woman suggest, "be natural" and letting the mother bleed to death. Absolutely ridiculous!

[TheYTbiatch]

Obviously there are women who should have them. However the notion that a woman in labor should go in and have an epidural immediately is absurd. Most women do not medically NEED them. A good portion of women are not told of the risks enough to make an informed decision.

[kissy570]

men no nothing... and that's just for her...i don't care i'm getting the epidural.

[TashaRicolaw]

I love how supportive your husband is..

[RUgirl18]

i got pegnant when i was 19.... gave birth with out any epidural....all natural... i think all women can, they just scared of pain.. all women long time ago gave birth naturaly...... now everyone takes it...why??? you can do it with out it.. trust me

[lemondropsforever]

My experience with the epidural was FABULOUS! I enjoyed it much more then my 2 previous natural births. I was out of bed after my epidural after 2 hours.

[paigelz04]

UGH.. does is really hurt horrible to have a child?? HORRIBLE PAIN??? im such a wuss im so scared when i do have kids.. ugh and i am 24 so... ughh

[humideyes]

Epidural is for the faint of heart. With natural you are less likely to need a C-section, a cathader, etc. I plan on going natural unless something goes really wrong.

[jjk12008]

thank you so much for this, I am a researching father to be!!!

[fennnyyy]

Thank you for this, I am going natural as well!

[pinkmascaratears]

This makes me feel really good, I am due in a few weeks and getting so tired of hearing people say "oh.. you will want the drugs, trust me. you're crazy"

I will show them!

[Octahoney]

I am due in 3 weeks and it always surprises me the reactions i get from people when i tell them i plan on having a "drug-free" childbirth. People are shockingly unsupportive.

[sonia989]

I suppose by now you have had your baby so congrats! I hope everything went well for you.

I found it was not so much the pain that was the problem, it was more the stress of being in a hospital, with a bunch of stragers, being grilled and treated like a piece of meat by nurses who wouldn't listen to anything I said. I told them to put the IV in my hand, but only after four of them had taken stabs at my veins (which 'roll'), they finally did what I had asked in the 1st place. Nightmare.

[German19Girl]

I'm never having kids, it just wrecks your body and it's too painful and gross.

[ForestWitch101]

nah, its a beautiful thing in my opinion. I can't wait till I'll have mine.

[CruelaMimines]

Con la epidural ya no es un parto natural. Es un parto medicalizado.

[LillyIvy]

Just another reason I want a natural birth! Thank you for posting!

[PeaceLoveEternity]

I'm due anyday and I'm having a natural birth. Thanks for sharing :-)

[scrapbabee]

Can someone tell me if the pain is worse, the same or better than when you have a kidney stone. I have heard that Kidney stones are worse and have had several. I want a natural childbirth with some IV drugs but am still out on whether to look into an Epi. Thanks!

[sashaannagracie]

I had kidney stones and found them WAY worse than labour. I had a drug free birth 2 years ago. It was the most empowering experience of my life. Yes, it hurt at times, and at one point during active labour I thought I wouldn't want to do it again. But as soon as my daughter was born, I felt the best high of my life. The epidural takes that natural high away from you. I left the hospital with her 2 hours after she was born, and was ready to have a party! (We all went home to bed instead)

[happymom149]

My 1st was 5lb 14oz I had 3rd degree tears, had an EPI for part of it, wore off for the 2hrs of pushing. My 2nd was 6lbs 11oz had an EPI from go practically, didn't feel his birth at all, tore a little. It felt so wrong to not feel it. Baby #3, 6lbs 14oz was a home waterbirth. I did hypnobabies for pain management. It was awesome, I felt great and NO TEARING! I love natural child birth, I felt so good afterward. I HIGHLY recommend Hypnobabies! Natural Birth does not have to be painful

[sarahshoey]

I am using Hypnobabies, too! I am so excited!

[sj6288]

Just because a woman has an epidural does not mean the birth is not "natural" ! Sometimes "unrelieved" pain makes the labor "unnatural". When the labor pain gets excruciating, women seek relief, either by I.V. narcotics or epidural. Given the choice Epidural pain relief is way superior to I.V. drugs. There is no medal for suffering the agony of labor.

[sj6288]

Can women do without pain relief? Yes they can ! They delivered babies for thousands of years ! If one wants to forgo the advances in anesthesia of last century and go so called "natural" way, it is your choice. I am an anesthesiologist, My advice: Don't listen to the people who attempt to talk you into "their" way. Remember "the easiest pain to bear, is someone else's"

[yonoid88]

I agree sj6288, I can say I admire women that can do this naturally w/out pain killers. They are certainly no wimps, but I AM! If I ever have a kid, I want an epidural! :)

[meloriel]

My first birth was all natural -- not even an IV. No drugs at all. It was the worst experience of my life. Unbearable pain. With my second, I had an epidural and had the birth I wanted. I had no back pain with the epidural and needed no interventions at all. I think every woman needs to prepare herself and educate herself so that she can make the best decisions for herself. No woman should be pushed into doing natural birth or into having an epidural. It's a very individual thing.

[asuriai]

@meloriel I am a big pusher for natural birth. But i completely agree with you. No woman should be pushed to ether get a epidural or have a natural childbirth. The medical community should support whatever the woman wants and educate women to make the best decisions she can. I really like your post because people tend to push for one or the other and the is no black and white what is better and what is not.

[sunmaidliz]

@meloriel Wow, you said it SO WELL. I'm a proponant of pain relief but you said it VERY WELL. I think there is a lot of false information out there regarding epidurals (they even talked about some in this video) and that is VERY unfortunate. Birth is a very individual thing and each delivery is different. And you're right, no one should be told what is better or not. She needs to make that descision for her self after being well informed and educated.

[MaryHealth]

Really interesting info- very inspiring

[stopwatching66]

before reading these comments i was almost sure an epideral is the way but now im not to sure..

[lb0717]

Tell me something. I completely understand that when I have a child it's going to be more painful than anything I can imagine. But what kind of pain is it? is it the same kind of pain as a cramp? times a million? or is the pain in a different spot? I have a really high threshold for pain but If I don't know where to expect it I can freak out. can someone describe it to me please?

[yskdl1998]

Hi, I teach childbirth classes and 90 % of my students achieve a natural birth. If I can say something is relax, your body was made for this. Pain comes and then you produce endorphins to cope with it. Tune into your body. If it feels good change positions, walk, get in your bathtub, breath deeply, close your eyes, put music, etc. All those things help. Above all, read, get educated about the whole process. If you can take a Bradley class. It will empower you to enjoy the birth.

[lb0717]

Hey, thanks for easing my fear! It's nice to hear some positive feedback on childbirth other than "you'll never feel pain like that in your life again!!"

[TikvahS87]

My mom had a natural birth and described the contractions as being like bad menstrual cramps. But she had had really painful cramps all of her life, so it really was not such an unusual, terrible experience for her. Plus, you get nothing with menstrual cramps, whereas labor contractions are bring you closer and closer to bringing a wonderful new baby into the world! I think if you go into it with the right mindset with a lot of love and support, it can be a really wonderful experience:)

[astr0phy]

My Mum said exactly the same thing about the menstrual cramps. Epidurals make things more difficult in the long run.

[mkarra79]

I am so glad to hear what you are saying about natural birth! You rock.

[AstralRomance3]

Thanks much for the reply! I haven't had her yet! Then again, my doc told me that she is about 8pounds (big baby) and that there will be a chance of getting a c-section. I feel so disappointed! But I will still try my best for the natural thing. I gotta remember that what ever is best for my baby, right? Thanks again!

[sonia989]

They consider 8 lbs a reason for a c-section? Are they NUTS? That's a normal size for a healthy full-term baby!

They are c-section-happy these days. They seem to forget it's major surgey and carries risks for mom and baby. They better have a good reason if they do that to you.

[AstralRomance3]

Very true! I'm still goin to go for a natural birth. Unless my baby's health is at risk! And I have looked around for info on reasons for a c-section, the only reason i found similar to mine is a big baby. Then again, she is about 8 pouns, like u said it's normal size! Thanks so much for the advice! I'm now 1 day away from my due date. YAYAYA! Can't wait to see my baby girl! : )

[sonia989]

Just to let u know, I went a full 42 weeks, by accurate dating (we did IVF), my son had the cord tight around his neck, and he weighed 8lbs 3oz and was born vaginally and he was fine. I used castor oil to induce labor, it worked great, he was born in 6 1/2 hours from onset of labor. I had the epi for part of the labor then asked them to remove it because it was awful, being frozen during the birth.

[butuan97]

Not all have the same effects. I had an epidural and the next day I was walking perfectly. The only thing that hurt a little when i go to the bathroom and it only lasted 3 days. I was fine. I didnt have any side effects..

I did experience the pain of labor because they gave me an epi when i was 5 cm (after 5 hrs of contractions) and when i was 9 cm they took epi off.. agghh

[Xaveybaby]

hey my baby was 8 pound and i delivered him fine and dandy no tear just a graze it all depends on how your cope and how baby is and what your midwifes are like.. ... have fun enjoy it and really try to understand your body go with the flow after all it kinda knows whats its up to...

[tffy2004]

I had my 3rd son 4 months ago, I did it natural and I am so proud of myself. I totally remember hitting that wall where I was like give me meds, but my doula told me I was too far into it and it wouldn't help, and minutes later he was born.

[AstralRomance3]

I'm due in 5 days! and have decided to go drug free! only problem is, i decided on this a bit late....less than a month ago. i have been doin exercises with a birth ball, but haven't really focused on the breathing techniques. I have go to say that i am pretty much nervous of the pain that is to come, but PAIN IS ONLY TEMPORARY! I have got to remember that! Any advice will be appreciated!

[tffy2004]

Congratulations, not sure if you had your baby yet but I didn't have any breathing techniques, honestly when your are contracting just listen to your body and move around to try and ease the discomfort and pain. Remember with each contraction that's one less you have to go through and your getting closer to having your baby. Best of luck to you!!

[gwenhem]

I had an epidural and didn't have any back problem or any pain at all.

[ali25499]

I have had epidural 3 times each time worked less than the first and my last didn't work at all. For me it was worse as I panicked and could not relax I would recommend epidural definatly I could not hold my 3rd baby as I was still shaking in shock from the pain until an hour later that was my big drawback!!!

[skielerjade]

i am due april 4th and i am having my first child i am debating my birthing methods if i want epidural or not im pretty scared i dont really know what i should do or even if i can have epidural i am elergic to morphine so im not sure what options i have left if any one can offer advice or tips on what to do it would be greatly apreciated. Thank you

[angelface62282]

i've had 3 babies no drugs with any of them. learning how to relax during your labor is the best way to cope with the pain of contractions. my last child was 10 lbs 12 ozs. and maybe the least painful. pain is only temporary. it goes away. epidurals can have lasting effects. epi or natural is your decision. just make sure you research the best thing for you AND your baby.

[aliloveluis]

i am having one

[StarShadow666]

i am definitely getting an epi. no ifs and's or butts.

[sonia989]

I had an epi and I would say that unless you have a lot of support and give birth in a place where you are comfortable, the birth experience is emotionally stressful and distressing. Laboring at home, I was fine, but as soon as I had to go to the hospital it was awful, the way I was treated. I couldn't cope without the epi. It did offer relief, but when it came time to push I was unable to do it and I felt stoned, not present for my own baby's birth. It had drawbacks.

[Anglynn74]

I had an epidural & had no problems, I was up & walking, no headaches, nothing. The only pain I had was cramps from the bleeding & the stitches because I tore. But zero problems with the epidural. I'd go that route again in a heartbeat.

[ksvengali]

i teach natural birth with my wife (Bradley Method) and I going to show this video in our classes. Excellent and congratulations.

[nicolelowry]

Thanks for sharing...I am considering a natural childbirth and this validates my decision

[gentlehandsdoula]

Wow...thank you for all the good and candid advice. I am so happy to see videos like this out there!!!

[willowtreephoto]

this is a great candid video, showing the positive side of natural childbirth, which is so often clouded by uneducated people sadly having poorly managed births and coming back with horror stories.

i think it's important to make available the information, and let women decide for themselves.

[LMBB1975]

I also went natural when my son was born last November. i remembr telling the mid wife " i feel the burn" lol( i alwaysed heard about htat on all the tv shows about birth) 2-3 pushes and he was out. i did have a few tears....but like you said thy healed very well. Don't know how it would have been if i had an episiotomy(sp??).glad i didn't have one. when i have my next baby i want to go natural again. i was up walking around after the birth too..it's the best thing ever. :o)

[AzzurriAJF]

I am going to have a natural birth also, and I am due in 9 days.

My question is, how badly does it hurt to tear when you have a natural birth? I am worried about that

[sonia989]

I had had an epidural earlier in the labor but asked them to turn it off later. I felt everything during the birth, but I didn't even notice the tear. I have read that all the stretching numbs the skin. This is my friend, not me in the vid btw. She used a birthing ball and said it was the BEST for natural birth.

[butuan97]

my sis had natural and her vagina got bigger.. Mine went back to normal thanks to episiotomy..

[yskdl1998]

Tell her to do Keggel exercises. The PC muscle is in control of that area. If you exercise it it gets back to normal. Now, when they cut an episiotomy they cut through that muscle...it's not good for you..trust me