by Julia Fregoso

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 23, 2008

It was 16 hours before I got to hold my first born son. During my labor with him I did not have an epidural, or any other pain medications, but still my experience in the hospital was far from natural. Why did this happen? Continue reading and I will explain.

First off, Why do women choose to get an epidural? For most it's a question of "why not?" Epidurals are an appealing thing because it numbs the pain while the mother is completely aware and awake. Many women are afraid of childbirth because they are afraid of the pain, so an epidural seems like the best way to go. Women hear most often about how horrible and painful labor is that they cannot imagine having a birth without some type of medication to relieve the pain. There are also many women that decide that an epidural is the way to go so that they can enjoy their labor but they are unaware of the risks involved in getting an epidural. There are also women who decide that they do not want to have an epidural but when it comes down to it, and the drug is available they choose to go ahead and do it, because once again childbirth is painful and they are afraid of the pain. There are some circumstances as well that an epidural is used because it is medically necessary or wise.

What is a natural childbirth? My interpretation of a natural childbirth is one that does not use any type of medical intervention. This not only includes epidurals, but also other medications, and interventions commonly used in a hospital birth. As far as choosing a natural birth versus an unnatural birth I would encourage every women to go for that natural birth. Sometimes interventions are necessary if the mother or baby's life is at risk, and that should not be disregarded at all, but otherwise a natural birth is ideal for the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

When I became pregnant with my first child I was 24 years old. I was a little bit afraid of the pain that comes along with childbirth, but I was even more afraid to have a cesarean. My mom had four cesareans and I knew that that was not what I wanted. I went to a birthing class and it eased my fears about childbirth. I learned about the birthing process, about the drugs choices and risks that are involved with them and decided that a natural birth was the safest way to go. I learned many ways to cope with the pains of child labor and my husband learned how to be a supportive coach. We were determined to have a natural hospital birth, free from interventions.

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