People scoffing at a drug free/ epidural free birth

[t.lee]

Hi Anna,
I have had 3 births all completely drug free - it is very possible! I too get everyone looking at me strangly when I tell them I won't be having epidurals etc - stick to your guns - you don't have added stress of what the drugs may do to your baby or you.

My advice would be read up everything you can about natural births you won't consciously remember it during labour but the information on positions etc will be in your subconscious if you need it!I can't remember if you are going private or public? Either way make sure the hospital knows exactly what you want - if you are going public & don't have an opportunity to do a birth plan before the day when you arrive in labour get your support person to let the hospital know your wishes - you will be too distracted & have your energy focussed elsewhere by this point!
It does sound unbeleivable but because my hospital (2 children were public,last was private) knew I wanted a natural birth no-one offered me any drugs & it NEVER even crossed my mind to ask for any!

My last bit of advice is still be prepared to change your mind once in labour. If you find you can't cope & want the drugs have them, don't beat yourself up over it - every one copes with pain differently & you may need something mild to help or a full-blown epidural.

At the end of the day your goal is to have a healthy happy baby & this will happen either way!