Skip to main content

Opting for a Natural Birth without Epidural

Thinking of an all natural birth? You are not the only mad one.

" Ladies, I've decided." I announced abruptly a couple of weeks ago during lunch.

 All three of my buddies cum colleagues stopped in in their tracks; and put down the burgers that I sort of coerced them to eat because of my unusual craving.

 "I'm going for an Au Naturale birth." I said in a very determined tone.

 Mitch, who opted for elective caesarean when she had her son, looked at me wide-eyed and exclaimed, " You mean without epidural?"

 " Yes without epidural." I sounded somewhat proud with myself.

 Fung, as her usual no-nonsense self, asked bluntly, " So what's your treshold of pain?"

 Without hesitation, I replied, " Very bad."

 ---

 SO WHY OPT FOR A NATURAL BIRTH WITHOUT EPIDURAL?

 ---
Pros of Natural Birth (With or Without Epidural)
1. Ability to move freely during labour

 2. Reduced risk of blood loss or other complications after labour

 3. Faster recovery after birth, ability to care for baby almost immediately

 4. Babies born vaginally have a lower risk of respiratory problems. It is widely accepted that the contractions of labour help prepare the baby's lungs to breathe air. 

 Pros of Natural Birth (Without Epidural or Medication)
1. Reduce chances of interventions (For e.g: Pitocin/Forceps/Vacuum/etc)
Since one can feel the body's reflexes more intensely, one will be able to push better.

 2. Stronger sense of empowerment
Birth medications can make one feel groggy, nauseated and uncomfortable, this makes one unable to feel more involved and in control of the situation.

 3. Research has shown that babies who are delivered naturally are more alert and shows more interest in being breastfed.

 4. Some say chronic backaches are also less likely to affect moms who have a natural birth.

 5. Chances of longer breastfeeding period. 
On the impact on breastfeeding this American study suggests that a caesarean can make it less likely that a women will initiate breastfeeding, more likely that they will stop within a month, but if they get past the one month barrier they go on to breastfeed for average terms as long as babies who were born naturally.

 6. For first time moms, one will have the option of having a natural or elective caesarean for the next childbirth. 

 Alright this is my take on my decision: Since I'm already going through 9 months of hardship, what is another day more? I want to minimise whatever risks that my baby or I would be exposed to.

For moms who are considering a natural birth like I am, I would recommend you to read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. 




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Manicure/Pedicure In Jakarta and Where to Go

I don't know if I am being overly critical or just plain fussy but I find that manicure and pedicure services in Jakarta are not up to par as compared to the other Asian cities like Bangkok, HongKong, and even Singapore! And by all means, the services aren't cheap as compared to overall standard of living locally. To have manicure/pedicure at somewhat a decent place with clean tools usually starts at 220,000 idr (22usd)...and you are not guaranteed OPI or internationally known brands. Nail salons at shopping malls will set you back about 450,000idr (45usd/52sgd)- funny how manicure in Jakarta cost the same in Singapore. Whoever said Jakarta is cheap?! Once, I accompanied my friend to a salon at Kemang where she wanted to have a hairwash and blowdry and I decided to have a manicure/pedicure there while waiting for her. The girl/manicurist came with a large plastic container (like the ones you store miscellaneous stuff in the wardrobe/storeroom) and inside it, the tools and ...
2 comments
Read more

Birthstory: Giving Birth In Jakarta via natural delivery

Many friends and acquaintances I know are actually pretty skeptical about giving birth in Jakarta due to the lack of medical know-hows and emergency infrastructure locally. Hubby G and I decided to deliver in Jakarta after much consideration. (You may want to read about it here: Deciding To Give Birth in Singapore or Jakarta ) Couple of blog readers have been asking me about my childbirth experience in Jakarta and hubby G is also constantly pestering me to record the birth experience so that we won't forget in the future.(Birth amnesia is real~~ I am starting to forget details of my delivery with my first child) And also, for the sake of anyone like myself who's frantically trying to research about delivering in Jakarta; for those who has tried googling for e.g 'delivering in Jakarta', 'giving birth in Jakarta', 'experience childbirth Jakarta', 'natural birth jakarta', 'expat giving birth Jakarta', etc and yet got not much information i...
Post a Comment
Read more

Maintaining Your Relationship during Pregnancy

Worried That Your Husband Might Cheat During Your Pregnancy? Fret Not..Your Relationship Can Emerge Stronger During Your Pregnancy. Asians have couple of weird perceptions, one of which is that a woman's pregnancy usually put a toll on the relationship or drive partners to "cheat" outside. I would quite proudly say that my pregnancy had brought my husband and I closer and more intimate than ever. It has helped to reinforce the relationship and allowed us to 'synchronise' as a team.  I suspect that a lot of people tend to forget that even during pregnancy, couples need to bond and the relationship needs to continue being nourished. For most pregnant women, especially for those who suffer severe pregnancy symptoms like myself, will find a dip in your libido and also discomfort with certain intimacy. That is perfectly normal and will fluctuate along the pregnancy. The physical aspect of the relationship is nevertheless important but the emotional aspect i...
Post a Comment
Read more