Is it possible to have a pain-free delivery without epidurals?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
June 6, 2007 12:48pm CST
I saw an interesting story awhile back on one of the local news programs where a woman actually went through her entire delivery under hypnosis.
Supposedly, she was semi-conscious the entire time, but aware of her surroundings, so she was able to help push at the right time. But, she didn't have to use an epidural.
After the baby was born, the woman giving birth said that she felt so calm and connected with the baby. And, that it was a relatively pain free way to give birth.
I'm not sure if I could do that.
Have you heard of this? Does it work?
Could it actually be true that finally someone has discovered a way for women to give birth without agony or epidurals?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
6 Jun 07
I have also read about women that give birth without pain by using hypnosis. She has to have a very strong mind that believes in this sort of thing. I have just had a baby and know that the contractions hurt. I can't imagine being in a semi consious state with no pain at all and able to push at the right time. Epidurals must be painful to put in and they can prevent a woman from feeling when she should push. This often means she has to have an assisted delivery. So the idea of a totally natural pain free birth sounds sounds simply excellent.
@cynddvs (2948)
• United States
6 Jun 07
I may be one of the few women that think that this could be possible. The reason I say this is because I had a natural childbirth in the water. Now I'm not going to lie, it was painful but very worth it. While I was in between contractions I would close my eyes and try to relax and get into my "comfort zone". There were times when my fiance would check on my because he thought I was falling asleep lol. How in the world could you fall asleep during a natural childbirth?!?! I didn't have anyone there to hypnotize me or anything like that but I felt I was going into somewhat of a trance on my own to deal with the pain. Part of me thinks that if I had had a professional there that knew about hypnobirthing I could have had a either pain free or relatively pain free birth. I know that may sound crazy but I'm going to try it next time, if there is a next time, I give birth.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
6 Jun 07
I'm in total agreement with you that a relatively pain free birth might be possible.
During my delivery they made me lie in one position on the hospital bed, because I was strapped down to the baby monitors.
And, it was so painful on my back and legs.
I've always believed that if I could have gotten up and moved around the room, there would have been less pain.
And, I've heard of the water birth. I had hoped to be able to try that out last time. But, it came down to an emergency c-section, so that was out.
Did you have a doula present during your baby's birth?
Doula's are more experienced birth coaches.
I've heard they can really help with pain management.
I am happy to hear that you had a pleasant birthing experience.
Best of luck on your next baby and a happy, healthy delivery.
@cynddvs (2948)
• United States
6 Jun 07
I didn't have a doula. The only ones in the room were my fiance, my mom, a midwife and a nurse. Doulas can be very helpful during childbirth though. I'm actually thinking about becoming a doula when my daughter is a little older. I loved the whole pregnancy and childbirthing process and would love to be able to help women to have a more positive experience.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
6 Jun 07
That would be such a neat thing to do. Just today, I was considering whether or not I should go and take my LPN training and then go on to be a midwife. I guess that's sort of why I brought up the subject of natural birth, cause I know that so many women are interested.
I only wish I'd have the chance to do the natural child birth route.
@asmurthy (2461)
• India
7 Jun 07
Imagine - you are in labor. You are feeling calm, serene, attuned to the contractions that gently open your body. Your labor is peaceful and pain free and you are feeling overjoyed, knowing that you will soon be holding your newborn child.
This type of birth can be yours. The use of hypnosis is quickly becoming popular because it is so effective. Once thought to be a type of bizarre ritual, hypnosis has increasingly become accepted as a legitimate form of therapy by the public and also within the medical community.
@tendaheart2002 (495)
• United States
6 Jun 07
If you find a method that works, please let me know.lol. because my second one was easier than the 1st but it was still painful.
@tdbrower1969 (1242)
• United States
7 Jun 07
I have not heard of the hypnosis before now either. In my family, my mom, my sister and I all three of us did not feel labor pains. I don't know about my grandma, but I did not believe my mom and my sister until it happened to me too. I think that also people just get themselves all worked up and decide that the pain is not worth the effort. I feel that if you do that to yourself you will have a painful delivery. I too think it is all in the state of mind.
