My mother always told me that giving birth was one of the most amazing things a woman can do. She could never describe the pain and said it really was definitely a birth by birth experience. However, one thing she did say to me was that the very moment the baby is out, you no longer feel that intense pain.
During my own pregnancy, what I remember is at the very height of my pain — when I felt like this couldn't get any worse, I'd never handle it — somewhere deep down I gathered all my inner mind and physical strength and then said 'this is the last push'. Out come baby and yes, mum was right — not a moment more of that intense pain.
Sure there was pain from the stitches, pain to urinate, and after-birth contractions. But in contrast to the intense labour pains, these were nothing.
I chose not to have an epidural and had one shot of pethidine, approximately two hours prior to delivery. When I thought that the pain was too intense I asked for the epidural but the midwives said it was too late to administer as I was only minutes away from delivery.
I gave birth with no complications. I allowed my body to show me the signs — and I could not stop a thing.
I think less interference is better for bub and better for mum. I say give it a go — listen to your body, you'll know what to do and when.
Sue.
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