Giving Birth Without an Epidural

I gave birth to both of my children without any type of drugs. I never wanted pain meds, due to the possible risks/side effects. I prepared for my first birth with Bradley Method classes and went on to become a Bradley instructor and about 90% of my students who had vaginal births did so without any pain medications (including about half the inductions). See if a local Bradley or HypnoBirthing teacher can offer you some classes. These methods are meant specifically to prepare you for an unmedicated birth, and have high success rates.
Good luck

You can do it. I did it like 35 years ago and was in another country. The doctor gave me a shot to relax the body and that was it. Yes there is pain but that is part of it. If you can find a book called Pregancy and Childbirth there is a section that goes over giving birth. I used this book and it was a great help. It describes the stages of labor and what to expect.

I recall trying to stop pushing with a contraction and my body took over and did the work without me. I quickly realized that i was not in charge mentally my body was in charge physically and I let it do the work that it was meant to do to deliver the child. It was well worth all the pain and pushing to deliver a child drug free. I was too was more in control of what was going on and quickly recovered.

Just relax and go with the flow. When you tense up you slow things down and it works against what the end product is all about a speedy delivery.

Good luck to you. May you have a safe and happy delivery.

The other S.

Have you applied for Medicaid? Its really easy to get when you are pregnant. It would be worth a shot and they pay for everything.

Sorry, I'm late in responding, but I gave birth without an epidural, and it was a fantastic experience. My husband was my rock. He was by my side 100%, and I've never felt closer to him. And when you don't have an epidural, the pushing part is amazing. If you push hard enough, there's zero pain. You're overwhelmed with (positive) endorphins. One of the more extraordinary sensations life has to offer, honestly.

I always say, natural childbirth is like running a marathon, or writing a novel or a dissertation or something. While you're doing it, you're saying, "I can't do this. Why did I ever think I could do this? This was a terrible idea." And then, for the ENTIRE rest of your life, you say, "Wow, I am SO glad I did that."

It's worth it. Our bodies are built for it. Of course you can do it. You'll do great.

I delivered all 3 of mine without any medication. The first at 36 weeks, the second at 39 weeks and the third was an induction at 42 weeks.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

One thing that really helped me was to hum through my contractions. Sounds weird but I read that it helps bring the baby down - and my longest time pushing was 20 minutes with my first (the other 2 were delivered after 2 pushes each).

Labour at home as much as you can - you'll be more relaxed and comfortable, so odds are your labour will progress a little faster.

BELIEVE that you can do this. Your body was made to have babies - You can *totally* do it!!!

I delivered all three of mine without epidurals...this isn't going to be confidence and I am sorry but if you go in to delivery having to go without pain meds you wont do it...you have to go in really wanting to experience labor and delivery.

You ever wanted something so bad and you couldn't have it but yet got it anyway?!?

Change you train of thought and go in wanted to delivery without drugs rather then feeling like you have to.

I willingly delivered all three of mine without meds but I have the mind set that I would never ever let someone shove a long needle into my back no way!!

I gave birth twice, no epidural. It's definitely doable. :) My first was 14 hours of intense back labor, but I made it through. I had taken a hypnobirthing course which I recommend if only for the relaxation techniques and to give you confidence in your body. I think the most helpful thing for me was having a doula. They are way cheaper than an anesthesiologist and really wonderful labor support. For my second, I didn't have a doula, but I had the confidence from my first birth that I could do it. I studied the hypnobirthing stuff again, but on my own. I was in labor for about 22 hours, but the only pain I had was the last 2 because he had his arm next to his head and was ramming my pubic bone repeatedly. I was up and moving around (slowly,lol) right after giving birth both times.

I have heard that being induced with pitocin makes the contractions worse than if you go into labor naturally. So I would try not to get induced if there isn't a medical reason for it. Good luck and congrats on your baby! =)

I had both of my kids without any epidural or pain meds. Your state of mind can be the most important resource you have. If you think that labor and delivery are going to hurt so much that you can't do it then your body will tense and your anxiety and stress will rise and it will painful and difficult. If you have realistic expectations that it will be painful, but that you can relax and breathe and use your strength you will be able to do it.

Our bodies were made to have babies. Gather your most supportive couple of people around you. Tell them not to say anything about pain while coaching you... only positive encouraging words and reminders for breath. Personally I felt so empowered after having both of my kids, and my recovery was easy-peasy. You've already had two kiddos... this one may be your easiest one! You can do it!!!

Good luck!

I did it naturally with both of my kids, with no pain meds.

Fear causes pain. Since this is the case, you need to free yourself from the belief that birth is painful. Instead, learn about it, practice deep breathing, and approach it as an exercise that gives you the most wonderful gift ever.

When I had my second, it wasn't painful at all. I was so focused on what was happening, that the dilation shooting pains were me dilating. I was amazed to be so aware of my body opening up for my baby. I was so anxious to meet him, I was so excited, that I wasn't' focused on the pain.

With that said, I would never labor without a birthing tub or a great shower.

Start reading up on hypnobirth. Also, watch videos on Utube of happy natural birth mommas. If you can see how relaxed they are, it's easier to relax yourself.

I planned to have an epidural with my second baby but he came so fast there wasn't enough time! I had Group B strep during my pregnancy so by the time they had given me that medicine in the iv and the bag of fluid there wasn't time for the epidural and I am SOOO glad it worked out like that! My recovery was so much easier than my first! BTW - he was 9 pounds 13 ounces and 23 inches long and he was still easier to deliver than my first with the epidural!! You can do this - good luck!!! Just breathe!!!

Sorry I'm late to the game answering this one...I had my second without an epidural. Of course you can do it, you need to not fight the pain--rather, let the contraction roll over you like a wave. My husband gave me an awesome foot rub during labor with baby #2 and it did a great job of alleviating the pain.

My first was fast. Literally 3 hrs after I woke up that morning. Born less than 30 mins after I got in the hospital. My pain was more like a wave of GI cramp for a bout an hour. By the time she was crowning, the discomfort was tolerable that I didn't think I was ready to push when they asked me to. My hubby said, "The quicker you push, the quicker you'll meet her." So I did, not thinking she would pop out and she did. My first thought was, "This is too easy. I can do this again." It was quite a blissful birthing.

As this is your third baby I am praying it will go fast and easy for you.

I did it with my last two births. It was the best most empowering thing I could have ever done! For the first of the two, I found that if I sang or hummed through the contractions I was more focused on the song than the contractions. The second of the births went so fast that I had to hold the little guy in in order for the midwife to make it. I made jokes to her on the phone while I was having contractions which helped me through the pain.

The main thing I can recommend is to find something, anything, that you can focus on during contractions...and breath. If you breath through contractions it helps lessen the pain and helps you deal with it. The last thing, relax during the contractions. If you tense up, they're going to feel way worse than what they are...so just relax and let it happen.

Bonus tip: move around as much as possible. Don't lay on your back the whole time. That makes it worse.

My first of 4 was without meds. The next 3 were harder but I did learn a thing or 2.

Labor as long as possible at home. Keep busy. Do not go into hospital until you cannot bear the pain. Being kept on your back in the hospital bed is the worst thing for labor.

Do not not not get induced. Pain will most likely be more intense.

I know from mine...when my water breaks the pain becomes super intense and it goes fast. If this is the case for you.....don't let them break the waters....let it happen naturally.

Realize you may need to have an epidural. My last baby was sunny side up and almost too big....an awful dilivery needing a vacuum. Thank goodness for epidural then.

Good luck...and worrying will not change the outcome so think happy pain free thoughts!

i did it! it was 21 years ago and i STILL claim that red badge of courage, dammit! because it WAS a big deal!
i have to add, though, that it wasn't by choice. i was just too far along by the time i hit the delivery room. if i coulda, i woulda.
it won't help you one bit while you're in labor, but i can tell you with great confidence now that despite the fact that i wouldn't have chosen it, it was a terrific, wonderful, amazing way to deliver. i had 3 epidurals with my first, and hurt a lot less. but he was woozy, my recovery took forever, and it was still- well, labor. the natural childbirth was visceral and very hard (9lb 10oz blockhead baby) but oh, i was so very, very present! the post-delivery euphoria was pretty much the most wonderful feeling i've ever had. my baby was alert and responsive, and our connection was so deep and powerful and immediate. and i recovered far, far more quickly.
it's awesome.
go to it, mama! make sure you post about it afterwards!
:) khairete
S.

I didn't have one with either of my two children. The first time I was encouraged to have the drugs that "take the edge off" which was total BS. I wish I'd had an epidural, but the pain wasn't unbearable. With my second everything happened so quickly that by the time I asked for it I was already at 10! Missed out again!!! Again, obviously, the pain wasn't unbearable.

You can do it. You don't have a choice. Don't worry about something you have no control over. Besides it's such a tiny blip on the map in the grand scheme of things! You'll be fine.

I'm so sorry you have to deal w/this, I haven't had a natural birth so I cannot answer this. Have you watched the documentry 'The Business of Being Born'? I would highly recommend!!!! Its really amazing and it kind of blew my mind. It really supports natural birth and I would recommend it to anyone, but its especially empowering to woman undergoing natural childbirth.

What a stressful situation! I delivered all three of my kids without any pain meds, but I wouldn't want to go into labor thinking that an epidural wasn't an option.

I second the previous posters about avoiding an induction. I was induced with Baby #2, and I regretted my decision to go without an epidural for about five excruciating minutes before I pushed that baby out!

You can do it! My last delivery was really easy and not very painful, but I had textbook labors with no complications. Remember to breathe through the contractions. It helps if you have a nurse who has been through natural childbirth.

If you are wanting an epidural, you should just get one! I don't know what the situation is where you are, but the hospital where I delivered is in danger of losing their nonprofit status because they do not do enough charity work. They are all too happy to forgive hospital bills (even if you have insurance) if you tell them that you are having a financial hardship. Or in my case, the hospital's anaesthesiologist (that I could not choose) was not in my health insurance network. I was way overbilled for his services. When I called the hospital's patient advocate to try to work out the bill, they just wiped out my balance. I didn't even have a financial hardship.

If your main motivation to avoid an epidural is to save money, you might go into labor with added anxiety. Try not to worry about it too much. If mommy is happy, baby will be happy. Good luck, and please let us know how it all went. Congratulations in advance!!!

I have given birth 5 times ( one time induced) with out any pain meds. Trust me with the one I was induced I would have loved it! But my son had other ideas and once the pain got to the point where I could barely take it and needed something sure enough he came out as the epidural came in...

Just remember to breathe and focus on something else and try to remain calm.. I know, I know that is easier said that done when that time comes! But it is possible!

Good luck!

I did my first without an epidural. You can do it. You have to be realistic as it will hurt. But I found the shower was the biggest relief for me. Play around and find out what helps you, don't be afraid to try new things.

Good luck!!!

For me, the pain subsided once the urge to push came so that was definitely helpful.

Both my children were born with no epi and I couldn't be happier. The second one was induced and I am not sure what the others are talking about it being harder.

I have never had an epi, so I can't speak to its woes or wonders, but I can tell you that I was up and out of bed right after I had the baby. I really felt wonderful as soon as that baby was out of there.

I was by my sisters side while my niece was born with an epi and I really don't think one was any different than the other as far as the birth. Either way it is hard work.

You can do it!!

I gave birth twice without an epidural or any pain meds AT ALL! The pain is manageable. Personally, I believe any woman could give birth naturally. Why? Because it's NATURAL. Don't be afraid of it. Just embrace it.

4 kids, no epidurals. I had classes in the Bradley method and they were really helpful in managing the pain. I did not have to be induced but I did have fast, very intense labor. If you can avoid being induced, you may find you don't need the epidural. Also, since it is your 3rd, the birth may be faster and easier in general, this was my experience. You still have time to prepare. If you are able to join a Bradley class, you might feel more confident about going natural.

I opted out with both of my deliveries.
It's not that bad, you sort of have to embrace labor for what it is - A HUMAN COMING OUT OF YOUR BODY.

It's an uncomfortable journey with or without the epidural, I've had plenty of friends that had them and said "I dont think it worked because I was still in pain".

I don't know the difference since I cant compare it. I just didnt approve of having a chemical in my blood stream while my baby was still in my body.

I went into labor naturally with my first and was induced with my next two. The contrations are much stronger with pitocin. I was able to have all 3 without an epidural. The key is to have a great support system (both labor coach and hospital staff). The nurses were phenonimal, knew exactly what positions gave relief and having people around me (family and friends) was enough to distract me through most of it!

Good luck to you! It can certainly be done!

I had my third without any meds not intentionally and I was scared out of mind. I was being prepped from my epi and while that was happening I had two big contractions and screamed "oh my God he's coming" the nurse and anesthesiologist said but you were just a six...she checked me and sure enough 10and crowning. I was almost in tears "I can't do this, this isn't what I had planned".. I feel so bad for the poor nurse, she finally just said, I can't control what your body is doing, you can do this you're doing great.. (they did get the epi inserted but it wasn't going to kick in for another 15 minutes) I remember just asking is there anything they could do to speed it up the epi, and they said they couldn't for fear of a sudden BP drop....grrrr it was then it sunk in that I REALLY was not going to have any pain relief. This is when I really panicked and looked at the nurse and said okay now how am I supposed to do this---I've never done it without an epi. She said to just push through the pain and it will be all over really quick. I started panicking again my OB said she could give something via my IV if I really wanted to take the edge off, but the nurse encouraged me not too. She said it would go so much faster and it'd be better. I was so glad she did, I really didn't want that medicated type feeling after delivery.

Two pushes and he was out. My husband walked in 2 minutes late because of how quick it went, so I was kind of disappointed with that, I wanted to hold off but there was no holding this guy back. There worst pain for me was the rectal pressure from my water. Once that broke I felt relieved. But i was also told the longer the sac stays intact the contractions are less painful, since the bags cushion a lot. My broke right befor I pushed him out. That whole ring opf fire everyone talks about wasnt too bad or me. But I also have a high pain tolerance for menstrual and labor pains. My 2 older boys I've always checked in at 7.5 cm still smiling. This time I had off and on labor for 4 days---and just thought maybe I should finally get checked out. Uh ya had him 2hrs after I made that decision. My other 2 were 5hrs + at least.

You so can do this, especially knowing ahead of time you, can mentally prepare for it. My only suggestion make sure you have a support partner. All I had was the nurse, OB and the On call pediatrician. I think I would have been calmer if the hubby was there to talk me through it, but it all happened just way too quick. Our bodies are so amazing, this Delivery was the easiest recovery wise as well.

Good luck praying for a safe and easy delivery for you!

My water broke right before

I had one, but a friend of mine didn't and went to a hospital that had hot tubs in the delivery area. she said the hot water cut the pain in half. That might be a good option.

Isn't it sad that you have to make such choices because our country's health insurance system is so messed up. I'm sorry you have to deal with this!

I did it with my second but only because she came so darn fast there was just no time to even fart LOL. But I will say that I am so glad it turned out that way because the recovery was insanely easier without having the epidural
You can so do this
Good Luck and Congrats

I have two kids and I did it both ways. My first was too fast so no time for the epidural. I cried a lot. So much so that when he arrived, I had no tears left. I was just so relieved that the pain was over with.

The second child I thought I could do it without, but when that first real contraction came on, I asked for the epidural. And after that, I thought I could have 10 kids. ;) I had a great anesthesiologist though, which is a big deal. My cousin had a bad one and she had issues after having the baby with the blood not clotting properly where the epidural had been placed.

I guess it depends what your pain tolerance is. I have zero. I'm amazed we have any kids at all.

Congratulations and best to you and your family!

It hurts a gazillion times more with pitocin thsn without. Like... dropping a book on your hand or catching a baseball versus slamming your hand in a car door or leaning on a burner. Ouch! Versus OhMyGodImGoingToKeeeeeeeeeeelYouForDoingThisToMe!Deaddeaddead!!!

Both can be done without an epidural, they just usually don't induce without one because pf the pain difference.

Natural labor, really, feels like a bad case of diarrhea. Not fun. But totally doable.

This is a cut and paste (tailored a little...) of my response to a woman who asked almost this same question recently. Sorry for the redundancy, but I don't have much time to write a response :)

My first I had an epidural. About 10 hours of labor - about 7 of it hard - and appreciated the absence of pain. My body felt like it had been hit by a truck, but that may just have been because it was my first.

My second I kinda wanted to do it natural, but chickened out and got an epidural. It failed. They tried again. It failed. They gave me something that took the edge off for about 20 minutes, but for the most part it was an awful labor where I felt everything. I think I blacked out a couple of times. Again about 10 hours - 7 of it hard - and I wondered if part of the reason it was so bad was because of the attempted epidural. I felt like a million bucks afterward...until the spinal headache hit from the result of the epidural. It was fine if I was lying down, but who can lie down for days on end with two little kids - one a newborn? Went in for a blood patch (drawing blood, more injections up my spine) to 'cure' the horrible headaches that I was having.

For my third, and in large part because of the previous experience, I DID NOT want an epidural. It only happens 1/100 times, but I figured I'd rather go through an awful labor and be DONE than have three days of migraines. I stumbled across some information about red raspberry leaf tea helping with labor and chugged it like crazy for the month before I was due. No epidural, but I did have something to take the edge off for a little bit, and 1 1/2 hours later (5 minutes or less of pushing) and I was holding a sticky, messy baby. It would have taken longer for the epidural to wear off than for the labor. So glad I didn't get one.

Your pain will be more short-lived than the paying off of that epidural. I would say to go for it, after drinking a lot of red raspberry leaf tea - ha!(seriously, I don't know if it's what made the difference, but it's only herbal tea, and what's the harm in trying?) There is something pretty amazing (painful, but still amazing) about feeling the baby exit your body, and I'm really glad I've had the chance to experience it - twice. Have your husband stand by your head and help you breathe (seriously - sometimes you forget when you're caught up in a contraction) and you'll be fine. Good luck!

I had my first and only at 39 with no epidural. I had stadol at 5 & 7 centimeters. It was tough but not impossible. I was a grunter, and not a yeller -don't know if that made a difference. Labor was 9.5 hours total. Take some childbirth classes that give you alternatives, maybe look into hypnobirthing. Avoid induction if you can, or find out if it can be very gradual as I've heard that makes a difference in the pain level. Take care!

You can do it! It did it three times without an epidural or pain meds. I knew going in with my first that I wanted to do it naturally. My thinking was if women could do it back in the day without all that, then I could too. You just need to change your thinking and know that it can be done. Good luck!

all 3 of my deliveries were induced, the last I made it thru without an epidural. You can do it! I was amazed at how much quicker I recovered!

You can do it!! I gave birth to 2 children without drugs of any kind. The reason was, in the beginning, I was afraid to get a epidural, because I HATE needles. But then I went to a Lamaze class, and we discussed the cons of an epidural, and I had to ask the questions about, what if one goes wrong. Well, it wasn't good for me to hear. Anyway, I decided that I didn't want to have anything at that point. And I was very scared. I talked to my doctor and husband about it, and told my doctor I really needed a lot of support with this from the nurses, and I did not want the nurses even asking me if I needed any pain meds. Just help me work through it. And I will tell you, it did hurt, but it was not the most unbearable pain that I could have imagined. It was lots of pressure mostly, and I was so glad that i did it that way. I was "myself" and my baby didn't have any drugs in him either, which I was told could have happened if I'd have used other methods. Anyway, on my 2nd baby, I went in with the same attitude, but he came too quick, and I did ask for some pain meds in an IV, but was told it was too late, so I had him natural as well, same story, just lots of pressure. And I was glad in the end that it was too late for them. Just think of it, you get to say you had a baby natural!!! And a good thing for me, and maybe you too, is that when you get to a certain point, you can't do anything else but have that baby. And support right before you get to that point is key. You can do it!! And just think, you'll be saving $5000, an amount you can spend on your family!!! Good luck to you!!!

I had my daughter naturally 7 months ago. Well, I consider it to be natural enough anyway, I had a mild narcotic during transtition. It really truly honestly was just not that bad. It would probably be a very good idea to view it as your decision for your own reasons. I strongly suggest some prenatal yoga and breathing exercises. Nothing fancy, you can find out how online. And stress balls. I very strongly reccomend stress balls during labor.

I had all 3 of my children without epidurals. It was painful, but manageable. You need supportive people to help you get through the pain...I had a midwife for all three (and a doula for one). Your mental state is important and so is your physical state. Exercising makes delivery much easier...water aerobics, prenatal aerobics, etc. And perineal massage might be helpful. Good luck. You can do it!

Both my boys were almost 9lbs and I did both deliveries drug free, women have done it for centuries, epidurals didn't get 'popular' till the 80's. Go to the library and get some prenatal yoga and pilates dvd's and do them daily. Once at the hospital, get in water. With my first son I was at 5cm when we got to thehospital, I got in their tub, I was at 9cm w/in 1hr. The water helps the pain. Read a book on dulas, they have some fantastic tips, talk w/your doc, mind over matter!

I had absolutely no drugs or epidural for my first baby.
Trust me, there was a point that I asked for one, but it was too late and time to push. I was glad I didn't need one. It was a long labor, but only 4 pushes.

My second baby, I really didn't have a choice. I'd spent most of my pregnancy in the hospital with shingles and frankly, the epidural was no biggie.

You really can have a baby with no epidural. My daughter who is very tiny had a baby a year ago with no meds whatsoever and she did great.
My friend has had 3 kids with no epidurals.

Having worked on an OB ward in a hospital, I can promise you that many women have babies without epidurals, but only you will know if you can't make it through without one.

My daughter, without the epidural, was actually a much easier delivery.

Just my opinion.

Best wishes.

I had an epidural, but it wore off before I delieved. It was painful, but it kind of felt good afterwards, like a runners high. The reason an epidural is so high is you are paying for the anesithiologist (ok that is not how you spell that) There is another pain reliever called nubain that the nurses can give you. You still feel the pain but you kind of don't care (I had it with my daughter)

I had both of my children without an epidural. On my first, I had an BIG issue with having a needle in my back so, it was a huge relief when I got to the hospital and was already at a 10! Did most of my labor at home and couldn't get one if I wanted. Only had a local right at the end because of tearing.

On my second, don't remember pain too much b/c daughter was crowning on the way to the hospital so I was trying to concentrate on how NOT to have the baby!

YOU CAN DO IT! Congratulations to your new addition!

You can do it, focus on being in control of yourself and the pain. Obviously it is going to be uncomfortable, maybe not, but I found when I focused and was in control of myself, the actual birth was quicker and I recovered faster.

Try not to worry, as my mom told me when I said "I am scared, it hurts!", she said, "Hmmmm, maybe you should have thought of that 9 months ago!" LOL.

Apparently it didn't "hurt" that bad, as I went on to have FOUR more, six total.

I've done both...I agree...induction can make it harder...especially if your body hasn't already started the process...my worst induction I was barely at a 1...it was a kazillion times worse than when I was induced because I stalled at a 6.

Have you thought about hiring a doula? Women who hire a doula have...I think it's 60% less requests for epidurals? Sometimes you can find one that is working on certification...or somehow get a good deal. If I use one with this pregnancy...I have a friend that several mutual friends have used (and loved)...and she charges...$350, I believe. I think typical is somewhere around 600...you can google it tho' and find out what the ones in your area charge.

One thing that really helped me when I did it without pain meds...was a birthing ball. I LOVED that thing. I've heard of some people that swear by water in some way shape or form...that's always been hard for me because the one pregnancy that I wasn't induced...I had tested positive for strep B and was hooked up to the IV antibiotics :p.

Another thing you could look into is a hypnobabies or hypnobirthing class...I have a few close friends that have done that...and they swear by it! Again...it is an out of pocket expense...but if you can avoid the epidural, it would be worth it! I hated being numb with my last :/.

One last thought...try to find really positive birth stories to read...women who have done it and had positive feelings/experiences...I think when we read all these traumatic horror stories about labor and delivery...it does have an effect on us...even if it's just subconsciously.

I'm hoping to go all natural with this next one too....I'm due in 8 weeks as well....already feeling extremely impatient! Hope all goes well with you and yours!

it not like you are getting a trophy...let me know how this goes. lots of luck and success. you are extremely brave.

Hi R.,

I had 3 with no epidural and had to be induced with all of them. First labor was 16 hours, second 5 hours and 3rd 2.5 hours. They gave me something for pain with each. Best advice...take one contraction at a time and as far as pain goes, go with attitude that this too shall pass and at the end ...I will have something beautiful to show for it!!! Good luck!!! and Congratulations!!!
KimP

I had two children without an epidural. I had very LONG labors and back labor, they had to give me pitocin which does increase labor, but I NEVER even wanted an epidural. Of course, I didn't want the pain and wanted my babies to come out, but I didn't want to be the cause of some drug in their system, and I don't buy it that it doesn't get to the baby, if it's relaxing me, then why isn't relaxing the baby? But that's another debate...
Breathing is important, and trying to stay relax, just keep your eyes on the prize, your beautiful healthy baby! You've already had 2 babies, third on is a charm, stay POSITIVE!!!
Congrats on #3!!!!

You can do it naturally it is a very beautiful experience I have done it 4 times over.Needle in my back scared me more than giving birth.

Yes, I had both of mine without epidurals, but I had short labors, about 5 hours total each time. The last hour hurts, but you know the end is near. I prepared for both births by using relaxation tapes and Bradley method classes, but honestly, it still hurt and I wasn't able to relax through it. Try finding a natural childbirth class for preparation or Hypnotherapy. I got books at the library first, before I spent any money on classes. If you are due in 8 weeks, you need to start now, though. You can do it, best of luck.

I had both of my children without an epidural because I wanted to do it naturally. My husband was very supportive and kept me focused. You need someone who is very focused and can keep you breathing, focusing on an object, etc. For my first child, I thought I would just focus on my husband's eyes. That wasn't easy to keep my focus. For my second, I focused on a little spindle-type thing that I would follow it up as I breathed in and followed it down as I breathed out. It really helped as you need to have very focused breathing.

My sister helped with massaging. For some reason, my husband's massaging technique was annoying. Maybe it was just that I was "blaming him" for putting me there. LOL. Your mind goes crazy sometimes when you are in pain.

The best part is that the contractions are not constant. You will be able to rest in between. The more you practice, the better that will be.

This may be too much info for some. Practice pushing when you have bowel movements now. You will need to push, holding the push for 10 seconds, get a good breath, then push again. Keep doing that so you will have that mastered when it comes time to push. I believe I had very effective pushing, when the time came, because of that.

Decide who you will have in the delivery room with you. They need to be people that you can order around to massage here, wipe your forehead, pull back your hair, get you some ice chips, etc. My husband was fine with having my sister with us on our second. The first was harder without her.

Be sure to walk around if you are admitted to the hospital and not dilated very much. My water broke so they kept me with my first, but I was not dilating very much in the beginning. It really helped with my second to walk as much as possible, pause and hold onto a railing when I had a contraction, and then walk some more. I think gravity helped.

Even when you think you can't go anymore, and you may very well get to that point, tell yourself that you can. Tell your husband to remind you of that fact as well. I got to that point with both of mine because it is very intense at the end. But then, my beautiful babies were born shortly afterward. It is amazing how God made us to be able to withstand a great deal. Feel free to scream or whatever you need to do when you get to that point. Anything to distract you will help.

I am excited for you! It will be so worth it and that $5000 can be spent on the necessities. And your husband will think you are amazing! He will go on and on to anyone who will listen when he brags about his wife's great accomplishment!

My fourth delivery occurred without an epidural, after the first one having a botched one, the second and third having one that did what it was supposed to. My fourth labor was pretty easy, I guess (not if you asked me right then)...it started at 4am, and I timed contractions in bed for an hour before I decided to wake up my hubs. We left for the hospital at about 7:45, and I was pretty calm still, although I could tell that things were getting more intense...turns out that by the time I arrived I was transition!!! So there was no time for an epidural, and I delivered within 45 minutes of getting to my room in the maternity ward. I will say that the pushing part was a little more dicey than with birth 2 and 3...I felt a bit of panic, even though everything was going right. Don't remember pain, just that weird feeling that my body is in control, not my mind. Remember that Keanu Reeves movie, "Speed", where if the bus drove less than 55mph it would explode? Kind of like that.

But my husband says I wasn't acting significantly different, and that he felt calmer than the time before (hah!) :) The cool thing was, that everything progressed really fast, and really well, and it was definitely doable. I had a small tear in my perineum, and after that was stitched up, I felt so so good, so fresh, really - it was 10am, and I'd had a decent night's sleep, and now I had a snuggly new baby in my arms, and I didn't feel drugged or dopey, and my legs felt fine, and I didn't have a catheter sticking out of my back. It was definitely the fastest recovery of all my deliveries, and the best breastfeeding experience. Best birth ever.

If your previous deliveries have gone smoothly, and you wait until your body is REALLY ready to deliver (damn OBs are always trying to meddle), you should do fine. Seriously, your body doing all this on it's own schedule is the BIGGEST asset in a natural delivery, so don't second-guess it based on your husband's or anyone else's schedule! I don't know why (except for in cases of true medical need), our culture is always trying to interfere in something that nature already has a much better handle on.

Good luck. If you want some more encouragement, get the book "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth". Every pregnant woman should read this!

My labors ended with me having c-sections but I labored without drugs. Can you do it? Sure! I loved the Bradley Method. If you can't find classes, then there are books. My sister labored and birthed without medication of any kind. Women do it all the time.

My first was induced with pitocin and I could not have managed without an epidural. So, I echo the other ladies that say to try all you can to not be induced. With my second, I decided to be patient and let her come when she wanted. At 41.5 weeks, my fluid levels were really low and my midwives started talking about induction. I really wanted to give birth naturally, I'd picked a hospital with water tubs and I really wanted to have an unmedicated water birth. I had to go to the hospital so they could monitor baby overnight because of the fluid levels. She was fine so in the morning I started running the hospital stairs, nipple stiumulation, sitting on a ball - everything possible to get baby to decide to come right away. After a couple hours of that, I allowed my midwife to break what was left of my water. 5 hours later I was holding my baby in the tub where I had given birth to her with no interventions at all. I even caught my own baby, midwife sat on the toilet and just watched. Here's how I did it, maybe some of these techniques will work for you:

-I read a book called 'Birthing from Within' which gave me a repertoire of great techniques to try during labor and made me realize that pain comes from fear, so I did everything I could ahead of labor to identify things that made me fearful and deal with them
-Deep breathing and total body relaxation (sitting in a loose indian style position, not laying)
-I researched what the uterine muscles do during labor, and what the effect of tension is (the uterus wants to contract vertically and tension makes it contract horizontally)
-I visualized my breath going straight to my uterus to give it the oxygen it needed to do its job
-I pictured my breath coming into my body blue and going out red
-I totally focused on my breath and cut out the whole world around me
-I paid for a Pandora membership (so I didn't have to hear ads) and streamed music through my iPad for those moments when I lost my concentration. I input 'Tracy Chapman', which gave me some really lovely songs the whole time.
-I had a doula, her presence gave me confidence, she also had some tricks up her sleeve, like massage techniques, essential oils, and kind words.
-I rented a TENS unit and placed it on my lower back to help my body focus on what it needed to do
-When transition time came around and I started to lose it, my doula said 'stay on top of it' and the mental picture that came to mind was a tiny me on the top of my uterus, jumping up and down to get the uterus to contract down and push the baby down
-When my body started pushing, I gave myself over to it.
-When the baby crowned, I held her there and didn't let her retreat back into my body, thereby allowing my skin to stretch without tearing
-I caught my own baby (I was on my hands and knees in the tub so I reached back between my legs) which is just about the most empowering thing I've ever done

You can do this! I can honestly say that my second labor was really not that painful. :)

When you are induced, my description is; it;s like trying to open steel doors with a crowbar, VERY painful. That being said I had 2 inductions and very much needed an epidural. My 4th pregnancy I really wanted one ONLY because I was 1 cm when I got there and went to 10 in 40 minutes, that was very painful too. I did get an epidural even though it was too late but it helped me relax after she was out, since it was a whirlwind.

Read up so you can have some ideas on how to relax. But if you do have an induction, maybe you can start up an epidural fund; I will contribute!!!!!

My first child, my son, was 8 lbs, 15 oz, and I delivered with no epidural, I had 36 hours of labor and did it, it can be done! I hadn't planned it that way, but at some point I thought, "hey, I'm doing this!" so told myself i could go all the way.

God bless!

I don't have any personal experience to offer, but a friend of mine read up on "hypno-birthing" before having her second, and did not use an epidural. Might be worth looking into.
Is the anesthesiologist you contacted the only one at your hospital? Can you see whether there is a certified nurse anethesiologist who might be less expensive?