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Jen- I think contractions feel woese than braxton hicks when I was at home my contractions were about five minutes apart and lasted for a minute and a half, thats how I knew they were real ones, becuse I could sit and time them. And actually when I got to the hospital I was 2-3 and they told me to walk for an hour then I was 3-4 so they let me stay, but I almost got sent home, which was surprising because I was really hurting, and I had a short labor my baby came out with only a few pushes she was small, Iwas in good shape and only gained 25 lbs. so I was scared of the same thing you are. But I think when it's time to go to the hospital you will know its like an instinct

Oh yea I had mucas tinged with blood like 12 hours b-4 I went into labor,I read that blood tinged means you'll go within 48 hours, If you just have mucas with no blood it doesn't really mean anything, And I was sleeping when I went into labor so my contractions hurt enough to wake me up, I'm due a week from today so thats how I figure it this time if I feel like I'm in labor I'll go to sleep to see if I can sleep through my contractions

I'm still having the same exact contractions but no other signs/symptoms. Actually having one right now. It'll be soon I have a feeling.

Jill, I have noticed that you are very anti-natural birth according to this post and the one you posted in response to my question earlier this month. However, with all due respect, please dont try to talk those of us who chose to try a natural birth out of it. It is nothing like getting into a car accident and opting out of medication for pain. This is a normal, planned event that can be prepared for by many ways such as breathing, concentration, focus, etc... The human body is an amazing machine that can handle a lot more than we give credit for. We are not being martyrs, we are not trying to prove anything. I just want the best for my baby and myself as many natural birth mothers. You said I dont know what I am getting myself into in a previous post. However, I have no unrealistic illusions about birth. I have witnessed 6 natural births with my four sisters and of course it hurts! But, NONE of them would do it any other way. Read some of the posts here. Recovery is faster, there is less risk, etc.. I would never try to talk anyone out of an epidural if thats their choice. Please dont judge us and please stop saying we are trying to be a martyr and "having something to prove" for our choices. Thats not the case at all. There is nothing wrong with natural birth. There is nothing wrong with epidurals. Its a personal choice thats dosent need to be attacked either way. Its wonderful that your giving your side of the story. But, please dont be so negative toward others choices for a natural birth. Thanks for listening.

I second Raye Lynn... I'm going to attempt natural birth also. I reead a book once "The Thinking Womens Guide To Better Birth" and a few others that illustrate the pros & cons of medication free birth & that is what I want. Like Raye Lynn said, it's our own personal decision, I have nothing against women who use pain medication, by all means if that is what they want then they should have it, however, it's just not worth the risk to me. No need to bash me for my thoughts on the subject.

Hi, Ladies. Thanks for all the posts. I really believe confidice and a positive att_tude are the most important tools for natural birth- any thoughts? Have the cla__ses been very helpful?

Hi Daisy Jean, I think that you are absolutely right, a positive att_tude goes a long way. I have yet to give birth, but with four sisters, I have had tons of advice and witnessed amazing control and power over their own bodies. I have heard that cla__ses help in the respect that they teach breathing and focusing techniques. My hospital actually has a good cla__s on this. I have heard mixed things about Lamaze cla__ses. A couple of my sisters tried the mellowed down version of the Bradley Method. If it were offered around here, I would love to try the water. I have also heard great things of hypnobirthing. If you are confident you can do it and stay focused without panicing b/c of the pain, you can do it. Once you start panicing and saying you cant do it, thats when it starts to get the most painful. One of my sisters said that. She also said that she was glad she had a midwife there because after her midwife had her refocus and breath properly, she was fine again and got through it no problem. Good luck.

I'm not putting anyone down if your lucky enough to not be in as much pain as I was then thats great because some people do get that lucky. But I've noticed the only people who are so confident about giving birth naturally are the ones who have never had children before. I didn't want an epidural with my baby because I heve so many back problems and I heard it would make it worse, but here I am 3 years later and would keep the problems of the epidural over the pain of having my daughter, but everyone IS different I just think its like bad karma by saying you would absolutley not have an epidural, thats how I was. Then you might be unhappy with yourself when you want one, I felt like I let myself down. So really I want you girls to keep an open mind and if you have an easy labor then be happy your so lucky and know that I am jealous of you

jill, I appreciate you honest response. But, we are not the only ones confident about natural birth. Did you read all the posts previous to yours in this topic alone? There are several women here who said they would do it again. All of my family said they would do it again. I have talked to women who regretted their epidurals aid epidurals slowed down their process tremendously and had slow recoveries. And, I have heard of natural births who regretted that also. I just think that every one should keep an open mind without being discouraged in the action they plan to take. Including myself and you. I just really take offense to comments such as I am trying to prove something and I am not sure what I am getting myself into. It happens all the time as soon as you say "natural". I am sorry that you had complications. However, that is not the norm. I have done my research, talked to MANY different women and methods. I am not going into this blindly. I have chosen my course of action. If I know I cant take the pain, I will ask for something, but if I go in there expecting something bad to happen, expecting the pain to be unbearable- thats no way to live life. I dont think thats bad karma at all!! I thinks its great to have faith in yourself, God, and your body to be able to handle such a situation. In addition, none of us here has said they would absolutely not get an epidural... including myself. We just said we want to try natural. Good luck to you and thank again for your response. Daisy Jean- you CAN do this. Believe in yourself. If you cant its ok, its not the end of the world, but there is nothing wrong with being fully prepared to give birth naturally. Take the cla__ses, prepare your mind, breathe, pray, focus.

Jill i was wondering if you had any mixed feelings about the epidural. your last post was very honest and explaines alot. i know lots of women who thought they could go without drugs and ended up using them and feeling let down. there is no reason to feel bad about it. you had a healthy baby, that's what matters. it bothers me when women are critical of others who use pain meds, and it bothers me when women say "fine! be a martyr if you want". no one can tell you what delivery is going to be like. no two women ever have the same experiance. your next might be nothing like your first. your right when you say it's best to go into it with an open mind, but there is no harm in trying to plan the type of birth you think you'll be most comfortable with.

Hey Mal well I'm glad I got the epidural but I was wanting to go natural, I took all the cla__ses and read all the books and like I said I felt a little disapointed with myself. But also remember what I said about the pitocin at my hospital I think the pitocin made my contractions hurt worse. Thats probably why I needed an epidural. I have a friend who had three kids natural and she said labor felt like bad cramps so everyone is different ya know. But hey today is my b-day so I'm trying to not go into labor today. Baby is due on Tues. Anyway I know I will have an epidural this time but if I feel like I dont need one then I wouldn't have one but I think when I can relax then I can enjoy the experience a little more this time

Happy Birthday, Jill!

ok I think I'm in labor so I'm trying to stay at home and relax so I can make it until midnight my mom's laughing at me because I didn't want to have the baby on my birthday so its just my luck wish me luck if I dont have him tonite then I'll let ya know tomarrow

Nevermind still no baby

Jill, my due date is on my birthday, April 29, and i dont want to give birth on my birhtday too! i also dont want to give birth on May because i think Aprils birthstone its better =) so i hope i go into labor soon!

If you are interested, i started a post called "pitocin is not always needed"...i share my experiences there and how i plan to have natural next time!