If given the choice, how would you have your next baby?

I was induced on my first 3 kids. Actually long story short, my third was a accidently induced. My forth was natural labor but I got a epidural and my tubes tied. If by blessing a 5th child was in my cards, I would go all natural. I wouldn't even have a relaxer or anything. The pool sounds great. Would have to think about choosing a different hospital if they offered it.

natural but then again I havent had a child- but if I would and could I would want it natural.

We are currently trying to get pregnant and I also have had c-sections in the past but I want to go v-back. My ob stated that as long as there isn't any complications it would be ok. I really don't want to have a c-section unless it is the last option. But I do want to be in a hospital just in case.

i think this discussion is for gals,well wish u all the luck for ur second child,if u want that.

My next baby will be born at home with a midwife. Both of my previous babies were born in hospitals. The first was 18 days "overdue" and the 2nd one was 2 weeks overdue. My dr wanted to induce me when I was a week overdue but I declined because I did not want the added risk of c-section. ALso I knew that if I were induced I would need an epidural because unnatural induce contractions are too painful for me to manage without one. I didn't want an epidural because then I wouldn't be able to push on all fours or kneeling (among other reasons). Pushing while on your back or sitting/semi-reclined closes the pelvis by 30% and greatly increases the chance of baby getting "stuck". Getting of your bottom and off your back opens the pevlis by 30% and I knew I would need that because since my babies are late, they are also big (9.5lbs and my last one had a 15 inch head, yikes!). But because I was able to feel my body and feel when it was time to push and get off my bottom I did not even tear at all when I pushed him out. There were some complications from what the hospital did to my baby and I'm not going to put my next baby at risk for that.

I agree with you rachel! I had c-section with my son and I think I would try the birthing pool. I heard is painless and much better!

An ideal birth plan may help you decide what kind of birthing you want the next time around, since you're thinking ahead, take a look at my website! Auntie Natal 911 ~ Ideal Birth Plan http://www.auntienatal911.com/ideal_birth_plan.htm My children were born at home (planned homebirths).

How I wish we have that choice. The latest technology may will help this to change in a way to make ease when delivering a baby.

Same as my last two. Water broke and we went to the hospital. Waited for awhile and made it through the contractions and then I had a epidural. Few hours later they were born and that was that.

I would want to have it natural with no pain meds. My baby was 2 weeks early. They tried to induce because my blood pressure went crazy. The inducing didnt work, so they scheduled a c-section for the next morning. My water broke on the way to the c-section, but he was head up and clear up under my ribcage, so I still had to have a c-section. Basically the exact opposite of what was in my "birth plan" is what happened. Maybe next time. :)

My first son was born via c-section. I had been induced and still had failure to progress so they did a c-section. Come to find out that even if I had dilated all of the way he wouldn't have fit. His head was to big! lol Our second son was a scheduled c-section, which is what I wanted. We are talking about having baby #3 and it will also be scheduled c-section, if it happens. I've had so many abdominal surgeries that I actually heal from them pretty fast and can get around the same day.

We're not having a second one, but if I did, I'd be better prepared to labor at home for a while longer than last time. I'd also be welcoming the epidural when it came time. I wanted to have DS naturally, but found that I just could not tolerate the pain. I think a shower/hot tub would be a help for me too.

After two days of more on than off, false labor, I really wasn't prepared for the real thing. I was very glad they had educated us in the lamaz class I took. I had already told my doctor to have an epidural ready for me if it got really bad. Of course, you know it did. Three AM (and a holiday) is not the time to start asking though. :) I didn't get it til almost 5am. I'll admit it slowed the labor & I did have to have the pitosin drip later, but what a blessing it was to catch a few hours of sleep before she was born at 9:17am! I didn't get much sleep over the next 21 years either! I seriously doubt I could do it again at my age, but if I did, GIVE ME AN EPI any day! lol

My first baby was c-section after 22.5 hours, one induction and four epidurals. He was stuck and I was rushed to surgery. None of my four epidurals worked completly so I had to be knock out for the surgery. I was completly wrecked for the next 6 months while my body recovered. I have just had my second child (she is six months and my first is 2.5 years)and she was delivered elective c-section. Based on her size, my family and personal history, my fears of being physically unable to look after either of my children because of the possible strain put on my body with a natural labour we decided to have an elective c-section. Leading up to the surgery I felt guilty for taking "the easy way out" however in the end common sense prevailed and I quickly realised that nothing was more important than the health of my babys and myself. The c-section went smoothly and I found it an amazingly positive and fun experience in comparison with my first labour. All I can say is speak with your doctor, review your family history and go with your gut. You will know what is right for you and your baby. All the best to you and your family!