Actually pushing out the baby is like taking the most enormous and satisfying poop of all time. I would do that every day if I could. But the rest of it sucked.

Anonymous wrote:Just curious!

Is that a goal? To “enjoy” it?

I had a long induction where I wasn't allowed to eat and couldn't pee without being unhooked from all of the machines, so I was pretty miserable.

But the actual birth (thank you epidural) was exhilarating and I really enjoyed the hospital stay. I was one of those bond instantly with the baby people, the food was good, the staff were mostly kind and helpful and after a long infertility journey, I just couldn't believe how lucky I was.

Then the first six weeks home with a newborn were a fresh hell of exhaustion and breastfeeding issues only made better by baby cuddles.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went through both without drugs so the pain was absolutely unimaginable, but overall it wasn't so terrible that I wound up going for a third. Recovery is definitely easier when you don't have medications and unnecessary interventions, so I'll likely be going that route again. Even stitching, I had a minor second degree tear both times but elected not to get stitches the second time (because the last thing you want is someone needle and threading your vagina after pushing out a baby) and it healed just fine. I kept my legs together for about a week, that's it.

Who said recovery is “definitely easier” without meds? My first delivery was full on meds. Second was too quick and no meds. Maybe a couple of hours difference in recovery I.e with no Eli you could walk earlier etc. .. Smh.

Neither was enjoyable. Get meds!

Don't be obtuse. An epidural is literally surgery. The difference is between recovering from just childbirth and recovering from childbirth and surgery. Obviously it's easier to recover when you haven't had surgery.

How about don't tell other women what to do with their bodies!

Huh?? Did you mean a c section? An epidural...is not surgery. Wtf

Yeah wtf! I had a vaginal labor with no pain meds and a vaginal labor with epidural. The one with an epidural was SOOOO much easier to recover from. I wasn't physically and mentally exhausted after it in the same way. When you're in so much immense pain, all your muscles tense up. Weirdly enough even my shoulders ached and my back (probably from tensing).

I never really thought about it. Definitely one of the most painful days in my life. But magical and you come out with a baby. I did feel a feeling of empowerment because of what my body could do. It was the least enjoyable part of pregnancy and the newborn stage though.

I think we tell women to fear it too much though. Even as girls we fear giving birth. I had a forced induction the first time and I cried the whole week beforehand. I didn't want the painful pitocin contractions and I wanted to go into labor on my own. I cried in the hospital too. Only DH saw how hysterical I was though thankfully.

Anonymous wrote:It's funny because childbirth is one of those things that so clearly has always sucked that even medieval religious scholars tried to come up with a theological reason for why it sucked.

+1000

Historically the #1 killer of women but modern women are apparently supposed to put on some kind of happy spin on it about empowerment. Mmmkay.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went through both without drugs so the pain was absolutely unimaginable, but overall it wasn't so terrible that I wound up going for a third. Recovery is definitely easier when you don't have medications and unnecessary interventions, so I'll likely be going that route again. Even stitching, I had a minor second degree tear both times but elected not to get stitches the second time (because the last thing you want is someone needle and threading your vagina after pushing out a baby) and it healed just fine. I kept my legs together for about a week, that's it.

Who said recovery is “definitely easier” without meds? My first delivery was full on meds. Second was too quick and no meds. Maybe a couple of hours difference in recovery I.e with no Eli you could walk earlier etc. .. Smh.

Neither was enjoyable. Get meds!

Don't be obtuse. An epidural is literally surgery. The difference is between recovering from just childbirth and recovering from childbirth and surgery. Obviously it's easier to recover when you haven't had surgery.

How about don't tell other women what to do with their bodies!

Huh?? Did you mean a c section? An epidural...is not surgery. Wtf

It's funny because childbirth is one of those things that so clearly has always sucked that even medieval religious scholars tried to come up with a theological reason for why it sucked.

I got what I wanted: unmedicated, birth center, went home that day. Enjoy? No, I'm not sure anyone ever enjoys precipitous labor, which was terrifying, and baby was sunny side up to boot. And it hurt, of course. But I'd do it that way again if I was going to have another.

No. You are setting people up for disappointment if you claim otherwise; you simply cannot predict what will happen. Let people be pleasantly surprised if things go well.

First was uncomfortable (but not painful due to timely epidural). Second was so easy I could have painted mg nails while delivering (two pushes and done). Both days were the two happiest days of my life. It’s truly exhilarating and marvelous and awesome to give birth! Any pain goes to a far back recess of your mind. Hence, many women do it over and over again. Don’t fear, enjoy!!!

No.

Loved the preamble and the end result though.

No, it hurt like hell, and I haven't forgotten.

Well no I didn't particularly enjoy being in labor but the epidural completely took away my pain so it was actually a good experience when combined with the excitement and anticipation of finally getting to meet this little human who'd been kicking me in the ribs for the past several months.

I particularly enjoyed the first two weeks after delivery when you can just do nothing but cuddle and enjoy your sleepy newborn.

No not really. 2nd time was way better than the first. My lady parts tore both times, so not sure how I'm supposed to enjoy that whole experience.

Epidurals are a blessed gift of science to womankind.

But I love my kids.