I loved it! Being pregnant for the first time despite nausea was exciting. Labor and delivery was smooth but painful-however short lasting. Second time around being pregnant was harder as I had a toddler and husband newly diagnosed with incurable cancer. But labor and delivery was a bit early but smooth and painless- thanks to a great epidural. I would love to have more kids because I loved both being pregnant and labor and delivery.

It’s such a funny statement about contemporary American women that this is even a question. For most of human history, women going into labor have had one or maybe two goals: I hope I don’t die and (depending on their life circumstances) I hope my baby doesn’t die.
Now we expect to enjoy it?

The experience, no. The outcome yes. Childbirth is a necessary evil and nothing more.

Not at all.

Ummm yup. I got induced with my second, got the epidural right away, my 20 month old was at home. I got to watch as much TV as I wanted and I felt like I was on vacation. Induced at 7 am, birth at 11 pm

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.

Definitely get the stitches. They will put on local anesthetic so you don’t feel much and it helps you to heal faster.

First time - hospital was disorganized and made a series, I was unmedicated (not by choice) and tore extensively and between the jaundiced child who wouldn’t eat (requiring us to feed her every two hours for a few weeks), my testing, and my anemia I felt sick for a full month at least. I also had injuries from pushing (like cervical prolapse that threatened my second pregnancy). Second time, meds were handled well, barely any pushing, and child was full term / ready to eat and was alert. I was feeling well enough to shower before I was sent home. It felt like a hotel stay compared to the first, but I can’t say I particularly enjoyed either.

Enjoy?!

Unless you’re numbed up and not feeling a thing, I don’t understand how that’s even possible!

Anonymous wrote:God, no. I hated it. If you'd put a gun in my hand during labor, I would have used it. It was a hellish experience.

Oh, wait. I'm supposed to say it was a beautiful, spiritual experience, right?

*on myself

God, no. I hated it. If you'd put a gun in my hand during labor, I would have used it. It was a hellish experience.

Oh, wait. I'm supposed to say it was a beautiful, spiritual experience, right?

No. What a bizarre question.

I found childbirth kind of gross. It's bloody and liquid-y and I pooped on the table -- but they were polite and didn't tell me, but I knew. But I got two beautiful babies out of it, so I fondly look back at the experience. It was worth it.

Sure, mine was great both times. I had an epidural for each, and never really felt much pain. Apparently I have a very favorable pelvis, and when it was time to push both kids were out within a minute or two (just 2-3 pushes each). Recovery and the bleeding afterwards wasn't particularly pleasant, but I was able to manage just fine with Advil.

It was pretty horrible both times. Still grateful for both kids, and don’t regret going through it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just curious!

Is that a goal? To “enjoy” it?

In the woo community, yes.