QuestionI just posted a question about rebreaking my tailbone during my next delivery. I then found a similar question. The answer was to deliver in a hands and knees position. I had the first baby naturally. The second was with Nubane which I didn't feel did much at all! I swore after she was born (the one who broke my tailbone)that if I ever had another baby, I was having an epidural since what woman in her right mind would voluntarily go through that kind of pain three times? If I go that way, I won't be able to do hands and knees. I was really looking forward to actually enjoying the birth experience this time, and the advice I read about position being the key to not breaking it again is depressing. Is there no happy medium?
AnswerI think you may have me confused with the other expert here as I did not answer a question regarding a woman with a broken coccyx. =)
What kind of birth experience would be enjoyable to you? In your mind, what would be the idea birth? You may want to sit down and write (or type) the kind of birth that would be the most fulfilling and ideal for you. After that, there are numerous options you can explore depending on what you want out of your birth experience. I highly recommend reading "Birthing From Within" by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. This book and the exercises in it can help you visualize your perfect birth experience whatever method you choose. =)
There are many other ways of dealing with childbirth pain that do not involve an epidural. =) TENS machines, prescription analgesics (such as narcotics they can prescribe in the hospital), water (waterbirths are particularly effective), meditation, hot packs, massage, acupressure, massage, holistic medicine, and just having a doula there are all things that can help you with the labor pain. Some of these methods have been used to help relieve childbirth pain from women since the times of the Roman empire and earlier. =)
I recommend also reading "Labor Pain: A Natural Approach to Easing Delivery" by Nicky Wesson and "Easing Labor Pain" by Adrienne B. Lieberman. Both books will provide you will numerous alternatives (many more than I can fit in this answer window!) and they are both quick reads. There are lots options available to you without having it just be one way or the other. =)
If you'd like to discuss your options further, I would be happy to do so! Simply follow-up to this question with a description of the type of birth you would like to have and what experiences you want to take away from it.
Best wishes,
Helen =)
