The Placenta: physiological 3rd stage or injection?

[LPplusOne]

I'm unsure of which way to go, as it seems there are clear pros and cons for both. Which did you choose and what would you choose if you were (or are) doing it again?

That reminds of a pool birth not long ago. "Here's another bit of membrane!" as she poked about her fanjango. I never even put any gloves on.

Admit it. That was me right?

I had a natural 3rd stage - it took a while (about an hour) and I had to push in the end and to be frank finding the energy to push at that stage was hard! They had to empty my bladder first, I couldn't wee by myself and apparently that might have been obstructing it. (I hope I remember that right, I was fairly out of it with exhaustion.) I heard the injection can make you a bit sick and you are more likely to have heavy bleeding for the next few weeks. i was at home for my birth so in no rush, I thought I'd see if it came out naturally, which it did.

ps. I did have pretty light bleeding post-birth - not sure if that is related or not. Only about 2 weeks, and lighter than a period except the first day.
I did have afterpains though.

Starlight: that would be spooky.

I had a natural third stage with both my sons, at my request. It gave me time to adjust to it all being over, havea a little talk to DH and a cuddle with baby and then DH got to cut the cord, which is an important beginning of fatherhood ritual to us.