Laboring loudly in Kensington Wing?

[Aefeth]

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping to have a natural birth in the Kensington Wing of C&W. I would like to avoid an epidural if possible, but I've heard that the staff is quick to push/pressure you into pain medication if you don't happen to be one of the moms who is able to labor in a perfectly quiet, zen state.
My first birth was vocal, to say the least.
Thoughts anyone?

Thank you!

Who'll be with you at the birth? Make sure that person knows what you want and does lots of double-checking about whether you want pain relief if i gets to that point. S/he should then make it clear to the staff.

I had my first in the Ken Wing in 2011 and no. 2 due in a couple months(also Ken Wing). I didn't want or have an epidural. I was consultant led (tho my consultant was on hols, baby was 2 weeks early) so was delivered by someone else. Had no pressure at all to have an epidural - consultant and midwife were v respectful of my birth plan and if anything really encouraged me at transition when it was really painful. I wasn't super noisy generally (I dn't think!) but did full on scream when the head came out. They were full of praise afterwards which was very kind (he was a reasonable size for 38 weeks and I was pushing for 2 hours).

Another consultant I saw for a check once when mine was away said that the incidence of epidurals on the wing for first time mothers was 90% so I had wondered whether there would be pressure. It's funny, maybe just coincidence but of all the people I know giving birth privately (only one an elective section), none of them wanted a natural birth and all wanted an epi (perhaps one of motivating factors for going private, ie guaranteed epi).

Best of luck!

I've had 3 there, no epidurals, made my fair share of noise particularly with number 2 who arrived 5 minutes after I did and caused a bit of a scramble! I wouldn't worry; they've seen it all.