Private birth with no pain relief

[silksatinsandpaper]

Has anyone had a private birth (private wing, Portland or the like) under consultant but no pain relief

Am asking as for my last birth (private wing) I had an epidural almost foisted upon me (pre syntocinon drip to augment slowing down contractions - they basically told me it was wise to go with it pre-drip or they might not manage to site it later with strong contractions, and told me synto without epi is 'really a bad idea')

didn't enjoy the sensation of not being able to feel when to push properly. Everything else was fabulous so I would really like a private birth for next baby (not pg yet but hopefully soon) but would like to avoid the epi. Just worried as I've heard many/most consultants are very pro epi and I would really like some support dealing with the pain without drugs, if possible

I had to convince my consultant that I really, really wanted a epidural with dc2&3 (dc1 was fairly traumatic/managed).
I get to 9cm easily with a tens, but then my body panics and I really need that epidural. Both times the consultant and the midwives were fairly against me having it, my consultant I very into water births.
Pushing is much easier second time anyway - your body knows what to do.
I think most people who have syntonin would have an epidural no matter what setting they were in.
Anyway, all you need is to tell your consultant you don't want an epidural this time, if he/she isn't supportive use someone else.

Me, Kensington Wing. And I had syntocinin at one point as contractions went into hiding during pushing. No epi. They didn't try and force it on me all.

Thanks for comments
I know they can't force me to have the epi but I guess I am worried that I won't get the right kind of support to deal with contractions without pain relief, did you find the midwives in private care were good at helping with this?

Thanks gherkins,am looking into st Thomas's and EO-T now!

Or EO-N, even!

I found the midwife I had on the day was brilliant, no pressure at all though the consultant was in the room from when I arrived at hosp 6cm @ 8:30am until the baby was born at 1pm.

I had clearly stated on my birth plan I wanted a natural birth if possible and asked to be reminded of and encouraged in this throughout the labour. At transition when I uttered the words 'I think I want an epidural' (which I didn't really want) both consultant and midwife encouraged me to 'do two more contractions and see where you are, you are so close'.

Talk to your consultant about your preferences - remember most private patients they see prefer an epi so I think it can be refreshing change for them to see someone who actively wants a natural labour.

Yes - 3 at K wing for me, nothing stronger than gas & air.