Non judgemental discussion about pain relief

[Heirhelp]

I am due my first baby in May and I am concerned about the birth but also worried about the proven side effects of some pain medications. In an ideal world I would love a water birth, if a pool is available, but I know that some pain relief methods prevent the use of a pool.

Research all the drugs available, then wait until the day. Honestly it's not really a decision you can make until you're in the situation experiencing the pain. I was adamant I didn't want an epidural but I had to have one to lower my blood pressure.

Here in Spain it's epidural or nothing. I chose epidural. Wanted a waterbirth, but the two nearest hospitals offering this are 100 miles away in opposite directions.

I have never had anyone say anything negative about medicalised birth v free screaming, at least not to my face

I birthed 2 babies in my life. First time I was all for epidural, being from states that was the right thing to do in my mind but my midwives convinced me otherwise and I took anti natal yoga and after that I was a changed woman. Also after seeing postnatal wards I swore to never end up in there which mean drug free birth. I ended up having almost 40 hour labour but did have the baby in the pool had very short time on gas and air may be two breath to regain control but that was it. I used tense machine from the start until getting in the water and the slow progression was great. Baby came out and it was all sort of surreal. I grabbed her from the water and it was all great until time came to stitch up the bits. The midwife was on the fence if she should take us to theatre which meant we will end up on the postnatal ward or do it herself. Did not do a fine job and my vagina was essentially ruined.
Second baby I spent no time thinking about the labour as there was no time for yoga or anything like that but thought what the heck lets have the baby in water again. Labour was fast with huge baby that got stack, they got me off on that gas and air to a state that I can't even describe and was all very dramatic in birthing centre again. With that said if I ever could have another baby I would go straight for epidural. They constantly try to sell women here in UK on this drug free birth but what I had researched and found that epidural actually have benefits like less chances for split stomach muscles and prolapse vagina which I both now have. Simply because it is more controlled way to birth. Anyhow, it is really your choice just don't feel like you have to insure pain while birthing, it really does not matter, they don't give medals for that.