Twilight Sleep: The Horrifying Way In Which Early 20th Century Women Gave Birth

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Sources:
Pollesche, Jessica, Twilight Sleep, The Embryo Project Encyclopedia, May 16, 2018, embryo.asu.edu...
McCulloch, Sam, Twilight Sleep - the Brutal Way Some Women Gave Birth in the 1900s, Belly Belly, February 17, 2021, www.bellybelly...
Schroeder, Zayaan, Twilight Sleep: the Weirdest Way of Giving Birth Ever? Patient 24, September 6, 2016, www.news24.com...
Twilight Sleep: the Forgotten 20th Century Method of Childbirth That Erased Memories, IFL Science, www.iflscience...
McPherson, Katie, Twilight Births Sound Like an Absolute Nightmare, Romper, February 15, 2021, www.romper.com...
Laskow, Sarah, In 1914, Feminists Fought for the Right to Forget Childbirth, Atlas Obscura, February 23, 2017, www.atlasobscu...
Helmuth, Laura, The Disturbing, Shameful History of Childbirth Deaths, Slate, September 10, 2013, slate.com/tech...

[@TodayIFoundOut]

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Go to www.keeps.com/BRAINFOOD to get 50% off off your first order of Keeps hair loss treatment.

[@picolete]

One of the treatments from Keeps uses Finesteride, one should always consult with a doctor and get some blood testing before using that and one month later to see if its producing hormonal problems

[@neilfox9854]

Male pattern baldness, the affliction of the lesser man. Yes, I heard that on this channel.

[@blakemtg47]

My favourite is the baby centrifuge

[@darrenswails]

I like that he goes right in to the ad so I waste no time hitting ⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩⏩

[@Mrs_B]

Bald is hot 🤓🤩

[@whistlingsage9817]

According to my mom, I was born this way. Not only did it wipe out her memory of me being born, but she couldn't remember the day leading up to, or the day after, either. She said what she did remember was like a nightmare, where she kept being awakened into chaos, where people were yelling at her to push, and then she would black out again, and it would start over.. As a little kid, I felt terrible that I put my mom through such an ordeal. I'm glad to hear that they no longer force women to endure this. 19th century scientists were really out of touch with humanity.

[@slcRN1971]

If her experience was like most of the women that I took care of as a hospital maternity nurse (in the 1970s timeframe) that had been given Scopolamine.......... she WAS... in a nightmare because that med. almost always turned off their inhibitions!! When the very strong and painful contractions occurred, they would bite, scream, kick, slap, spit, ........... for every contraction and then sleep until it started again.

[@tjiloveconducting]

During my first childbirth, I had pushed for 2 hours to no avail. My daughter was sunny side up and would not descend. I ended up in emergency C-section, and at first they didn't use enough medication or give it enough time, and I could feel when they were cutting me. I told them to wait a little longer, and then they gave me gas. I was knocked out immediately. I remember waking up to them saying you have a daughter. I replied in a very hazy voice I can't have a daughter I didn't give birth! I fell back asleep and didn't fully wake up for 4 hours. The nurse had tried to get her to breastfeed while I was out of it knowing that's what my wishes were. I'm groggily sang to her and fell back asleep. When I fully awoke, I was so upset that she wasn't in the room with me. I told my husband to get her in the room right away. I had such a hard time believing that she was mine. She didn't look anything like me! I knew that I had given birth because I had been in labor for about 8 hours feeling all the pain. I truly can't imagine how these women felt not remembering all the work their body had gone through. This was very interesting, thank you for sharing this history.

[@memawknowsbest4978]

I was born in 1970 and they gave my mom twilight sleep. She didn't remember the birth, except for a few flashes and she said that I was groggy for days after I was born. I'm glad I had all of mine naturally.

[@slcRN1971]

I refused that medication, when I had my children during the 1970s. Why ........ because as a maternity nurse, I witnessed this first hand. My labor nurses were shocked that all I wanted was something to ease my vomiting. After my youngest was born, I was resting after giving birth and over-heard my nurse on the phone saying that she didn’t know when she could go eat as she had received me only one hour ago. Almost every labor patient had that med back then, so she was quite startled when I spoke up and said that I was fine and could go to my postpartum bed now.

[@jennarodriguez9858]

Having given birth unmedicated twice (once in a hospital, once at home), I can say that the fear of pain is so much worse than the pain itself. Yes, it is difficult, but when a woman is given agency in her birthing process and has a team who supports her, she can do a miraculous thing with grace, dignity, and beauty.

[@overlyblynn]

@Nanna DuelundSame! My medicated hospital birth was slightly traumatic for me. My unmedicated home birth was amazing due to the full agency I had over my body and surroundings. It helps to have faith in your body and nature though. It's not for everyone. But it's its something you want, it can be a very healing experience.

[@hhlagen]

Was so glad to see your thoughts on this. I gave birth twice without drugs. The nurses kept asking me if I wanted something for pain. I kept telling them when it gets bad I will. Never felt the need for it. For me an epidural was a very scary thing and I was more afraid of a needle to the spine than contractions. I had two good friends that were labor coaches and educators. That helped. My daughter has given birth 3 times now and has had wonderful experiences with all her births. Natural and unmedicated. Her choice her way. I was there for first 2, Covid rules would not allow it for her last.

[@BonzoGal1980]

Exactly. I went in knowing it would be terribly painful, but it would STOP. That kept me going

[@HappysMomo]

I can’t agree more!! I’ve had two home births, unmedicated. My first was more rough because obviously… you don’t know what to expect… but my second was much easier. Had an awesome support group and would do it like that any day

[@Freiya2011]

Well, with "beauty", I don't know! 😂 But it is more than possible, a good midwife is worth more than gold and the recovery is much, much faster than after c-section. I had both, first emergency C-section (both me and my son would have died if that first birth had been at home), then a natural birth, without any medication. I'd always choose natural birth over c-section although I ripped and was stitched up less than professionally.

[@tremorsfan]

Once there was a couple who were about to give birth to their child. The wife was nervous because she feared that she would not be able to handle the pain. Fortunately the doctor told her that there was a new machine that could transfer the pain from the mother to the father. Unfortunately, because men where not used to the pain, there was a risk that the shock might kill him. Both the man and woman agreed that it was worth the risk. The doctor decided to ease the man into it by starting on the lowest setting. He feels nothing. As the birthing process continued the doctor continued to turn the machine up higher and higher but the man still felt nothing. By the end neither one could feel any pain. The man is so happy about his child that he calls his mother. When his mother answered she congratulated him but told him that something strange had happened. The mailman had been found dead on their front lawn.

[@blakemyrstol6895]

Ayy but on the bright side, that was probably from a time when ol’ not daddio could just go out to buy a pack of luckies and start over with a non whooooooore

[@nellz72]

LOL That was a good one!

[@deee5520]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. That is just to to funny.

[@bcaye]

Nice.

[@AnotherWittyUsername.]

My grandfather was the milkman. My Dad and his sibs were constantly teased about it. My oldest uncles actually have my grandparents occupations on their birth certificates. Mother-Housewife Father-Milkman

[@JaninaElyse]

I’m one of those children delivered in the 1960’s where my mom was sedated with twilight sleep. She had always lauded it as a miracle drug until she found out that during the process of birth, it is entirely possible she may have said and done things (or done to her?) she doesn’t remember. She was horrified to learn the true details of twilight sleep about 25 years ago. What scares me most is that my mother lived in a time where the doctor felt no compulsion to tell her what exactly happened during twilight sleep. She literally went to sleep and woke with a baby. That is all she knew for decades! Patient rights were obviously not that big a deal back then. 🤷🏼‍♀️ thankful my daughter’s delivery in 1990 was mostly drug free and this method was no longer on the cards.

[@exidy-yt]

Whoa, today I actually DID find out something new! TBH most of the topics on this channel I already have at least heard about if not already familiar with them, but this one is completely new to me and an extremely interesting topic as well. GJ!

[@MCC4RTHY1]

My grandmother used twilight and she loved it. When talking about my birthday (which was awful and I never heard t end of) she would say back in her day how wonderful it was. *shoulder shrugs*

[@thesoutherncowgirlpoet]

My grandmother delivered 5 babies in twilight sleep. My mom said that my grandmother woke up a little bit while delivering her, but other than that she was out cold. I couldn't imagine going through that. I gave birth 7 weeks ago with no pain medication or anything and watched my son be delivered through a mirror that my nurse set up. It was a wonderful experience. Hurt like heck but I thoroughly enjoyed being "present" for the entire birth process. Being put to sleep then waking up without my baby would be very traumatic for me - I didn't even have the nurses take my baby to the nursery during the night when I was sleeping, he HAD to stay in the room with me at all times.

[@thesoutherncowgirlpoet]

@@GAMakin That sounds amazing. I would've loved to have a home birth, but with the Dr and medical staff I had, they really made the experience wonderful. Plus I was the only woman giving birth in that center that weekend. My next babe I'll probably have at home.

[@slcRN1971]

When I had my last child (1970s time), the babies had to stay in the nursery and only be brought out at scheduled times. I was breastfeeding (which about scandalized the staff) and had to get them to bring him to my room for each feeding time. One time I rang and asked for him and they said that he was suppose to be with me right then. Then they argued about where was my baby!! It took awhile to find him because a new nurse had put him in the wrong area of the nursery, talk about near panic!!

[@thesoutherncowgirlpoet]

@@slcRN1971 Oh I'd be ticked off at that whole situation 😳 And so scared! The breastfeeding part surprises me - why would nurses of all people not be okay with it? Like, what?? My nurse that was there when I delivered told me to get my son to eat right away and checked his latch. This was while I was still birthing the placenta 😂 His umbilical cord was still attached

[@Chelseyandfam]

This is how my grandmother gave birth in the 1950s! Also this is sort of chronicled on “Mad Men” when Betty gives birth to Eugene.

[@louisedolloff836]

Wow, definitely scary! My great grandma on my mother's side was a midwife. She assisted my grandma on my dad's side with the births of my two aunts and my father in the 1920's, no drugs involved. I was born in a hospital in the 1960's and they gave my mom demoral for the pain, and it crossed the placenta barrier, so I spent the first month of my life asleep, waking up just enough to eat... Fast forward 20 years, and we come full circle. I had my babies at home with a midwife and no drugs involved.

[@rockthelightGomer]

I'm currently in early labor. Thanks for the pep talk, Simon.

[@sydneyice]

Well... how'd it go? Lmao congrats! 👏

[@iamjamilyn]

My mother had a twilight birth and had twins, she had no idea she was even having twins...let alone a girl and a boy SURPRISE!

[@brennan4068]

Because I had a “bad epidural” my labor was actually more agonizing than it would have been without one. I felt every contraction, but in between each, I had a “see-saw” effect where all the pain in of my contraction quickly moved from my abdomen to my shoulders. I had pain radiating across my shoulders so bad that I begged them to remove the epidural, but they would not. I wish so desperately that I would have experienced the entire thing, without interference. I can’t imagine how women who endured all of these practices must feel!

[@katherinetutschek4757]

omg😖😖😖

[@brennan4068]

@@katherinetutschek4757 it was horrible. What was worse is that afterwards they sent a neurologist to examine me like I had something wrong with my brain or was imagining it.

[@katherinetutschek4757]

@@brennan4068 Condescending doctors are the worst😠

[@valeriegourley1014]

This is exactly what happened to me except it was during my c-section. I felt everything. My legs were on fire, like millions of bees stinging me at once and my chest was being squeezed so badly I couldn’t breathe. I begged my dr to stop but she didn’t believe me. It’s a good thing my arms were strapped down because I would have jumped right off the table, abdomen cut open and all. They ended up having to sedate me with iv fentanyl. I still have the squeezing in my chest and issues with my legs and bowels. This was in 2011 and it really did traumatize me. I couldn’t even hold my son.

[@brennan4068]

@@valeriegourley1014 I’m so sorry!! That’s awful!! I can imagine it would traumatize you pretty badly. They didn’t believe me either! Sent a neurologist in afterwards to check to make sure something wasn’t wrong with my brain... made me so mad because everything was absolutely fine once they took that out.

[@tooshay4me]

I gave birth to my son in 1977, I had just turned 18, and struggled with the extreme pain of labor pains as my frame was very small. The doctor wanted to do a c-section, but my mother didn’t want me to have such a horrible scar at such a young age so they gave me a shot called Twilight Shot.” I only remember coming to every now and then and only for a few seconds, but I definitely don’t remember any pain whatsoever and came to a few hours after childbirth. It was an experience and am glad I didn’t feel the pain any longer. My son was born healthy and strong. I never knew what the name of the actual shot was called other than Twilight Shot.

[@jerrylim6722]

imagine trying to counter argue your mum's statement of "I don't remember giving birth to a disappointment" but she suddenly pulls out her medicals records of Twilight Sleep.

[@katherinetutschek4757]

lol

[@whydoidothis74]

PLS

[@bronminett4042]

😂🤣😂 thank u I needed that

[@LunarEleven]

😆 plausible denial!

[@timberwolf5631]

Whenever I got pregnant in my younger years, I was offered epidurals and saddle blocks. I refused them because I didn't want my kids to be born with those kinds of drugs in their systems. I was offered morphine, too. Same thing: I thought a hard sedative like that would cause my baby to be born lethargic or unresponsive. I was afraid of how painful labor would be, though. They offered me a Nubain and said it would 'just take the edge off', and would not affect the baby. I said okay to that. It was perfect: I remained awake and alert, while feeling a bit fuzzy. It still hurt like hell. But it was just enough without being too much. A nurse asked me once if I thought my delivery was satisfying. Weird question, and yes, it always was. I think that is important, somehow.

[@glitchmango5656]

One of my moms relatives had her labour through twilight sleep. She was pregnant with twins. While she was sleeping and after she’d given birth the doctors took one of the babies and sold her on the black market. When she’d woken up she’d asked about the second baby and the doctors told her she was delusional, that there’d only been one. Years later the twins actually found each other and the who of the tragedy was revealed.

[@Mjones5018]

Oh my this is so sad

[@susanallen3783]

Oh my I'm so glad they found each other 1im so sorry mom that was very hard on yu I bet

[@annaoddi2257]

Wtaf

[@pookiehoney]

My baby got stuck. I was delivering naturally. I had to use every single ounce of effort to push her out while two nurses pushed on my stomach from each side and the doctor pulled and ripped her out of me. I was completely ripped from front to back. They all said we’d both be dead if I had an epidural. It was very tense and every doctor and nurse available was suddenly in my delivery room with serious and grim faces screaming instructions. Women with epidurals can’t feel anything and can barely push because of it. It might have worked out for women without complications but I’d rather experience that agony all over again to know that we’re both alive today. Saying it’s the best thing doesn’t mean it is. The fact that I was fully conscious, able to move my legs and body and FEEL the extreme urgency that we were dying is what helped us survive. I pushed so hard I thought I would push out all of my insides not just the baby. A woman with an epidural is chatting away talking on phones, watching tv and pretending it’s a party with family and friends. The urgency is lost and many still die because they have no ability to actually push to survive if the baby gets stuck. I had two more children after that natural child birth as well.

[@aprilh9210]

Keeps looks interesting ......but I was sure that the cure for baldness in men was to shave the scalp clean and grow facial hair. It's a magnificent hairstyle on my husband and it works well on Simon too.

[@KendrixTermina]

Even the normal Birth actually comes with a natural memory wipe, though it's not as efficient as drugs - it's due to the huge surge of oxytocin, a chemical that is also involved in trust and social bonding, that causes you to remember the moment right after (when you get to see the baby) but the memory of the pain before that is diminished. I guess if nature didn't fool us this way, no one would have siblings - especially not in the past when childbirth was much more dangerous. My mom had 5 babies but after the first 4 times she had zero memory of what the placenta had looked like. With baby #5 she was already 40 so she knew this would be the last kid, so she asked the Drs to save it so she could see what it looks like.

[@East_blue2014]

My first baby I was unconscious for. I remember waking up and seeing my husband walk into the room carrying him. My first thought were, that's not my baby, whose baby is that? Then I noticed he had my husband's nose and thought, oh maybe it's mine. The brain does things.

[@Darkflowerchyld718]

Like many others commenting here my maternal grandmother had twilight births for the first 4 of her 5 total births. She described it as lovely besides the fact that you "woke up to a screaming, shitting, needy little creature that you had to take care of". She had no bond with her first 4 children. She thought this was normal. She thought all mothers cared for their children out of familial obligation and for no other reason. She was cruel and abusive to her first 4 children. With no bond to bring them together they were not much more than an emotional, physical and financial drain on her. It wasn't until she had her last baby later in life that she gave birth awake. She said that the birth was painful but only took about 3 hours from first contraction to baby in her arms. And when they placed my aunt in her arms she was instantly in love and felt that "magical connection" she thought other mothers only lied about. My grandmother never made the connection until she witnessed a similar happening with my mother. My mother birthed me "naturally" and my twin siblings by c-section while completely under anesthesia. My mother, like her mother before her, had no connection to her babies. It made for an interesting childhood to say the least. I wrote a whole essay on the story. It caused 2 generations of trauma. I'm only now breaking the cycle and trying my damnedest to do better by my own children. Despite the damage done to me I work tirelessly everyday to do better for my kids.

[@breerex4957]

So are you saying that if you don’t have a painful birth experience you can’t love your kids? What about dads? Are they incapable of bonding with children too?

[@Darkflowerchyld718]

@@breerex4957 I'm saying for some people going to sleep pregnant and waking up to a baby severely hinders bonding. Labor, birth, and first few moments after birth are all triggers for releasing oxytocin but maybe if you're knocked out completely and miss those hormones, maybe it's just that much harder to bond with your baby. I also often wonder if the more men spend involved in the pregnancy and delivery of their babies, the more bonding happens for them too. These are all hypothesis that I will never be able to know the answers to.

[@KryssLaBryn]

@@Darkflowerchyld718 Huh. My first I ended up giving birth naturally, and with (by the time of active birth) no drugs. But for my second one I ended up having to have an emergency c-section. Afterwards they gave me a shot of oxytocin to make up for not having a vaginal birth to trigger my body's own production of it. So at least, nowadays, bonding shouldn't be hampered by something as basic as birth method.

[@slcRN1971]

Having worked during the 1970s, when this medication was still being used .......... I wondered about the after-affects from ‘twilight sleep’. After witnessing both mother and newborn, when this med was used (just during hospital stays) ....... I refused it when I had my own children (during that same decade). It seems that no one bothered doing any research projects. It’s so awful that this happened in your family.......... makes you wonder how many others had similar issues?!

[@Brownsocksflirt]

Honey…just no. No. Your grandma and mom had psychological issues that needed therapy. How they gave birth did not create the lack of bond. They had years to form bonds but didn’t. That is clearly a sign of a disorder. Your hypothesis is a slap in the face not only of birth moms, but of adoptees and dads.

[@Nirrrina]

Remember Ladies. Having cats is much much easier. But does tend to come with certain names. But on the other hand they stay small, warm & cuddly forever. Unless you piss them off anyway. I still absolutely adore my nieces & nephews though. Even though they're no longer small cuddly little things. My mom & I were always the favored babysitters. Especially on New Years Eve when my sister's friends would also leave their kids too. Man we had tons of fun.

[@sophierobinson2738]

I liked children when I was one. Then I grew up and had my own. I don't like babies or children anymore. I have 5 cats, all but one of whom came to me off the street. The 5th I took because her disabled people had to move in with family, and family had 4 big dogs. I couldn't bear the thought of her going to the Humane Society, where she would surely be murdered in a week's time. She immediately made friends with one of the clowder, and is happy as clams.

[@theproplady]

@@sophierobinson2738 Sheesh. You don't like your kid because giving birth to them was painful? Poor kid...

[@missouribushwhacker9449]

You are the saddest human being to exist just morally this🤣🖕

[@bcaye]

I have had many mothers tell me how lucky I am to have cats rather than kids. I remind them that cats are dependent on you their entire life. Like a baby that can never feed itself or toilet independently. Cats don't grow up and move out on their own. Also, you will lose them eventually and that is very painful.

[@JenIsHungry]

@@theproplady being honest is bad? Lots of parents regret having children and this doesn't make them bad people.

[@utah133]

Scopolamine was apparently used in wartime for motion sickness or something. My grandmother recalled gathering henbane, a nightshade family plant during wartime, as the government wanted that done. The stuff grows in abundance in Southwest Wyoming where we lived.

[@sonjafrost4]

This was a really excellent video. Thank you Simon, I really enjoyed this

[@bolladragon]

Even expecting one, the very idea of waking up still drugged and delirious from a medical procedure only to have a nurse hand me a newborn baby that is apparently mine sounds utterly horrifying. No wonder this procedure died out.

[@lazerllamaz]

Riddle me this, fact boy: where did the idea of the "Nigerian prince who wants to send you money" come from and why has it become the go-to example of email scams?

[@piermariobarozzi]

They put the twilight zone soundtrack and the baby talks with a deep voice after being born

[@K-a-n-d-i-s]

Its true

[@sarahv7816]

My mom gave birth to my oldest brother while under the influence of scopolamine, it was such an awful experience it made her refuse any pain meds during any of her following births.

[@amandaknowles2998]

My mother gave birth to my oldest brother via Twilight Sleep. He is 55 years old. Crazy to hear about other people's experiences with this too.

[@toothfairy1952]

I was sedated for my first, and wished I was for my second. Absolutely no reason to be conscious.

[@juliajordan5023]

Lol, America administered the technique in a very American way 😂 😞

[@toko_ribbon]

I had an epidural done for my c section and wound up having an adverse reaction to the epidural that lasted 3 miserable long weeks! It was 100X worse than the labor pains/contractions. 😬

[@carleeelena03]

My great grandmother was born in May 1914! It’s crazy how much things have changed

[@Orpilorp]

I was born that way! My poor mom was waking up and she heard a baby crying. She said, "Oh, did someone have a baby?" She said that she had to go through the difficult labor without pain relief, and then was put asleep at the best part, the delivery. It amazes me that they didn't take into consideration the drug's affect on the baby. These were also the same doctors who did not encourage her to nurse me. I have crohn's disease, and I can't help but think that the lifeless canned milk and corn syrup she fed me had much to do with my digestive issues. Mama's raw milk had enzymes and vitamins, so essential for a baby's growth. I had my first 4 babies with the help of demeral, to ease pain. But my forth was groggy from the drug, and after that my last 4 were born naturally. My last was at home with a midwife, going full circle back to the basics. Thank you for your excellent research.

[@sophierobinson2738]

I've been doing some family search. I'm always interested in the death certificates, when they are available. At least 3 babies died of "birth injuries" with inter cranial hemorrhage, most likely from a forceps delivery. Looking into the past this way, you see children dying of "intestinal complaints" , where some coroners are more specific, putting cholera or dysentery in as cause. The worst was the obituary of a 3-year-old boy playing on a sand heap with other children. A dump truck with a load of sand was backing into the yard, the child tried to climb onto the right side of the truck, slipped off, went under the turning truck, and his head was crushed by the tire. A man standing nearby took the mother and child to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

[@lucassilva1706]

He didnt even mention that some of those women would get ptsd and flashbacks from those memories. Sounds very unpleasent, the past truly was the worst.

[@NiamhCreates]

There was an episode of Mad Men where Betty gave birth via Twilight Sleep. It was kind of horrifying.

[@Brad-ut1ro]

Damn. I love this channel so much. So many crazy and wildly interesting historical events I would never have known about without it. Keep it up guys and gals. Y’all r doin us all a massive favor with all this historical knowledge.

[@Diana-yq9zb]

The whole video deserved a thumbs up. But the intro about 'Keeps'. THAT intro alone totally deserved a thumbs up. Thank you, Simon.

[@crumpetandtea]

When I learned about this (happened to my grandmother for all three kids) it made the scene in Rosemary’s Baby make sense where she sleepily says she’s not even in control when giving birth. It makes sense when that book is all about women not being in control of their body, especially not when pregnant, in the 60’s

[@charmaintrout174]

I LOVE this idea! As a mother who endured 4 difficult, complicated and very painful births, why is suffer through immense pain and fear considered a mark of courage and ' WOMANHOOD'? Why are we being socially conditioned to believe that it is weak, un-womanly and irresponsible to not actively want to endure the most pain possible. Why is our love of our babies and our social/moral value dependant on the amount of suffering we endure?? Ok, rant over.

[@alainacolding8317]

When I had my son who was 9.4 lbs I was truly traumatized after and shocked that no one told me how truly truly awful child birth was. I felt like all the women who smiled in my face and said congratulations to me when they found out I was pregnant were lying to me lol

[@cathiwim]

Sometimes the side effects of epidurals and other numbing agents follow the woman for years.

[@OGA103]

Many many women don't want an epidural because it severely restricts movement. Once you get it you have to stay in bed and give birth on your back, arguably the worst position imaginable. It can lead to a cascade of complications and ultimately c-section. I wish we utilized air (O2) and gas (nitrous) here in the states like they do in the UK. It takes the edge off while not completely immobilizing the mom. Just food for thought.

[@Dreamer-gp8ye]

I don't think you understand the brutality of 'twilight sleep' births. The women were completely awake and felt every single pain. Scopolamine is not a pain reliever at all. Many times women went temporarily crazy under its effects and were tied to the beds in four point restraints. If they weren't restrained, they many times would cause harm to themselves. Twilight sleep took none of the pain away and made them out their minds. All that it did was cause amnesia and the mother wouldn't fully (or at all) remember what had occurred afterwards.

[@RAS_Squints]

'History is always the worst ' -Simon

[@thebestusername5852]

I had a pretty horrific childbirth with my second child. A little background. I was scheduled to have a c section because my previous child had been born that way. The hospital I chose was wonderful the first time around. It was a very small hospital with one obgyn and I had been the one and only patient the entirety of my stay the last time I had been there. The nurses were literally bored and would make my husband and milkshakes every night. I loved it. But with my son I went into labor a a few weeks early and my labor was extremely quick. I arrived at like 1:30 a.m. and the doctor had gone home for the night😳 So I waited a total of 90 minutes for her to arrive. In the meantime, I was coming along very quickly and the nurses were NOT the same ones I had had the last time. Not even close. These nurses where very rude and condescending. They seemed annoyed that I was in labor. They kept yelling at me to stop pushing. I wasn't pushing my body was literally contracting the baby out all on it's own in between contractions they said things like "Why did you wait so long? Isn't this your second child? So how did you not realize you were having contractions? Look I'm going to need for you to chill or your baby's going to come out before the doctor gets here." They gave me an IV but never offered anything to even take the edge off for pain the whole time and I was too delirious to ask I guess. Finally, when my doctor walked in I just remember her saying " I don't like that look in your eye!" And laughing (I think she meant that she thought I was trying to push.) Then she checked me and said "omg..😳...Well he's got a full head off hair Mama! Teeheehee" Then she gestured to one of the nurses and that was all I remember. Apparently that gesture meant it was time to knock me out cold because the next thing I remember i was waking up in excruciating pain all by myself with no idea what happened. Turns out even though I was 10 cm dilated and my son was down far enough that she could feel his hair and rather than allow me to push she knocked me out cold and did a c section. It was traumatic as all hell...I guess I can be glad I wasn't tripping on deadly nightshade though, lol.

[@olivialoder492]

I only meant to watch one video whilst doing laundry. I’m hooked!!

[@TinyScorpion44]

Hard pass! I had a caesarian and because things always seem to go wrong when I'm given anesthetics, I passed out just as my daughter was pulled out. Missing an unknown amount of my daughter's first minutes is actually pretty depressing. I briefly woke up and remember seeing the clock showed 15 minutes since her birth but passed out again and eventually woke up more in the recovery room. It was medically necessary due to pre-eclampsia, but not fantastic

[@quackaddict2203]

My grandmother had all seven of her children with twilight sleep and she sung its praises. You go into the hospital, "just stay calm", and then you wake up with your new baby. Imagine her surprise when I was in nursing school and explained that wasn't a thing anymore 😅

[@UnicornsPoopRainbows]

I have heard such horror stories from other moms giving birth in Korea that makes Twilight Sleep preferable. I was so lucky that my experiences were great. It really depends on the hospital you choose. Be careful which docs and hospitals you choose and if you suspect the doc may ignore your wishes, find somewhere else. Trust your gut!

[@cathiwim]

My mother in law was given twilight sleep for her first baby in 1947. It was a nightmare of being tied down, not knowing why she was there, or how to get away from the pain, and after 3 days she finally birthed my brother in law. I let her attend my first home birth so she could see what a normal birth looked like,and she finally understood what she had been put thru. My labor was only 3 hours long, and she and my father in law, and sister in law were all, there inthe living room, while i birthed in the bedroom. I was glad to have them there.

[@janicesmith2475]

Very interesting! I subscribed. Thank you.

[@brokentombot]

I'm wondering about the disregard in respect to scopolamine being an alkaloid that easily could be harmful to a neonate. Even if it is safe there should have been mention of the carelessness to use it without actually knowing what it would do. Also, the amnesia part is troubling. The mother in theory could be deceived and given a different baby, whether intentionally or accidently. I also could just be over thinking it but seems like these ideas are worth regard.

[@Liquid_Mike]

I mean, the mother could be given a different baby no matter the circumstances, they all look alike!

[@brokentombot]

@@Liquid_Mike Lol, true. All new borns look like naked mole rats.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

@@brokentombot Nonsense! My first looked like Winston Churchill! ;-)

[@deeleigh1626]

Pretty much all medications are rolled out without knowing what the effects are going to be. And then the variables become so compounded it is difficult to even tell.

[@kathiecassidy-smith2669]

@@brokentombot mine all looked like lizards 🦎

[@zachaliles]

"Discreet package" was my nickname in highschool.

[@The_Vanished]

Simon definitely knows how to lose hair so listen

[@jaredevildog6343]

Very interesting. Thanks Simon !

[@Catseye189]

I am so grateful for the epidural!

[@darthvein3]

Scopolamine is a very VERY scary thing. Also know as "Devils Breath". The worst part of the drug is that when someone is under the influence of the drug, you can ask them to do ANYTHING, and they will do it and have no memory of it. You could literally ask someone to take all the money they have in the bank and give it to you and they happily would do it. You could distroy someones life in a single night, and people do it all the time. There are countless stories of people visiting south America where the tree that produces the drug grow legally (it is illegal to harvest the trees but people do it anyways), and suddenly waking up with nothing to their name. No money, no car, no passport. Nothing.

[@adriennefloreen]

The tree that produces it grows all over California, and I've repeatedly put video clips of it in my videos, sometimes mentioning what it is.

[@24flyingcats84]

It's used by criminal gangs in some parts of the world to facilitate robbing people, according to a documentary I saw.

[@PaperSmiles]

“The symptoms of hair loss” …you mean…hair loss?

[@SevCaswell]

before you lose hair is becomes thinner and breaks more, it takes a while for all of the hair follicles to die completely.

[@kerrynicholls6683]

Thank you I needed this. You have a great day.

[@taylorbug9]

I love how Americans have always done things incorrectly and then been like "this doesn't work at all, tis horrible really" 🤦

[@EskChan19]

Business as usual, someone makes a great invention, americans find a way to copy it as cheaply and sloppily as possible, then they wonder why it's quality is shit and think their old way is the best because obviously those other countries just don't know what's good. Nothing new here.

[@hannahrodwell6387]

Yep, let's blame the German technique for being faulty, rather than learn how to do it right. 🙄

[@tookitogo]

As an American, I completely concur with this observation!

[@ash1rose]

This is exactly what I came here to say.

[@cavemanlovesmoke4394]

🧢

[@rentechpad]

My mother, who gave birth to all her children in the 50's and 60's, raved about how wonderful twighlight sleep or the use of scopolomine was and was exceptionally angry when not allowed to have her last child using that method, and had what was called a 'saddle block' a type of local anesthesia injected into the pelvic nerve plexus to limit the pain of labor and birth. Although she always complained that method did not keep her as pain free as the twighlight sleep she hD delivered her other children under its interesting to note that as a mother, she really had an absolutely lousy mother/child bond with all of her children as infants and toddlers and never really developed what one would call a close bond except with her youngest, a child born without any amnesia inducing anesthetic. Is certainly food for thought.

[@jessicacanfield5408]

Thank you Simon for this video. I haven't gotten your videos lately glad this one came up

[@tucsonorganist]

In August 1947, my mother went into labour already under the influence of a dozen martinis. They administered ether. She later claimed she had very little recollection of the whole affair.

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

Yep, the “no alcohol during pregnancy “ didn’t become a thing until the 1980’s.

[@Arkylie]

I've always been concerned about amnestic drugs, under the concept that the doctors can then feel free to cause more pain or distress than usual because the patient won't remember that it happened -- effectively, torturing the patient who's in no position to have any say in the matter or even complain about it later. Say that a patient goes through (say) a colonoscopy, and it's a horrible experience for them, but they remember that much, then they can either (a) change doctors or (b) refuse to have one ever again. But if the patient doesn't remember it, then every so many years they go back to have another torturous experience, and forget it and so sign up for it yet again. Though I did hear that it's possible to have a colonoscopy without amnestic drugs, and that many nurses and doctors have their own that way, which made me feel a lot better about the idea -- if the people administering the procedure are fine getting the procedure themselves without wiping their memories of it, then it seems to me it must be relatively okay. I figure I'll take the first one without amnestics and decide based on that how to handle later procedures.

[@unstable_one4838]

My mother gave birth last year and all I’m saying is that all medicines can be dangerous especially during birth. She gave birth to my little sister on the shower floor of a hospital and was overdosed on morphine she doesn’t remember giving birth at all. She does still have trouble with her back because of the birth though. Probs not relevant but felt like sharing

[@marnie9063]

I had a non drugged colonoscopy and it felt like I was being stabbed from the inside tbh. It was awful. Wouldn't have another one even if it was under total anaesthetic tbh.

[@militaryarmrest]

Due to early childhood trauma and a unfixable sexual disorder which makes anything inserted into my vagina unbearably painful they have to use twilight to get a successful Pap smear. It’s they only way since I go into fight mode even after years of therapy trying to deal with it. I asked my doctor how I react but she said it was a lot better than when we tried to do with me awake and on sedatives. They actually don’t have to hold down my legs and while I look like I’m still in some pain I’m a lot more relaxed and don’t go into fight mode. I’m don’t regret trying the non twilight method first because getting knocked out is very time consuming but I’m even more grateful it’s an option I can use. The fact I can’t remember is a big deal for someone still trying still deal with a very traumatic childhood.

[@kathiecassidy-smith2669]

I have done both, knock me out!!!

[@jellypopcorn]

_Really good video had no idea this used to be a practice_

[@womensarmycorpsveteran2904]

My mother was killed in a car accident when I was 10. She made sure we each had “special” time with her one-on-one at least once a month. One our last times together she told me about the birds & the bees. I remember asking her if it hurt to have a baby. My brother was just a few months old. My mom leaned over and pinched my arm, telling me that’s what it felt like. Years later during my 36-hour labor from hell the nurses were laughing their arses off cuz I kept screaming that my mom lied & calling my mom a liar. Mom did tell me that she just had a nap and was handed my brother when she woke up.

[@mrshoashe]

It’s still used but for setting broken bones! My daughters friend broke her arm, at the hospital she was given that treatment and while getting her arm aligned she was screaming in pain but , because she had no memory there was no trauma! Interesting huh

[@kenxclout]

Speaking of birth, birth rates in Alabama have declined due to COVID restrictions prohibiting family gatherings.

[@daarmonet]

😳😳😳

[@spencerdokes6056]

I get iiiiiiiiit!

[@cynthiagrape1627]

Lol!

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Baa doom boom chhhhh 🥁🥁

[@stealthysaucepan2016]

Lol

[@Replicaate]

Sucks that the process got so bungled in everyone's rush to have the latest thing in anesthesia, cos I can see why it was so appealing to women and doctors of the time. Me I've never given birth, but I had what they referred to as twilight-style sedation when I had 3 impacted wisdom teeth removed the other month. I remember opening my mouth and vaguely also someone digging around at the back, but then I seemingly teleported from the surgical ward upstairs to the lobby downstairs as my ride was called. It was a bit strange but I didn't hate it. Now, my codeine being delayed at the pharmacy was another story...

[@magnolia31611]

I remember my grandmother, and my aunt both talking about how they didn’t remember childbirth, and both thinking that the bay that was brought to them was not their own. They both had their babies in the 1950’s. I’m not sure what kind of drug they were given, but they definitely both told those stories many many times over the years. It never really struck me one way or the other until I had my own babies, and realized how strange it must have been not to remember giving birth to your own child, and to think that the baby the nurse was handing you wasn’t actually your baby.

[@i_luv_hecklefish]

My grandmother told me horror stories of giving birth to her children in "twilight sleep". She had 3 children using this method, one died. She said it was like a living nightmare. She also told stories of a few women who had had the misfortune of being under the care of a physician of "low moral character" tell her about him molesting them while they were in this defensless, lethargic state. They were powerless to stop him, scream no, or do anything more than make unintelligible noises. Your channel is the first I've seen cover twilight sleep. Thank you, Simon! I'm sure my grandmother would be relieved to know that you are bringing light to what these women went through.

[@maddiejoy6619]

Honestly, when I was in active labor I thought this type of labor sounded pretty great. I had an epidural, but it doesn't make labor easy. Giving birth is intense, difficult, and exhausting. During my labor, I would have taken this option if available. HOWEVER! I'd never had a baby before and didn't know how much I would treasure the memories of my labor. I freaking did that. I did something incredibly hard and came out the other side successful and holding my child. That hard work made me love my baby even more. Even if I had a c section (which is still a valid way of having a child and incredibly difficult in its own way), I still would have wanted to be awake and alert. I want to remember my child entering the world.

[@slcRN1971]

Your comment is very so good because it is so meaningful. The strongest maternal-child bonding seems to be a positive result of going through what you (and most women) experience during the whole laboring process. FYI: I feel the same, I worked a few decades as a hospital maternity nurse,

[@bcaye]

My niece had to have a C section with her first and had miserable complications. With the help of an incredible OB, she was able to do vaginal birth with epidural for her next 2. She much preferred that, although the C section wasn't a choice but a necessity. I can't tell that she loves any of the children differently based on their birth, though, she's an awesome mom.

[@deborahhanna9126]

Uh... Trust me. You do not want to be awake for a C-Section. I am glad you and your child had a happy healthy positive experience!

[@41052]

And that’s why you video tape so you could remember forever.

[@tammywilliams1578]

@@deborahhanna9126 I was asleep for one c section and awake for the other one. Awake was so much better for me.

[@marciabentley9557]

Even back then, American medical treatment was tailored to the convenience of the doctor/hospital, rather than to the needs of the patient. The German doctors (as in most developed countries) put the patient first.

[@audreymuzingo933]

It goes on to this day, with c-sections being overused in the U.S., to make childbirth something the ob/gyn can schedule to suit him/her, and do a lot faster than with vaginal. Same with cutting the vagina--definitely not always necessary, but routine unless you ask them not to.

[@ianbutler1983]

Right, just ask Dr. Mengele. I hear he was very patient-centered.

[@Kay_McKay]

@@ianbutler1983 So were Jack Kevorkian, Jayant Patel or the infamous Walter Freeman. But I suppose the anti-German sentiments in you are stronger than reason.

[@salkjdfhalsdgfkauhg]

Having just had twins, I had to read up on it when you mentioned it was a birthing technique... I'm very glad we've moved on from that.

[@meumnomen]

I'll bet you didn't feel a thing, Roy.

[@salkjdfhalsdgfkauhg]

@@meumnomen No, I felt. However we had to do C-Section so I didn't get a broken hand. Nice attempt, but not even that acceptable of a joke. Analysis of your joke leaves it labeled as: Fail.

[@opalfishsparklequasar8663]

🔷 I was born this way in a major city in the U S. in the sixties. 🔷 First kid, my mother didn't know what she had until she woke up. 🔷 She later opted for natural birth for my three siblings, even though we all run 10 lbs., the last being 11 lbs. & breech. (No gestational diabetes, just really tall.) 🔷 During the Baby Boom, moms had twilight births & were in the hospital for weeks. (A needed break, instead of being discharged less than 24 hours after birth.) 🔷 I've always had a hard time lifting my legs, & as a child, I ascribed this to the complications that could've arisen during my birth that only the medical staff would have known. But it turns out my naturally born siblings have this rigidity/stiffness too. So a family trait. 💖💐

[@donnamuller6460]

My two sisters and I were born with the use of twilight sleep and forceps in '58, '61, and '63, in Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital (Jersey City, N.J.). My Mom's painless births became family legend, and nothing could convince her of the amnesiac factor at work during our births. I had all drug-free births (4) and my Mom finally agreed to come to the 3rd. She told me later that the birth shocked and traumatized her (it was an easy birth with one push). She thought twilight sleep was a "much more dignified way to give birth."

[@audreysark]

I was born in WI in 1978. I was delivered with forceps after my mother was given something at least similar to twilight sleep. I had a hernia that required surgery - without anesthesia! - as a result of the forceps. My mother has always been pathological in her distance from me, emotional & physical ('literally, she left when I was 14) but raised her next 2 children, born 12 years later under modern conditions, in a more stable, loving environment. After watching this I wonder if that initial experience of being disconnected from the birthing process is at least partially responsible.

[@quackaddict2203]

That's a curious thought. It's entirely possible she wasn't ready for motherhood to begin with and delivery under anesthesia made it even easier for her to dissociate.

[@jaybee9269]

Sorry that happened to you!

[@the_kombinator]

I somehow doubt a couple hours of disconnect would have lasting repercussions if the baby (and then child) has a consistent, caring environment afterwards. Just an opinion though.

[@LyaksandraB]

Sorry to say that if it had any influence, it's minimal. She carried you for nine months. Most moms are over the moon the moment they learn they're pregnant. The nine months after that only reinforce the feeling. Do your best to put her out of your mind. Take this in the best way possible, she can go fuck herself, no matter her circumstances.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

Similar story here.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

My mom gave birth to me and my siblings via normal delivery while dad was outside the delivery room. This is because there were some babies in my birthplace in the late '70s who were reportedly kidnapped or swapped and now are searching for their "real" parents decades later after finding the truth.

[@terywetherlow7970]

Yep, kirby i refused all sedation due to baby thieves as well. As soon as i held each i found an "identifier" on each just in case nursery robbers came in. They used to allow roaming groups into mater nity in early 70's.....lol imagine the cooof that could spread.

[@skipalidon]

Smashed! That is, the like button..

[@Sorchia56]

I told my anaesthesiologist who gave me my epidural that I wanted to marry him instead of my husband 😂😂😂. I don’t recall that but I’m sure I did! Best invention ever! After 32 hrs of labour, my daughter and I “crashed” as they say and I had a c-section. I was awake but delirious so when they held her up I just said ‘yippee’ and passed out! Second was a repeat c-section, thank you very much. I was the last born in my family and it was the first time my mum was awake through it, loads of morphine. No father’s in the room still. We were the first generation to be born in hospital. I’m only 53! I can’t imagine not going to hospital to have my child.

[@markpkessinger]

My grandmother gave birth to my father in 1927, at home, without benefit of any drugs. What makes that particularly remarkable was that my grandmother was 4'11" and weighed 100 pounds on a good day -- and my Dad was a 13 lb. baby!

[@messiahsbythesackful6267]

Even though I well beyond the possibility of pregnancy, I would like to try the twilight sleep method of moving under pressure. I am positive that it would be great to not remember today when I wake up tomorrow... to all of my mother's stuff miraculously appearing in her new home.

[@user-bx4ti6ig3i]

Damn. On my side of the world we would do breathing and movement excersizes. We would also drink a numbing tea that turned out to be a hallucinate. Well that's what my mom told me her grandmother went through. No harm but possible death.

[@maryhildreth754]

My mother had scopolamine when she had me, back in 1964. That was also when OB/GYN's would suggest the mother smoke cigarettes during pregnancy to help keep her weight down, which my mother did. She was an RN and therefore strictly followed the latest medical science of the time - smoking a pack and a half a day for the duration of the pregnancy and then being loaded up with narcotics and hypnotics during labor (which meant I was also loaded up with them). I have no I'll will about it, this is what they really thought was the best thing back then. However, when I had my babies I had the first in the hospital with an epidural (I worked at that hospital too) and then had the later three at home with nothing for pain and a midwife to help. To each their own.

[@mattobermiller5041]

Given your pre-natal experience with cutting edge medical science, what's your take on getting the CCP virus vaccine?

[@TestyMcTesterson]

To each their own. More of this please.

[@ghoultooth]

@@mattobermiller5041 All your comments are delusion and sexist, get lost. Don’t bother replying, I’m not interested in dulling down the OP’s comment.

[@brokenfoxproductions]

Delivery at home is all fun and games until your baby dies from lack of medical help. That's what happened with my daughter, I thought having her at home would be more comfortable, but she was stillborn because I didn't have a doctor, just a nurse, and she didn't know that my daughter was in distress. I was arrested for negligent homicide as a result. I was aquitted but still... She would be 10 years old and alive if I had just gone to the hospital instead of being selfish. I can't help but see people who are willing to have their babies at home as anything but negligent anymore.

[@maryhildreth754]

@@brokenfoxproductions I'm sorry to hear that. I would think they would arrest the nurse rather than anyone else, considering that hiring the nurse to be present would show lack of negligence. If your profile photo is you, I would also ask why they arrested the father and not the mother. What state were you in at the time, as laws concerning midwifery vary widely around the country. I would hope you sued the nurse since you said she didn't know the baby was in distress, and that isn't something they need any hospital equipment or a license to practice medicine or even midwifery to monitor. The consumer is rarely punished for hiring someone incompetent, so I'm very curious which state this was in, as I'm fairly certain you would have a lawsuit against not just the nurse, but the DA for the absolutely illegal and honestly just made up in his head idea of charging you.

[@sharonholdren7588]

I broke my tailbone 61 years ago. It has pained me ever since. Never had children, never wanted any. But the months it took to heal my tailbone and the subsequent years of discomfort, more than made up for missing labour.

[@LisaGiesler]

I was born in 1962 and mama stated that she was given twilight. Very good very interesting and informative video. I had a C-section and I had so much anxiety that they knocked me out that was a 1988 and I did struggle with a disconnect feeling

[@TheEvilCommenter]

Good video 👍

[@FerretPirate]

I'm surprised there isn't yet a comment on the American medical system. It worked before they got their hands on it.

[@justatexasgirl5583]

That’s discussed at about 8:00..

[@FerretPirate]

@@justatexasgirl5583 Yes, I realize that was covered in the video itself, but at the time of my comment, there were multiple comments about how the entire concept was inherently flawed, and no acknowledgement that it worked fine in Germany, and that it was not until it was brought to America, with untrained staff, a one-size-fits-all approach to medication, and a lack of appreciation for the dignity of the patients, that it started to fail.

[@stapuft]

the way they do it now days seems WAY SCARIER to me honestly, give me "magic sleeping gas" over having a giant needle shoved into my spinal cord, to which any mistake could leave you a paraplegic for the res of your life, ANY DAY of the week.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

Epidurals and spinal blockers are used safely not just for births, but other procedures too. The risk of lasting paralysis is extremely low. Considering the risks and potential trauma for both mother and child mentioned in this video; and having experienced both medically induced psychosis AND memory loss AND (separately) epidurals for both my children (whom I was conscious for and actively involved in the delivery of), I know what option I would prefer :-)

[@mariaah3073]

@@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494 I mean, the stories from the procedure only seem to turn disturbing once USAmerican started performing it. Twilight sleep seemed like a very humane and safe option the way it was done by the creators.

[@slcRN1971]

@@mariaah3073 : when I worked in the 1970s (where this medication was used), I refused it for myself (and my fetus....unborn baby). I wasn’t a fan of ‘twilight sleep’.

[@meanjeanmcqueen6171]

I had a c-section, but had to be put under because my spine is almost fully covered in a fusion, so they couldn't get an epidermal in. When I woke up, there was a baby and I knew I loved her, but it was like loving a friend's baby, not my own. I was in the ICU for two days and couldn't see her, which just compounded that feeling. I am SO THAT that there was a nurse that I met one time while in the ICU that told me she had her kid like that and it took a while before she bonded with her child. I was feeling like a TERRIBLE Mom before she talked to me! Now I tell every expecting Mother just in case they go through the same thing. Don't pressure yourself to immediately love your baby, it will come, otherwise you risk postpartum depression which can have lasting and terrible effects!

[@ahleena]

This happened to my mom. Without it being discussed with her, the hospital drugged her and she delivered me. She had no memory of it afterwards, nor was she even aware she was not pregnant anymore. When the nurses brought me in, she asked "What's this?" And denied that I was her child. She was very angry at the whole experience, and had been looking forward to the whole childbirth process, of which she now felt she'd been robbed. Later, memories emerged of nurses cursing at her and saying awful things. This happened in 1969. She found a different doctor to deliver her last 2 children; one who discussed pain management with her and let her make her own decisions.

[@lolalo6344]

The worst birth I have ever heard of was one my friend went through. She gave birth whilst in the 'hospital' of Vatican city. No meds, no drugs, just deal with it.

[@hannahbeanies8855]

I’ll be honest, I’m a chicken shit. I think I would rather be knocked out than experience delivering a whole human out of a much-smaller-than-said-human cavity. I am in awe of the strength of women who willingly do it without any kind of pain killers. But in all seriousness, medical history is both fascinating and nightmare inducing.

[@jennyh4025]

Thanks for your awe, but it is not necessary. Women evolved to do this without painkillers, we forget most of the pain a few hours after giving birth. I actually sought out a hospital, that offers a birth as natural as possible, but with as much medicinal intervention as necessary (epidural, if a woman needs a break, but you usually don’t need it, when you can move as your body tells you to and aren’t in labour for more than a day). By the way hormones are great painkillers!

[@knz10639]

I HIGHLY recommend reading Ina May Gaskin's book Guide to Childbirth. It's both highly educational and also very empowering. It gave me the courage to do natural childbirth. I had such a good experience both in labor/delivery & postpartum healing I've had 2 naturally and plan to have my 3rd in a few months the same way.

[@chelseaj6063]

@@jennyh4025 Bullshit. I remember the pain. It was god awful. The baby was stuck and the epidural wore off quickly. I never had another kid after that because of the white hot pain. I wish I had been unconscious for it all. Stop making it seem like a beautiful magical moment. Not everyone got that lucky

[@jennyh4025]

@@chelseaj6063 I only know one woman, who had an epidural and didn’t have one myself, so I can not say anything about an epidural wearing off. All I know is my experience and that of many mothers in Germany and other European countries, who did not get any painkillers while giving birth - many of them actually had more than one child. My body (and those of pretty much all women in my acquaintance) produced enough painkiller (and „forget about the pain later on“) hormones, that we didn’t feel the need for painkillers. I do know that I couldn’t stay on my feet from the pain at first, and I do remember how I felt the whole time, but I can’t actually remember the pain. But we’re all Europeans, and live in a „don’t stop ever little pain, because pain tells you something is wrong“ culture, so we may be used to a different level of pain to begin with, compared to US Americans. 🤷‍♀️ This comparison is actually not from me, but a US female living in Germany. Or maybe it’s just your bad luck, because your epidural didn’t quite work out. To say anything about that, we would need more information.

[@chelseaj6063]

@@jennyh4025 The epidural wore off because my pain was stronger than it. I remember trying not to scream in the hospital because it would wake the other patients up. I remember finally getting a c section and the morphine. This was in 2008 too. I was awake for the whole thing and I remember it all. Your earlier post came off as very condescending on those who choose to use pain killers because you think the body will just make it go away. "we forget most of the pain a few hours after giving birth" you do not speak for all women and I doubt you have any medical education to back up your claims

[@TeamOT]

Simon, can we get a pic of you with hair?

[@BaskGurrl]

My mother was totally out of it when she gave birth, but then she had a really gnarly c-section x) I just found your channel, love your way of explaining things ! :)))

[@azigar]

One of my uncles delivered my son. He gave me a wonderful cocktail, and I can barely remember a thing. Thank God. I really didn't want to remember it. The baby was pretty sleepy for like 4 days. 4 days of relative quiet i treasure to this day

[@antonionicastro5330]

Women amaze me. Soldiers

[@elusivelistener]

Im a 60s baby, 3 other siblings, all twilight birthers. There s a disconnect for sure and its lasting. Always thought my mom lacked as she could not nurse us, it turned her stomach when she tried...an effect of the drugging. i was also high during birthing process with those drugs too and could not latch onto my mom, could not find my way, and likely not given the opportunity. When i learned about twilight birthing a few yrs ago, gave light to my mom s struggle trying to be a mom in a system that was working against her better nature. I love my mom.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

_Hypnotic drugs_ and _straight jackets._ You get THAT STUFF when your children become TEENAGERS...😉

[@lesliebean4594]

My grandma had 7 children, and my dad told me my great grandma (who was a midwife) helped her deliver most of them at home. I can only imagine how much more painful, and difficult that was.