“Just Get Me the Meds": Understanding Transition with Love

You were clear.
You wrote it down.
You said it out loud.
You wanted a natural birth—no medication unless absolutely necessary.

But now, here you are. Mid-labor. And you hear the words come out of your mouth:
"I can't do this. I need something. Please—just give me the meds."

If that sounds familiar, let me gently tell you something:
You are not weak.
You are not failing.
You are not going back on your word.
You are likely in transition—one of the most intense and powerful parts of labor.

And you are doing exactly what you were made to do.

What Is Transition?

Transition is the final stage of active labor, just before pushing. For many women, it’s the most physically intense and emotionally raw part of birth.

Cervix? Almost fully dilated.
Hormones? Shifting rapidly.
Sensation? Intense and often overwhelming.
Your thoughts? Likely spinning with, “I can’t do this anymore.”

It’s the part of labor that brings us to our edge—right before we meet our baby.

Why Do So Many Women Ask for Medication in Transition?

It’s not because you’re weak or your birth plan was unrealistic. It’s because transition feels like too much, too fast. It’s the storm before the calm. And your body and mind are doing what they’re designed to do—reaching out for relief in the moment.

Even women who are deeply committed to natural birth sometimes surprise themselves by asking for medication. It's not a failure. It’s a sign that you’re getting close.

The “Wait 5 Contractions” Trick

Here's something midwives and birth workers know well—something we say with love when you hit that wall:
“Let’s just wait for 5 more contractions. If you still want the meds then, we’ll talk about it again.”

Why?

Because in most cases, you don’t even get to 5.
You’re already pushing.
You’re already holding your baby.
The moment passes, and your strength carries you through.

This isn’t about denying support—it’s about knowing how close you are, and trusting your power when you can’t see it yourself. It’s a tool of compassion, not control.

A Loving Reminder for You

If you’re planning a natural birth, tuck this truth into your heart:
You might say you can’t do it—but you already are.
You might ask for meds—but it doesn’t mean you need them.
And you might feel like you're breaking—but really, you're expanding.

Let your team remind you of your strength when you forget it.
Let those five contractions be a bridge—from fear to triumph.

You are made for this. And when it feels impossible, you're likely almost there.

If you want to feel more prepared and grounded this time, consider building your birth vision with kindness and flexibility.

My Mini Birth Course includes:

• Real birth stories from women who have walked similar paths

• A Birth Vision Worksheet to help you clarify what matters most

• A Physiologic Birth Blueprint to understand what your body is doing

• A bonus 15-minute call with me to listen and support you

You deserve to feel calm, informed, and supported as you approach this birth.