Epidural

Dee2588

Hello ladies!

So I've been talking to some ladies at work about epidural and some seem to like it others seem to be against it. I guess it's more of a personal choice. As long as it doesn't harm LO and I, I think I will use it. My mother thinks I shouldn't because women back in the day didn't and they were fine, which I understand. What are you some of your opinions on it? Any moms had any bad experiences with it? From what I've read it seems to be very popular and most women use it, kuddos to those who didn't and delivered without it, I saw a video and OMG I shouldn't of because it gave me nightmares lol

princessvespa1

It really is a personal choice. I had one last time and I will again because that is what is right for me. Do what is right for you.

Curls218

It's a very personal choice. I am going to talk to my doctor about it but I think that I would like to get the "walking epidural" which still gives pain relief while not totally making me unable to move the lower half of my body.

VitaLuna

It's a personal choice, and chances are, unless you're really against getting one, you'll go for it (it's a natural thing to want pain relief). I do not plan on getting one.

To say it doesn't harm you or LO can be debated. There is definitely a cascade of interventions that can occur, or it may not. You have to do the research on your own and decide what you're comfortable with and what's best for you.

Cleo421

I don't know that it much matters either way. My friend just gave birth yesterday and really wanted to go med free but they said with her high BP, they strongly recommended the epi, so she got it. I think there's pros and cons both ways, and as in my friends case, the pro can be for more than just pain tolerance.

I'm having twins so I don't really have a choice in the matter. I will be getting the epi.

Cleo421

Btw by it doesn't much matter either way, I meant its a personal decision. Not that it doesn't significantly impact your birth experience!

DaisyZH

I hope to get an epi again, I had a vague idea of going natural with my first but I absolutely adored the epi.  I think if you want to go natural you really need to be prepared with different coping strategies and a super-supportive labor partner. 

bexsd

VitaLuna said:

To say it doesn't harm you or LO can be debated. 

Yep. There are people who have lasting issues because of it and some studies have shown babies have a harder time breathing and breastfeeding with epidurals.

cvl105

I'm of the opinion why put yourself through pain if you don't need to. I opted for the epidural with DD and will this time as well.

Tell your Mom that they used to not put kids in car seats either "back in the day".

VitaLuna

Cleo421 said:

I don't know that it much matters either way. My friend just gave birth yesterday and really wanted to go med free but they said with her high BP, they strongly recommended the epi, so she got it. I think there's pros and cons both ways, and as in my friends case, the pro can be for more than just pain tolerance. I'm having twins so I don't really have a choice in the matter. I will be getting the epi.

Why don't you have a choice?

ETA: I can understand if you WANT to have the epidural, but I'm curious why you say you don't have a choice (not snarky, genuinely curious).

HeatherMc78

I had it with my previous two deliveries. I personally liked it a lot. It gave me time to rest a little before I had to push. Without the pain, I was able to focus on getting my boys into the world. I plan on getting it this time around too.

TKtravels

VitaLuna said:

Cleo421 said:

I don't know that it much matters either way. My friend just gave birth yesterday and really wanted to go med free but they said with her high BP, they strongly recommended the epi, so she got it. I think there's pros and cons both ways, and as in my friends case, the pro can be for more than just pain tolerance. I'm having twins so I don't really have a choice in the matter. I will be getting the epi.

Why don't you have a choice?

ETA: I can understand if you WANT to have the epidural, but I'm curious why you say you don't have a choice (not snarky, genuinely curious).

I was wondering about this too.  Thanks for asking, @VitaLuna!

And to answer OP's question, I'm not planning on having one.  

SaraSKC

I'm also trying to decide how I feel about getting an epidural. Can anyone recommend some good, unbiased resources for research? I'm a bit afraid to start research on my own for fear of reading scary biased info.

TKtravels

SaraSKC said:

I'm also trying to decide how I feel about getting an epidural. Can anyone recommend some good, unbiased resources for research? I'm a bit afraid to start research on my own for fear of reading scary biased info.

I really enjoyed Hency Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth.  I wouldn't say that it is unbiased though.  It is, however, very well researched and there are loads of notes at the end of the book, as well as medical literature summaries at the end of each chapter.    

Cleo421

TKtravels said:

VitaLuna said:

Cleo421 said:

I don't know that it much matters either way. My friend just gave birth yesterday and really wanted to go med free but they said with her high BP, they strongly recommended the epi, so she got it. I think there's pros and cons both ways, and as in my friends case, the pro can be for more than just pain tolerance.

I'm having twins so I don't really have a choice in the matter. I will be getting the epi.

Why don't you have a choice?

ETA: I can understand if you WANT to have the epidural, but I'm curious why you say you don't have a choice (not snarky, genuinely curious).

I was wondering about this too.  Thanks for asking, @VitaLuna!

And to answer OP's question, I'm not planning on having one.  

In case of an emergency C section. If I deliver Twin A vaginally and Twin B shows some form of distress or cord problem that necessitates an emergency C, they don't want to mess around with taking the time to anesthetize me.

Same reason why I have to deliver in the OR, even though I'm planning on a vaginal birth so long as they stay head down. In case of emergency after baby A is delivered, they don't want to waste time changing rooms.

That being said, i know there's moms of multiples who have advocated for themselves and found docs that will do med free births, but I'm not one of them. It's just not that important to me and I'm a safety first kinda gal anyway, so I'm just rolling with my hospital's policy.

Cleo421

Seriously, what's up with the quote trees! I look like I'm talking to my damn self!

Shanmarie1083

I am pro epi but given the fact that the epidural was the start of many medical interventions that ultimately led to a c-section with DS, I will be trying to go med free this time. 

achadwick19

I think everyone has a different experience with it. It could be wonderful and you could be super glad you got it, or there could be a complication. It all depends on if you're willing to be okay with a complication because they do happen. I personally would like to get an epidural, and if there is a problem, I will just know with the next child not to get one. I'm not brave enough to go without one!  

michelle7482

Mine was wonderful and I couldn't imagine laboring without it.  I will definitely be getting it again.

PrettyFade

I plan to hold out as long as I can to reduce risks of c-section, but I'm sure I'll end up with the epi.

SweetPeaK26

I've had two, no bad side effects. I'd planned on going without for my first, an 15 hours in I knew there was no way that was going to happen. I think it really depends on how you are handling your labor. With my second, the epi actually fell out a few hours before she was born, and I realized that I could have done without it just fine. This time, I plan to just see how things are going. If it gets bad, I'll get it, if I can deal with it, I won't. And I don't and won't feel guilty about it either way.

Zmommy2

My "plan" is the same as with DD; I'll go as long as I can without it, trying different labor methods, etc, and if it gets to that point I'll get it. Actually my plan with DD was not to get one at all, but I ended up getting one and immediately after said "that was the best decision in my life". I wish I could have gone without, so we'll see how this time goes (odds are I'll get one). But I definitely agree with PP who said if you are going med free you pretty much have to have your mind made up well before and have your techniques and a very supportive coach.

imakeeff0rts

My mom had a REALLY bad experience with me (she had an incompetent anesthesiologist). 

I've been back and forth whether or not I want to try a natural birth or go ahead an get an epidural because I'm a FTM and I have no idea what you expect. I let A LOT of stories scare me at first, and then I spoke at length with my doctor, and my mom (who is a nurse and spent the first half of her 25-ish year career as an L&D nurse) for their opinions and information.

Basically what it came down to is that I'd like to try it naturally, but I'm going to remain open-minded. If I have a long labor, if I just can't take it, whatever, then I'm going to opt for it. But every pregnancy and every person is different, so for all you know you can handle the pain and it may be no big deal to you. Never know until you try. 

The only thing that I REALLY do not want to do is get IV narcotics since those cross the placenta, and I'd like for my kid to be somewhat alert after he comes out, but that's just me. Good luck with your decision.

inthelost

I think it's a personal choice: if you want the epi, then you should get it and shouldn't let anyone else, even your mom, influence your choice. I myself personally will be getting one as well

rachelstauf

I also think it's a personal choice. I'm going to try it without. I've done research on ways to go med free and that is my preference. However, I have no real issues with getting one and I will if I decide I need/want it.

sequoiasky

I planned a natural birth and after 12 hours of back labor I opted for an epi. At that point I could care less about anything...but it did give me horrible shakes and made my recovery more uncomfortable (not being able to feel my left leg for about 5 hours after birth). I would like to avoid it this time if possible, but I won't pretend that it isn't an option if I get to the point that I was at last time. An epi vs. wanting to die... epi was a better choice!

rab2006

I had it with DD and had zero problems so I plan on trying to get it again this time (however, I am mentally preparing myself that there may not be time as I was only in labor 4.5 hrs with DD before I was 10 cm). I also didn't find getting it as horrible as I was expecting. The initial numbing shot was great. The only bad time was at one point the anesth. seemed to hit a nerve bc I got one sharp pain that made me involuntarily jump and yelp. Otherwise, I found it to be a completely easy process.

Everyone is different and reacts differently to pain. I personally barely felt anything until I was about 6 cm. Then it went so fast that i was begging for anything I could get because I figured it would keep getting worse. But then one of my friends went to the hospital at 2 cm dialated and asked for it right away because the pain at only 2 cm was too much for her. To me, it was the safest option for myself and my LO and I wanted to avoid any narcotics.

Jenmarie279

I went for a natural birth with DS and I plan on doing the same this time. However, if I decide later on to get one I wont beat myself up about it. I'm just gonna go with the flow.

ilovetolaugh

If your mom is pushing the baby out, she can make the choice.  If she's going to be in the delivery room, I'd make sure she knows that you don't need her opinions in the room.

I loved my epi. I know they're not for everyone. To each her own. 

CutieBean79

princessvespa1 said:

It really is a personal choice. I had one last time and I will again because that is what is right for me. Do what is right for you.

Yep.

abell77

I did not have an epidural with my first two births and I have the same plan for this time around.  I haven't read any of the other responses but I know this tends to be a heated topic.  I do not wish to start or add to conflict here, so all I will say is that I choose to not have an epidural because after all the research I have done I believe that there are significant health benefits for both myself and baby.  Of course there are circumstances where an epidural is necessary and I am so grateful we have modern medicine to fill this need, but in general I believe that since childbirth is a normal process our bodies are designed for, it's best not to interfere with that process if you can help it.  If you are interested in learning more the natural birth board may be a good resource for you.  Good Luck.

PrettyInPearls23

I had a horrible epi experience with DS that involved the catheter needle being inserted nine times over the course of an hour while trying to sit still all hunched over and breathing through intense contractions. When it was all said and done, I had gotten nearly a dozen numbing shots as well and told the dr to stop. I had an epi-free birth with DS and plan to do so again with this LO.

Burrberrymum

Just like everyone else said, it is a very personal choice but I am a first time mom so have no real experience to share. What I will share is that I have decided against the epidural, but I am not opposed to it in a worst case scenario situation. It really all depends on how labour will go, I may not need it, I may decide I want it later who knows. But there are other methods to cope with the pain and there are definitely pros and cons to both options.. So I would do tons of research so you're not just blindly making a decision based on what your mom thinks. One of the things I've been keeping in mind about not getting the epi is that I was reading baby can be very groggy because of it and may not want to breast feed right away, another pro to having no epi is that tearing is less likely because you can feel down there.. Whereas sometimes with the epi you're pushing so hard that it causes more tearing, (this is different for everyone though, so doesn't mean 100 percent you won't tear as bad) just some little pros I've been telling myself. Goodluck with your decision, there isn't really a wrong one to make, just do what makes you feel most comfortable.

mawarren

I got one and it worked wonderfully but hurt terribly bad going in. I am going to try my best not to get it this time bc I was so traumatized by it the first time. Most people I talk to say theirs didn't hurt but mine was awful. I was bawling my eyes out! 

ravenclaw1

I personally want to go med free, but only because of research I've done to support my decision. I don't give half a crap what other people say about it. Although, my mom had my brother and me without meds, then got slammed with an emergency c/s with my twin sister. So she would support my decision anyway. Nobody else would discuss my birth plans with me.

MJHershey

Great experience except I had one hot spot (where I felt everything, LO must have been leaning on that part) so I topped it off too much trying to get rid of that spot. Other than that, it helped me rest and progress 5 cms in 2 hours (from 4 to 9cms) while napping.

jezabella

From what I have read and heard I think there is a lot to consider in deciding on using the epidural.  Personally for me it would be a last resort option as I have existing back and hip issues from previous injuries and am concerned there could be long term pain effects from the epidural.  Also I don't like the decreased movement which can stall labour and give me less ability to feel the birth and know what's happening with my body.  Also uor birthing class told us there is a 40% rate of needing vacuum or forcepts with epis, compared to 10% use if not using one.  I'm going to be trying several alternative pain coping techniques instead.  But I agree it is totally personal choice and whatever works for you and your body