Epidural

brittanyannphotog

First time mommy here. I was kind of set on wanting a natural birth. But after talking to a few people and watching some videos I'm thinking I may want an epidural.. I hate needles especially the idea of one going near my spine at all!

KristaU831

yeah the needle is nothing. 

MNOpea

I was pretty set on a natural birth until my labor actually started and I was throwing up with every few contractions, I honestly don't even remember feeling the epidural needle. There's really no need to make a decision right now though, you can totally play it by ear

MississippiCatfish

I agree with PP, the needle is nothing compared to childbirth. My epidurals didn't work though, so I'm a huge advocate for at having a backup plan for managing labor pain in case it doesn't work if you're planning on an epidural...I sure wish I had!

tbmadeamistake

Honestly, I think this is something that I'm doing to take as it comes this time around.  I also wanted a natural birth my first time, and when I ended up being induced, I quickly decided that I wanted an epidural.  I do not like needles, nor do I react well to most medications, so I was extremely nervous about the whole thing.  In hindsight, you don't see the needle and the numbing stuff hurts worse than the putting in the epidural anyway.  It's like a bee sting.  The worst part, I found, was having to sit still through the contractions while they were putting it in.  I had a rough first half hour and then all the pain went away and my blood pressure evened out and life was great.  This time I'll try for natural again and if I end up with an epidural, eh. 
If you want to go natural, plan for that, but be open for change if you need to be. 

liberty95

I hated actually getting it, but loved the results. Honestly, it is a weird sensation but didn't hurt. I sat on the edge of my bed hunched over facing my nurse (who was making sure my back stayed in position). The doctor gave me a shot in my back to numb the area, then worked through the rest of the procedure. Any time you are numb and having a procedure it's a little off putting, but it went rather quickly and the relief was amazing. I had been having contractions for almost three days so nice it was done I finally got some rest.

Ladybird2014

Like PP said do your research. You need to be educated under any circumstance. With DD #1 I was completely unprepared. With #2 I was prepared and meditated(don't know how this happened) until about 7 cm. With this one I will play it by ear. I know what to expect going in this time so I will birth naturally as long as I can. I have an open mind and am not dead set on the epi or natural. I know what I can handle .

BTW I didn't feel the needle .

Ladybird2014

Lilygrace48 said:

Honestly, I think this is something that I'm doing to take as it comes this time around.  I also wanted a natural birth my first time, and when I ended up being induced, I quickly decided that I wanted an epidural.  I do not like needles, nor do I react well to most medications, so I was extremely nervous about the whole thing.  In hindsight, you don't see the needle and the numbing stuff hurts worse than the putting in the epidural anyway.  It's like a bee sting.  The worst part, I found, was having to sit still through the contractions while they were putting it in.  I had a rough first half hour and then all the pain went away and my blood pressure evened out and life was great.  This time I'll try for natural again and if I end up with an epidural, eh. 
If you want to go natural, plan for that, but be open for change if you need to be. 

Omg.... sitting still was the worst part!!! Damn you contractions!!!

StinaLeigh

MississippiCatfish said:

I agree with PP, the needle is nothing compared to childbirth. My epidurals didn't work though, so I'm a huge advocate for at having a backup plan for managing labor pain in case it doesn't work if you're planning on an epidural...I sure wish I had!

Me too! It only took on one side. I had hoped for med free but ended up needing pitocin and it made the contractions absolutely horrible. So I got the epidural. I did not look at the needle, but I guarantee you by the time I got it I was in so much pain with labor I couldn't care less about the epi. Hoping for no pitocin and no epidural this time but for me the end result is what matters most no matter how I get there.

TheMrs820

I am a FTM I have done a lot of research and have decided to "play it by ear" as mentioned in PP. I plan to go as long as I can natural, but if I feel like I need the epidural then I will get it without guilt.

austinlyns

I would take a wait and see approach. Be open to whatever you need/want in the moment and don't feel like you have to plan beforehand because you don't know how birth feels yet and you really can't make that decision based on other people's experiences. I took a wait and see approach and asked for the epidural with all 3 kids because I needed it! Some people don't feel like they need it. Just know that you will choose what is right for you and no one else's experience applies to yours.

ElTrain5

I have an absolutely morbid fear of needles so I totally get where you're coming from. Also, I'd like to try and go med free as well. So here is my plan: since med free is what I want, I am arming myself with every available tool to make it as comfortable as possible. I have a midwife who supports med free birth and is very knowledgable about the process, a doula to help me labor effectively, I'm giving birth in a place where I'll have a birth tub (warm water to help with pain), birth ball/stool/rope, etc. also I am taking a natural birth class through my midwives and will be doing hypnobabies with my husband. So...I'm going in as prepared as possible. But, if I use each of these tools and still decide I want medication.... It will be there and I won't feel like a failure knowing I did everything I could to go without before making that choice. (My midwife also supports my choices in labor whatever they are including Meds, so I'm not afraid of judgment there either).

As for the needle part....given everything I will try before I decide to do that, I figure I would have to be in such crazy amount of pain that I can't imagine a needle would be nearly as scary as they are normally. And even if it is, I'm counting on the promise of relief to be enough to help me through it. Maybe the hypnosis training will even help get me to a place where I tune it out.

Just arm yourself with as much knowledge and tools and support as humanly possible, and have faith that you'll make the right decision for YOU.

We'll get through it.

almendarez

My MIL asked if I was going to get an epidural and I said "give me the drugs!"  DH was not happy that I didn't even have to think about it... he can choose to have a natural birth when he is the one pushing a baby out of his lady bits  :P

k318

I'm terrified of the needles but when the contractions got bad, that was the last thing on my mind. Getting the pain relief was more important. Thinking back on it, I remember thinking that it was nowhere near as bad as I had prepared myself for. I say go for it and get the epidural! There is no prize for not using one

Kaytucker1

I think if you want a med free birth then that's what you should prepare for by taking classes and finding out other med free forms of pain management that are available at your birthing facility(mine had a whirlpool tub and it was AMAZING!). When it's time and if you can't handle the pain then you should get the epidural without feeling bad about it. Everyone's labor and pain tolerance is different. All that matters is that momma and baby are healthy and happy in the end!

MrsCase1

I had to have a spinal because I had a c/s. The experience of getting it inserted was not a good one. However, it was wonderful once it was there, and clearly for me there was no way to avoid it. All this to say, you will find a million people with a great story or a horror story. Just don't listen to any of it.

Cherylwang

I went into labor both times at home on my own. I spent several hours at home before getting to the hospital. By the time I got there I was having contraction every minute or two. I was having contractions while getting the epidural. So as other people said the needle was nothing compared to labor. It was so nice to not be in pain anymore!

Thirtyodd

I too would keep my options open.

My story differs somewhat, I was petrified of the thought of an epidural but when I was in labour I asked for one and my request was refused, twice. I had no option but to plow on without it and while I found it tough I got there in the end and honestly I must say that the fear of having an epidural definitely went out the window that day. It was like I really didn't care any more about my fear I just wanted the pain relief but it didn't come.

This time around having already done it once without the epidural I've decided I'm going to try going without it again, only this time I feel more confident

dragonfly711

Oh nice to read these posts.  Funny, I can draw blood and put IV catheters in dogs and cats no problem but when it comes to me.  I can't watch when I am getting blood taken.  After the needle is in I am fine.  lol

I have been wondering about the epidural.  I will not lie, I want one just kind of freaked out about getting it in the spine.  I think that is the worst for me than anything else.  

This post makes me feel better.  Thank you!!!

MollySm

I think if you aren't feeling sure one way or the other, that's okay.  There's no need to decide now.  I would look into some techniques to deal with pain if that sounds like a route you might choose, but not put pressure on yourself beforehand.  Once the contractions start, you can decide if you want an epidural or not, and after how much time you want to get one.  I knew I would probably want one (I was interested in a low pain labor where i could really focus on just the joy of having our daughter, so that was my feeling on the situation).  But I also knew I didn't want one right away, and wanted to stay home, and walk around at the hospital, etc.  I ended up needing pitosin, because my contractions stopped even with all of walking and other techniques I had learned to keep it going, and with my water broken we couldn't wait forever for it to start again.  After the pitosin the contractions were significantly more painful.  I hate needles, but it was very quick and then it was in.  It only took on one side, so while it helped somewhat, I also felt a ton of what was happening on the other side.  

allrightmeow

I didn't feel any pain, just a little pressure and a pop sensation when it went in.  They asked my husband to leave and I said, "no he's staying".  I did not want to hear any of that "step out of the room" bullshit.  They get their witnesses I want mine. 

Play it by ear.  You never know.  Have several backup plans. 

lucreciac

I had contractions 6-7 min apart for two days before getting to the hospital. By the time I got there I was so exhausted and in so much pain that I didn't even feel the needle. And I hate needles. It was seriously the best decision ever because I got to sleep a bit and then the whole process was so...calm. That sounds weird but it's true. I will say I was never against them to begin with and pretty much knew I'd be getting one, but that's just me. Like pp said, just go with the flow and be prepared for anything. You just don't know what will happen.

MrsCase1

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

I will say, though, if you're scared of needles, make sure your SO (or whoever will be staying in the room if DH also has a needle fear) doesn't look or can keep a good poker face. If my husband had looked at the needle and freaked out or said something about the size, I would have probably bailed.

My husband was asked to leave the OR while they were struggling with my insertion. Haha!

dragonfly711

Oh nice to read these posts.  Funny, I can draw blood and put IV catheters in dogs and cats no problem but when it comes to me.  I can't watch when I am getting blood taken.  After the needle is in I am fine.  lol

I have been wondering about the epidural.  I will not lie, I want one just kind of freaked out about getting it in the spine.  I think that is the worst for me than anything else.  

This post makes me feel better.  Thank you!!!

lucreciac

Mrs Case said:

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

I will say, though, if you're scared of needles, make sure your SO (or whoever will be staying in the room if DH also has a needle fear) doesn't look or can keep a good poker face. If my husband had looked at the needle and freaked out or said something about the size, I would have probably bailed.

My husband was asked to leave the OR while they were struggling with my insertion. Haha!


They wouldn't even let my husband in the room. That's probable better honestly, the nurse held my hand and it was over before I even knew it.

MississippiCatfish

StinaLeigh said:

MississippiCatfish said:

I agree with PP, the needle is nothing compared to childbirth. My epidurals didn't work though, so I'm a huge advocate for at having a backup plan for managing labor pain in case it doesn't work if you're planning on an epidural...I sure wish I had!

Me too! It only took on one side. I had hoped for med free but ended up needing pitocin and it made the contractions absolutely horrible. So I got the epidural. I did not look at the needle, but I guarantee you by the time I got it I was in so much pain with labor I couldn't care less about the epi. Hoping for no pitocin and no epidural this time but for me the end result is what matters most no matter how I get there.

@stinaleigh me too! My first one only worked for an hour (an awesome hour;) my second one did nothing and my third only numbed on one side from my thighs to my toes...so I could feel my contractions (an induction with pitocin, and back labor, and baby was stuck in my pelvis in a bad position for a couple hours of pushing) but couldn't move around to try to find comfort.

I'll be honest, I have zero judgement for anyone who decides to labor however they want to, but it makes me cringe a little when people say they'll just wing it and decide in the moment. Only because that was me and it was horrible, I cried (secretly) every day for a few weeks because I was so...traumatized. (Sorry, can't think of a less dramatic word!) You can't prepare for a natural birth on the spot when you're already in the thick of it. But the bright side is...it can't last forever, either way!

Eta I should also add that I, of course, recognize that the majority of people who have epidurals don't have these kind of issues with them. Just wish I hadn't been so sure it wouldn't be me!

MississippiCatfish

Mrs Case said:

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

I will say, though, if you're scared of needles, make sure your SO (or whoever will be staying in the room if DH also has a needle fear) doesn't look or can keep a good poker face. If my husband had looked at the needle and freaked out or said something about the size, I would have probably bailed.

My husband was asked to leave the OR while they were struggling with my insertion. Haha!


My DH was in the room for my entire labor...except the epidurals! Haha. Maybe it's a man thing??

kcartwright12

For my first I had it as an option as I didn't know what to expect. I ended up laboring for a day and a half before I got the epidural. I wasn't dilating. After the epidural I finally started to progress. However, I was so scared when the dr came in, I was shaking. When he put it In, I barely felt it. Maybe like a small pinch or getting your blood drawn. He was my favorite dr after that since I felt so much better and my body was able to relax and get into the swing of things. I am definitely getting one this time around. Plus, while I was waiting to deliver my ds(3 days), I heard women who did not get one. They were screaming bloody murder. Totally freaked me out! No screaming for me, it was very calm and focused. I had no issues with pushing, I was just exhausted from how long it took. Once you get to the other side no matter if you get and epi or not, it's totally worth it.

xnbride

I have had three very different types of labors and never got an epidural. First one was an induction, second one was a precipitous spontaneous labor, and third babe was spontaneous but longest labor including lots of back labor because he was sunny side up.

I never intended on ever getting an epidural, but of course, now that I am expecting twins, all bets are off.  I am very nervous about it too.  Even if I have a vaginal birth they will probably require an epidural and if I need a c-section (which is the most likely) I will need a spinal. Ahhhh!

 

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Katieluc106

For me.... I let the epidural guy know before he even came in with his crap that I didn't want to see the needle not did I care what he was doing. All I wanted to know from him was how to sit an when he was done. The hardest part was staying still during contractions .... I focused in on H and was good to go. Contraction pains will be so intense you won't give a crap about a needle. Just my experience. I admire all those who have done natural.

MollySm

MississippiCatfish said:

I agree with PP, the needle is nothing compared to childbirth. My epidurals didn't work though, so I'm a huge advocate for at having a backup plan for managing labor pain in case it doesn't work if you're planning on an epidural...I sure wish I had!

Me too! It only took on one side. I had hoped for med free but ended up needing pitocin and it made the contractions absolutely horrible. So I got the epidural. I did not look at the needle, but I guarantee you by the time I got it I was in so much pain with labor I couldn't care less about the epi. Hoping for no pitocin and no epidural this time but for me the end result is what matters most no matter how I get there.

@stinaleigh me too! My first one only worked for an hour (an awesome hour;) my second one did nothing and my third only numbed on one side from my thighs to my toes...so I could feel my contractions (an induction with pitocin, and back labor, and baby was stuck in my pelvis in a bad position for a couple hours of pushing) but couldn't move around to try to find comfort. I'll be honest, I have zero judgement for anyone who decides to labor however they want to, but it makes me cringe a little when people say they'll just wing it and decide in the moment. Only because that was me and it was horrible, I cried (secretly) every day for a few weeks because I was so...traumatized. (Sorry, can't think of a less dramatic word!) You can't prepare for a natural birth on the spot when you're already in the thick of it. But the bright side is...it can't last forever, either way! Eta I should also add that I, of course, recognize that the majority of people who have epidurals don't have these kind of issues with them. Just wish I hadn't been so sure it wouldn't be me!

My daughter was also stuck, turned sideways so it was incredibly difficult and painful to get her out (after being awake 2 full nights, and laboring for 30 hours with 3 hours of pushing).  The epidural that I got after they started the pitosin only took on one side so I definitely felt everything on the other side.  I definitely had the tears afterwards for a long time, because it was much more traumatizing than I expected.  But I've never associated that trauma with deciding in the moment if and when I wanted the epidural.  That decision didn't seem to have anything to do with how difficult her birth was for me - it had more to do with her being turned sideways.  

That being said, so as not to scare any FTM, by 5 months after she was born I had moved on from it all, and was ready to be pregnant again  We didn't try until she was almost 1, because we didn't want them any closer than that.  But not because the difficult birth made me not want to do it again.  Just last night, H said something about how he was sorry I had to do it again, and I sheepishly admitted that I am excited to do it again.  I mostly remember the excitement of wondering when it would happen, and the amazement of seeing my daughter after she was delivered.  Not the hard part.  

Runningmomfam

I was very set on a natural drug free labor. My son was face up and I had a lot of back labor. After 8 hours of natural labor I was ready to make out with my ansthesiologist. The needle felt good going in compared to the contractions. That is just my experience though. I know many women who have done it naturally. What ever you decide will be the best thing for you.

JNerd

The only thing I would like to say that hasn't already been said is any drugs used during L&D don't just affect you, but baby as well. It would be worth it to do some reading so you have a better idea of the whole picture, not just the pain mgt side.

Sareynoo

I wanted to have an epidural when I was in labor but it all happened so fast.. 2 hours after we got to the hospital I was pushing. Worst pain of my life!!! I never want to go through that again! I will take any needle over natural childbirth any day!

2blessingsin1

I had an epidural with both of my first 2 pregnancies. the first one was a God sent the 2nd... I kinda wish I had waited it out... was young and got scared... I was nearly an 8 when they gave it to me and I was having a pain level of 2 on 1-10... my contractions were peaking strong.

I think you should just go with your instinct. If your doc wants a labor plan let them know that you are mixed on the epidural.

 

 

MrsP419

I went med free with my first two, mostly because I was afraid of the side effects of the epidural.  I am not scared of needles, and certainly was not relishing the pain of labor, but I was scared of possibly having spinal headaches or a harder recovery.  I know that for most people, the epidural is a dream and works perfectly.  But I also knew some people who had really bad reactions to epidurals, and it made the first few days, weeks, or months with the baby harder.  It is a risk/benefit thing, and one that no one can tell you which way to go on.  I will most likely be getting an epidural this time with twins, or a spinal for a C-section.  While I of course still have my reservations, I also know that I need to do what is right for my body and these babies.  

If you do decide to labor without meds, I think it extends to more than just "no epidural."  When you are laboring med-free, it is much harder if you are stuck strapped to a bed on your back with an IV in.  You may want to look into requesting intermittent monitoring, a walking IV, laboring in the tub/shower, being able to birth in different positions, etc.  If you have thought through those different options, it makes a med-free labor more doable.  

chance_encounters

joules235 said:

There are alternatives to an epidural that work well. If you want a natural birth (Im assuming you mean med free) you could look into natural birthing classes, like Hypnobabies or Bradley, that teach you how to deal with the pain naturally and in some cases eliminate the pain.

I did Hypnobabies with my first and loved it. I felt no pain during labor and birth and I didn't use any pain medication.

Also stay away from birth videos that depict birth as a crazy immediately emergent event and don't listen to your friend's/family's birth horror stories. Every experience is different and letting your decision be swayed by what somebody else thinks or experience is not a good plan. Do your own research and make a decision based on facts and what you feel comfortable with.

I could not agree more! I have had both medicated (epidural) and unmediated births . I will be having an unmedicated (natural) birth again. The healing process is a million times better. I am so glad I took Bradley classes.....playing it by ear usually ends up with pain meds. Plan and prepare

noryang

Do your research and then make your decision. The medication in the epidural is very powerful. It does impact baby so you should really educate yourself as much as humnaly possible before deciding you "need" it. 

MrsAMB07

The needle is really quick and easy, and you don't see it when it's going in. Plus, in that much pain, the needle may be a welcome relief. 

That being said, I've done it both ways and MUCH preferred going naturally. The way the labor progressed, the way I felt afterwards, and the way DD took to nursing were all a huge improvement without the epidural. Not to mention the swelling I had for days after DS was born because of all the extra fluid they have to pump in with the epidural. I'll definitely plan to go naturally again this time, if all goes well.

Of course, now to women or labors are ever the same though. No shame in whatever you choose when the time comes!

ncbelle

joules235 said:

I see a lot of ladies talking about incorrectly positioned babies here. Spinning babies has some very helpful information about how you can get your baby into a great position for birth, including turning breech babies. The Webster chiropractic technique will also help position your baby and your body correctly. Babies that are positioned correctly will help your body progress easier and faster. 

For example a posterior baby's head doesn't engage with the cervix. So during a contraction the baby's head isn't pressing on the cervix and wont help dilate it like an engaged baby's head will.

This.  And also moving in labor will help a poorly positioned baby turn.  If you are flat on your back with an epidural, baby is very unlikely to get into a good position (one reason an epidural increases your risk of c-section).

I've had two med-free births and I'm planning a third.  I think it's great that the epidural option exists, but I also think it's important to be fully educated on what getting an epidural means - it's not just pain relief but comes with potential side effects.  And like all interventions, it does increase the risk of c-section.  It also ups the chances of a bad tear because you aren't able to feel the natural urge to push.  Plus pushing on your back is the WORST position to push in because it makes the pelvic opening the most narrow (squatting or hands and knees is far better).

All that is to say every woman has to way the pros and cons but really should be fully informed about all the impacts to make the best choice for her.