epidural vs no epidural

dedebush02

@mccall35‌ I'm sorry I wasnt more clear. This was 8 years ago and the hospital where I had DS just took him I didn't get to even hold him until 2 hours after when I was done with recovery. In the 8 years things have changed and I will get to bond with baby and keep him with me in recovery. I personally think I just didnt know what was going on and wasnt vocal enough. I do think they gave me way to much morphine after. I was sleeping in recovery and when they asked me how my pain was when I woke up I still was numb from the spinal so they gave me quite a lot. I was 20 when I had him and wasn't prepared like I am now.

megron

dedebush02 said:

@mccall35‌ I'm sorry I wasnt more clear. This was 8 years ago and the hospital where I had DS just took him I didn't get to even hold him until 2 hours after when I was done with recovery. In the 8 years things have changed and I will get to bond with baby and keep him with me in recovery. I personally think I just didnt know what was going on and wasnt vocal enough. I do think they gave me way to much morphine after. I was sleeping in recovery and when they asked me how my pain was when I woke up I still was numb from the spinal so they gave me quite a lot. I was 20 when I had him and wasn't prepared like I am now.

I'm not worried about narcotics because I handle large amounts of painkillers really well, I think it's just a going to suck if I have to have a C-section under general because I'll be down for the count. I'm sorry you had to wait 2 hours!

mccall35

dedebush02 said:

@mccall35‌ I'm sorry I wasnt more clear. This was 8 years ago and the hospital where I had DS just took him I didn't get to even hold him until 2 hours after when I was done with recovery. In the 8 years things have changed and I will get to bond with baby and keep him with me in recovery. I personally think I just didnt know what was going on and wasnt vocal enough. I do think they gave me way to much morphine after. I was sleeping in recovery and when they asked me how my pain was when I woke up I still was numb from the spinal so they gave me quite a lot. I was 20 when I had him and wasn't prepared like I am now.

Oh, I'm sorry. My comment wasn't directed towards you. I've heard many people state lack of ability to bond with baby as a fear of intervention (be it drugs, csection, etc.) I was just addressing points that I've come up against IRL. I absolutely agree that there are people who have had these experiences and don't negate them for a minute. I just wanted to make sure OP was aware that this is not always the case, since her post made it sound like she was confident that these horrible outcomes were the most plausible.

sideboth

briafields94

I had a failed epidural.  It was put in incorrectly and was dripping into my spine or somewhere else.  It was taken out and a new one put in that took literally an hour and about a hundred pokes to get in.  I think my DH was about to pass out at one point.  The doctor also hit a nerve while he was putting it in...not a good experience.  The second one only worked on one side, so I still had to deal with contractions.  It's important to take a class and understand both options (both natural and with an epidural) so that you understand and are able to cope with all scenarios.  

mamayo26

I had one and loved it. no long (or short) term side-effects. I have told all my friends that had babies after me. you need to do what you want and what you can tolerate, but "don't be a hero". there is no shame in getting one. for some people it hasn't worked to the fullest (still had feeling on one side), but I can say that after 10 hours of labor and not really progressing, I got one and it helped me be able to rest and I was much more comfortable.

megron

mccall35 said:

dedebush02 said:

@mccall35‌ I'm sorry I wasnt more clear. This was 8 years ago and the hospital where I had DS just took him I didn't get to even hold him until 2 hours after when I was done with recovery. In the 8 years things have changed and I will get to bond with baby and keep him with me in recovery. I personally think I just didnt know what was going on and wasnt vocal enough. I do think they gave me way to much morphine after. I was sleeping in recovery and when they asked me how my pain was when I woke up I still was numb from the spinal so they gave me quite a lot. I was 20 when I had him and wasn't prepared like I am now.

Oh, I'm sorry. My comment wasn't directed towards you. I've heard many people state lack of ability to bond with baby as a fear of intervention (be it drugs, csection, etc.) I was just addressing points that I've come up against IRL. I absolutely agree that there are people who have had these experiences and don't negate them for a minute. I just wanted to make sure OP was aware that this is not always the case, since her post made it sound like she was confident that these horrible outcomes were the most plausible.

Ok so I hopped on the idiot train and I was just saying that I wasn't worried about the narcotic thing (I get why you didn't like having too much morphine, because of my blood disorder it doesn't have the same effect on me, but it can screw you up especially if they give you too much) I just quoted you to say sorry and it sucked that you couldn't hold your son. I'm totally worried about the same thing. I totes didn't think you were talking to me, I was just chiming in :-p

I fail today!

ElRuby

I did not have an epidural due to a complication and was pretty jealous of my friend'a beautiful less painful birthing stories hahaha.. So probably won't have one again... Knowing what the pain is this time around will make the anxiety higher of course.....the annoying part was after my OB/GYN prescribed pain killers for the after pains.... My sons pediatrician was completely against me using them during nursing! So a perfect example of doctors different opinions .... I went with the pediatrician's recommendations but would have loved if they were the same as my doctors!

janat1717

I'm going natural for a multitude of reasons but it is a choice everyone has to make for themselves. I recommend reading Birthing From Within. Art exercises for exploring your inner feelings on birth, info on natural pushing and pain control techniques. She respects decisions for pain meds too if needed, like in induction so it is not super preachy.

dedebush02

@mccall35 oh, I see. Yah not going to happen this time. I have a very well thought out birth plan that I've talked to my Dr. About. Not like last time where I had no clue lol. Just wanted to make sure I cleared it up.

@megron no hard feelings. I understood what you were saying. Yah it did and I was so worried he wouldn't bond with me. I don't know why I was so worried. He is a total mammas boy and even at 8 still crawls in bed with me to cuddle every night before he's off to his own room. I just feel like that time is so important not only for baby but for mom as well.

megron

@dedebush02‌ - I'm going to feel super bad if I have to get general. It takes like 4x the normal anesthetic or more to knock me out so when I come back around I'm a hot mess. I doubt they'll trust me not to drop baby for a few hours.. Hopefully daddy will be able to hold her until mommy pulls it together if that's the case!

Mama-Bear

You really need to do some homework and decide why you would/wouldn't want one.  You can have long term side effects including backaches and spinal headaches but those are rare and you should have no pain during labor.  You can go without and deal with the contractions on your own (I would HIGHLY recommend doing something like Lamaze, Hypnobabies, Bradley, etc) and you may still tear or need an episiotomy and have to deal with that.  This is a personal decision and there is no right or wrong.

mamahawk12

I suggest you do ACTUAL research... as in, not watching the garbage that is The Business of Being Born. Unless you're into being told what a weak, terrible parent you are for considering poisoning your body and precious baby by getting an epidural. You might as well just cut yourself open now.

In all seriousness though - I've had one of each and thought they were both great for different reasons. 

No epi: I was able to really feel my body moving through the stages of labor and felt more like an active participant. I felt amazing once it was all said and done and was able to walk myself to the bathroom, get comfortable in bed, etc. However, immediately after delivery, I had a hard time focusing on baby as I was still in a lot of pain contracting to deliver the placenta, having the doctor check for tears, etc. 

Epi - besides not feeling any pain (AMAZING) I was able to connect with my baby so much better immediately upon delivery. Because I wasn't in any pain, 100% of my focus was on him and enjoying skin-to-skin and attempting to latch. I was completely oblivious to whatever was still going on down below. But they monitor you pretty closely with an epi and it can take a long time to wear off. I was confined to the bed for pretty much the rest of the day. I didn't have any long term side effects.

eeyoreem

I labored for 17.5 hrs with no pain management and it was all back labor so I decided that I was done. I couldn't relax enough for labor to progress so I got the epi and I don't regret it I'm going to try again this time without but if I can't handle it I will get the epi.

ajgerber

I got an epi and it actually sped up labor. It also wore off by the time I was ready to deliver which wasn't fun. I had no bad side effects from the epi so would do again. Either way, go in with an open mind because you never know what your labor will be like.

dedebush02

I keep thinking of the movie baby mama when I see this thread. Lol so funny.

gracieloohoo

I've had epidurals with my first two daughters. I plan to go the same route this time. I'm not trying to be a hero. Haha.

KonaCoffeeBean

I plan to wing it.

jmkelly18

I had my DD and DS epidural free. I went really quick with both of them and had labor gone on longer I may have wanted one. My goal is to have this one epidural free too. I'm not a fan of needles and the side effects aren't too comforting either. I won't lie and say contractions are anything close to pain free. Thankfully, I took a birth class that gave really good strategies to get through contractions. I would highly suggest taking a birthing class it really was helpful and informative.

WifeDeAngel

However anyone decides to birth, I highly recommend at the minimum reading up on pain management techniques, if not actually taking a Lamaze or Bradley or whatever class. Even if you get an epi, it won't be applied as soon as you walk in the door, it could take an hour or two before the anesthesiologist can get to you, or it might not take. It's better to be over prepared than under when it comes to birthing your baby.

deutschbaby

We are planning a Bradley (unmedicated) birth. I refuse to use the term "natural birth" because I don't feel there is anything unnatural about any birth no matter how baby comes out (vaginal with meds, surgically, etc).  Birth is natural, no matter how it happens :-)

I had my DS 12.5 years ago, and was induced at 42 weeks. He was born vaginally, Pitocin, epidural, large episiotomy, etc, etc. He was 9lbs 2oz which everyone kept commenting he was HUGE, but I don't believe he was at all.  He was totally normal sized. My SIL (who is MUCH more petite) had a 10lb 2oz baby vaginally.  Every woman is different, and every baby is different. I still, 12 yrs later have some serious back pain issues at the epidural site.  Because of that I'm not interested in repeating the experience, so DH and I have done a lot of work and preparation to learn the Bradley method. We will also be hiring a doula. I plan to labor at home as long as possible.  Additionally, I refuse to be induced just because "baby is big" or I'm "overdue", as I know induction will increase my want/need for an epi. I will consent to non-stress tests if I'm "overdue" but as long as baby is fine, I like to let them bake until they decide to come out. My son apparently wanted to be well done :-)

Birth is personal. I recommend researching all the methods, and even watching some videos of different options (including an epidural, FTM should know what it looks like, because you may want to warn any squeemish husbands not to watch. Seeing an epi be placed can be hard for the most stoic of men... it's worse than watching birth or anything else IMO). Know your options, research, and make informed decisions.

At the end of the day, a healthy and happy mom, and baby are what matters. No matter how you get there.

S&SS

I did not have an Epi with my first.  It was tough, but it was my choice.

I do not plan on having an epi this time either. And I'm pretty much dreading what's to come, because I've been there.

I did have laughing gas though, and it was marvelous )

But its one day, I'll get through it.

notquiteblushing

I had every intention of going without pain medication but once back labor kicked in I was begging for the epidural.  I got it and it was lovely.  I hope to get one again.

mccall35

genepoolperfect said:

I haven't seen anyone mention this, and I thought it was extremely helpful. I had a stent for my epidural, constant drip. No risk of it wearing off, and they could increase or decrease as the need arose. Check with your hospital to see if this is an option for you.

My water broke on it's own, but I wasn't progressing, so pitocin. I have a low tolerance for pain, so I fully expected to get the epi. The epi itself was fine, there's a reason why the anesthesiologist is the highest paid hospital employee. I labored for over 30 hours, pushing for 4 hours without progress. They upped my dosage in the epi stent long enough for me to catch a couple hours of zzz's to refresh myself. Then, when they deemed I was ready to start pushing again, dropped the dosage. And oh I felt it, for the next 2 hours of pushing, I felt it. I felt the episotomy (and the subsequent rectal exam for when they cut you a lot), and every stitch to sew me back up.

TL;DR- ask your hospital about an epidural stent

Mine was also a stent (I didn't even think to mention it-thanks for bringing it up!). I'll be delivering at a different hospital (in a different city) this time since we moved. I will need to remember to discuss this with my doc next appointment to see what the protocol is at my new hospital.

jsmcdon671

With my first I wasn't allowed to get an epidural because by the time I got to the hospital I was already dilated to a 9.

I was two weeks before my due date so I totally thought they were going to send me home. My water never broke.

The pain was intense but not unbearable. I'm hoping to go with no epidural this time as well.

With my DD I was able to breast feed right after she was born, go to the bathroom and eat breakfast. I felt great. Hoping it will be that way the second time around

walshbunnie

Kacycornett said:

I think getting an epidural makes you weak. If you can't handle the pain then you shouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

Enjoy your pain. I will take all the drugs.

With my first I had an epidural. Easy, tear free labor, was able to breastfeed for 45 minutes right away, use the restroom, and eat a sandwich. Squee.

kimmarie1105

Kacycornett said:

I think getting an epidural makes you weak. If you can't handle the pain then you shouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

Hahaha! I hope your vagina rips all the way to your asshole!

thelittlestbee

Kacycornett said:

I think getting an epidural makes you weak. If you can't handle the pain then you shouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

nicolec3

My first I did not have one.

My second I did.  It was awesome!  I wish I had one right now!

aliciaspinnet

As this is my first pregnancy, I figure that I have no idea what it's going to be like or how much pain I'll be able to take. So my plan is to see how it goes, but I'm totally open to having an epidural if I need it.

mccall35

Kacycornett said:

I think getting an epidural makes you weak. If you can't handle the pain then you shouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

Spoken like a true (and extremely naive) FTM. You win the week for the most ignorant opinion. 

thelittlestbee

periwinkledaydreams said:

She can't be for real. She can not be for real. Referring to Judgy McNonsense.

Check out her post history. Judgy McNonsense is a few french fries short of a happy meal. 

amyhafner11

I am having my 3rd - and both my first two were natural.
I agree with everyone who said it is 100% your decision!
I have seen cases where epidurals have saved the day!
With that being said it is an intervention or drug and that means there are side effects/risks(as with all drugs).

I think child birth is beautiful, empowering and probably the coolest thing I have ever done

If u can splurg and are planning for a natural cb I would consider hiring a doula.

Water is great - my second was born in the water at home...it was so fast.

Hope everyone is feeling well ... And if u want a good laugh

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rFnLBv46CHs

gilder40

When I'm asked if I want an epidural, I will have one response...

"Give it to me, baby....uh-huh, uh-huh!"



This is for all you 90s kids.

KonaCoffeeBean

Kacycornett said:

I think getting an epidural makes you weak. If you can't handle the pain then you shouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

I'll be the first to admit that I may be in over my head. Of all the reasons I may not be suited for pregnancy/parenthood, the fact that I may give in to the epidural doesn't even rank in the top twenty.

geishacat

briafields94 said:

So this is kind of a question within this question, I'm a FTM too and I was talking to my cousin who just had a baby about three months ago and she said that her epidural failed twice! Has anyone had an epidural fail before? I was considering getting one if I couldn't handle the pain but I do plan on going natural since my pain tolerance is pretty high most of the time. Her story scared me into almost not getting one if it'll just fail!

Yes, I had one fail entirely with my 2nd kiddo. But, I had two others that worked wonderfully. A good anesthesiologist will usually adjust the placement if needed. The good news is that statistically they DO work more often than not.

For those of you on the fence, get the epidural if you want it. There isn't a prize for going without. The risks are actually quite low. Don't trust me, go do the research. Although I wouldn't consider Ricki Lake a good medical source.

NoeliaV

thelittlestbee said:

periwinkledaydreams said:

She can't be for real. She can not be for real. Referring to Judgy McNonsense.

Check out her post history. Judgy McNonsense is a few french fries short of a happy meal. 

Yeah, she's the one who said watching Family Guy every day from 6months on made her niece super-smart. :-/
Not exactly someone whose opinion I'd trust. Ever.

thelittlestbee

NoeliaV said:

thelittlestbee said:

periwinkledaydreams said:

She can't be for real. She can not be for real. Referring to Judgy McNonsense.

Check out her post history. Judgy McNonsense is a few french fries short of a happy meal. 

Yeah, she's the one who said watching Family Guy every day from 6months on made her niece super-smart. :-/
Not exactly someone whose opinion I'd trust. Ever.

No shit. I wish she would come back and defend her comments. I'm getting bored at work. 

staciecoffey

Kacycornett said:

I think getting an epidural makes you weak. If you can't handle the pain then you shouldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place. I know this is an unpopular opinion.

Really? Just really?! I think it's pretty tactless to call a bunch of women who have gone through childbirth with an epidural weak. It's a personal decision and it doesn't make you weak. It makes you smart for knowing what your body can and cannot tolerate.

thelittlestbee

My mom didn't have an epidural for any of her kids, does that make her a mother fuckin GANGSTA? Maybe... but she still told me I should get one. 

I just wanted to talk about myself again.

staciecoffey

@thelittlestbee‌, she's a mother fuckin boss!!