Epidural?

kristigirl02

I'm a first time mom due in August. I wanted to know what other moms thought about the epidural. It seems pretty scary to me, but so does a natural birth. Any advice or thoughts?

vtgoodspeed

This is such a personal choice. I know many who have done it naturally and many that had an epidural. I know a woman that had both and said she preferred natural and wouldn't do an epidural again. I personally had an epidural and will again this time. The only thing i would change is having to be hooked up all over the place and possibly a water birth, but I'm high risk so not probable. I didn't have issues with the epidural though. Does your hospital have a tour or a what to expect class? That might help.

holli0801

I have a lot of questions around this too. And first time mom. We had our hospital tour and I didn't like the reaction I got from the nurse when she asked about our birth plan. I got the feeling she was thinking "yeah okay you think you don't want one but you will...." Bc of this attitude I think it's really important to to be on the same page as your support person and you will likely need to advocate for yourself and what you want. See what your doctor thinks (and their partners) so you aren't caught off guard with their opinion day-of. I have been told to watch "the business of being born" I have not yet... But several people have said it's helpful. And I'm also going to do the childbirth classes. My initial thought- I don't want to be numb. I want to be up and walking be around as long as possible. To be able to get in and out of the bathtub, and to be able to stand up after birth. Also there is a lot of research that says epidural prolongs labor and you are more likely to need a c section.

Just my thoughts! Not trying to sway you. Genuinely hope it helps your process.

ChristyM87

It is definitely a personal choice. I am delivering at a free standing birth center so an epidural will not be an option for me. I was aware of that before I picked a birth center delivery, and I know that I personally don't have a problem tolerating high amounts of pain. I am also planning on taking birthing classed that will help me learn what to expect during delivery and how to cope with the pain without an epidural

hrober22686

Would you go for a root canal and not get novicane? I'm all for the epidural..
No need to be a hero

hrober22686

Let me also add, I had an epidural with my first. Felt terrible until I did and was up and walking immediately after birth. Literally in the shower right after I had him.. And I would do it again in a heart beat!

ChristyM87

hrober22686 said:

Would you go for a root canal and not get novicane? I'm all for the epidural..
No need to be a hero

Different sort of procedure. I generally decline pain medication for almost any reason. I don't like the way they make me feel

ann_jeremiah

I had an epidural with my first... with pre-eclampsia... I wasn't really given an option. I had no issues with it, other than it got to a point that I could not longer feel my contractions happening at all - I had to feel my stomach with my hands to know when to push and I hated that I couldn't move my legs.

DS2 the anesthesiologist didn't get there in time for the pushing to happen, so I tried without it with no success. We took "a break" I got an epidural, and then was told I needed an emergency c-section. Baby was face up and coming out crooked.. or not coming out, you could say!

I haven't decided what I will do this time or if I'll even have an option with me attempting a VBAC.

jilladelario

My birth plan for my first was pretty much 'we'll see what happens'. I went into labor in the afternoon and held off going to the hospital until about 9:30 that night. I was already dilated to a six. I originally told the nurse that I didn't think I needed the epidural and if there was something else they could use to sort of take the edge off that would be fine.

Pretty much right after she left I told my husband to tell her I changed my mind. When the doctor came in to do it it really wasn't scary at all. I sat sideways on the bed with my legs off the edge and he was behind me and I just focused on breathing and don't even remember anything about the process.

The one thing I didn't like about the epidural is that I think that it slowed my progress down. It also meant that I was confined to the hospital bed. Twice a nurse came in to empty my bladder (yeah, everyone out of the room!) and at one point they were worried about the baby's heartbeat so they had me lay on my side. If you have to do that watch the clock and switch sides because otherwise one side gets really numb and you regain feeling on the other side.

I'll probably do the same thing this time. I won't have my husband there (bootcamp) but I plan on laboring at home until I'm miserable and then go to the hospital. When I'm really miserable I'll probably get an epidural.

emshredder

I'm planning on not getting an epidural just because the thought of not being able to feel my lower half or move scares me and you have to be catheterized no thanks! Plus if you are planning on breast feeding its easier for the baby to latch right away because any pain meds or crap you put into your body gets put into babies body so that's why a lot of newborns are all groggy.
I want as little intervention as possible but I'm not brave enough to go to a birthing center in case I did have a medical emergency.

PixelPosy

I recommend doing your research and keeping yourself open to your options. As much as you plan, you really don't know how that day is going to go down and keeping yourself open can help the day go smoother and seem less disappointing that it didn't go per plan.

For DD I wanted an un-medicated birth, but ended up being induced with lots of interventions. During labor I was unable to freely move (forced to stay to left side) and was on pitocin the entire time. Under the circumstances I was in, I don't think I could have delivered her vaginally without the epidural. This time I am keeping the epidural as an option for sure.

jessandandy09

I always end up sounding judge-y about this but I am not.  I had all 3 of my children med-free. It is the route I think people should aim to go and I would recommend it.  However, if I feel like getting meds in the moment I will!  So study up and decide what is right for you.  I loved having all natural births and I was up and going right after birthing them.  

stahlop

I think you need to do some research and decide what is best for you. I knew I didn't want any drugs or even any options of having them, so I did a home birth. I've birthed two babies without one (one of which I'm convinced if I'd been in the hospital would have ended up with an epidural and possible c-section) and I plan on birthing without one this time as well. But it's really a choice only you can make.

KMBC2552

Agree with the pp that said it is a very personal choice and nobody can make it for you. Do your research, come up with a plan, but be prepared for that plan to change as childbirth is unpredictable. 

That said, I had two epi's and had a great experience with both of them. It wasn't scary in the moment, didn't slow my labor at all (though I was pretty far along when I got them) and I was up and moving shortly thereafter. I also had a retained placenta that had to be manually removed with my first and the dr said it was a good thing I had an epi for that process. 

If you do your research and feel strongly about going unmedicated and are concerned with you or your SO wavering in the moment, then look into a doula or midwife who can understand your needs and advocate for you.

bakerlady89

I went into my first pregnancy/labor/delivery intending to have a non medicated birth. 30 hours in, I was completely exhausted and asked for an epidural. 2 hours later DD was born.I was up and moving within half an hour. I don't regret it at all and plan to try for the unmedicated birth this time.

I think the most important thing is to have doctors on the same page as you (mine lean towards as natural as possible) and be willing to change your plan. Sometimes what you want just isn't going to happen, and you can't beat yourself up over that. Do whatever is best for you and your baby. Whether that is medicated, unmedicated, c-section, homebirth, whatever.

Yellow1998

I also had an epidural with my first. It was the best choice I ever made. I was able to fully enjoy my birthing experience without any pain and I totally felt like myself the entire time. I will definitely be getting an epidural with this one as well.

walterjena

I had an epidural with my first and received it about 18 hours in. I was just tired and ended up delivering 3 hours later with only 15 mins of pushing. With my second, I held off until about 8 cm and ended up getting a "walking" epidural. It basically took the edge off but I was still able to feel everything and move and was out of bed right after. I am TRULY glad I ended up getting one because he was over 9 pounds and got stuck.

With this baby, I'll go as long as I can without pain meds and know that if I NEED to choose another epidural I won't beat myself up. I However I prefer the "walking" epidural so I still have control over my body. (Some hospitals will let you get up, others require that you stay in bed even with a "walking" one. Just depends on policy).

Whatever you choose, just don't feel bad if you decide to go another way during labor. Either way, just hope for a beautiful healthy baby in the end!

Miz_Liz

If I could have it tapped in and ready to go a week before just in case, I would! After I got my epi I was relaxed and enjoyed labor so much more. I had fun joking with the nurses and DH, none of which I wanted any part of before. It is a personal choice though, but I know for me the pain without was far worse than any class described. Also, the actual process of getting the epi is not bad at all, I was terrified, but pain overrode that and it honestly was better than most shots in the arm.

cosplaymom

My labor felt like I was getting stabbed in the back every time I had a contraction. After no sleep and several hours of this I got an epidural and it didn't block the pain so they did it all over again in a different spot and it took away all of the pain and all sensations down there. It was wonderful. i fell asleep for a while, woke up and it waa time to push. Baby was out about 15 minutes later.

I am totally going to get an epidural again if I have back labor again.

CaliforniaDream87

This subject is all over the place. I would NEVER attempt a med free (I don't know why it's called natural as all births are natural). I am all for the epidural and I am comfortable with my decision.

Do your research OP.

mamaloaf

Yellow1998 said:

I also had an epidural with my first. It was the best choice I ever made. I was able to fully enjoy my birthing experience without any pain and I totally felt like myself the entire time. I will definitely be getting an epidural with this one as well.

This exactly!

MarriedInAFever

Someone mentioned getting an epi could interfere with breastfeeding as the baby will get groggy from the meds. This isn't true at all. An epi does not affect the baby like IV pain medications tend to. You absolutely can have a successful breastfeeding relationship with an epi. 

Before I share my personal experience, I would just encourage you to be open minded because neither you nor I know what kind of labor you're going to have. If you're going to have a 3 hour magical labor and get that baby out in one push, going totally med-free could be a GREAT option for you. If you're going to labor for days and be on a pit drip or have trouble managing the pain, be open to an epi. I know it's hard because you want to plan everything and know what to expect, but it's just frankly impossible to know what to expect. So when it comes to an epi, I'd recommend playing it by ear a little.

I labored for 24 hours on pitocin, med-free, and well, it sucked. I didn't die. But it was horrible. I was in so much pain, I just didn't progress at all. After 24 hours of labor, I was at "almost" 2 cm dilated. I decided to get the epidural. I have to tell you, in no uncertain terms, that it was magical. I went from paralyzing pain to taking a little nap. When I woke up from my little nap, my labor had apparently progressed like magic and it was time to push after another 12 hours. My OB decided to turn off the epidural when it was time to push because my contractions weren't textbook, so I pushed for six hours med-free. To summarize, that's 30 hours of med-free labor and delivery and 12 hours of labor with an epidural. So I kind of feel like I had both experiences. (Luuuuucky me) Based on that experience, I would recommend the epidural to absolutely anyone. Modern medicine is amazing. The epidural, IMO, is the absolute best pain management method during childbirth. Also, if you're concerned about being numb or not feeling everything, communicate with your nurses and doctors about it. The medicine in an epidural can be "turned up or down". (I'm sure that's not the medical term) I'm not trying to persuade you to plan on it, but I would recommend you consider it as an option if you feel like you need it. 

thesportsgal

Definitely a personal choice. If you want a led free birth, I would highly suggest preparing through Hypnobabies or something similar. That way you have learned and trained yourself with pain management/coping mechanisms.

I have to have an epi again this time because of the twins and probably would have otherwise. As much as I hated the epi (I prefer to get high from drugs, not just numb) I would do it again as I had an awesome birth experience.

saraheve23

I think as pp have said, try to have a good birth plan ready but be flexible about it. Sounds kind of contradictory, but there are so many factors at play it's really hard to know in advance whether you'll need/want an epidural.

Having said that, I'll share my personal experience. My birth plan stipulated that no one talk to me about an epidural (nurses, doctors, even husband), this way, I was able to ask for it when I truly felt I needed it. Then as some pp have said, while I was pushing they dialed it down so I could feel my contractions more and I completely felt my daughter being born! I feel like I had the best of both worlds and am planning on using the same birth plan for this baby.

sschwege

hrober22686 said:

Would you go for a root canal and not get novicane? I'm all for the epidural..
No need to be a hero

You are not the only person to say something along these lines, but this statement just really bugs me.  I'm sure there are some women out there who do it for the bragging rights, to feel superior or whatever.  But there are plenty of women who do it for other reasons that have nothing to do with being a hero!

I had both of my babies med-free and if all goes according to plan will have this baby med-free as well.  I had several reasons, but you know what my main reason was?  I didn't want to be stuck in bed.  I loved being able to lay in a jacuzzi bath, walk, sway, whatever felt most comfortable.  My worst fear about an epi is that it doesn't work, only works on half my body, or doesn't work well enough and now I am stuck in bed.  I was also worried about things like a spinal headache or back pain.  Unusual, sure but doesn't sound like fun if you are that small percentage! 

I get novicaine for cavities, take tyl for a headache and happily accepted Lidicaine (sp?) when they stitched me back up so yes I'm happy to accept pain medication when I'm in pain, but here's the difference I wouldn't describe labor as 'pain'.  It was highly intense, took all my mental concentration and focus, but not painful at least not the way we traditionally think about pain.  Now everyone is different and everyone's experience is different, but I can tell you declining pain meds had nothing to do with trying to be a hero!  @hrober22686

jesicabrennan

I labored for 24 hours med free after a "light" induction. At the 24 hour mark I was falling asleep between contractions and dealing with some pretty intense rectal pressure and had a very strong "bearing down" sensation though I was only 7cm. The pressure was swelling my cervix but I didn't have any energy left to fight the bearing down sensation. So I opted for the epi and pitocin to keep labor going while I took a much needed nap. I was COMPLETELY numb and hated every minute of it. It also took nearly 6 hours for me to feel my legs afterward. I will do anything I can to NOT have an epi this time around!

MamaMcBride

Like a few ladies have said its a very personal decision. I've had one baby with epi and one without and I would undoubtedly never get an epidural again- I freaking hated it! And for reference my epidural baby was 7lbs and I had extensive birth injuries, my med-free baby was 9lbs5oz and I walked out of the hospital with her in 8 hours.

CaliforniaDream87

sschwege said:

hrober22686 said:

Would you go for a root canal and not get novicane? I'm all for the epidural..
No need to be a hero

You are not the only person to say something along these lines, but this statement just really bugs me.  I'm sure there are some women out there who do it for the bragging rights, to feel superior or whatever.  But there are plenty of women who do it for other reasons that have nothing to do with being a hero!

I had both of my babies med-free and if all goes according to plan will have this baby med-free as well.  I had several reasons, but you know what my main reason was?  I didn't want to be stuck in bed.  I loved being able to lay in a jacuzzi bath, walk, sway, whatever felt most comfortable.  My worst fear about an epi is that it doesn't work, only works on half my body, or doesn't work well enough and now I am stuck in bed.  I was also worried about things like a spinal headache or back pain.  Unusual, sure but doesn't sound like fun if you are that small percentage! 

I get novicaine for cavities, take tyl for a headache and happily accepted Lidicaine (sp?) when they stitched me back up so yes I'm happy to accept pain medication when I'm in pain, but here's the difference I wouldn't describe labor as 'pain'.  It was highly intense, took all my mental concentration and focus, but not painful at least not the way we traditionally think about pain.  Now everyone is different and everyone's experience is different, but I can tell you declining pain meds had nothing to do with trying to be a hero!  @hrober22686

*bump burp*

lifesabeach85

Yes exactly! I never expected to feel judged/demeaned for my desire to go med-free but have heard lots of "you don't get extra points for being a martyr," or "you'll change your mind." I would never judge anyone else's birth plan, it should really just be what you feel comfortable with! So yes do your research, but a lot of research tends to be biased one way or the other. Think about how you personally would feel most comfortable!

kristigirl02

Thank you guys so much for sharing! I definitely have lots of research to do, but you all have been so helpful!

lilana1011

I've had several surgeries prior to birthing my son. I did A LOT of research and talked to my OB about it. I was NOT a hero (and frankly that statement is offensive), if I had opted for the epidural I would have had severe problems with the after effects. My OB & I talked about this in detail with my anesthesia history. Ultimately j didn't want to be affected by that with a newborn. I wanted to be there 100%, so I went med-free without regret. Did it hurt like hell? Absolutely. But for this next one I'll attempt to do the same because it was worth it to me.
Do what's right for YOU & don't let anyone else's opinions deter you.

kelseyrayay

I'm a first time mom and you can bet I will be getting one if I need it!

megzz1984

I had an epidural with my first and will again for my second. I knew going in that I wanted one. Which I think helped. I got it before the contractions were really intense. I was induced so I was at the hospital for my entire labor. You have to sit very still while getting it, which I hear can be hard when you are contracting every few minutes. When it was getting close to the time to push, the epidural meds were lowered so I could feel the contractions and know when to push. I was able to walk almost immediately after giving birth.

emschmeid

I will add another dimension to the conversation, that may raise eyebrows, but it is definitely a factor to consider. Cost and insurance coverage. Many plans may cover 20-80% of the epidural, but there can also be variance in the hospital's anesthesia group(s). Some hospitals use in-house anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists to deliver epidurals. Some grant privileges to outside groups who work with your OB. It may be prudent to have a financial plan and/or estimate of the epidural so there are no surprises after delivery.
Also, every labor is different. Your baby's positioning can significantly affect pain during labor, i.e. back labor, stuck shoulders, etc.
FTR, I had an epidural with my first. I also required an induction. I plan to play it by ear for baby #2.

WDDCH

hrober22686 said:

Would you go for a root canal and not get novicane? I'm all for the epidural..
No need to be a hero

It isn't about being a hero or getting a gold star. Epidurals carry risk so some women prefer to not have them. There are many reasons women choose to not have drugs besides the risk of paralysis or cesarean, like being able to push in another position that is optimal in opening up the pelvis (baby least likely to get stuck). To each her own but statements like yours are quite rude. You can have an epidural and state as such without alienating other women for their choices. When I decided to go for my natural births it never entered my mind, "Wow I'm such a superhero!" What did enter my mind was, "I'm doing what I feel is best for me and especially for my baby."

OP - I've had two epidural births but my last three natural. I prefer to give birth without epidural. I didn't like how it made me feel, I didn't like the risks, recovery was harder and even breastfeeding was harder. I still have issues with my right side since my first birth. Women don't die from the pain in natural childbirth. You can get through it. Heck, I got through it three times and I have a low tolerance for pain.

Whatever you choose just be sure that you are informed of all the risks and the benefits. Good luck!

WDDCH

MamaMcBride said:

Like a few ladies have said its a very personal decision. I've had one baby with epi and one without and I would undoubtedly never get an epidural again- I freaking hated it! And for reference my epidural baby was 7lbs and I had extensive birth injuries, my med-free baby was 9lbs5oz and I walked out of the hospital with her in 8 hours.

Similar here! My first was just over 7lbs and had an epidural. I felt terrible after her birth, had stitches.

My biggest was 9.2 and I had him at a birth center, no drugs or any interventions and not a single stitch required. I was able to push on hands-and-knees rather than in my back.

PDXtbird

I loved my epi. It helped make a painful, scary experience into a happy and enjoyable one. I fell asleep right after and slept right through my transition. It was great waking up and being ready to push. I also had a very deep tear, so they left it on for just a bit and the ob said she loved I because she could stitch me up like I needed without hurting me. They turned it off and I was on my feet within the hour. My son also breastfed right away. If you don't have strong feelings either way, let that be your birth plan. Take it moment by moment and do what feels best to you at the time.

koehn27

This is really such a personal choice, and it's important to choose what you think is best for you! I had an epidural with both of my kids, and also plan to have one with this baby The first time I was completely numb and the second time I decided I just wanted it to manage the pain a bit so I got a lower dosage. That's what I plan to do this time as well. Everything went perfectly and my babies were alert and eager to nurse!

yaxsiwakoti

Let me start off by saying that I may be a bit biased in my answer as I am a strong believer that for most women (yes some may have complications) birth is very natural and something that is not a medical condition (I am pregnant not sick). With my DS I was lucky enough to have a beautiful home water birth (I understand this is not everyone choice and not possible for everyone). 

Over medication scares me. We decided to have a completely natural birth as I wanted that experience. Having unnecessary medical interventions during labour/birth can lead to more serious complications which I just didn't want. Also, during labour and delivery your body undergoes hormonal changes that are subsided if not completely inhibited but medicine. For example (and I have lived this) once pushing begins adrenaline is released from your body and the pushing becomes almost unstoppable. I myself, remember telling my husband "oh no I am pushing and I just can't stop" and my midwives said "that is totally fine you can start pushing now" It was as if my body had a mind of its own. 

I also enjoyed the freedom of being able to walk, change positions and be upright during labour. This has many benefits as you can help baby move along down the birth canal with hip movements and be in w/e position you feel comfortable. Also, birthing in a squatting position can help open your pelvis.

I was able to actually walk between having my son (in a water tub in his room) and my afterbirth (which i had in my own bed). I was up, showering, breatfeeding all within an hour and a half of him being born.

This really is a personal choice but what I do recommend is you do your research before hand and not just "go with the flow" or "naively" listen to others. Know what your choices are and know the consequences/benefits of each of those choice. Surround yourself with people who will support your choices (they may not be the same that they would decide). Also, look into alternative methods of pain relief (we chose hypnobirthing) there may be something out there that really speaks to you

Best of luck this August. I know we are very excited to welcome our 2nd into our family  

stahlop

Also, if you plan on going without an epidural, make sure you look into relaxation techniques (Bradley method, Hypnobabies, etc.), this can really help you know what to expect and how to manage it. And then, if you do decide on an epidural, you know you've done everything you could.

missmarissa711

I vote to bring on the drugs!