Any experience with Nubain?

MegSowers

This drug was mentioned at our childbirth class. I don't know the pros and cons of this drug, versus an epidural. Any experiences are appreciated!

dixee.deluxe

It's a narcotic, right?  If it's not, then ignore my answer.

I asked my OB about narcotic pain control vs an epi.  She said, since this was my second and I would probably go fast (which I did), that I probably wouldn't have been a candidate. She said they mostly use it for women who get admitted, but are progressing slowly and not ready for an epidural.  She said since it crosses the placenta and does affect the baby, they don't give it if you're close to pushing.

She said that a lot of babies, when delivered to a mama with narcotic pain control, are slow to respond.  They sometimes take a while to breathe and while they are OK, it's really scary for parents.   

HeatherAA10

Yes, I think it is a narcotic. In our childbirth class they told us nubain would cross the placenta and they would give it if you were not ready for an epidural and your labor was going on really long. It apparently makes you VERY groggy and can help you sleep if you need rest, but she said that a lot of women don't like it because if they don't end up falling asleep with it they are sp groggy they can hear what's going on around them, but can't participate (I personally HATE feeling out of control of my own body, so that is a terrible thought to me).

MegSowers

That's what I just read, too. People feel drunk on it. No thanks! ...Now I wish I could remember why this drug was mentioned at class.

chasbride07

I had nubain with my second to get me through transition after being in labor for 15 or so hours. It helped me rest before pushing. Definitely spaced me out and while I didn't love that feeling it did help. The baby was perfectly fine and alert when he was born. Preferably I will not need to have it again but preferred it to the epi I had the first time around and would have it again if I felt the need.

tessatewks

I hated it. It made the pain worse. Instead of being able to stay in control/on top of the contractions, it made me so groggy. I'd be woken up in extreme pain by the contractions, couldn't concentrate, talk to anyone or be coherent at all. I even thought I was hallucinating.

I have it specifically stated in my birth plan this time that no matter what, I do NOT want narcotics. IF I need pain medicine, I will WAIT for the epidural.

Redneckmommy2011

I went so fast with my 2nd baby that and epidural wasnt an option and they gave me nubain instead. i wouldnt recommend it. you cant focus as well and it makes you feel nauseous and drunk. make the whole experience miserable for me. i wont be doing it again

 

okate0213

I had it with my first. It did make me feel like I had a glass or two of wine. I would get it again. It was nice while using the tub.

ColoRxGirl

Nubain (nalbuphine) is not a narcotic quite like morphine or fentanyl. It is an opioid, meaning that it triggers the same receptors as these drugs, but is not scheduled (like CII, CIII, etc.). 

It's called a "mixed agonist" - which means it dulls pain and causes some sedation, but without a lot of the euphoria that other opioids cause. Many people do have unpleasant or "dysphoric" reactions due to this mixed agonist effect. But, for those it works for, it works really well without sedating baby the way other drugs can. It can also be used to relieve the itching some women experience from getting opioids in their epidurals or spinals.  

Definitely talk to your doctor about your options for pain relief.