Not planning on an epi?

Orchid86 · January 2010

Those of you not planning on getting an epidural - are you confident that you can go through L & D without one? I am not planning on having one because I want a waterbirth (not many hospitals offer this, so your reasons for not getting an epi are likely different), but I am slightly nervous because I know there are a lot of women who say they don't want one and then get one b/c they can't handle the pain. Also, I have had a couple of relatives give me their horror stories about when they were too late to get the epidural and how it was the worst pain. It's freaking me out - I try to tell myself that women have been having babies since time immortal and there didn't used to be drugs available but still... I have no idea what to expect. What are your thoughts?

VampyAuthor · January 2010

I'm practicing the Hypnobirthing method. I have a specific birth plan I'm making sure they know about. I want to move around and use a birthing ball. Since the birth clinic won't be open I have to use the hospital in town so I'm hoping they will let me have a partial water labor. I'm trying to work out all my labor and delivery fears and find ways to works through the pain.

Bridgetkaryn · January 2010

I am planning on an epi... BUT, my mom is an L&D nurse... her advice to those who don't want an epi, but also don't want to be put in one of those horror stories that your family members have told you about... My mom said that you can have the epi port put in your back by the anesthesiologist but they don't have to hook up the meds unless you want them... basically, at that point, the port is in and all they do is hook you up if you change your mind and you do want the epi... there really isn't a point of being too late unless you are 1/2 through pushing...

Hope that helps!

Hulahoop1234 · January 2010

Honestly, I think there is a big difference between women who go into natural childbirth prepared with techniques, and those who don't.

And then there are the women who plan to get the epi all along and then can't get the it in time, or it fails, etc. That is whole different ball game IMO, because there is a higher chance that you will panic and tense up when you realize that you won't have that part of your plan in place.

MsMonica's1st · January 2010

I too have no idea what to expect but will try my hardest to not to have the epidural......I have a lot of support and encouragement to help me get through it ---- I have not read, but I was recommended a book titled "birthing from within" that is recommended to women who plan on going natural. You might want to look into it as well.

adriennevla · January 2010

I'm not because I hate the idea of being chained to the bed for *any* period of time. The hospital where I'm giving birth will give you an epi any time up until you're ready to push, so while there's no "too late," I'm just so dead set against it that it's a non-issue. I was hospitalized and in traction when I was 9 for quite some time and have horrible anxiety issues with being unable to get up and walk when I want, and that's the exact last thing I want to happen to me in labor--get a freaking panic attack!

I figure I went through kidney stones med-free for the most part, and I've practiced a lot of pain management and done much research about NCB, and since I found a NCB-friendly hospital, I'm more determined to go through with it.

partyg1rl · January 2010

I'm planning on a totally med free birth as well. We took a childbirth class this past weekend that was med free specific, and it was awesome! If you can't do something like that, I would recommend maybe watching some labour and delivery videos that are med free specific as they give you some really great ways to cope with things at different stages of labour!

haleymay18 · January 2010

I didn't get an epi. I used a doula and was planning a waterbirth also. I was never able to have the waterbirth because I had particulate meconium in my water when it broke but seriously I think you can do it without an epi. Don't psyche yourself out. Write a birth plan.

The best advice I was given during labor was 1.) this isn't pain-its hardwork. Your mind is very very powerful so don't convince yourself you can't do it. 2.) Prepare yourself for your next contraction, don't let them sneak up on you. 3.) Write a birth plan and get lots of support from your dr. or cnm (they are CRUCIAL). In your birth plan be sure to include that you want to ask for an epidural 3 times before they give it to you. So, if you ask once, you don't get it, twice, you don't get it, but if you are desperate enough on time number three than they can give it to you. THIS WAS HUGE for me. I asked once and was talked down.

MrsHK · January 2010

I had a very fast but smooth natural birth with DS. I was very psyched up and ready to go, I was looking forward to seeing what it was all going to really be like. Of course some nervousness comes with all of that.

Now that I've done it once, I can honestly say, I still feel the same this time. No one can guarantee me the same experience. I'm excited to see how it might differ a bit this time, but I still wonder 'can I really do this?'.

I know I can, and I know everyone else can in the right circumstances. So I guess what I'm trying to say is the slight freak out is normal. Just remember it IS possible and totally normal and natural. Focus on one contraction at a time and think about what that pain is really working towards achieving.

Orchid86 · January 2010

Thanks for the suggestions ladies. I do think the mind is very powerful and I hope I can just keep it together, not tense up too much to delay things, and get through it.

miaomi · January 2010

I'm not nervous for birth at all and am in fact, very excited. I don't plan on getting one and am very confident that I wont...and I have 2 herniated disks in my back to add to the pain. I feel that I'm very well-prepared. I think that's very important. My DH and I have studied the Bradley method together, I've taken prenatal yoga and I have a doula. My birth team is awesome and so supportive. I think as long as you are prepared and have the right mindset, you can do it. And a lot of the horror stories I've heard are from women who've had an epi.... Good Luck!

Rory419 · January 2010

I really want to go med free and am really nervous! I have not taken a relaxation/breathing class yet (and the one I am signing up for is only a few hours long, not like a series,) so I hope I am prepared enough! I just have to keep reminding myself my reasons for not wanting meds. It is more than just a desire to go natural; I have actual reasons that I am afraid of or against certain procedures and am TERRIFIED of the epi. I am hoping these will help me stay strong.

And I am just praying labo doesn't last forever!

Sunsh1ne · January 2010

I am reading up on natural childbirth (not taking any classes) and am becoming more confident that I can handle it without an epi. I am a runner with 14 marathons under my belt and, although I know it's not an adequate comparison, I do know that managing the pain of those last 6.2 miles is mental. I am hoping that mental preparation will help me manage the pain of the transition in labor. It sounds like fear and anxiety are what intensify the pain. And that with the right mindset, it should only feel like intense pressure.

Orchid86 · January 2010

Sunsh1ne:
I am reading up on natural childbirth (not taking any classes) and am becoming more confident that I can handle it without an epi. I am a runner with 14 marathons under my belt and, although I know it's not an adequate comparison, I do know that managing the pain of those last 6.2 miles is mental. I am hoping that mental preparation will help me manage the pain of the transition in labor. It sounds like fear and anxiety are what intensify the pain. And that with the right mindset, it should only feel like intense pressure.

I completely agree with mind over matter for sure. I guess the only thing I'm worried about is losing focus and freaking out. I'm pretty mentally strong, so I just need to go into it with the mindset that I can do it...

witoga · January 2010

Yes, I am confident that I can get through labor without an epi - I did with DS and it was not nearly as painful/traumatic as I had imagined it could be.

Like PP's said the key is to being prepared - fully understanding the birth process, having good support and staying focused on the outcome. And for me, I had the mindset that I was not going to get an epi ahead of time - not the mindset of " well, I would prefer not to but I will if I need it" - everyone of my friends with the second mindset ended up getting an epi. I was educated and prepared and I never considered or thought about an epi....

ashleyb0604 · January 2010

I am planning a natural birth as well, but I am still not 100% confident in myself, although I try to stay very positive and encouraging about everything. I feel like I can give myself permission to get the epi if I get to a point where I MUST have it...I do not want to be so natural-focused that I make myself feel like my birth experience was wrong or a failure if I DO end up needing an epi or other interventions for whatever reason.

That hasn't stopped me from preparing by going through our natural-birth classes, talking with my midwife, and reading a million books. I recommend Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Birthing From Within - both are excellent and inspiring. I've also already started using my birth affirmations to keep myself positive. These are mine...

1. My body is made to do this. Women have been having babies naturally for centuries.

2. It's only 60 seconds (the contraction)...I can do anything for 60 seconds.

3. The pain has a purpose and an end. I will get to rest soon.

4. It will feel so good to prove everyone wrong! [Everyone in my family keeps telling me I can not do it w/an epi even though all of them did...REALLY pisses me off!]

5. If [cousin's gf's name] can have a baby, so can I - she has half a brain. (LOL...that is mean, but it has helped my confidence. She just had her baby last week. Did have an epi, but helps me w/the idea of actually doing L&D).

duchessII81 · January 2010

I am not planning to get one but I am keeping an open mind about it. I plan to use Hypnobirthing methods to get me through as much of labor possible. While I would love to be able to go drug-free, I won't hesitate to call for the epi if it gets to that point.

smittysoup · January 2010

I don't think that confident is the right word exactly - but I'm definitely committed I think that childbirth is a natural process, and that interventions tend to snowball. I want to experience birth without fear, and be able to accept the discomfort as part of the process, knowing that it will lead to faster recovery and (hopefully) less complications. I'm doing hypnobirthing for natural pain management.

One big thing working in my favor is that I'm stubborn, and I've been pretty open about why and how I want to have a natural childbirth. I honestly didn't start out with something to prove, but now so many people have told me that I "can't" do it, and how I'm going to change my mind - I don't think my pride will let me back down at this point. Stick out tongue

sbrannam · January 2010

With my first son I just about waited to late, but did get pain med's through IV. With my 2nd son, I was induced, so they included pain med's in the IV too. This time, I am really hoping to just avoid the epi - someone poking a needle (that is really super long I hear) into my back just scares the living bejesus out of me.....

Rory419 · January 2010

sbrannam:
With my first son I just about waited to late, but did get pain med's through IV. With my 2nd son, I was induced, so they included pain med's in the IV too. This time, I am really hoping to just avoid the epi - someone poking a needle (that is really super long I hear) into my back just scares the living bejesus out of me.....

What was your experience with the IV pain meds? I was originally not opposed to them, but I have since heard that they can make you feel really out of it, but don't help the pain. I also heard they can make the baby really groggy when he or she first comes out.

meandtwo · January 2010

This is my second birth and the first was a natural birth. I will say that the pain was like no other, but it's really all in how you handle pain. Back then I didn't know about different methods and all that good stuff. I took all the pain laying down, and holding on to my bedrail. I'm now more aware of better ways to manage the pain.

The idea of having a needle in my back makes me a lot more nervous than having natural childbirth.

cajungirl0717 · January 2010

I am planning to ask my OB about the "walking epi" to see if she is ok with me doing that. I am not 100% confident in going without anything. But I don't want to get the standard epi and not feel anything. I just want something to take the edge off I guess, but I really don't think I would mind being able to push and feeling the delivery. Anybody feel the same? Or am I going at this the wrong way?

anabell0920 · January 2010

Hulahoop1234:
Honestly, I think there is a big difference between women who go into natural childbirth prepared with techniques, and those who don't.
And then there are the women who plan to get the epi all along and then can't get the it in time, or it fails, etc. That is whole different ball game IMO, because there is a higher chance that you will panic and tense up when you realize that you won't have that part of your plan in place.

I agree 100%. My doula has told me that why would you show up to a marathon or huge sporting event with zero preparation I am sorry but chances are you will not succeed. Labor is a marathon and you should NOT go in unprepared.

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