Epidural?

CMSullivan326 · February 2010

How many of you Ladies are going to get an epidural? (Especially First time moms) Just wondering your opinions and why you would or wouldn't want to get one...I'm still trying to decide so I'd like to hear opinions!

aerobaby · February 2010

I'm opting out of an epidural right now.. I dont' want one cause everyone I know that has had multiple kids and done both ways, they say they heal faster without any meds.. so i'm going for NO epi right now.. but that is only if I can tolerate the pain lol

Buckets of Moonbeams · February 2010

With K, I planned a med-free birth, but I wasn't a weirdo about it- I didn't type up a birth plan or anything. I ended up being induced and getting an epidural at about 6.5 cms. When the anesthesiologist asked me how I felt, I was thisclose to telling him I was in love with him. The only reason I didn't was because I didn't want to hurt my H's feelings. I still think epidurals are marvelous, but I'm going to try to go med-free again this time. I think I can do it if I can avoid pitocin.

synchrosally · February 2010

I'm leaving it open. I'll probably get one, but I want to wait until I'm there to make my decision.

CaitlinJ22 · February 2010

i said I would try without, but not be against it if I needed it. I got it earlier than I thought, and I am SO happy I did. I rested through my labor for 10 hrs and had enough energy to psuh for 2 hrs ---which btw I had no epi when I was pushing, it wore off....THAT was not fun.

Morgan456 · February 2010

I am 100% getting one. I'd love to say that I think I can go without, but I'm a big baby myself Crying

Ruthgers · February 2010

First time mom here and I will be trying for a natural birth (no meds/epidural); that is my goal and what I really want to do. That being said, I am flexible and if I feel like I need to change my mind during labor and go with the epidural then I will. The thought of that needle in my spine freaks me out though.

ToBeMcInerney · February 2010

I plan on getting one but I am gong tto put it off for as long as I can...

mopsie · February 2010

I'm definitely getting one. If it was unsafe for the baby, doctors wouldn't do them. I don't see why you'd want to feel what is perhaps the most painful sensation possible if you're able to be numb instead. Thank God for modern medicine!!!

themrsC · February 2010

Yes, please!

Had one with my DD... held out as long as I could, but after a few hours of pitocin I was literally shaking uncontrollably with each contraction because I was in so much pain. It was dreamy

Also, recovery was a breeze... I had no negative effects.

CoastieWife08 · February 2010

Had one with DD, and I never want one again.

rlscheck · February 2010

I know the less drugs you can do the better, but I'm not sure what to expect since this is my first. I'm honestly just going to wing it.

jmarie17 · February 2010

Ruthgers:
First time mom here and I will be trying for a natural birth (no meds/epidural); that is my goal and what I really want to do. That being said, I am flexible and if I feel like I need to change my mind during labor and go with the epidural then I will. The thought of that needle in my spine freaks me out though.

This. I started my pregnancy thinking without a doubt that I would have an epidural. After many months of reading and researching, I have decided to do a natural birth with my midwife. It is the best option for me and what I want out of the day.

PlainandTall · February 2010

I don't want one. I've done 2 VBACs without and I really actually enjoyed the birth expeience- it was intense- but so real- I felt so alive and loved it!

The idea of disassociating my upper body and lower body from each other is way more frightening *to me* than the normal feelings of birth.

laurasue · February 2010

I have yet to read anything or talk to any of my friends who are moms (most of them) that has convinced me NOT to get an epidural. If I can give birth pain free, I'm happy to. I figure I don't have anything to prove and the only prize they're giving out at the end of labor are babies - and you get one even if you get an epidural. More power to those who go au natural, but unless I arrive at the hospital already 10 cm dialated, I want one.

Just_Jenn · February 2010

I'm planning on trying for no epi, but if I need it, I need it. I was fine with DD when I was induced with pitocin - fine for a few hours of contractions 2-3 min apart. But then when she turned in my pelvis so she was "sunny side up" and I started experiencing back labor, I was done in about 2 minutes - worst pain ever!!! Prior to that, I had been totally fine.

The epi was great with the pain, but I didn't like the fact that it was hard to push with it - it was like I couldn't actually feel what I was doing when trying to push. I don't know if that's b/c she just wasn't moving b/c of being sunny side up, or b/c I couldn't feel enough with the epi, but either way, I'd like to go without it this time around if I can. (No more pitocin for me this time either!!)

muffie1303 · February 2010

I'm putting in my birth plan that I definitely want an epi if it's an option! I know when I'm in pain, I get physically ill, and I don't wanna have to deal with that while trying to push. If it's not an option, I'll probably have another type of anesthetic or gas & air.

amandamharrelson · February 2010

THIS!

Lauren9881 · February 2010

I'm planning on asking for mine before I take my coat off. Ok kidding a little, but I have no intentions of being a hero and I really think that being able torelaz and letting the contractions do their thing without fighting them will help move labor along.

anvloveskme · February 2010

First timer - will probably get one b/c I am afraid of the pain, but will wait and see how I feel after birthing classes

jcrock17 · February 2010

I know this sounds stupid... but I am pregnant with my third and went natural both times. I was more scared about the needle entering my spinal cord than the birth itself. HA.

mrsjenni · February 2010

I was induced with DS, and as you may see/hear... Pitcoin usually = an epi. It's awful. I had horrible back labor like you wouldn't believe. I cringe just thinking about it.

I wasn't trying to go med-free, I knew I wanted an epi and it was pure heaven. Although I still felt the contractions (and they hurt enough to make my eyes water with every single one) it was still better then nothing at all.

CD+AL · February 2010

I had one with DS, and that was my plan all along. I wanted to wait until about 6 or 7cm, which I did, but I am so glad that I did it. For me, the epi allowed me to be present in the moment when DS was born instead of focusing on blocking out the pain. I remember DS' birth from the moment of the epi on clearly but not so much earlier on. I have no doubt that I'll get one again.

aldyn · February 2010

I was hoping to avoid all drugs the first time around but my water broke and I never got contractions, so they induced me. I tried to keep an open mind about and tried to labor through the pitocin contractions, but I caved after about 8 hours. Everything worked out and I don't regret my decision.

I'd love to go med-free this time around, but again, I'm just going to keep an open mind about it.

amygauntt@windstream.net · February 2010

mopsie:
I don't see why you'd want to feel what is perhaps the most painful sensation possible if you're able to be numb instead.

I honestly hate when people say this. I was NEVER in pain and I had pitocin & back labor. It was uncomfortable, yes, but no where near "the most painful sensation possible."

So no, I won't be getting an epidural.

VampyAuthor · February 2010

I'm a first time mom who is going au natural. I don't want the epi or any other meds unless they are medically needed.

Sam Buttons · February 2010

I plan on having a med-free birth, but I am not going to be 'crazy' about it (I say crazy for lack of a better word). I will be taking hypno-birthing classes and trying to prepare for a med-free birth.... but this is my first baby and I am well aware of the fact that I have no clue what I am in for and could very well end up getting something to ease the pain, but I doubt it will be an epidural - the whole giant needle in the back scares the s**t out of me!

P.S.10 · February 2010

As a first timer, I'd like to keep my options open. For me, that means preparing for a med-free and intervention-free birth. If I have to get an epi, I will, but I really want to try to avoid one, if possible.

renfred · February 2010

I am definately getting one. It was such a relief with my last one. I was really able to enjoy everything.

jodi_p · February 2010

Still waiting to find out if an epidural is an option for me (I had a back operation when I was younger and there was some question on whether I can have one). Like others have said I play on putting the epidural off as long as I can --- but if it gets to the point that I need it, I'm going for it!

KeepingItLowKey · February 2010

I didn't have one with number 1, because I didn't want it unless it was necessary and I never found it necessary. That will be my thoughts for this one as well.

teelaman · February 2010

Morgan456:
I am 100% getting one. I'd love to say that I think I can go without, but I'm a big baby myself

This. 0 pain tolerance. (I've honestly gone back and forth on the issue and told myself I'm going to just see how it feels....but I'm betting I'm going to need one.)

cassianddavid · February 2010

Sam Buttons:
I plan on having a med-free birth, but I am not going to be 'crazy' about it (I say crazy for lack of a better word). I will be taking hypno-birthing classes and trying to prepare for a med-free birth.... but this is my first baby and I am well aware of the fact that I have no clue what I am in for and could very well end up getting something to ease the pain, but I doubt it will be an epidural - the whole giant needle in the back scares the s**t out of me!

This, this, this.

I also want to be able to move around and be in the water for parts of it. Getting an epi would eliminate that option.

Kelanne · February 2010

I think the Epidural is one of the best things EVER!!!!

Lexi0402 · February 2010

I'm fairly certain I will be getting one. If labor is anything like how my period cramps used to be, I'll be getting one the moment I go into labor lol.

haleybeth81 · February 2010

CMSullivan326:
How many of you Ladies are going to get an epidural? (Especially First time moms) Just wondering your opinions and why you would or wouldn't want to get one...I'm still trying to decide so I'd like to hear opinions!

Because they are awesome. I'm terrified of needles and did cry when the put it in (didn't really hurt but I was terrified) but loved not being in horrible pain. So getting another one, of course I might be getting a c/s this time so I'll definitely want one for that lol.

mr&mrswelch · February 2010

No. I don't want the lower half of my body numb, I don't want our baby under the influence of any drugs, I don't want a huge needle near my spine, and I believe that I am strong enough to handle the pain.

lesalia217 · February 2010

MrsJazzAirForceWife:
I'm a first time mom who is going au natural. I don't want the epi or any other meds unless they are medically needed.

This for me

If I can give some advice, just making the decision based on feeling pain during labor is not the way to go. If you really are hoping to delay or avoid the epi, then you need to research ways to minimize the pain/pressure. Most of the pain people experience is self induced. Either from fear/tension or from laboring in poor positions. There are so many awesome ways in order reduce the discomfort of labor, that if more people were educated, I think more people would go au natural.

I am going au natural, not b/c I hate medicine/hospitals (I am a pharm research chemist), or b/c I hate modern medicine, or b/c I have something to prove, or I think epi's are evil and dangerous.....I am going au natural b/c I educated myself on pain management techniques and I am not afraid. Do the reading, not on the scare tactics to make people avoid medicine, but research on the ways to make it easier.

emmavenus77 · February 2010

amynjay:
mopsie:
I don't see why you'd want to feel what is perhaps the most painful sensation possible if you're able to be numb instead.
I honestly hate when people say this. I was NEVER in pain and I had pitocin & back labor. It was uncomfortable, yes, but no where near "the most painful sensation possible."
So no, I won't be getting an epidural.

People have different pain thresholds, so what may have been uncomfortable for you may have been interpreted as excruciating by someone else.