For those of us not getting an epidural...

KimL84 · May 2011

Due to platelet issues, I am most likely not getting an epidural. The decision will be based on a last minute CBC done the day I go into labor or get induced. To help prepare myself I am going to begin looking into alternative pain management options. For those that cannot or have chosen not to have an epidural, what methods do you plan to use? IV meds, breathing methods?

munsterdani · May 2011

I'm hoping to get through the contractions and pain of labor by using breathing/relaxation techniques and the tub. I've heard that the tub is wonderful in helping with back labor especially so I really hope that it helps!

I'm also open to IV pain meds (if I really need them) and am curious to learn more about a pudendal nerve block.

kacelle · May 2011

I have a doula who has been working with me and DH on breathing, focus, and counterpressure/massage techniques for labour.

tokenhoser · May 2011

I did a lot of deep breathing and spent most of my labour on all fours, hugging the birth ball, and in modified child's pose. I might have done some nitrous oxide, but I stayed home too long and it was time to push pretty quick after I got to the hospital.

I was lucky; the worst part of labour only lasted from about 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm when I started pushing (which took another 2 hours). I did take a bath from about 9-930, but it didn't really help that much.

DH and my doula did a ton of counter pressure / hip squeezes for those 4 hours. It felt good, so they just kept going. My baby was OP (wrong side up), so I think I had some back labour going on. DH also tells me I drank about 5L of water - so make sure you've got a good water bottle. Ice chips are for chumps.

scaneiki · May 2011

I had IV meds with both of my kids- they helped me relax enough to not clench up.

sarahseita · May 2011

We are planning breathing/meditation things, message, bringing a birthing ball and trying the tub. I'm not sure what things will help so we will see.

darmca · May 2011

I'm not sure if this is an option in your hospital but I am looking forward to my laughing gas- I do awesome with it at the dentist.

iris427 · May 2011

I used the tub and shower and I had a doula. I had a fast labor, which helped a lot.

AmyO. · May 2011

I used breathing mostly. And it really did help just having my husband telling me how good I was doing. Just that reassurance that I could do it was great. Plus the nurses at the hospital were really positive.

I had planned to use the tub, but by the time we started filling it I was ready to head back to the bed. Those huge tubs take forever to fill up!

PinkGirlInCali · May 2011

I actually has the epi but it didn't take. =[ Focus on your breathing! Slow deep breathes! Also my DH was an awesome coach, especially when I was at 9cm and had a mini emotional breakdown! I was in labor 24 hours though, I was just freaking exhausted! Good luck to you!

toadstool · May 2011

We are going to try relaxation exercises that we have been practicing. Also a lot of massage.

MaybeBaby2 · May 2011

I didn't get my epi till I was 9-9.5cm and thankfully had a fast labor. But I just did deep breathing and that's about it.

Rossi17 · May 2011

Hypnobirthing (or some sort variation of it) is what I plan to use. I didn't have an epi with my daughter, and I don't plan on it for this one.

ironmommy · May 2011

I read the Hypnobirthing book by Marie Mongan and that helped a ton. I know you don't have much time, but if you can get your hands on that book it will likely ease your mind a lot about pain management.

My second suggestion is to hire a doula. Honestly, I had DD without any meds but the experience was SO MUCH BETTER with DS because I had the help of a doula. It was well, well worth the investment.

I labored with DS in the tub for most of the four hours we were at the hospital and it was a life saver. I actually fell asleep (or at least into a deep trance) in between contractions. Don't get me wrong, having a baby without any meds is very hard, but your body CAN do you it, and the best part is ... when labor is over, it's over! You are not numb; you actually feel fantastic because it is such an amazing high.

Good luck!

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