don't want an epidural!

boots25 · June 2011

Hi Ladies! So I am less than 5 weeks away and was wondering if anyone has heard good advice on how to get through labor without an epidural! I have really really been hoping that I can handle it without, so far I have heard that the tub is the best way to avoid one. Very interested in hearing more advice!

Bridgetkaryn · June 2011

Isn't this what birthing classes are for? I believe this is what they teach you in the bradley or lamaze classes...

quietvoice · June 2011

Bridgetkaryn:
Isn't this what birthing classes are for? I believe this is what they teach you in the bradley or lamaze classes...

This.

Matt Dvorak · June 2011

I'm hoping to learn techniques in my birthing class. I've also heard that anxiety/fear can make labor worse, so relaxing about it is one of the best things that you can do. I'm also a big time goal setter and like to challenge myself. I've accomplished not so easy tasks in the past by getting into the right mindset, and by telling others what I plan to do so that I'm less likely to back out. I don't see why this can't be my technique for labor as well! (and yes, I know that things might not go as planned - other things I've had goals for in life have also not gone as planned, but setting goals and trying to stick with them is still a positive IMO).

sapphirewolfkdv · June 2011

Birthing classes should teach you some breathing techniques and relaxation techniques to handle the pain. Birthing methods such as Bradley or Hypnobirthing are focused on natural, med-free births, but you may not have time to take one of those classes now. Pick up some books on these methods and read up on the techniques.

mooninlv · June 2011

like pp said, there are lots of classes, like hypnobirthing for example, that are for this purpose. however, being that you're 35 weeks already, not sure you have time to take an entire class. i'd contact your hospital and ask about classes they offer.

Sara*n*Ryan · June 2011

You don't have time now for the full Bradley Method class, but maybe find an instructor in your area and see if they will do a shortened version for you. I know our instructor took on a couple around 34 weeks and she combined sessions for them and had longer sessions to get them though the class.

Otherwise get a copy of Husband Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth. You and your SO read it. It's very important that your SO or birth partner know the techniques because with this style, it's their job to keep you relaxed and on track. https://www.amazon.com/Husband-Coached-Childbirth-Bradley-Method-Natural/dp/0553375563

We plan to use the birthing ball and the tub during L&D. My hospital let's you use the tub to full dialation, they will not deliver in the tub. My doctor is awesome and totally supportive of my wants, which I think is very important. I'm also willing to be flexible if need be. If my doctor tells me we need to intervene, I can trust her, because I know she really does want me to go natural, so she woudn't intervene just to get things overwith.

My friend just gave birth epi free last week. She used the birthing ball the whole time and said it was amazing.

There are other natural childbirth techniques, but this is the one we studied, so it's the one I know.

Good luck!

Iove.wins · June 2011

There are a lot of methods for managing pain without an epi.

This has a lot of good info:

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/pregnancy-childbirth/pregnancy-concerns/managing-pain-during-childbirth

I would start here, to understand where the pain comes from so you can start thinking about a strategy. Also, it's not too late to look into a doula, which is a labor coach that helps keep you focused, show your H how to help you manage your pain, etc. You can find one in your area by searching your zip code at dona.org.

If you like to read, pick up Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McClutcheon and/or Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin.

You can do it!

catahoulatte · June 2011

mooninlv:
like pp said, there are lots of classes, like hypnobirthing for example, that are for this purpose. however, being that you're 35 weeks already, not sure you have time to take an entire class. i'd contact your hospital and ask about classes they offer.

This. It's a little late in the game to be starting to research it. There are a ton of good books out there though. Hopefully your hospital has some classes, also.

boots25 · June 2011

obviously I have heard the typical ways to manage pain in Class.... I was wondering if anyone had ideas from other moms that worked for them....

Sara*n*Ryan · June 2011

boots25:
obviously I have heard the typical ways to manage pain in Class.... I was wondering if anyone had ideas from other moms that worked for them....

Which class did you take?

Did you read my post? I told you that my friend used the birthing ball and she said it was a life-saver. My doctor swears by the tub for epi-free moms. Does your hospital have tubs?

Iove.wins · June 2011

boots25:
obviously I have heard the typical ways to manage pain in Class.... I was wondering if anyone had ideas from other moms that worked for them....

Huh?

I'm not sure what you want from us, then. You've gotten a LOT of really good, specific info from others and myself -- using a tub, birthing ball, specific techniques and methods such as hypnobabies and bradley, etc.

Rather than biting the hand that feeds you, maybe you should look into some of the things suggested because they're all methods that are commonly used in unmedicated delivery.

catahoulatte · June 2011

Iove.wins:

boots25:
obviously I have heard the typical ways to manage pain in Class.... I was wondering if anyone had ideas from other moms that worked for them....

I'm not sure what you want from us, then. You've gotten a LOT of really good, specific info from others and myself -- using a tub, birthing ball, specific techniques and methods such as hypnobabies and bradley, etc.

Rather than biting the hand that feeds you, maybe you should look into some of the things suggested because they're all methods that are commonly used in unmedicated delivery.

Yes

ETA: Whatevs.

isisbluu · June 2011

Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

SarahPLiz · June 2011

isisbluu:
Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

Your doctor was wrong. There are always intrinsic rewards in not putting unecessary chemicals in your or your baby's body. Its not a glory contest by any means, but there are definite long term, medically proven rewards to not having medication during labor.

megd06 · June 2011

SarahPLiz:
isisbluu:

Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

Your doctor was wrong. There are always intrinsic rewards in not putting unecessary chemicals in your or your baby's body. Its not a glory contest by any means, but there are definite long term, medically proven rewards to not having medication during labor.

agreed. I went meds-free with DS, and while labor isn't a contest, I felt so great afterwards that I was able to do it naturally. Being able to get up and shower/pee on my own an hour after labor, and not having a catheter was just the icing on the cake

isisbluu · June 2011

megd06:
SarahPLiz:
isisbluu:

Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

Your doctor was wrong. There are always intrinsic rewards in not putting unecessary chemicals in your or your baby's body. Its not a glory contest by any means, but there are definite long term, medically proven rewards to not having medication during labor.

agreed. I went meds-free with DS, and while labor isn't a contest, I felt so great afterwards that I was able to do it naturally. Being able to get up and shower/pee on my own an hour after labor, and not having a catheter was just the icing on the cake

I was just wondering..both my OB and my Peri said the same thing. I would not consider it "wrong" per se, but just a difference of opinion.. I find (and know) a lot of women who want to go med-free, but 90% of them always end up with an epidural. Like I mentioned before, I had a previous c-section with NO complications and really considered a vbac. I was being convinced by everyone to try and have a vbac.. my OB was on board for me to try it as well, but after a lengthy conversation, I believe she is right, if I managed a vbac, there is no special prize awaiting me... and with my history (previous induction for 22 hours on pitocin and never dilated) why not just go in and have the surgery, after all, it doesn't matter HOW the baby gets delivered, just as long as it is safe for baby and mom...To me, its just not worth it to go through labor... labor for HOURS only to end up in the OR.. I applaud folks who want a med-free, birth, I just don't see the big hoop-lah about it, especially when it has been proven that in some cases, having an epidural actually helps mom relax enough to dilate to the full 10cm...and being in pain is unnecessary..

Iove.wins · June 2011

isisbluu:
megd06:
SarahPLiz:
isisbluu:

Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

Your doctor was wrong. There are always intrinsic rewards in not putting unecessary chemicals in your or your baby's body. Its not a glory contest by any means, but there are definite long term, medically proven rewards to not having medication during labor.

agreed. I went meds-free with DS, and while labor isn't a contest, I felt so great afterwards that I was able to do it naturally. Being able to get up and shower/pee on my own an hour after labor, and not having a catheter was just the icing on the cake

I was just wondering..both my OB and my Peri said the same thing. I would not consider it "wrong" per se, but just a difference of opinion.. I find (and know) a lot of women who want to go med-free, but 90% of them always end up with an epidural. Like I mentioned before, I had a previous c-section with NO complications and really considered a vbac. I was being convinced by everyone to try and have a vbac.. my OB was on board for me to try it as well, but after a lengthy conversation, I believe she is right, if I managed a vbac, there is no special prize awaiting me... and with my history (previous induction for 22 hours on pitocin and never dilated) why not just go in and have the surgery, after all, it doesn't matter HOW the baby gets delivered, just as long as it is safe for baby and mom...To me, its just not worth it to go through labor... labor for HOURS only to end up in the OR.. I applaud folks who want a med-free, birth, I just don't see the big hoop-lah about it, especially when it has been proven that in some cases, having an epidural actually helps mom relax enough to dilate to the full 10cm...and being in pain is unnecessary..

I agree with this completely. My reason for preparing to deliver unmedicated doesn't have anything at all to do with a reward, badge of honor, etc... It has to do with the fact that just like any other medical procedure it comes with its own risks along with the benefits. If it comes to the point during labor that the benefits outweigh the risks, then I have no problem receiving some kind of intervention. But until that point, I feel like the benefits of delivering naturally outweigh the risks of an epi.

Ultimately, I think it's every woman's battle to figure out what risks she's willing to take and each woman's reality is different. I'm just glad there are so many options out there to choose from, and that I was able to find a doctor that is supportive of my birth plan :-) But at the end of the day, the only reward that is important is a healthy baby/healthy mom.

megd06 · June 2011

isisbluu:
megd06:
SarahPLiz:
isisbluu:

Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

Your doctor was wrong. There are always intrinsic rewards in not putting unecessary chemicals in your or your baby's body. Its not a glory contest by any means, but there are definite long term, medically proven rewards to not having medication during labor.

agreed. I went meds-free with DS, and while labor isn't a contest, I felt so great afterwards that I was able to do it naturally. Being able to get up and shower/pee on my own an hour after labor, and not having a catheter was just the icing on the cake

I was just wondering..both my OB and my Peri said the same thing. I would not consider it "wrong" per se, but just a difference of opinion.. I find (and know) a lot of women who want to go med-free, but 90% of them always end up with an epidural. Like I mentioned before, I had a previous c-section with NO complications and really considered a vbac. I was being convinced by everyone to try and have a vbac.. my OB was on board for me to try it as well, but after a lengthy conversation, I believe she is right, if I managed a vbac, there is no special prize awaiting me... and with my history (previous induction for 22 hours on pitocin and never dilated) why not just go in and have the surgery, after all, it doesn't matter HOW the baby gets delivered, just as long as it is safe for baby and mom...To me, its just not worth it to go through labor... labor for HOURS only to end up in the OR.. I applaud folks who want a med-free, birth, I just don't see the big hoop-lah about it, especially when it has been proven that in some cases, having an epidural actually helps mom relax enough to dilate to the full 10cm...and being in pain is unnecessary..

True. And for *me*, that means I want to avoid an epidural. I know of too many women who've had complications a year or two later from their epidural, and who had prolonged labor once they got it. My mom had a history of long labors, and so did H's mom (we're talking 24+ hours, and they both went natural with their deliveries) so I didn't want anything adding to labor that I didn't have to (DS's labor was 16 hours, would've been quicker if they had known sooner that he was sunny-side up, I think).

Plus, and I know this sounds silly: I really hate catheters. I had surgery on my sternum 2 months before getting pg with DS, and I flipped out in ICU when I woke up and found out they had left it in me--and refused to use it. The nurse assured my H and my mom that I was "using it" without knowing, that it was draining my bladder. She went to show them, and was shocked to realize I had pinched it off, and it was completely empty--I had held my pee for about....18 hours. I was crying, and begging for it to be removed. So, I really hate them. Too humiliating, peeing in front of people..

The irony of the whole thing? During the pushing stage, I shiiit all over the table.

SoxFan777 · June 2011

I am hoping for a med-free birth, and I'm finding some of these suggestions helpful. My doctor is supportive of letting me make the choice, either way I go. Love them!

SarahPLiz · June 2011

isisbluu:
megd06:
SarahPLiz:
isisbluu:

Is there a reason why you dont want an epidural? I am having a repeat c/s so I dont know what labor pain is.. but when considering a vbac with my OB, she said.. "there are no rewards for a vbac, nor are there any for an un-medicated birth". To me, that just sealed the deal that a vbac was not in my future.

Your doctor was wrong. There are always intrinsic rewards in not putting unecessary chemicals in your or your baby's body. Its not a glory contest by any means, but there are definite long term, medically proven rewards to not having medication during labor.

agreed. I went meds-free with DS, and while labor isn't a contest, I felt so great afterwards that I was able to do it naturally. Being able to get up and shower/pee on my own an hour after labor, and not having a catheter was just the icing on the cake

I was just wondering..both my OB and my Peri said the same thing. I would not consider it "wrong" per se, but just a difference of opinion.. I find (and know) a lot of women who want to go med-free, but 90% of them always end up with an epidural. Like I mentioned before, I had a previous c-section with NO complications and really considered a vbac. I was being convinced by everyone to try and have a vbac.. my OB was on board for me to try it as well, but after a lengthy conversation, I believe she is right, if I managed a vbac, there is no special prize awaiting me... and with my history (previous induction for 22 hours on pitocin and never dilated) why not just go in and have the surgery, after all, it doesn't matter HOW the baby gets delivered, just as long as it is safe for baby and mom...To me, its just not worth it to go through labor... labor for HOURS only to end up in the OR.. I applaud folks who want a med-free, birth, I just don't see the big hoop-lah about it, especially when it has been proven that in some cases, having an epidural actually helps mom relax enough to dilate to the full 10cm...and being in pain is unnecessary..

I think where we differ is our definition of safe. I don't want excess drugs in my baby. To me, that is unsafe. The drugs in the epidural DO cross over to the baby. I've read lots on this subject and *I* am convinced that it is a healthier choice for the mother and the baby to have an unmedicated birth. Your doctors will tell you its safe because they think it is, but its not their baby. They also have a different definition of safe than I do, and they want to instill confidence in medicine as a whole. They like to feel needed.

I think going through 24+ hours of pain is fine, if in the end I get an alert, healthy baby. Its what my body was designed to do. I have previously forced my body to do things it WASN'T designed to do, like run a marathon, with far less reward.

Arlysellers · June 2011

I was reading all your posts... I gotta say ladies you guys have kind been a little mean to boots25. I think she was just hoping for some friendly pointers. You all jumped down her back for asking questions. Lets play nice girls.

SarahPLiz · June 2011

Arlysellers:
I was reading all your posts... I gotta say ladies you guys have kind been a little mean to boots25. I think she was just hoping for some friendly pointers. You all jumped down her back for asking questions. Lets play nice girls.

Really? No one was mean to her. SHe asked a question and we gave answers and then SHE said she didn't like our answers and wanted different ones, but didn't come back to clarify. People were TRYING to be helpful. Its not our fault she didn't really want our help.

Please stop trying to mother us and tell us how to act. That gets really old really fast. If OP had an issue with us, she could tell us herself.

catahoulatte · June 2011

Arlysellers:
I was reading all your posts... I gotta say ladies you guys have kind been a little mean to boots25. I think she was just hoping for some friendly pointers. You all jumped down her back for asking questions. Lets play nice girls.

????????????????????

megd06 · June 2011

Arlysellers:

I was reading all your posts... I gotta say ladies you guys have kind been a little mean to boots25. I think she was just hoping for some friendly pointers. You all jumped down her back for asking questions. Lets play nice girls.

I agree with 'Houla: ?????????????

And btw--who are you?? I don't think i even recognize you.

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