Epidural or not ?

sana2703 · June 2012

Ok... so i just had a talk with my friend who is a mom to an almost 2 year and she described her delivery story to me ! She did not have it easy. It scared me. She took an epidural and said it was pain free'ish'. Even my sister took it for the first one and did not for the second. She still has random faint back aches due to the epidural even after 2 years.

Ok so #1 I hate the idea of a needle attached to my back and #2 I hate the idea of a drugged pregnancy....But I am not sure how much the pain will be and how I will take it. This whole thing is going to my head the wrong way. I want a natural birth but I guess its too early to start thinking and freaking about it.

Anyone with their drug or drug free stories that might help ??

jessicaskyy · June 2012

Pain is perceived differently by everyone. It's a decision you'll have to make when the time comes. I've been down both paths, and I'm choosing an epidural this time because I have a low pain tolerance.

rnbeth477 · June 2012

I had an epidural with DS and I had a very positive experience with it. I'm hoping #2 goes just as great!

nomaderica22 · June 2012

I am trying to decide the same thing.... I used to think I would never do it without meds and still have no problem with the epidural but thought after reading some things maybe I should try it naturally. In the end I have decided that I will just have to decide when the time comes and I'm in the moment.

Cooper81 · June 2012

sana2703:
Ok... so i just had a talk with my friend who is a mom to an almost 2 year and she described her delivery story to me ! She did not have it easy. It scared me. She took an epidural and said it was pain free'ish'. Even my sister took it for the first one and did not for the second. She still has random faint back aches due to the epidural even after 2 years.

Ok so #1 I hate the idea of a needle attached to my back and #2 I hate the idea of a drugged pregnancy....But I am not sure how much the pain will be and how I will take it. This whole thing is going to my head the wrong way. I want a natural birth but I guess its too early to start thinking and freaking about it.

Anyone with their drug or drug free stories that might help ??

A few things first, the needle is used to actually place a catheter into the area surrounding your spinal cord and then removed, so there isn't a "needle attached to your back" it's only in there for a few seconds and then a catheter is taped to your back. Also you don't have a "drugged pregnancy" this is only used during labor and most hospitals will only administer one during certain parts of labor. I've heard different hospitals have different policies, some will only administer one once you are 3 or more cm's and then will not give one once you are past 8 cm (because it most likely wont have time to take effect before delivering). I have seen that the liklihood of having issues related to an epi are very rare, but with any medical procedure they do exist. Also research has shown that epi's can slow or stall labor (and personally I believe that my epi slowed labor and was one of the many factors that lead to my c/s with DS), so that is another factor to weigh in your decison. My personal opinion, and the way I will go into labor is, I would ultimately like to try and delivery w/o an epi, but I am not totally against it if the pain gets too intense or if labor is long and I need it to get some rest so that I have energy to push. Do some research on what an epi actually is, the actual risks, and what your hospitals policy is and then make your decision. Many hospitals also have other options for pain managment during labor, so research that as well.

Winnychan · June 2012

Epidural? Hells yeah.

In fact, make it a double!

- Whitney, who is a shameless wuss

orgnlmama · June 2012

With DD I went in with the attitude that I would take the epidural if I needed it. I wasn't going to say I definitely was going to have one because I didn't know if I would need it. I labored for 21 hours before before I took the epidural. My DD was stuck on my cervix preventing me from dilating past 4cm. I took the epidural, relaxed, took a nap. And dilated 6 cm and delivered my daughter in less than 3 hours! This time I will go in with same attitude. I will take the epidural if I need it.

danienross · June 2012

I had an epidural with my first delivery even though I did not want one. In the moment in was necessary. I was not tolerating the pitocin well (although baby was fine). It is what it is. My whole birth experience was not what I wanted for many reasons.

This time I'm planning a home birth so an epidural isn't an option unless I transfer. I'm at peace with my decision and am looking forward to delivering in an environment I'm more comfortable with. I'm honestly glad it won't be an option, of course pitocin isn't either lol.

Don't Hassle the Hoff · June 2012

Ali&Luke:
I have delivered all 3 of my kids med-free and plan on doing it again this time. I actually look forward to L&D and feel most in control of my body during this process.

I can only hope this is my experience.

beege17 · June 2012

I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but there is no way in heck that I will give birth without an epidural. Im a FTM also, and I dont know that Im willing to give a natural birth..........ever. unless of course there is some sort of complication where I cant have it. but nevertheless, its a must for me!

orgnlmama · June 2012

beege17:
I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but there is no way in heck that I will give birth without an epidural. Im a FTM also, and I dont know that Im willing to give a natural birth..........ever. unless of course there is some sort of complication where I cant have it. but nevertheless, its a must for me!

This is like taking tylenol because you might get a headache. Why would you go in saying you are going to take medicine that you might not need? I am all for necessary medical intervention but just hate the idea of deciding I need a pain Med before the experience.

nickschick! · June 2012

My experience with an epidural with DS was positive. I had awful back labor- was dilated only to 3.5 and was getting so worn out. I didn't start pushing for 5 more hours (I know it might have gone faster or slower without an epidural), and I was so happy to have it. I took a nap and got rest I needed for 2 hours of pushing!

IAM3Bs · June 2012

I'm not opposed to them. My plan is to hang on as long as I can, and then get it if I need it. No need to be a hero.

Mrs.RockyM · June 2012

I'm a baby when it comes to pain and while it wasn't the most fun experience getting the epideral, once it kicked in I was so glad I had gotten it!

salesmom · June 2012

orgnlmama:
beege17:
I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but there is no way in heck that I will give birth without an epidural. Im a FTM also, and I dont know that Im willing to give a natural birth..........ever. unless of course there is some sort of complication where I cant have it. but nevertheless, its a must for me!
This is like taking tylenol because you might get a headache. Why would you go in saying you are going to take medicine that you might not need? I am all for necessary medical intervention but just hate the idea of deciding I need a pain Med before the experience.

Funny you say that as I actually take Tylenol if I think I might get a headache. Before pregnancy if I went out on for a big day at six flags or something I'd always take one just to keep one for coming on as I felt it always happened.

I had an epidural when I was 4 cm dialated and it really helped me relax and get some sleep before I pushed. In turn I was well rested to enjoy the baby and visitors I had. I'll def be doing it again! No labor is pain free so I figured why be in pain when you don't have to be?

mmeans1224 · June 2012

I am very open to an epi. I've talked to several people who work in L&D and I heard answers I was not expecting. I thought most would be completely pro med free deliveries but a lot of them actually think a woman should get an epi! Reason is labor causes a lot less stress on the mother's body with an epi and actually a lot less stress on the baby. They also said that a baby doesn't come out all drugged up when the mother does use an epi. I am just glad to hear both sides and it makes me feel much better in the case that I feel I do need an epidural. Smile

BabyLouWho · June 2012

I used one with my last delivery. It gave me an opportunity to get some rest and I do appreciate that I used it.

This time around I am going to be trying some relaxation techniques in hopes that I can last longer before getting an epi (I haven't ruled an epi out, just hoping that I can have more opportunities to walk, use the birthing ball, shower etc) before being stuck in a bed. If I can make the entire journey without one, that would be cool.

blp0118 · June 2012

Ali&Luke:
I have delivered all 3 of my kids med-free and plan on doing it again this time. I actually look forward to L&D and feel most in control of my body during this process.

You want to share some advice from a pro?? -- I've never heard anyone say they are "looking forward to L&D" --- Any little tid-bits are appreciated!

Dana327 · June 2012

I am the biggest baby ever when it comes to pain but I will try my best not to get an epidural. I will do this by not going to the hospital at the first signs of contractions as well as trying to use other methods like showrs/massages/meditation. I have friends and family that have had epis and to this day they say they have some aches in the spot where they got it done.

irish city girl · June 2012

In my childbirth class they seemed to push going natural. My mom delivered my sister and I without drugs and said she didn't regret it. So I went into labor knowing I would probably want drugs, but told DH that I wanted to hold out as long as I could before getting them.

I was in labor for probably close to 8-9 hours before I got the epidural. I can tell you that it was the best decision I made and not a big deal at all. I hate needles, but I didn't even feel them insert it. Getting the IV was MUCH worse than the epidural. I think the best thing anyone can do is to go into labor with an open mind. You don't know what is going to be thrown at you or how your body is going to respond (I was having contractions pretty much on top of each other and only got the epidural when they told me they were administering pitocin).

I can say that I would NOT recommend using IV drugs. I knew I didn't want to do that before labor, but the nurse made it sound like I had to try them before the epidural. I did and I felt groggy the rest of the time. Not good.

CariannelovesTim · June 2012

I had Nubaine sp with DS I hated it. I think I was given too much cause I felt loopy and out of it afterward. With DD I went med-free which I hope to do again.

winminpin08 · June 2012

I am definitely getting an epidural this time as well. Last time I held out until after they broke my water but this time I'm getting it as soon as I am admitted! It allowed me to get some sleep and I had no issues feeling drugged up or with pushing. I was also very happy I had gone with the epi when the doc was stitching me up down there!

tiffmatt · June 2012

I am planning on no epidural. Meds can increase the likelihood of intervention ranging from forcepts, to c-section and everything in between. I am hiring a doula to help coach me through labor to make it easier though.

Eveanyn · June 2012

I am personally going med-free for my birth unless there's a medical emergency. It's my choice to not do the epidural, and I think everyone has the right to make their own judgment-free decision based on their pain threshold, medical history, etc.

Rachelilly23 · June 2012

My water broke 3 days before my EDD with DS and I didn't go into labor on my own, so I had to start pitocin. I made it 9 hours before I begged for the epi since my back labor was so awful. I was 3-4 cm. Had it not been for that, I THINK I could have held out longer or even gone med free, but it's hard to say. My epi did wear off though, so I do know what the pain felt like and honestly, I don't remember any pain other than in my back, which was the worst pain of my life.

I was in active labor for 22 hours, including almost 3 hours of pushing before DS was born, so most likely I would have caved if the back labor wasn't bad. This time, I'm in much better shape. I started off 32 lbs lighter this pregnancy than I did with DS, so I feel like I might handle labor more smoothly. Each L&D experience is different though and I'm just going into it with an open mind. I'll get the epi if I need it, but I'll try to hold out again.

orgnlmama · June 2012

salesmom:
orgnlmama:
beege17:
I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but there is no way in heck that I will give birth without an epidural. Im a FTM also, and I dont know that Im willing to give a natural birth..........ever. unless of course there is some sort of complication where I cant have it. but nevertheless, its a must for me!
This is like taking tylenol because you might get a headache. Why would you go in saying you are going to take medicine that you might not need? I am all for necessary medical intervention but just hate the idea of deciding I need a pain Med before the experience.

Funny you say that as I actually take Tylenol if I think I might get a headache. Before pregnancy if I went out on for a big day at six flags or something I'd always take one just to keep one for coming on as I felt it always happened.

I had an epidural when I was 4 cm dialated and it really helped me relax and get some sleep before I pushed. In turn I was well rested to enjoy the baby and visitors I had. I'll def be doing it again! No labor is pain free so I figured why be in pain when you don't have to be?

Lol, OK then. You have experienced labor though and know what to anticipate. I took the epidural too,but still want to go in with an opened mind.

Mrs.G123 · June 2012

I was induced with DD and had an epidural, and no complications. I will only be induced for going over with this LO but will def. get an epi.

jillybean800 · June 2012

I had a very positive experience with my epidural. I was in pain while they were waiting to admit me, and I was less than 2 cms. As soon as I got admitted (they had to see if my water really did break--it did!) I got my epidural. The epidural was not pleasant, but compared to the pain I was feeling, it was nothing. The guy was so nice and talked to me the whole time. When he was done, I felt almost immediate relief (10 mins maybe?). I never pushed the button for more, so I could still move my legs, I just couldn't feel the pain. An hour after I got the epi, I was 6 cms! It relaxed me so much, that I just opened up, which they said happens to some people! We had such a peaceful, relaxed transition and pushing. I was talking and aware of everything, so it was not "drugged" or anything. All in all, it was a really great experience.

That being said, here's what I think helped it be a good experience:

-I wasn't induced, I went into labor naturally and my water broke, so I think things were more relaxed because I didn't have pitocin-strength contractions at first.

-I did not have a "birth plan"-I wanted an epi, they gave it to me as soon as I was admitted, so I didn't have to go back and forth, or feel guilty that I got it.

-I went fast, so I didn't have to keep pushing the button and getting more and more epi. That way, I could feel when I had to push, which helped.

-ETA: Oh yeah, and I would refuse any other drug besides an epi. Those WILL make you feel drugged. Nubain? Am I getting that name right? That's not a good choice, IMHO.

AadensMommy2010 · June 2012

My advice is to go in with an open-mind about it, just as some of the other ladies have suggested. Don't have such a strict birth plan in mind that you have a hard time deviating for it. It's great if you want to go for a natural birth but don't beat yourself up if you end up wanting/needing/getting an epidural or other pain meds to help you through labor.

I had every intention of getting an epidural during labor if I needed one. And after 18 hours of labor I finally got one. It was glorious. I was finally able to relax for a little while. If my labor hadn't been so long I may have been able to go without it but I wasn't trying to be a hero by any means. I plan on getting another epidural if I feel I need one.

And FTR - the baby does not come out "drugged" by any means.

ETA: My epidural was shut off about 2 hours before I started pushing so by the time I had to push I could feel the pressure of the contractions which helped me push, I think.

And I agree with JillyBean - the other drugs were crap, IMO. I had fentanyl. It did nothing for the pain and just made me feel drowsy but I couldn't sleep because I was still having intense contractions. I don't really plan on getting it again. But it may work better for others than it did for me.

Ziegeficker · June 2012

It's never too early to start preparing for a natural birth if that's what you want. To overcome the perception of pain and childbirth that we have seen in our culture and been told about our entire lives takes time and effort. My husband and I know that anything can happen and that we should remain flexible, but our goal at this point is to labor and birth without drugs. I know I can do it -- it's what our bodies were meant to do -- but it has taken positive affirmations, enveloping myself in positive birth stories, and daily practice with my breathing/meditation or yoga to get to this point. I really have to make an effort to block out all of the negative stories people want to tell me because it only contributes to me being afraid and doubtful of my abilities.

Fear of the pain of childbirth alone will increase your perception of pain and increase the difficulty and length of your labor. So if you concentrate on just staying positive, confident, and learning breathing and coping techniques for managing pain, you are already in a good place. Also, I recommend hiring a doula and reading a lot of natural birth literature to help you mentally switch gears from being afraid of the pain -- Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Birthing from Within, and Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method are all great books to start. The Natural Childbirth board here is also a great place to find support. You can do it if you want to -- Don't let fear stand in your way!

beege17 · June 2012

salesmom:

orgnlmama:
beege17:
I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but there is no way in heck that I will give birth without an epidural. Im a FTM also, and I dont know that Im willing to give a natural birth..........ever. unless of course there is some sort of complication where I cant have it. but nevertheless, its a must for me!
This is like taking tylenol because you might get a headache. Why would you go in saying you are going to take medicine that you might not need? I am all for necessary medical intervention but just hate the idea of deciding I need a pain Med before the experience.

Funny you say that as I actually take Tylenol if I think I might get a headache. Before pregnancy if I went out on for a big day at six flags or something I'd always take one just to keep one for coming on as I felt it always happened.

I had an epidural when I was 4 cm dialated and it really helped me relax and get some sleep before I pushed. In turn I was well rested to enjoy the baby and visitors I had. I'll def be doing it again! No labor is pain free so I figured why be in pain when you don't have to be?

This is exactly where I was going with that too, I want Labor to be a pleasant experience for me, and yea I might be able to do it with out the epidural, but I would rather be relaxed and enjoy being able to see my baby soon, I dont want to have to go through all the pain if I dont have to

candaceleigh21 · June 2012

I would get one right now if my OB would give it!!

AadensMommy2010 · June 2012

candaceleigh21:
I would get one right now if my OB would give it!!

LMAO!

KorieAngela · June 2012

I don't have any experience yet but I am planning an all natural birth. No drugs. Set your mind to it and do your research. I have found that a lot of women who haven't researched natural birth or found ways to cope with the pain during labor have caved to getting an epidural. It's all about what you know and how you can handle it. Unless it is medically necessary for me to get an epidural, I will not get one.

Clarissad23 · June 2012

I've had an epidural with my first and had no problem. The only issue I really had was that I waited too long to ask for it, the baby was already pushing as I was getting the epidural so it only worked on half my body by the time she was here (my pushing only lasted 10 minutes). I would like to go natural this time, but just have to wait and see when the moment comes.

Starry Again · June 2012

I am getting one but my goal is to make it to 5cm, which lowers your c-section risk. I took the med free birth classes and I feel confident I could do a med free birth if I had to but for me I just don't really see a compelling reason why I would. My own mother did all med free births though so I certainly am fine with others choosing that route.

BananaBlitz · June 2012

I was induced with an unfavorable cervix (thanks, GD) and got an epidural - it was amazing. They ordered it when I was 3cm.

I had a c-section, but it had nothing to do with the epidural.

queenie521 · June 2012

I took Bradley classes when I was pregnant with #1. I deliver both of my boys naturally and they were 9lbs 14oz for Ds1 and 9lbs 4oz for DS2. This baby looks to be just as big as my previous and I plan on going med free again. I personally feel that knowing the process of childbirth is an important fact of getting through it. The worst part is the transition period, but by then most hospitals will not give you meds anyway. I do have a high tolerance for pain (obviously) but I really have no desire to do it any other way.

navyandviolet · June 2012

My BFF has had three babies all med free. She loves all her labor experiences. I've had two babies with epi. I love both my labor experiences and plan to do the same this time around. That said I wait as long a possible to first go into the hospital, and second to get an epi because moving around relaxes me. And the epi slows my labor some. I was 5 cm with DD and 7 cm with DS when I had the epi. With DD I could feel pressure and when I pushed, she was out in three contractions (about ten minutes). With DS I was able to move my legs and feel some pain and mostly pressure when pushing and he was out with one contraction (3 pushes). I'd say it was successful.

mel6304 · June 2012

I am not against an epi, but there are other med options as well. I wanted to go med-free with DS, but ended up getting a shot of Nubain. For about two hours it helped take the edge off my contractions so I could rest a little (I went into labor around 7 pm and didn't sleep that whole night, so by the time DS was born at 4:25pm I was exhausted). Even though I ended up using something, I wasn't completely drugged up, and I was still free to move around the room and labor in many positions (tub, bed, etc.) No catheter or weird side effects, although for Nubain specifically I think I am in the minority. I have heard of lots of women reacting badly to it, but there are similar drugs you can try as well. Just shedding some light that epi or not are not your only two options.

mom2be0912 · June 2012

I didn't read any comments but fear from other peoples' stories plays a big role into what kind of pain you expect to be in (if that makes sense..). IMO, I highly recommend reading "Ina Mays' Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin. It has insanely good information and advice and really empowers and educates you about drugs ie epidurals and ways that you can ease the pains of child birth and still be drug free. After reading it, I feel like it should be a requirement for every pg woman to read! Although clearly everyone can take or leave what advice they want.

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