Not sure about going epi free...

Bugg22 · September 2012

I have had epidurals with my first 2. With my son I had only labored for about 2 hours after my waters broke spontaeously and was at 5cm by the time I got it.

With my daughter (#2) I had labored only for about 2 1/2 hours before I got the epi and was at a 7 at this point.

I tend to have quick text book labors. I am not sure if I want to get the epi again for our 3rd and final baby. I want to experience the stories I read on this board but I am scared I will just revert back to getting an epi since that is what I know. So here is my plan.... if I hold out and labor at home long enough I will not have enough time to get the epi. I think I am stubborn enough to do this as long as I am not hitting transition (which I was definitely into during #2, before the epi).

Am I crazy for thinking I can "trick" myself into going natural?

dani2480 · September 2012

I think laboring at home could definitely help. But it should not be the only thing you do. You should look into other pain management techniques to help prepare you and give you something else for pain management besides drugs. I'd recommend something like Hypnobabies, which will also help you work through any fears or blocks you have that could get in the way.

You could also consider hiring a doula to help you with pain management, motivation, and reminding you of your desires on the day of.

And then, I'd suggest really educating yourself on your choice so it's not just a "I think I'd like to give it a try" kind of thing, but also a "I know this is the right choice for me and my baby based on the scientific evidence". It will help you feel more confident about your decision, and more likely to stick to it.

143BabyCakes · September 2012

I am an FTM but this is my opinion since I plan to go med free and labor mostly at home. If this is something you really want to do, make it known to whoever is taking you to the hospital, that if you ever ask to go so you can get an epidural to not drive you there for just that reason, or some other "trick"

However, as long as you have open communication and a good support group, whatever you feel is best for you and baby is the way to go.

sschwege · September 2012

dani2480:
I think laboring at home could definitely help. But it should not be the only thing you do. You should look into other pain management techniques to help prepare you and give you something else for pain management besides drugs. I'd recommend something like Hypnobabies, which will also help you work through any fears or blocks you have that could get in the way.
You could also consider hiring a doula to help you with pain management, motivation, and reminding you of your desires on the day of.
And then, I'd suggest really educating yourself on your choice so it's not just a "I think I'd like to give it a try" kind of thing, but also a "I know this is the right choice for me and my baby based on the scientific evidence". It will help you feel more confident about your decision, and more likely to stick to it.

This!

You have to consider that while everyone can 'make it through,' you want to make it as positive an experience for you as possible. Think of the classes and/or preparation as your investment in that.

BeachBabe22 · September 2012

Of course you can go epi free! I was determined to have a natural labor and delivery and although I was upset about needing pitocin I was able to do it without an epidural. If you research it and are determined enough to go natural then you can. Best of luck!

staci183 · September 2012

your labors seem a lot like mine. I am about to have my fourth and the three previous have been pretty quick and i went natural for 2 of the 3. I was considering an epi for all three but i would hold out too long to get one, which i am so glad i did!! If i were you, i would read up on some techniques that may help you hold out. maybe breathing, different positions, being in a bath tub, even some visualization techniques may help......(I am trying hynobirthing this time around to hopefully make it easier on myself) Also i think at 7 cm's, your in transition and coming down the home stretch. In my experience i delivered about 1 hour after being at 7 cms. I also labored at home for as long as my husband would let me! The earliest i got to the hospital was at 6 cms.

The thing that helps me hold out and not get the epi is the feeling i get after the delivery. I feel so good after pushing the baby out! Its like that 'after a really intense workout" high. I feel amazing after delivering natural and i felt like crap the time i had the epi.

good luck and stay strong. Believe in yourself and your body!!!

nosoup4u · September 2012

I really think doing prenatal yoga helped me deal with labor and birth - the breathing and positions, and even the vocalization involved all came in handy.

My mom always says that when you are about to give up during labor, that's when it's time to push (i.e. transition). It's worth a shot, but I would make sure you have some coping methods decided beforehand to get through labor.

Good luck!

Sawyerplus1 · September 2012

dani2480:
And then, I'd suggest really educating yourself on your choice so it's not just a "I think I'd like to give it a try" kind of thing, but also a "I know this is the right choice for me and my baby based on the scientific evidence". It will help you feel more confident about your decision, and more likely to stick to it.

This! People that want to "just give it a try" almost always end up with an epi. I really believe you have to really want it, and for the right reasons. Do your research and read lots of inspirational birth stories. Stay positive about your own abilities. And maybe consider a doula.

mjr12 · September 2012

dani2480:
I think laboring at home could definitely help. But it should not be the only thing you do. You should look into other pain management techniques to help prepare you and give you something else for pain management besides drugs. I'd recommend something like Hypnobabies, which will also help you work through any fears or blocks you have that could get in the way.
You could also consider hiring a doula to help you with pain management, motivation, and reminding you of your desires on the day of.
And then, I'd suggest really educating yourself on your choice so it's not just a "I think I'd like to give it a try" kind of thing, but also a "I know this is the right choice for me and my baby based on the scientific evidence". It will help you feel more confident about your decision, and more likely to stick to it.

This! I completely agree with this. I'm a Hypnobabies mom, with an unmedicated birth and it was wonderful. You have to prepare . . . otherwise, in our culture it's too easy to just say "give me the epidural".

Educate and prepare yourself, and it will make your decision much more concrete!

vsackett1 · September 2012

Sawyerplus1:
dani2480:
And then, I'd suggest really educating yourself on your choice so it's not just a "I think I'd like to give it a try" kind of thing, but also a "I know this is the right choice for me and my baby based on the scientific evidence". It will help you feel more confident about your decision, and more likely to stick to it.
This! People that want to "just give it a try" almost always end up with an epi. I really believe you have to really want it, and for the right reasons. Do your research and read lots of inspirational birth stories. Stay positive about your own abilities. And maybe consider a doula.

Couldn't agree more with all of this!

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