STM and pain med free birth

Re: STM and pain med free birth

• hilwithonelary member

  November 2012

  I haven't had back labor, but I did have pitocin with my first but not my second. That alone made a world of difference. I ended up with an epi the first time because I couldn't cope. I was out of my mind with pain. I never got even close to that level of pain the second time.

  Hilary
  
  
  
  

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• danienross member

  November 2012

  I was induced with my first and had horrible back labor.  I did not end up having a pain med free birth.

  The second time I felt the contractions in both my abdomen and my back (kind of like a belt squeezing me).  It was intense because it ended up being a very quick labor (unexpected after my 15hr induction the first time) but I definitely felt it was much more manageable.  I did say I couldn't do it during transition and pushing but I never wished for pain meds or to be in the hospital (I delivered at home).
  

  
  
  Currently going through our second deployment. Can't wait for Zoe to meet her daddy!
  
  

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• barnwife member

  November 2012

  With both LOs, I have abdominal labor at first. Then, it switches to back labor. Hands down, the contractions I feel only in my abdomen have been much easier to handle. (When in labor with A., I put J. down for a nap. I was handling contractions just fine on my own. A short while later, I started back labor. And instantly, the contractions were horrendous, and I needed DH for counterpressure. That being said, with DH's counterpressure, it was completely manageable. And yes, it was a med-free birth.)

  
  

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• abell77 member

  November 2012

  I had back labor with my first, not with my second.  My second birth was light years easier!  The contractions were far easier to manage, I only pushed six times vs. over two hours!  

  

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• dosafyre

  November 2012

  I had back labor the first time and only a little of that the second time. For me, the second was much faster (3hrs versus 17hrs) and went straight into active labor, so it was harder in that sense...but I was much more ready to deal with what was coming, so I stayed more relaxed. It was much easier to achieve that med free birth the second time even with a longer, more intense transition.  

  

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• jo4janet member

  November 2012

  Thanks so much for all of your input. I am so surprised to hear so many stories of back labor. When I read Ina May's guide to childbirth after I had LO#1, she stated that 25% of women who give birth have back labor. It did not seem like that large of a percentage to me. I feel like I will be able to mentally handle it either way, and have gained more confidence with your encouraging posts.
  

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