XP from GPM on TN: Epidural

Rrrrrachel · August 2013

I am REALLY sorry if my comment came across as only uneducated women get epis. That's not at all what I meant or think. People who are very educated choose to get epis all the time and there's nothing wrong with that. I don't think one (with or without) is objectively better than the other.

My only point was if you want to avoid an Epi you need to prepare. Don't go into it without takin some classes or reading some books that are geared towards unmedicated birth specifically and just hope you can tough it out, because you will really be undermining yourself.

Maybe ksulli's comment ha nothing to do with me, but I wanted I clarify just in case it did.

Stasi · August 2013

I did not have one with DD. I managed the pain just fine.

I'm TOTALLY open to getting one this time around if my pain gets intense enough to affect my ability to labor.

katieharpiceland · August 2013

Nope. I'm 1000 times more scared of foley catheters than child birth. I was basically tortured with one by an emergency room doc who thought I was faking. He cathed me 3 separate times before doing any other tests. I had a rupturing endometrioma and had to be rushed in to surgery. He thought I was drug seeking. Worst experience ever!

Stasi · August 2013

Question: How do you know if an epidural fails or if it's just not working strong enough (so you are feeling some pain, but maybe not as intense if you had no epi?). Or is it an all or nothing kind of deal?

Stasi · August 2013

kbuckleyharp said:

Nope. I'm 1000 times more scared of foley catheters than child birth. I was basically tortured with one by an emergency room doc who thought I was faking. He cathed me 3 separate times before doing any other tests. I had a rupturing endometrioma and had to be rushed in to surgery. He thought I was drug seeking. Worst experience ever!

This is one of the reasons I'm considering getting an epi. I was bleeding too much after delivery, so after giving birth with no pain meds, I was straight cathed also with no pain meds...it was about on par with when DD crowned.
@kbuckleyharp

Edit: wording fail

MapleLeafMama · August 2013

I had one with DS. It was great for about 10 minutes until I could feel everything above my pubic bone on the right side. So, it only 1/2 worked.

I'll probably try again with #2. But, if it doesn't happen, I'm ok with that.

katieharpiceland · August 2013

@Stasi wow! Crap. May have to reconsider. I've got awhile to think though.i think epi's are super rare here. I've actually never heard of a friend here having one. Hmmmmm...

Stasi · August 2013

kbuckleyharp said:

@Stasi wow! Crap. May have to reconsider. I've got awhile to think though.i think epi's are super rare here. I've actually never heard of a friend here having one. Hmmmmm...

The reason I had trouble with the bleeding is because I'm a redhead which apparently puts me at an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhaging. I wish I would have known this going in, so that's why I'm considering the epi. They offered to straight line some kind of powerful narcotic into my IV, but I resisted because I'm sensitive to drugs (aka they make me puke).

You will probably be just fine

Tambcat · August 2013

With the catheter, the good thing is you can't feel it them doing it because you are already all epiduralized up. And, if you get the narcotics, you don't care about the whole needle in the spinal column thing either because you are already loopy. They had to do my epidural twice because there was blood in the line or something the first time. It really freaked H out, but I was like "Whatever! Hey, these barf bags look like giant condoms! hahaha."

I wanted a natural childbirth too, but it turned out I wanted a painless childbirth more.

katieharpiceland · August 2013

@Stasi ok. I'm still thinking natural, but, I haven't even had my first appointment yet. Most people here just use nitrous oxide.

Stasi · August 2013

kbuckleyharp said:

@Stasi ok. I'm still thinking natural, but, I haven't even had my first appointment yet. Most people here just use nitrous oxide.

Sure! Whatever you choose will be just fine. A happy, healthy baby and mom are the only things that matter

katieharpiceland · August 2013

@Stasi :-D love that I still have loads of time to think and consider :-D

Tomsbabyboo · August 2013

My attitude with my first was that I was open to having one if I needed it and I did (I had terrible back labour). I have the same thoughts this time around and will likely get one.

rlmanning · August 2013

I will be backing into the Hospital ready for the Epi!

I was so terrified of getting the Epi with my first, but it really wasnt bad. I was able to enjoy the rest of my labor and was not in bad pain. I felt pain, but not bad pain. It didnt slow down my labor at all either. If anything it sped it up. I am one of the lucky ones

pdilly2b · August 2013

Nattielynn said:
I didn't get one the first time and don't plan on it this time. The thought of a catheter, being stuck to the bed and having something in my spine terrifies me!

This for me too. I also cannot stand the idea of laying on my back pushing against gravity while sitting on my tailbone. Though I wouldn't have made it the first time w/o the jacuzzi tub at the hospital. Water is a godsend for pain relief.

1st labor was 36 hrs. Hope the second time is shorter!

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