I'm still weighing the pros and cons, but ultimately I want to wait and see what this labor is like for me. We can all hear every other woman's labor story but it doesn't mean anything because each time is different. I've never done this so if I can handle it, great, if not, that's what drugs are for. The only thing I'm dead set against is pitocin unless it is absolutely 100% medically necessary. Like many of you, I also plan to labor at home for a while to give things a chance to stretch out naturally, but MIL was telling me that all three of her deliveries were so fast that she barely made it to the hospital, so again, I have no idea what's going to happen. All I know is that I'm dreading giving birth in Maryland but it's tough to walk away from the convenience of having the hospital less than five miles away.
what makes you feel this way? anything in particular? you're making me nervous, like there's something i should know :-S
Met: September 2005Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
I used to live in fear of labor and pushing a person outside of my body. Currently I'm not as scared as I used to be but I do plan on getting an epidural. I am extremely ticklish on my legs and feet and sometimes cannot control myself from kicking whoever touches me so I think the epidural will be beneficial for all involved in the process.
I read everyones labor stories and always feel like the pushing part is glossed over. I feel like that would be the worst part as there's a giant head coming out of your vagina but it seems like the stories always linger on the contraction part leading up the pushing and then it's like." And then 10 minutes later he was out! " Should I not be fearing the pushing as much as I have been? So many questions
I'm still weighing the pros and cons, but ultimately I want to wait and see what this labor is like for me. We can all hear every other woman's labor story but it doesn't mean anything because each time is different. I've never done this so if I can handle it, great, if not, that's what drugs are for. The only thing I'm dead set against is pitocin unless it is absolutely 100% medically necessary. Like many of you, I also plan to labor at home for a while to give things a chance to stretch out naturally, but MIL was telling me that all three of her deliveries were so fast that she barely made it to the hospital, so again, I have no idea what's going to happen. All I know is that I'm dreading giving birth in Maryland but it's tough to walk away from the convenience of having the hospital less than five miles away.
what makes you feel this way? anything in particular? you're making me nervous, like there's something i should know :-S
It's mostly the fact that I live in Prince George's County and everything here is sketchy as hell and looks really dirty. I'm hoping it's just a preconceived notion and the hospital exceeds my expectations (the OB I've been seeing is delivering in the same place I am, so that's something). I think anywhere else in MD wouldn't be nearly as scary. The reviews I've read of Southern MD Hospital have been less than encouraging, but there haven't been any reviews for the last couple of years and there's been some turn-over in their administration since then. I just tend to go into things planning for the worst, that way I'm usually pleasantly surprised.
No feelings of general preference for others however - I will ABSOLUTELY be getting an epidural. I had it when I miscarried, had it when I had my daughter and plan to have it this time around to. I just don't want to hurt more than I have to.
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PCOS , incompetent cervix, gestational diabetes, IVF graduate, with one ovary!
1 angel baby due to a 20 week M/C thanks to IC
1 ovary due to a benign tumor that crushed my ovary
About 6 years of pointlessly POAS
Proud mommy of a 2.5 year old girl
Currently pregnant with baby #2 surprise BFP - Team Blue until proven otherwise
FTM here and if all goes according to plan, I will be giving birth at our birthing center. They have tubs if I would like to use one, and I'm not set on it, but I'll do whatever works. They have nitrous oxide available if you would like help during especially hard contractions, but they saw most women do not need it. I am totally open to using it if I do need it.
For me, epidurals scare me mostly because I hate feeling like something is happening to my body that I could have controlled. I absolutely hate the feeling of being on pain medication or muscle relaxers, etc, especially when I don't know how long it will last. Knowing that I could start an epidural and not like the feeling of not feeling anything, and there wouldn't be any way for me to get the drug out of my body is scary to me. I think I just have weird anxieties about feeling out of control of body as a result of taking drugs.
If things aren't progressing and I need to be transferred to a hospital, I am open to that as long as it is best for baby. I've obviously never done this before, so I'm trusting the people around me to give me the best advice possible
FYI, when they remove the epidural, all feeling comes back within minutes. They have to keep pumping the medicine in to keep the numbness going. All they have to do is pull it out if you have one and decide you no longer want it.
... All I know is that I'm dreading giving birth in Maryland but it's tough to walk away from the convenience of having the hospital less than five miles away.
what makes you feel this way? anything in particular? you're making me nervous, like there's something i should know :-S
It's mostly the fact that I live in Prince George's County and everything here is sketchy as hell and looks really dirty. I'm hoping it's just a preconceived notion and the hospital exceeds my expectations (the OB I've been seeing is delivering in the same place I am, so that's something). I think anywhere else in MD wouldn't be nearly as scary. The reviews I've read of Southern MD Hospital have been less than encouraging, but there haven't been any reviews for the last couple of years and there's been some turn-over in their administration since then. I just tend to go into things planning for the worst, that way I'm usually pleasantly surprised.
ah, i gotcha. PG county. yeah, if you're near clinton, and you have to go where your OB has admittance privileges, well, that's what ya got. my husband was born at calvert memorial, and i was born at holy cross, both good hospitals. i am way in the middle of moco, and my hospital is shady grove adventist (however, just for giggles, i am sure i will start labor whilst at work, way downtown between dupont circle and georgetown. laboring on the metro? ohhh yeah, i'm excited)
well good luck and hopefully everything will turn out much better than you are expecting
Met: September 2005Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
ah, i gotcha. PG county. yeah, if you're near clinton, and you have to go where your OB has admittance privileges, well, that's what ya got. my husband was born at calvert memorial, and i was born at holy cross, both good hospitals. i am way in the middle of moco, and my hospital is shady grove adventist (however, just for giggles, i am sure i will start labor whilst at work, way downtown between dupont circle and georgetown. laboring on the metro? ohhh yeah, i'm excited)
well good luck and hopefully everything will turn out much better than you are expecting
This is why with my son I opted to telework the last two weeks or so before he was born. I am going to be a schedule RCS this time but I have this fear that I will go into labor before that date, while on the Metro. That would be a fun way to christen the Silver Line though if it is finally running by the end of the summer.
ETA: Sorry, went off on a random tangent there. It won't happen again. :-)
S14 August Siggy - Drink Porn - Wine and a hottie (Matthew Goode)!
ah, i gotcha. PG county. yeah, if you're near clinton, and you have to go where your OB has admittance privileges, well, that's what ya got. my husband was born at calvert memorial, and i was born at holy cross, both good hospitals. i am way in the middle of moco, and my hospital is shady grove adventist (however, just for giggles, i am sure i will start labor whilst at work, way downtown between dupont circle and georgetown. laboring on the metro? ohhh yeah, i'm excited)
well good luck and hopefully everything will turn out much better than you are expecting
This is why with my son I opted to telework the last two weeks or so before he was born. I am going to be a schedule RCS this time but I have this fear that I will go into labor before that date, while on the Metro. That would be a fun way to christen the Silver Line though if it is finally running by the end of the summer.
ETA: Sorry, went off on a random tangent there. It won't happen again. :-)
Yikes, laboring on the metro. I would definitely try to telecommute during the last couple of weeks. Especially with as often as the Metro is down for maintenance! I'm also happy for you that you're in a much better part of the state than I am. I go through the women's health clinic on the base, so at least I'll still deal with military personnel during delivery, just keeps me on my toes.
@mapchick77, at least the silver line will be cleaner than the other lines if it's up and running. :-)
ah, i gotcha. PG county. yeah, if you're near clinton, and you have to go where your OB has admittance privileges, well, that's what ya got. my husband was born at calvert memorial, and i was born at holy cross, both good hospitals. i am way in the middle of moco, and my hospital is shady grove adventist (however, just for giggles, i am sure i will start labor whilst at work, way downtown between dupont circle and georgetown. laboring on the metro? ohhh yeah, i'm excited)
well good luck and hopefully everything will turn out much better than you are expecting
This is why with my son I opted to telework the last two weeks or so before he was born. I am going to be a schedule RCS this time but I have this fear that I will go into labor before that date, while on the Metro. That would be a fun way to christen the Silver Line though if it is finally running by the end of the summer.
ETA: Sorry, went off on a random tangent there. It won't happen again. :-)
Yikes, laboring on the metro. I would definitely try to telecommute during the last couple of weeks. Especially with as often as the Metro is down for maintenance! I'm also happy for you that you're in a much better part of the state than I am. I go through the women's health clinic on the base, so at least I'll still deal with military personnel during delivery, just keeps me on my toes.
@mapchick77, at least the silver line will be cleaner than the other lines if it's up and running. :-)
Duuuude silver line! One of the new stations is a mile from my house, I'm so excited. Control was handed over to Metro this week, so theoretically it has to open within 90 days. Hooray! But no laboring on metro LOL.
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks Cooking #2 Due 9/18/2014
FTM here and if all goes according to plan, I will be giving birth at our birthing center. They have tubs if I would like to use one, and I'm not set on it, but I'll do whatever works. They have nitrous oxide available if you would like help during especially hard contractions, but they saw most women do not need it. I am totally open to using it if I do need it.
For me, epidurals scare me mostly because I hate feeling like something is happening to my body that I could have controlled. I absolutely hate the feeling of being on pain medication or muscle relaxers, etc, especially when I don't know how long it will last. Knowing that I could start an epidural and not like the feeling of not feeling anything, and there wouldn't be any way for me to get the drug out of my body is scary to me. I think I just have weird anxieties about feeling out of control of body as a result of taking drugs.
If things aren't progressing and I need to be transferred to a hospital, I am open to that as long as it is best for baby. I've obviously never done this before, so I'm trusting the people around me to give me the best advice possible
FYI, when they remove the epidural, all feeling comes back within minutes. They have to keep pumping the medicine in to keep the numbness going. All they have to do is pull it out if you have one and decide you no longer want it.
Mine didn't come back that fast. It took me an hour or two to be able to feel/move my legs. But I had a weaker one to begin with and could feel my contractions the whole time, they just weren't painful.
@wpatx, FWIW, the epidural made me feel more in control, not less, because it dulled my pain enough to let me focus on what I was doing.
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks Cooking #2 Due 9/18/2014
FTM here and if all goes according to plan, I will be giving birth at our birthing center. They have tubs if I would like to use one, and I'm not set on it, but I'll do whatever works. They have nitrous oxide available if you would like help during especially hard contractions, but they saw most women do not need it. I am totally open to using it if I do need it.
For me, epidurals scare me mostly because I hate feeling like something is happening to my body that I could have controlled. I absolutely hate the feeling of being on pain medication or muscle relaxers, etc, especially when I don't know how long it will last. Knowing that I could start an epidural and not like the feeling of not feeling anything, and there wouldn't be any way for me to get the drug out of my body is scary to me. I think I just have weird anxieties about feeling out of control of body as a result of taking drugs.
If things aren't progressing and I need to be transferred to a hospital, I am open to that as long as it is best for baby. I've obviously never done this before, so I'm trusting the people around me to give me the best advice possible
FYI, when they remove the epidural, all feeling comes back within minutes. They have to keep pumping the medicine in to keep the numbness going. All they have to do is pull it out if you have one and decide you no longer want it.
Mine didn't come back that fast. It took me an hour or two to be able to feel/move my legs. But I had a weaker one to begin with and could feel my contractions the whole time, they just weren't painful.
@wpatx, FWIW, the epidural made me feel more in control, not less, because it dulled my pain enough to let me focus on what I was doing.
@LTMama , mine came back pretty fast, but I do think you're right and complete feeling in my legs took a while. I also agree that the epi made me feel more in control. My contractions had gotten to a point that I couldn't handle during transition, and the epi allowed me to still be able to tell when they were coming, but took away the pain.
As a FTM, I plan on getting an epi. Of course every delivery is unique, but my mom labored for well over 24 hours with each child and if my labor is anywhere near that long I know I'll need the epi to not feel too exhausted to push by the end. It gives me comfort to know there are options to keep me going. If I end up needing a C, so be it.
I used to live in fear of labor and pushing a person outside of my body. Currently I'm not as scared as I used to be but I do plan on getting an epidural. I am extremely ticklish on my legs and feet and sometimes cannot control myself from kicking whoever touches me so I think the epidural will be beneficial for all involved in the process.
I read everyones labor stories and always feel like the pushing part is glossed over. I feel like that would be the worst part as there's a giant head coming out of your vagina but it seems like the stories always linger on the contraction part leading up the pushing and then it's like." And then 10 minutes later he was out! " Should I not be fearing the pushing as much as I have been? So many questions
I think everyone's mileage will vary on how effective the epi/ med-free is/ was/ will be. My friends and family have had all kinds of very different experiences, and they are all very different people.
In books I've been reading, "they" say that, esp if your water hasn't broken beforehand, the pressure from the water bag and baby's head has a sort of numbing effect on your perinium / vag as it opens, but sometimes just the pressure of the head alone has that effect, like when you hurt your self and apply pressure at the site for temporary relief. Some people also use counter pressure (such as a warm compress) while baby is making the move down.
I think fear itself is overrated, that we can deal with what we can, but going into situations (in life in general) with fear just makes them harder. I feel like being prepared for any scenario puts my mind at ease so whatever I am faced with I can stayed as relaxed as possible.
I agree completely about fear being overrated but sometimes it's easier said than done , especially for anxious people like me. I feel strangely calm about labor as of right now so hopefully it'll continue that way til the time comes.
I used to live in fear of labor and pushing a person outside of my body. Currently I'm not as scared as I used to be but I do plan on getting an epidural. I am extremely ticklish on my legs and feet and sometimes cannot control myself from kicking whoever touches me so I think the epidural will be beneficial for all involved in the process.
I read everyones labor stories and always feel like the pushing part is glossed over. I feel like that would be the worst part as there's a giant head coming out of your vagina but it seems like the stories always linger on the contraction part leading up the pushing and then it's like." And then 10 minutes later he was out! " Should I not be fearing the pushing as much as I have been? So many questions
I can only speak to my own experience but the pushing part was the good part. When I was allowed to push that is... holding back from pushing while everything in you wants to push is hell. You're tired and the contractions hurt, but being allowed to push actually makes it feel better. Your body WANTS to push.
I have had two med free labors/births and I hope to do the same again. I get anxious with drs and hospitals so the fewer interventions, the better for me. If necessary, I would do what I need to in order to keep baby and myself safe, but I definitely have a preference as far as how I would like to labor.
I think you just have to be flexible. I didn't want pitocin either, but when your water breaks and you aren't dialated at all, you go with what is best for the baby. I wanted to wait for the epi (i knew I wanted one eventually) but the pitocin made the contractions horrible. You just don't know. Nothing wrong with a plan just don't get your heart set with how it is going to happen it is a medical procedure in the end, and it just may not go how you planned.
Mine didn't go as planned but it didn't matter, my water broke, had to be induced, close to a c-section, and he had to be suctioned out.
With DS I went in with the mindset I would ask for meds when I was good and ready. I was induced first by Dr breaking my water then pitocin. They kept increasing it so after 4cm dilation and 5 hrs I got the epidural. I was terrified but since they did it during my horrid contractions I didn't even feel it (the contrax were worse!)
I'm glad I did since I had a 3rd degree tear and required a few layers of stitches that took some time. I was numb for another 6 hrs after birth. I'm once again going in with an open mind.
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
I walked into the hospital back first. I'm horrible when it comes to dealing with pain! Having said that, it's a personal choice, and do what best for you.
FTM here and if all goes according to plan, I will be giving birth at our birthing center. They have tubs if I would like to use one, and I'm not set on it, but I'll do whatever works. They have nitrous oxide available if you would like help during especially hard contractions, but they saw most women do not need it. I am totally open to using it if I do need it.
For me, epidurals scare me mostly because I hate feeling like something is happening to my body that I could have controlled. I absolutely hate the feeling of being on pain medication or muscle relaxers, etc, especially when I don't know how long it will last. Knowing that I could start an epidural and not like the feeling of not feeling anything, and there wouldn't be any way for me to get the drug out of my body is scary to me. I think I just have weird anxieties about feeling out of control of body as a result of taking drugs.
If things aren't progressing and I need to be transferred to a hospital, I am open to that as long as it is best for baby. I've obviously never done this before, so I'm trusting the people around me to give me the best advice possible
FYI, when they remove the epidural, all feeling comes back within minutes. They have to keep pumping the medicine in to keep the numbness going. All they have to do is pull it out if you have one and decide you no longer want it.
I have never heard of that happening for anyone. I definitely didn't happen for me. It took 3 hours
FTM here and if all goes according to plan, I will be giving birth at our birthing center. They have tubs if I would like to use one, and I'm not set on it, but I'll do whatever works. They have nitrous oxide available if you would like help during especially hard contractions, but they saw most women do not need it. I am totally open to using it if I do need it.
For me, epidurals scare me mostly because I hate feeling like something is happening to my body that I could have controlled. I absolutely hate the feeling of being on pain medication or muscle relaxers, etc, especially when I don't know how long it will last. Knowing that I could start an epidural and not like the feeling of not feeling anything, and there wouldn't be any way for me to get the drug out of my body is scary to me. I think I just have weird anxieties about feeling out of control of body as a result of taking drugs.
If things aren't progressing and I need to be transferred to a hospital, I am open to that as long as it is best for baby. I've obviously never done this before, so I'm trusting the people around me to give me the best advice possible
FYI, when they remove the epidural, all feeling comes back within minutes. They have to keep pumping the medicine in to keep the numbness going. All they have to do is pull it out if you have one and decide you no longer want it.
I have never heard of that happening for anyone. I definitely didn't happen for me. It took 3 hours
Cut the rest of my comment. It took 3 for me, 2 for my sister and 6 for my mom.
I was walking around about 2 hrs after they removed the epi. Started getting feeling back very quickly because I started feeling the stitches going in for my 2nd degree tear.
Personally, I am going to try to avoid it at all costs. I have a sensitivity to preservatives, and I am sensitive in general to pain killers. If I have an allergic reaction, I would rather it be in an IV or something that can be flushed easily. I also want to be able to move. I don't know. I have been talking to the midwives about it.
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
I think that if you plan to be "flexible" then that means you will get whatever you decide at that time. I don't think anyone in here is a fucking moron and things that labor isn't going to hurt, but thanks for the tip.
S14 August Siggy Challenge.....ALL OF THE ALCOHOLS
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
I think that if you plan to be "flexible" then that means you will get whatever you decide at that time. I don't think anyone in here is a fucking moron and things that labor isn't going to hurt, but thanks for the tip.
agreed. just because someone goes in flexible... doesn't mean that they're going to get an epi. You can go in prepared for a med free birth (as much as you can prepare by taking classes and shit, b/c who are we kidding nothing can really prepare you for child birth, even prior births b/c each birth is different) while being flexible and still meet your goal of a med free birth.
Can any of you give me any insight as to what a walking epi is?
Also, what are the iv pain meds? Those were listed on my hospital birth plan as an option but they don't sound like something I want
walking epi is a combo of drugs so that your pain is minimized, but you still have some sensation in your legs and are able to walk, but you'll need to be watched. It also assumes that they have a wireless monitor that you can walk around with you. At my hospital, they did these (though I did not have one), and the wireless monitor was also waterproof so you could wear it in the tub if you needed/wanted to.
I'm just saying that everyone I know that tried not to get the epi but was open to it ended up getting one when they were in labor. Even afterwards several friends that said they would see how it goes agreed they were probably always going to get the epidural. There's nothing wrong with that all, but it seems to me that most people that go med free are pretty dead set against medication.
I was set on med free with dd and was thankful that once i said it, the nurses never mentioned meds again. For me, think it would have been harder to stick with my plan if they kept asking or i was trying to gauge how much pain was too much. Planning to do it again, but honestly have to get myself mentally prepared. I don't feel as tough going into it this time since this pregnancy had kicked my butt a bit.
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
Flexibility =/= epidural. That is in fact not what that word means.
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
Flexibility =/= epidural. That is in fact not what that word means.
LMAO!! I guess some people just aren't "flexible" when it comes to medicinal conveniences that "science" has made available...
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
In other words, you think that by saying I want a pain meds free birth but if I need meds I'll get them that I'm lying to myself. Thanks for the concern, but I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I'll be prepping with either Bradley or Hypnobirthing (still haven't decided) and I really do want to avoid pain meds. Saying that if I ultimately decide I need the meds I'll take them guilt free is not giving myself an out, it's leaving room for the fact that I am not in control of every aspect of the labor process. I'm glad you feel your body is capable of labor med free. Did you want to share your superiority secrets with the rest of us delusional idiots?
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
In other words, you think that by saying I want a pain meds free birth but if I need meds I'll get them that I'm lying to myself. Thanks for the concern, but I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I'll be prepping with either Bradley or Hypnobirthing (still haven't decided) and I really do want to avoid pain meds. Saying that if I ultimately decide I need the meds I'll take them guilt free is not giving myself an out, it's leaving room for the fact that I am not in control of every aspect of the labor process. I'm glad you feel your body is capable of labor med free. Did you want to share your superiority secrets with the rest of us delusional idiots?
This is exactly me. I'm doing a hypno-birthing class and am going into with positive thoughts, but I have to leave room the unknown because I don't want to be one of those assholes that feels "gypped" because they didn't get the labor the wanted (harumph!).
I'm all for whatever you decide is right for you. Personally, I know that women have been doing it without medication for a long time and I feel that my body is capable of labor med free. I am taking a Bradley Method course and plan to go med free. I do think that if you plan to be "flexible" you will most likely get the epi because it is going to hurt. A lot.
In other words, you think that by saying I want a pain meds free birth but if I need meds I'll get them that I'm lying to myself. Thanks for the concern, but I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I'll be prepping with either Bradley or Hypnobirthing (still haven't decided) and I really do want to avoid pain meds. Saying that if I ultimately decide I need the meds I'll take them guilt free is not giving myself an out, it's leaving room for the fact that I am not in control of every aspect of the labor process. I'm glad you feel your body is capable of labor med free. Did you want to share your superiority secrets with the rest of us delusional idiots?
This is exactly me. I'm doing a hypno-birthing class and am going into with positive thoughts, but I have to leave room the unknown because I don't want to be one of those assholes that feels "gypped" because they didn't get the labor the wanted (harumph!).
Ultimately the labor I want ends with Ian and I both healthy. Whatever it takes to get to that... It takes.
@CarmAlarm - I had fentanyl (in IV). The idea of a catheter in my back scared me so much more than the pain, but I started getting really shakey in between contractions. The fentanyl definitely helped with the shakes. It didn't really help much with the pain of actual contractions, but I was able to relax in between the contractions. So I guess I'd say it more or less just takes the edge off. And it only lasts for about 40 minutes. It does get into the baby's bloodstream, so they won't give you another dose once your past 8 or so cm to prevent the baby born lethargic and not breathing regularly. But they didn't check me before my last dose because they didn't realize I was progressing so fast at that point. I started pushing shortly after getting a dose and DD had no breathing issues or anything at all. And I should add that I'm super sensitive to meds, I can't even take NyQuil, but I did fine on it. They tested me with a half dose first to check my reaction. I would recommend the IV narcotics to anyone who is nervous about the epi like I was, but just needs a little something. Since it doesn't stay in your system long, you can try them and then switch to an epi.
I will say this - my labor was short. If I labored for 20+ hours like some of my friends, I am sure I would've needed/wanted an epi. Going through pain for so long is just so exhausting, and I'm sure "technically" the body can handle it, but hot damn.
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Re: When I'm laying awake at night I have internal crises regarding epidurals.
Met: September 2005 Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
I read everyones labor stories and always feel like the pushing part is glossed over. I feel like that would be the worst part as there's a giant head coming out of your vagina but it seems like the stories always linger on the contraction part leading up the pushing and then it's like." And then 10 minutes later he was out! " Should I not be fearing the pushing as much as I have been? So many questions
well good luck and hopefully everything will turn out much better than you are expecting
Met: September 2005 Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
my company is lame-o, no teleworking for me!!
Met: September 2005 Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
@mapchick77, at least the silver line will be cleaner than the other lines if it's up and running. :-)
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks
Cooking #2
@wpatx, FWIW, the epidural made me feel more in control, not less, because it dulled my pain enough to let me focus on what I was doing.
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks
Cooking #2
@wpatx, FWIW, the epidural made me feel more in control, not less, because it dulled my pain enough to let me focus on what I was doing.
@LTMama , mine came back pretty fast, but I do think you're right and complete feeling in my legs took a while. I also agree that the epi made me feel more in control. My contractions had gotten to a point that I couldn't handle during transition, and the epi allowed me to still be able to tell when they were coming, but took away the pain.
In books I've been reading, "they" say that, esp if your water hasn't broken beforehand, the pressure from the water bag and baby's head has a sort of numbing effect on your perinium / vag as it opens, but sometimes just the pressure of the head alone has that effect, like when you hurt your self and apply pressure at the site for temporary relief. Some people also use counter pressure (such as a warm compress) while baby is making the move down.
I think fear itself is overrated, that we can deal with what we can, but going into situations (in life in general) with fear just makes them harder. I feel like being prepared for any scenario puts my mind at ease so whatever I am faced with I can stayed as relaxed as possible.
I agree completely about fear being overrated but sometimes it's easier said than done , especially for anxious people like me.
I think you just have to be flexible. I didn't want pitocin either, but when your water breaks and you aren't dialated at all, you go with what is best for the baby. I wanted to wait for the epi (i knew I wanted one eventually) but the pitocin made the contractions horrible. You just don't know. Nothing wrong with a plan just don't get your heart set with how it is going to happen it is a medical procedure in the end, and it just may not go how you planned.
Mine didn't go as planned but it didn't matter, my water broke, had to be induced, close to a c-section, and he had to be suctioned out.
I'm glad I did since I had a 3rd degree tear and required a few layers of stitches that took some time. I was numb for another 6 hrs after birth. I'm once again going in with an open mind.
S14 August Siggy Challenge.....ALL OF THE ALCOHOLS
LMAO!! I guess some people just aren't "flexible" when it comes to medicinal conveniences that "science" has made available...
In other words, you think that by saying I want a pain meds free birth but if I need meds I'll get them that I'm lying to myself. Thanks for the concern, but I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I'll be prepping with either Bradley or Hypnobirthing (still haven't decided) and I really do want to avoid pain meds. Saying that if I ultimately decide I need the meds I'll take them guilt free is not giving myself an out, it's leaving room for the fact that I am not in control of every aspect of the labor process. I'm glad you feel your body is capable of labor med free. Did you want to share your superiority secrets with the rest of us delusional idiots?
Ultimately the labor I want ends with Ian and I both healthy. Whatever it takes to get to that... It takes.
I will say this - my labor was short. If I labored for 20+ hours like some of my friends, I am sure I would've needed/wanted an epi. Going through pain for so long is just so exhausting, and I'm sure "technically" the body can handle it, but hot damn.