Epidural or all natural??

Alyssa&bby · May 2014

This will be my first child, I am very indecisive on whether or not it's best to have an epidural or to let the delivery be natural. I have lumbar scoliosis (lower back) so I will already have enough pain to deal with. Anyone have any thoughts as to what might be best?

golfingdarwinfish · May 2014

Perhaps you should discuss with your ob; s/he can recommend an anesthesiologist where you will be delivering that can review your case, including any x-rays you may have, and make a treatment recommendation and plan (one with and one without complications). Certain methods of pain management (such as a spinal) are difficult with spinal abnormalities, but an anesthesiologist who reviews your case will know best!

Emerald27 · May 2014

Labor outcomes are often better when epidurals are asked for later (after at least 5cm dilation). It can take some time to get to that point, so IMO it is wise to prepare for a med-free birth, and to plan for some non-medicinal pain management methods to help you get at least to the point where getting an epidural is less likely to stall your labor.

There are some great benefits to birthing naturally, but it isn't for everyone. I would get a start now on researching natural birth and the risk and benefits of epidural and other pain medications during birth, and see if you think natural might be for you.

aander6 · May 2014

Nicb13 said:

GIVE ME THE DRUGS!!!! But for real, I had an epidural with DS and I most certainly will be asking for one again. It ruled.
I'm hoping not be induced this time though.....

This is me exactly.

MorganWP · May 2014

I wanted an epidural with DD but I progressed too quickly. We went from broken water to birth in four hours so there was no time. But I did have fentanyl which did not help. I like to describe it as being about as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane.
This time I'd like to do it without again but who knows what it will be like this time.

I'd talk to your doctor about it but ultimately I think it really depends on what happens on the actual day.

Unknown · May 2014

This content has been removed.

Liss1481 · May 2014

You should definitely talk to your doctor to see if it's an option for you, but I'd prepare for a natural birth even if you want/can get an epidural. You never know what will happen the day of and it's good to be as prepared as you can be. I did have a natural birth with DS and am shooting for that again. But who knows what will happen with this baby (have to be induced, longer labor, etc).

Good luck!

Emerald27 · May 2014

OB broke my water too, @theresat858‌...before she had even started the pitocin for my induction. I almost kicked her in the face. Lol

I asked for an epidural at just 4cm and then only progressed to 5.5cm for the rest of the day. I had to be rolled onto my sides and shifted around to help get DS to move down and to help me dilate. I fully believe that had I held out and not asked for the epidural and spent the day laying on my back, DS would have been born much earlier.

My plan is to hire a doula and aim for a natural birth with this baby. FX that my labor begins naturally at home, and that I can spend most of it there, because I hated being in the hospital, tethered to IVs and monitors. :P

Alyssa&bby · May 2014

Thank you all for giving me some advice. I'm hoping to have a natural birth, I've heard after having the epidural your back can still hurt even years after.

nightowl1989 · May 2014

I'm going to try the Bradley Method. Not knowing what labor will truly be like, I have been discussing with DH that if push truly comes to shove, the drugs may need to happen...ya know, if the pain is bad enough that I actually want to die rather than feel it. As long as it's manageable, I plan to go naturally.

Emerald27 · May 2014

Alyssa&bby said:
Thank you all for giving me some advice. I'm hoping to have a natural birth, I've heard after having the epidural your back can still hurt even years after.

That's true, but it's not the norm. Once my legs woke up and I peed away all the fluids from my labor, I had no other symptoms of having an epidural. Sometimes they can cause severe headaches or nausea, and sometimes they don't work or only work on one side. Sometimes epidurals can delay the maturation of your milk supply. There are lots of possibilities, which is why it's good to do your homework.

If you want a natural birth, that's great! Look into popular labor management options and consider hiring a doula. Best of luck!

heathera1979 · May 2014

I'm personally wanting to go all natural, but only because I have an irrational fear of the epidural

Mercedezshutt · May 2014

I am going for a natural birth but I'm open for other options! What ever is the best at that moment!

MrMrsandBaby · May 2014

Had the epi last time, will have it again. Whatever @Nicb13 leaves behind I'm taking!

lct2008 · May 2014

No epi last time and planning the same for this one as well.

bumpuser10309732 · May 2014

I hope you ladies leave some drugs for me ;-) I'm jumpin on that band wagon. I can't do the pain. It'd be like getting too close to the tiger's cage for everyone else involved! I messed up and got into the May '14 birth stories and I'm freaking myself out with those.

Jennifer18131 · May 2014

I thought about a med free birth for about 20 seconds before I started laughing and told my husband to not let me go there again.

I'm with @Nicb13. Bring on the drugs.

Saragoeswest · May 2014

You could spend some time reading about birth and mentally preparing yourself. You don't really need to decide now.

Mommy2Boys09 · May 2014

With my first I had the epidural after 10 hours on iv drugs. It made it super hard for me to push when it came time because I literally couldn't feel anything. I pushed for 2 hours then hemorrhaged ( that was most likely from being in labor so long). With DS #2 I got the epidural when I was 4cm. It took 3 tries to finally get it in. I was crying so much because I'm terrified of needles in the first place and having someone do it that many times...ugh. Then an hour later I was at 8 cm. At that point the epi had wore off and I could feel EVERYTHING! It hurt a lot! But was manageable and I only had to push a couple times. So this time I'm trying to go without. That experience scarred me lol.

dana2die4 · May 2014

I had a great experience with having an epidural with DS, and I definitely plan of having one again this time around.

wildflower75 · May 2014

Take a birthing / lamaze class where they go over all of the options with you and your DH and then decide.
And don't get too stuck on one birthing plan... I've known people who wanted an epidural but got there too late and there wasn't enough time for one and I've known people who wanted to go all natural and ended up asking for the epidural when the pain became too much to handle.

If you had asked me anytime before I was admitted to the hospital I would have told you All Natural all the way, no matter what... I wanted and planned for a natural birth BUT I found out at week 36 that I had Group B Strep. So that in addition to my GD made it so that when I went to the hospital when my water broke (I was only at 1 cm) they immediately gave me cervidil, that didn't work and my baby's heart rate was dropping and they later gave me pitocin. I never progressed passed 1 cm, as a last resort I tried the epidural in a final attempt to have a vaginal birth (the nurse said that sometimes the epi helps relax you down there) but after 24 hours passing after my water breaking it was urgent to get the baby out by C-section.

bennikki · May 2014

I wasn't comfortable boxing myself in one way or the other. I loved the idea of a drug free birth, but I also didn't want to feel like I was letting myself down if things didn't turn out the way I planned. So I prepared myself by taking Lamaze and hypno-birthing classes, and I did really well with that for the first 14 hours of my labor (my water broke on its own at home), but in those 14 hours I went from 1 cm to 2 cm dilated. At that point, they started pitocin, and I had a none stop contraction for 2 hours before I was 4 cm and definitely ready for an epidural.

The epidural gave me a chance to rest and sleep which was much needed since I had been up for most of the night. Without the rest, I'm not sure I could have pushed for the 4.5 hours I ended up needing to in order to get my sideways turns big boy out of me. I believe the epidural was what saved me from having to have a c-section because I really don't think I would have had enough strength to push as much as I did without it.

I was in constant communication with my nurses during my labor, so they knew I was hoping to do it drug free. They never pressured me to get an epidural, but once the pitocin contractions started, I told the nurse I needed an epidural, and she made sure the anesthesiologist was ready to go once I was at a 4.

LightBright515 · May 2014

Prepared to go without, but not against getting it. I just want enough to take the edge off.

And like PP mentioned, I just can't get past the horror of somebody sticking a huge needle in my spine! But this is coming from a woman who had never even had an IV before.

Emerald27 · May 2014

For those of you concerned about "getting" the epi, for me it really didn't hurt at all. They numbed the area before inserting the catheter, so I barely felt a pinch. It also didn't hurt when they removed it. Honestly, the hardest part is staying still during contractions while they do it.

All that said, I would much rather not have to get one this time.

Waterlilly11 · May 2014

I have severe sculiosis as well. I did not get my epidural until I was 7cm. The first did nothing for me. I had 2.5 for it to finally work. I ended up falling asleep and felt so drugged after I never even felt the urge to push. I think if my labor was shorter (22 long painful hours) I could have possibly just gone natural. For this baby I am trying natural but being honest with myself I know I will probably cave for the ep!

archi35 · May 2014

Emerald27 said:

Labor outcomes are often better when epidurals are asked for later (after at least 5cm dilation). It can take some time to get to that point, so IMO it is wise to prepare for a med-free birth, and to plan for some non-medicinal pain management methods to help you get at least to the point where getting an epidural is less likely to stall your labor. There are some great benefits to birthing naturally, but it isn't for everyone. I would get a start now on researching natural birth and the risk and benefits of epidural and other pain medications during birth, and see if you think natural might be for you.

This exactly. Also for me, I have negative side effects to most narcotics and any anesthesia I've had to date (depressed and cold for days afterwards). So you should also weigh how you react to different medications as you may have other after effects that aren't typical.

meggiev123 · May 2014

Not much to add other than that I agree with pps to make sure you've looked into/prepared for both. I knew I wanted to try for a natural birth, but was never dead set against an epidural. In the end I had a fast, easy labor and was able to do it med-free. If my labor had unfolded differently, at some point I think I would have asked for the epidural.

Lindzoid · May 2014

With my first I "thought" I wanted to go natural. That went quickly out the window with labor that lasted 19 hours and through the night. I needed the epidural to get me some rest so I could labor through. With baby #2 I knew I wanted that epidural!! Now baby #3 I have already voiced to my mw order the epidural! Why go through all that pain?
GL with your decision, but just know you might change your mind. And there is nothing wrong with that!

megaroo64 · May 2014

We definitely prepared for natural but had the attitude that I would take the drugs if needed. I ended up going med free completely - but we would not have been able to do that without the preparation. My H was a flippin rock star in L&D. If you are at all thinking about med-free, I would definitely do something to prepare not only yourself, but who ever is going to be in the room with you.

Syllessa · May 2014

I've done both epi and natural, so I know what to expect either way. That said, I'll be having the epidural this time around. It's one of the things my doctor required for my VBAC, just in case.

BreandMikewedding · May 2014

I had an edipural with my first and it was heaven! I had labored for hours until I really needed it. After I had it I was so happy and it made the rest of my delivery very peaceful. It wore off within 30 minutes after delivery and I had no side effects. I actually was ready to go home ten hours later.

With my second I planned to do the same but ended up having a c-section. My ds was too big for my birth canal. He has a big head and big shoulders.

BeanNut · May 2014

I had a slight preference for a natural birth the first time, but was ok with an epi. I labored med-free with pitocin for about 12 hours and that was enough for me lol. An epi is great for a long labor because it allows you a little rest.

For my second, I was 6-7 cm when I arrived at the hospital and had to decide right away . My first epi was a good experience so I did it again and had another good experience. I'll have another epi this time unless it is too late or I can't for some other reason.

MLE_C2B · May 2014

I had an epi with ds1 and never regretted it. I took a nap while in labor! Woke up, pushed for 45 and was done. I don't think it prolongs things which some people worry about.

ohioloveyou · May 2014

Pretty sure I will be having all the drugs! I would like to read some about labor techniques, though in case the epi doesn't take for some reason.

[Deleted User] · May 2014

Emerald27 said:

Labor outcomes are often better when epidurals are asked for later (after at least 5cm dilation). It can take some time to get to that point, so IMO it is wise to prepare for a med-free birth, and to plan for some non-medicinal pain management methods to help you get at least to the point where getting an epidural is less likely to stall your labor. There are some great benefits to birthing naturally, but it isn't for everyone. I would get a start now on researching natural birth and the risk and benefits of epidural and other pain medications during birth, and see if you think natural might be for you.

I love this plan. I'm glad I came to this thread! I honestly never gave it all that much thought before, I was just thinking I'd get the epidural and wasn't aware that it can stall labor and stuff. Now I know!

toomanycats1 · May 2014

For those of you set on having the drugs, be sure to explain this to your DH's/care providers ahead of time, and be clear!

When I was in labour with my DS, I become incredibly passive, and the "on call" doctor kept talking me out of the epidural (that I had clearly told DH I wanted for the whole 9 months)... saying "well, you seem to be doing ok now, but why don't we wait and check back in an hour or so". I was so passive and agreeable that I would say "ok". Then, when she'd leave the room, I'd start to cry and DH would be all like "why didn't you say you wanted it!". This happened at least 6 times... no BS. Turns out, when you are in labour, your personality can be 100% different than it usually would.

I had back labour for 20 hrs before finally getting that epidural. DS was crooked, and I had only dilated 4 cm's in that time. I got the epidural, and it was heaven right away. DH and I fell asleep, and I woke up 1.5 hrs later to a weird pressure sensation. The nurse's checked me and I was crowning! Turns out, the epidural allowed me to relax, dilate the remaining cm's, and made DS position himself properly. He came out 2 pushes later. My doctor never did make it in time.

This next time I'm getting that epidural right away... and DH knows to advocate for me if I'm unable to do it myself (or I'll kill him later).

lyoness013 · May 2014

I am in the same boat. I want to go drug free but I'm not sure if I will in the end. My Dr did say that we can go drug free for as long as I want and if I need the epidural in the end I can get it. She also said that if it gets to where there's no point in getting it, she will let me know. I am also taking a Bradley class so I'm hoping that will help me with my pain management and ultimately I will get to do this without drugs.

I'm not against drugs but from what I've read/heard, labor goes faster if you can feel it and your body can naturally react to it. I too am an FTM and I'm just taking it all in and keeping an open mind.

Good luck on whatever decision you make

hgielrebmik · May 2014

Recovery is so much easier and quicker when you deliver naturally. (At least in my experience.)

atraveller · May 2014

I'm really glad someone did this post as I've been thinking about this a lot myself and know I need to find some real time to research the different procedures, as I can see there's a ton of information I do not know at all. I haven't even started "preparing mentally" for the birth. If anyone has any recommends on good books or Websites for finding that kind of info unbiased and quickly and comprehensively please do share (feel free to PM me), as my time to research seems short these days and know how impt that is. I'm on the fence a bit about this - part of me is like some of the other women here - "bring on the drugs.." as I have a low threshold for pain and after what I went through with my miscarriage (because I had a missed miscarriage and was scared of a D&C, they gave me a drug which forced my uterus to contract and I was in such insane pain for so long my DH had to call an ambulance and I wasn't able to relax till they gave me a morphine drip), I though epidural all the way - but after reading some of these posts, I'm just not sure. I think perhaps I will go in with the plan to do an epidural at 4-5 cm dilated but be ready to not do it if I think I can manage without. I was told that the labor experience will be nothing like what I experienced with that drug for my delayed miscarriage but after that experience which had me having chills and throwing up and in more pain than I ever imagined I'm wary...I guess I need to do a whole lot more reading. That and be more diligent about my kegels - I try to remember to do them and then forget.

angeltennis3 · May 2014

Liss1481 said:
You should definitely talk to your doctor to see if it's an option for you, but I'd prepare for a natural birth even if you want/can get an epidural. You never know what will happen the day of and it's good to be as prepared as you can be. I did have a natural birth with DS and am shooting for that again. But who knows what will happen with this baby (have to be induced, longer labor, etc).
Good luck!

I 100% agree with this. You can plan for any type of labor, but that doesn't mean it is going to happen. Regardless of your plan you should educate yourself about natural, medicated, and cesarean births. Talk to your doctor about different outcomes and what your options are before you go into labor so you have at least a basic knowledge when LO is born.

atraveller · May 2014

scottysgirl77 said:

Do you ladies have any recommendations on websites, books, etc to help us newbies prepare? What classes did you take? Those kinds of things

Ditto what @scottysgirl77‌ said - all advice on places to research would be awesome.

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