Tips on an epidural free labor

[Deleted User] · February 2015

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BabyList · February 2015

Research hypnobirthing, practice visualization and breathing a lot before the birth. Make sure everyone who will be with you during labor is on board with what you want.

[Deleted User] · February 2015

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ktbear9512 · February 2015

Just want to point out that you should be prepared for needles, even if you don't get an epidural. Most hospitals require a hep lock, even if you don't think you need IV fluids or whatever, and I also had my blood drawn at least twice while in the hospital. They also had me get a TDaP booster before I left with the baby. Check with your OB and/or hospital on their policies.

agapeflower117 · February 2015

I had an epidural-free birth with my first, and a trick I used was focusing on the time in between the contractions for as long as I could. When I started labor they were 15 minutes apart, so it's easier to get through them knowing you have 13 minutes in between the time one ends and the other begins. The closer you get to transition, just let your body do its thing. It feels insane to be out of control of your body, but it also knows what it's doing and it will get your baby out. Find a thing that works for you and just do your best!

But who knows? Labor might be so intense that it might override the fear of needles, and you might have an epidural birth after all, if you feel you need it at that point!

[Deleted User] · February 2015

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taboullio84 · February 2015

Go to classes... I went to pretty much everything offered. But my last two pregnancies I had the epidural. You should have see my fear of needles... But that went away with delivery lol

dkleid · February 2015

Your most likely going to have to have an IV put in...so you will have one in your hand that you can see... with the Epidural you cant see the needle has its going into your back. Plus haven't you had to have blood work done so far? Might be time to see someone to get over this fear.

amhowell14 · February 2015

Go to a childbirth class or two.

Sammadden27 · February 2015

I hate needles too. I was too afraid to have blood drawn till I was 26, will be 28 when baby comes.
I have to say every needle experience gets easier. My last time drawing a bunch of blood, the nurse saw my fear as soon as I saw the needle. She had me get up and walk around for a bit to calm down. Then she decided I wasn't going to look at the needle at all before. She also didn't count before she put it in. That really helped and it was the best needle experience I've ever had.
She recommended next time I do anything with needles to tell the doctor of my fear before they whip it out. Tell them to go fast and don't count. The anticipation I think is what gets me the most.
I know everyone is different but I hope this helps.

mamahawk12 · February 2015

Well you should probably get your information right first... getting an epidural doesn't "drug" you.

annatta79 · February 2015

I am right there with you on the fear of needles thing. My little boy had to get a finger prick yesterday at his checkup and he was so amazing and didn't even flinch and all I could think was that I would have to be lying down if it was me!

I had a totally un-medicated birth with my son. We went to hyponbirthing classes and I read the book. I practiced visualizations and relaxation techniques. I think one of the biggest things it helped me do was to be less afraid. (taking the fear out of childbirth is a big part of hypnobirthing) I just kind of rolled with the contractions (surges, in HB speak) and ended up doing almost all of my laboring at home. By the time we got to the birthcenter, it was time to push. I recommend visualizing multiple variations on your birth plan. I didn't spend any time visualizing being at home or different positions for pushing and I wish I had.

Ask if they can skip the IV at your hospital. Some will allow it if you are low risk. I chose a birthcenter partly because there wouldn't be access to drugs and I was afraid I would cave and I knew I wouldn't have to get an IV.

KaLikeAWind · February 2015

I don't have a fear of needles (I worked as a veterinary technician where I wielded needles often, and have 3 tattoos) but I don't like to watch myself get sticked for a blood draw. PP has some good tips. I tell my nurse I don't like to watch and pull my hat over my eyes, tell them I'm going to start rambling and for them to just go when they're ready, don't count down or anything. I launch into a story about traveling or whatever and chatter away. I plan on using this technique to good effect when I am in labor and I'm sure they are going to want to stick me with all kinds of needles (blood draws, iv lines, whatever). I'm not opposed to an epidural at all, but am one of those people who will try to tough my way thru it before giving in. On the other hand, after suffering thru pregnancy where we can't even take cold medicine or use icy hot cream for our sore ankles, I may just jump right at an epidural. Pain meds are good.

gilder40 · February 2015

Gimme the juice. I have no shame when it comes to asking for an epidural.

lkremke · February 2015

I have the same problem and I plan on going natural too. The funny part is that I'm a nurse and stick people all the time but I can't handle the needle coming toward me. So whoever posted that you need to see someone to get over this fear obviously doesn't have a phobia and it's not that easy to overcome.

I went to a natural birthing class which was great and gave a lot of breathing techniques and positions to help you get through it. Don't let people give you a hard time. This is your choice and you are gonna need people with you that will support your decision on this. Best of luck

tinybugsmom · February 2015

You don't have to get an IV. My sister has a huge fear of needles, and even tho the nurses were not happy, she refused an IV and they couldn't put one in. She didn't need one for any of her natural births.

Hypnobirth..... we are doing Hypnobabies home study after reading about that vs hypnobirth classes.

Loz2015 · February 2015

When your in that much pain you won't care about needles

lovethatcolosun · February 2015

I used a program called Hypnobabies. It takes dedication to really get prepared. I did the home study course, but check locally, they probably offer classss if that's what you're in to. I learned a lot of wonderful techniques for labor and delivery. The one thing I will tell you is to be flexible with your birth plan. When you set your expectations in stone you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. In the end you can plan and plan and plan, but your body and baby may have something different in mind. I was dead set on no epi, but after 33 hours of labor, no sleep, and being stuck at 7 cm, I felt at that point an epi was a good option for me. I'm happy with my choices, because I did what was best for me and my baby given my circumstances at the time. I needed the small amount of restless sleep (2hrs) I could get so I could have energy and focus to push. Like I said, things don't always go as planned, so it's best to be prepared on every level and I hope that you are able to follow through with a drug free birth! It is totally possible and can be a good experience.

lovemywildgirls · February 2015

I would suggest not totally dismissing the epidural. I planned a drug-free birth with DD1, went to a class and read tons of information. But at two weeks past my EDD my doc said it was time to induce (not part of my plan!). Pitocin started at 6am, doc broke my water at 8am. After that contractions were close together and intense! By 6pm I had only progressed to 2cm and DD was in distress. After a few crazy mins I was laying back down and a monitor was hooked to DDs head and she was no longer in distress. At that point I gave in and ordered the epidural. Sooo glad I did! The epi allowed my body to relax and do what it needed to do. I was checked 45 mins after and was fully dilated. Hallelujah! I really believe I would have ended up with a csection without the epidural. Every labor is different though. My SIL was dilating great on her own and within 4 hours of induction was at 6cm. She got the epidural then and never progressed anymore, 10 hours later she had a csection. Every labor is different and that's why it's a good idea to never be 100% set on your "plan."

sschwege · February 2015

First of all, to those pp who said that most hospitals require IVs that is simply untrue. Provided you are mentally capable of making your own decisions, everything including IV/saline lock requires your consent. You can decline any and all medical procedures. I have had two hospital births and have never had an IV or saline lock, nor my blood drawn in the hospital (had it as part of prenatal care though). My hospital does not do them routinely, but if they did I would decline provided it was unnecessary.

OPer my advice is to labor at home as long as possible. You will be more comfortable there. Also check out a childbirth class, I loved Hypnobirthing, but have also heard good things about Bradley. Spend some time researching alternative forms of pain relief, warm bath/shower, birthing ball, counter pressure, visualization, massage, varying positions, etc.

devyns2nd · February 2015

I had a pretty easy labor so I might not be much help but, after I made it past the contractions I was fine. The actual birth was easy. The contractions and the stitches hurt the most. I'm also convinced that my pit/epi free labor is what made everything go so smoothly...for me. If I can do it (huge pansy) anyone can. Unless you have complications. If things are too rough or too hectic I'd get one. Woman who labor for any longer than I did (8 hours) may feel differently. I've heard horror stories and I think it's important to be open. That being said I plan on trying for another epi free birth.

TLeec16 · February 2015

I had three natural births and I'm praying this one goes the same way. I've been blessed with fast labors so if I was in labor for hours I'm not sure how I would do. I always found something to focus on while in labor whether it be something on the ceiling or in front of me etc. And just breathing. Honestly once the baby is out of you the pain goes away.

ElRuby · February 2015

I felt the sitting on a yoga ball in the weeks leading up to labor helped.... Could have totally been in my head but it had been suggested by my yoga instructor who was also a doula.... That and red raspberry leaf tea.... I am aiming for a med free/episode free labor again but I am open to the epidural if needed

gaylew5 · February 2015

Nobody likes needles. An adult who bursts into tears and passes out anytime they encounter a needle sounds like a phobia to me. I agree with other posters that if you have an uncomplicated birth, you may be able to avoid needles for the most part.. but at some point, you might want to consider behavior modification therapy because a lot of modern day health advances (vaccines, surgeries, antibiotics) require the use of needles.

jmkelly18 · February 2015

I don't like needles either...I see spots and get clamy so I'm against epidural a too! My first 2 I did epidural free a and plan on doing this one epidural free too. Like others have suggested take a birthing class and learn good strategies to get through contractions. Also practice before the actual day comes! That's a big one! Once your in labor you want whatever strategy you chose to be second nature. Good luck! You can do it needle free

bjandcandi67 · February 2015

I don't understand why women who are judging her about being epidural free are even responding to this post. Grow up and learn to be a woman! Stop judging every one! Geez! Anyway! I am with you. I don't want to have the drugs unless an emergency. I haven't started classes yet or anything to see what I can do. I am going to the doctor on the 17th and I am going to discuss my options. I wish you good luck!

Katerina&Baby · February 2015

bjandcandi67 said:
I don't understand why women who are judging her about being epidural free are even responding to this post. Grow up and learn to be a woman! Stop judging every one! Geez! Anyway! I am with you. I don't want to have the drugs unless an emergency. I haven't started classes yet or anything to see what I can do. I am going to the doctor on the 17th and I am going to discuss my options. I wish you good luck!

Lady, are you for real? Nobody got all judgy about OP not wanting to have an epidural - most responses were either on point or in response to OP's fear of needles (which is obviously a very problematic phobia when pregnant since we're used as pincushions so often in the OB's office). "Learn to be a woman"? What on earth are you even talking about?

OP - sucks about the needle thing. I think previous posters have said it all but the advice I've gotten from friends and family is to labor as long as possible at home. Part of the reason my sister got her epidural (which she loved although had strongly wanted to avoid it and any other intervention) was because she had been awake in the hospital for over a day with b-strep (long story short: her water broke before labor) and even after the pitocin, she was told that after 12 hours of labor (now awake for nearly 40 hours) that she was only 2cm dilated and it totally discouraged her (she said if she had been at least 7 she could have held out). For what it's worth, she's pregnant again and says she's not even going to wait - she wants to have the epi immediately.

123BabyMomma · February 2015

I didn't have an epi with my first pregnancy, but I did labour a lot at home. I think that labouring at home helped a lot because I was more relaxed. I also had a relatively quick labour (about 6 hours of active labour and only pushed for about 1.5 hours).

Every birth and woman is different. Do your research and make a plan that you are happy with. Also remember that not all births go as planned - anything can happen and you will want to safely get that baby out, no matter what.

deutschbaby · February 2015

I'm trying for an unmedicated birth this time around (had an epidural with my DS). We hired a doula. I highly recommend getting a doula, or taking classes WITH your support person. It's important that you AND your support person both be prepared to help you labor naturally.

I think DH will be fine, and we are taking a class, but we both also feel better with a doula with us. She's done this 6 times herself (yep, has 6 kids) and has assisted hundreds of births. Her knowledge and calm presence are reassuring to us. Just something to consider...,

mellymo123 · February 2015

Have you considered having the baby at a birth center? I've heard really great things about them and since they aren't in the hospital there's no worry about someone trying to push a drug/needle on you. I'd personally love to do one, but am a high risk patient so am unable to deliver at a birth center. But, I'm hoping to have a natural child birth so my plan is to labor at home as long as possible to avoid doctor's and nurses pressuring me to take something. We'll see...1st child so no idea what to expect.

karaelaine1991 · February 2015

My OB gave me info on prenatal classes today and among the resources she recommended to me was lamaze.org. I poked around on there this afternoon and I think they have some info on there about natural birth and pain management that might be helpful to you

emilylistman · February 2015

My doctor basically insisted that I attend and holistic/natural childbirth class. I almost got the impression he would refuse to deliver my baby without drugs unless I attended one LOL! There is a Granola Babies close to me, so I'm doing the 14-hour weekend intensive in March. Now that I've done more research, I'm really glad I decided to take a class. Why not be as prepared as possible? My friends who have delivered naturally with and without drugs, have all said they preferred the holistic experience to having an epidural, but wish they'd been more prepared with techniques to help with the no-way-to-understand-until-you-experience-it pain.

songoflife317 · February 2015

The Bradley Method birthing class was so good for me, to be honest just understanding what was happening and the purpose for each pain made it easier to not panic and be calm through labor. If you have back labor, counter-pressure really helped as well as showers and the warm water in birthing tub

good luck!!

dancegurl1118 · February 2015

My biggest piece of advice is to STAY HOME. Going to the hospital early just causes unnecessary stress, it is much easier and more comfortable to labor at home (after you've had birthing classes and can fully understand what's going on). The biggest mistake I see is women coming in to the hospital at 3cm with their first, which just sets you up for a long long process, and when you're in a new environment with a stressful situation it can heighten the pain sensation. Your baby will not fall out of you. I very rarely see a first time mom who doesn't have to push for AT LEAST 30 minutes (most an hour plus), which in any dire situation should give you enough time to get to the hospital.

Kiki119 · February 2015

I say having an open mind is the best advice I ever got... This is my 1st pregnancy... I'm planning to try my best without epidural, but when it comes down to it I will if I need to..... It's hard sing every pregnancy and labor r so different fm another

Would u consider a doula? They offer help to manage pain thru out the labor and I have research most labor with assistance fm a doula tend to result in more natural birth...

karaelaine1991 · February 2015

dancegurl1118 said:
My biggest piece of advice is to STAY HOME. Going to the hospital early just causes unnecessary stress, it is much easier and more comfortable to labor at home (after you've had birthing classes and can fully understand what's going on). The biggest mistake I see is women coming in to the hospital at 3cm with their first, which just sets you up for a long long process, and when you're in a new environment with a stressful situation it can heighten the pain sensation. Your baby will not fall out of you. I very rarely see a first time mom who doesn't have to push for AT LEAST 30 minutes (most an hour plus), which in any dire situation should give you enough time to get to the hospital.

FTM here so sorry if this is a stupid question! I'm definitely taking my hospital's birthing class, are they likely to tell me how I'll know it's time to go and not just the beginning of labor? I know my husband's going to want to rush out the door the second we know it's starting but I'd prefer to stay at home as long as possible so I can hopefully avoid the long process you've described. But obviously being a first time mom I've never done this before so I'm clueless as to how you know it's actually time, other than water breaking and contractions starting.

dancegurl1118 · February 2015

@karaelaine1991‌ your birthing class should definitely give you this information, however timing of contractions will give you some insight into where you are. Usually your doctor will give you calling parameters (to call if your water breaks etc) but a good rule of thumb is when your body has established a consistent pattern of contractions every 2-3 minutes and you are unable to really do anything during the contractions (no talking no moving) then call your doctor and they will give you instructions. Keep moving in between and don't panic, labor in the comfort of your home for as long as you can. Once you take classes and understand what's going on with your body it makes it much less scary and you are less likely to run out the door at the first sign of consistent contractions, usually only to be sent home if you are not making cervical change. Don't be in fear of the process

make sure your partner is aware that the pain isn't a bad thing, but your body doing necessary work to meet your little one, as it is easy for them to panic and stress because they can't stop you from being in pain.

karaelaine1991 · February 2015

dancegurl1118 said:
@karaelaine1991‌ your birthing class should definitely give you this information, however timing of contractions will give you some insight into where you are. Usually your doctor will give you calling parameters (to call if your water breaks etc) but a good rule of thumb is when your body has established a consistent pattern of contractions every 2-3 minutes and you are unable to really do anything during the contractions (no talking no moving) then call your doctor and they will give you instructions. Keep moving in between and don't panic, labor in the comfort of your home for as long as you can. Once you take classes and understand what's going on with your body it makes it much less scary and you are less likely to run out the door at the first sign of consistent contractions, usually only to be sent home if you are not making cervical change. Don't be in fear of the process make sure your partner is aware that the pain isn't a bad thing, but your body doing necessary work to meet your little one, as it is easy for them to panic and stress because they can't stop you from being in pain.

Thanks so much for all of this helpful information!

[Deleted User] · February 2015

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nicnnatesmom · February 2015

I haven't read all the previous posts but my best advice is the birthing ball. I loved that thing. I could get on it and get positioned enough to where I hardly felt any pain. Best. Thing. Ever. And good luck! Hope you get your natural birth. Just be prepared in the back of your mind for anything.

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