I had an epidural. And I was up and showering less than two hours after. I didn't plan on needing it, but I was induced and it helped my body be less tense and I was able to dilate adequately after I got it. It was the right decision for baby and me then. I'm going to approach this birth with an open mind.
The hospital I've chosen to deliver at gave me a basic outline of a birth plan to fill out. Just preferences like room type, circumcision, pain management, etc. Nothing extensive like I've seen online. My obgyn office (affiliated with said hospital) has asked me to sign paperwork saying I will abide by their policy of "no birthing plans and no doulas".
This is starting to seem weird, given how many women here seem to have plans. Has anyone else been asked to sign something like this? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding something?
@MirandaC1984 I don't think it's about wanting a prize or some sort of recognition. It's trusting your body that it knows what to do without having people dope you up and make you numb like it is some sort of disease. I think most of the pain comes from the mind anyway, from little girls in our society we see images of women screaming in pain on television and movies, we see and hear our own mothers talking about the horrors of childbirth...that said, to each their own and however you give birth is just fine. And since I've never actually given birth before I may change my tune after all is said and done!
@MirandaC1984 I don't think it's about wanting a prize or some sort of recognition. It's trusting your body that it knows what to do without having people dope you up and make you numb like it is some sort of disease. I think most of the pain comes from the mind anyway, from little girls in our society we see images of women screaming in pain on television and movies, we see and hear our own mothers talking about the horrors of childbirth...that said, to each their own and however you give birth is just fine. And since I've never actually given birth before I may change my tune after all is said and done!
I still have to disagree with you. Like I said earlier, to each their own. While I know you're not physically expecting a prize, there is something about it that you find more appealing than opting in for the epidural. So potato - po-tah-to. The pain comes from the fact that you are pushing a human being out of your vagina. That's not just in your mind. The beauty of it is, you get to have the birth you want and so do I. Wishing you the best!
The hospital I've chosen to deliver at gave me a basic outline of a birth plan to fill out. Just preferences like room type, circumcision, pain management, etc. Nothing extensive like I've seen online. My obgyn office (affiliated with said hospital) has asked me to sign paperwork saying I will abide by their policy of "no birthing pl This is starting to seem weird, given how many women here seem to have plans. Has anyone else been asked to sign something like this? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding something?
that is scary. I have heard of hospitals banning doulas and they are always the same one i hear the horror stories out of. I have been a doula, and i am active in the separate birth groups,so I've seen and heard a lot. I would see if switching providers was an option. A birth plan is not the devil, but some providers and hospitals defintely have a "my way or the highway attitude".
@MirandaC1984 you don't get a medal but you do get an awesome high from physiological birth. And knowing that your body did something so immense all on its own is pretty empowering. But to each their own. i don't think women are weak for opting for help, but i don't think women who go without deserve such bitter attitudes, like they are doing it to show off.
The hospital I've chosen to deliver at gave me a basic outline of a birth plan to fill out. Just preferences like room type, circumcision, pain management, etc. Nothing extensive like I've seen online. My obgyn office (affiliated with said hospital) has asked me to sign paperwork saying I will abide by their policy of "no birthing plans and no doulas".
This is starting to seem weird, given how many women here seem to have plans. Has anyone else been asked to sign something like this? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding something?
@ellasnow This is the best hospital in our area and my doc only delivers at that one and one other, which she openly dislikes. Likewise, we are severely limited by insurance.
@ellasnow This is the best hospital in our area and my doc only delivers at that one and one other, which she openly dislikes. Likewise, we are severely limited by insurance.
I totally understand...as long as your happy...I just wish you could have a birth plan that you want. I would still find out everything you can ahead of time so you still know what decisions are being made. I know that would make me more comfortable
With all due respect to mamas planning for an unmediated birth, I know my pain tolerance and plan to get an epidural. And I have no shame.
I want to try for a VBAC with this baby, provided I don't end up with pre-eclampsia again or need a c-section for any other reason. In the event of uterine rupture or other things that might require an emergency c-section, already having the epidural will be helpful (and maybe even lifesaving). If all goes well and I can have a successful VBAC, I want to be able to get through it without the pain as much as possible. The end result is a baby, whether or not labor was painful. Honestly, I think if I didn't have the option of an epi, I'd just opt for a c-section again because nothing scares me like labor.
I was 18 with my first now 12 years later I am pregnant again and my two cents are as follows... Make sure you discuss the options with your doctor at 18 I didn't think to ask about pain management my doctor offered in turn my birth plan was to not have an epideral at all and instead to use general temporary pain relief guess what it was epideral or nothing and I found that out two hours into labor which in reality was absolutely ok and I understood there was a reason he didn't offer the temporary solutions but at the time it put a kink in my plan and distracted me. Then my son was in a awkward position and a csection was discussed it crushed me however I was given the option to get the epideral and lay on my side to get him to shift. After the most amazing nurse kicked everyone out held my face on either side and said " I have had four children dear and there is not glory in pain" I made the decision for the epidermal it was after 5 hours of induced labor with 2 minute contractions every 10-30 seconds. I felt and still feel it was the best decision for me there was no csection and my beautiful shifted just right as hoped. I remember being sore but by no means was I out of it and neither was my boy I felt it gave me the strength to enjoy him immediately. I plan to have the same way of thinking with this one if I don't need it I won't but if I start to feel overwhelmed or that I will be just exhausted like so many other mothers I know to truly enjoy those first few moments then I will get one.
It is absolutely your decision but make sure to discuss with your doctor and make sure your SO is aware of your wishes it will help them help you! Good luck!
@MamaOwl15 Good for you, mama! I'm hoping for a VBAC this time around too, and anything that you think will help you achieve it, go for it (within reason, obviously) There is absolutely no shame in an epidural.
@cgummie if you decide to stay with this provider/hospital, even if you don't give them the birth plan, know what you want and be prepared to stick up for yourself! And make sure your significant other/support person is in board to help you!
I'm delivering in the best hospital in my area with the highest level NICU and I'm taking any drugs they'll give me lol. My mom is a pediatric neurologist and I've seen way too many horror stories growing up to trust anything else (a skewed perception of course, that's the minority of births but you can't unsee these things).
As for the pain like I just said in another post...life is full of unavoidable pain both emotional and physical, I'll take shortcuts where I can ☺. As long as there is a healthy baby at the end I don't really have any birthing priorities beyond avoiding a CS if possible and getting to the hospital in time for pain meds lol
I'm not getting an epidural and my mother-in-law is freaking about it. I don't like the idea of someone messing around in my spinal column. Plus, I'm a control freak and want to be in control of what's going on. I'm really not worried about it.
I plan to try without, also, but am totally and completely open to getting one. I have no idea what I'm in store for so I could be talking about rainbows and butterflies and find it's completely unbearable. Open birth plan all the way here. Whatever is safe for baby and mama, I'm game for. Ultimately, all that matters to me is safe and healthy delivery for both of us.
My birth plan with DD was to go into knowing I wanted to see how I felt, and I spent a lot of time researching my options throughout my entire pregnancy. I wanted to fell how my body does labor and delivery, and I felt confident in making the decision to get the epidural after I'd been in labor for 50 hours (54 hours in total). I will go into it again willing to go without, but very aware of my pain-control methods. The epidural did not cause any issues with my labor or delivery, and I was far more relaxed once it kicked in than I was before it had.
I chose to birth without drugs for my first. I was induced with my second due to her size (and they were right, I could just barely get her out - crowning for a good 20 min) and couldn't handle the pitocin contractions and got stuck at 6. After the epi I dilated to 10 in a few minutes. All I needed was to relax.
Honestly, I preferred the epidural route. I loved being able to be mentally present during the pushing and take in all that was going on. My drug-free birth was a blur since I was in a faraway place in my head to control the pain. Then I was so dazed and out of it afterward from sheer mental exhaustion. It was neat to experience it both ways and I know I can give birth without meds, but I also would not choose to get a filling in my tooth without anesthesia of some sort. No shame in pain management. This time I am going to try and labor without meds as long as possible so that I can walk and move around, but I will not be upset with myself if I decide to get an epi.
If you want a med free birth I cannot stress enough the importance of learning proper breathing and visualization techniques. You have to train your mind for the marathon of labor. If you do not prepare, you are more likely to ask for drugs (not saying there is ANY shame in that by the way). Just that the more prepared you are for it to go the way you want it to go, the more likely it is to go that way. Things happen outside of the plan sometimes and that is just life . Best of luck to all of you mommies, epidural or no epidural!
ETA: And no, not happy about it. I just accept it.
I was just thinking just for yourself maybe have a birth plan in your own head so you know what path you aim to take. I didnt have a doula but my husband and mother were there and knew the methods that made me feel better through contractions. I just wish you had more options to make you happy.
I'm a FTM. I'm also the youngest of 4 children, and I've heard that the best way to get an indication of what your labor/delivery will be like is to talk to your mom. Well, my mom was in labor with all four of her children for over 24-hours. She told me not to be a hero and to take the drugs.
BUT, I've read that being able to be up and about helps labor progress more quickly and that it is possible an epidural can slow progress. I also don't want to be attached to machines & constantly monitored unless actually necessary. So, while I certainly need to do more research, I'm leaning toward starting without the epidural and seeing how it goes. I figure with my mom's history, there is no way I will progress so quickly that I'll miss my chance
I also read an article prior to becoming pregnant about the use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) during labor as a pain management method. It supposedly takes the edge of the pain, but still allows you the ability to get out of bed, walk around, feel contractions, etc. I plan to talk to my doctor about whether it is an option where I'm delivering and, more importantly, whether it is safe for me & baby. If it is, I feel like that might be the best option for me.
Re: Epidural - yes or no?
My obgyn office (affiliated with said hospital) has asked me to sign paperwork saying I will abide by their policy of "no birthing plans and no doulas".
This is starting to seem weird, given how many women here seem to have plans. Has anyone else been asked to sign something like this?
Or maybe I'm misunderstanding something?
@MirandaC1984
you don't get a medal but you do get an awesome high from physiological birth. And knowing that your body did something so immense all on its own is pretty empowering. But to each their own. i don't think women are weak for opting for help, but i don't think women who go without deserve such bitter attitudes, like they are doing it to show off.
This is the best hospital in our area and my doc only delivers at that one and one other, which she openly dislikes. Likewise, we are severely limited by insurance.
I want to try for a VBAC with this baby, provided I don't end up with pre-eclampsia again or need a c-section for any other reason. In the event of uterine rupture or other things that might require an emergency c-section, already having the epidural will be helpful (and maybe even lifesaving). If all goes well and I can have a successful VBAC, I want to be able to get through it without the pain as much as possible. The end result is a baby, whether or not labor was painful. Honestly, I think if I didn't have the option of an epi, I'd just opt for a c-section again because nothing scares me like labor.
ETA: And no, not happy about it. I just accept it.
It is absolutely your decision but make sure to discuss with your doctor and make sure your SO is aware of your wishes it will help them help you! Good luck!
@cgummie if you decide to stay with this provider/hospital, even if you don't give them the birth plan, know what you want and be prepared to stick up for yourself! And make sure your significant other/support person is in board to help you!
As for the pain like I just said in another post...life is full of unavoidable pain both emotional and physical, I'll take shortcuts where I can ☺. As long as there is a healthy baby at the end I don't really have any birthing priorities beyond avoiding a CS if possible and getting to the hospital in time for pain meds lol
Open birth plan all the way here. Whatever is safe for baby and mama, I'm game for. Ultimately, all that matters to me is safe and healthy delivery for both of us.
Honestly, I preferred the epidural route. I loved being able to be mentally present during the pushing and take in all that was going on. My drug-free birth was a blur since I was in a faraway place in my head to control the pain. Then I was so dazed and out of it afterward from sheer mental exhaustion. It was neat to experience it both ways and I know I can give birth without meds, but I also would not choose to get a filling in my tooth without anesthesia of some sort. No shame in pain management. This time I am going to try and labor without meds as long as possible so that I can walk and move around, but I will not be upset with myself if I decide to get an epi.
If you want a med free birth I cannot stress enough the importance of learning proper breathing and visualization techniques. You have to train your mind for the marathon of labor. If you do not prepare, you are more likely to ask for drugs (not saying there is ANY shame in that by the way). Just that the more prepared you are for it to go the way you want it to go, the more likely it is to go that way. Things happen outside of the plan sometimes and that is just life