To get an epidural or not to get an epidural, that is the question

amslam15 · June 2015

Ive seen some people's comments about the epidural helping them through labor but my intention is to not get one. I've had several friends who have made it through and say the pain is manageable and I've had others say I'd be crazy to not get one. Any suggestions from those who did make it through labor without one?

KonaCoffeeBean · June 2015

Use the search bar. You will find a lot of discussion on this topic.

janat1717 · June 2015

Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural

Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though

amslam15 · June 2015

Oh okay didn't know about the search bar.. thanks ladies

KiwiMumof3 · June 2015

If you have the right mindset you can do it! I used breathing and movement to get through. With my last I just kept telling myself that the contraction will only last for a minute, you can do it and I did.

btm013 · June 2015

Don't go in there with an agenda and keep an open mind. If you need one then get one. If you don't then great! Having just gone through labor, I can say with certainty that in the end, it does not matter.

katyertl · June 2015

btm013 said:
Don't go in there with an agenda and keep an open mind. If you need one then get one. If you don't then great! Having just gone through labor, I can say with certainty that in the end, it does not matter.

This exactly!!!!! I didn't have a plan because I didn't want to become more stressed if something didn't go the way we planned. I did get the epidural and would do it again in a heart beat. But everyone is different. Don't let others make your decision! See how things go and make your decision then maybe?

Frogger5 · June 2015

btm013 said:
Don't go in there with an agenda and keep an open mind. If you need one then get one. If you don't then great! Having just gone through labor, I can say with certainty that in the end, it does not matter.

I've been thinking this way more and more, but I think actually if you go in with this attitude, you are really pretty much going to get one. Which is fine! Just seems like the women who don't either a) didn't have time or couldn't have one for whatever reason or b) really decided they didn't want one in advance and had a pretty solid plan of how to avoid one. Since I'm waffling now I'm pretty sure I'll get one at some point! You guys think this is true or am I just talking out my butt? Did anyone go in unsure and actually not get one by choice?

delujm0 · June 2015

Frogger5 said:

Don't go in there with an agenda and keep an open mind. If you need one then get one. If you don't then great! Having just gone through labor, I can say with certainty that in the end, it does not matter.
I've been thinking this way more and more, but I think actually if you go in with this attitude, you are really pretty much going to get one. Which is fine! Just seems like the women who don't either a) didn't have time or couldn't have one for whatever reason or b) really decided they didn't want one in advance and had a pretty solid plan of how to avoid one. Since I'm waffling now I'm pretty sure I'll get one at some point! You guys think this is true or am I just talking out my butt? Did anyone go in unsure and actually not get one by choice?

At the birth class i went to, the nurse/doula who taught us said that of all hospital vaginal births, between 89-91% wind up getting the epidural. She said basically what you said - most of the time the people that don't get it are the ones that get there too late, or the baby comes so fast that there wasn't time to get the anestesiologist in there. Or it is the people that just really really did not want one, and had a high enough pain tolerance and enough support and plans in place to avoid it. But that winds up being a very small percentage of people. So if you don't want one and wind up getting one, don't feel ashamed or like a failure. So few people go without it. And as the instructor told us "no one should ever have to experience their personal pain threshhold, not when there are completely safe options to avoid it."

I wish i was enough of a rock star to avoid getting one, mostly because it would be awesome to be up and walking around quickly after the birth. But I'm a sissy about pain, and really I mostly want one so that i can relax and sleep a bit before the pushing starts. And also so that i can't feel them stitching me up afterwards. But i'm hoping to hold out until at least 6cm so that it doens't wind up slowing my progress down.

henrytviii · June 2015

@Frogger5 I think you are on to something. I'd add that a supportive partner who can deal with seeing you in tremendous pain and encourage you to continue without meds is a big help. I'd add that every labor is very different and both the intensity and length of contractions vary widely. So for some this will be really doable and for others meds may be almost unavoidable. You don't know in advance how it will go for you. I laugh when women speak of 1 minute contractions, try 15-20 minutes,when you have a sunny side up baby. I went into both deliveries with a solid plan to avoid an epidural but agreed I would get on in the case of a prolonged multi-day labor and exhaustion. The first was rough but with constant work I was able to just barely stay in control. This time I found that none of my management techniques worked and labor was horrifically painful. I would have failed this time if 1) doc wasn't repeatedly assuring me delivery was imminent (for 5 hours) and 2) DS and the nurse answered every " I can't" and "this is fucking terrible" with a chorus of "you're doing it" Basically I said no meds and none were ever offered in spite of my screaming like a sitcom star. If you really want to do it without meds have a multifaceted plan for pain management (breathing, movement, meditation), be prepared for that to perhaps go out the window and you'll just have to deal with pain you can't get on top of, and make your wishes very clear to your support person and the nurses. If it's a hard labor you will probably say you can't do it and you'll need them to be on board with not offering you meds unless you really make it clear you are done.

lindsladle15 · June 2015

Frogger5 said:

btm013 said:
Don't go in there with an agenda and keep an open mind. If you need one then get one. If you don't then great! Having just gone through labor, I can say with certainty that in the end, it does not matter.
I've been thinking this way more and more, but I think actually if you go in with this attitude, you are really pretty much going to get one. Which is fine! Just seems like the women who don't either a) didn't have time or couldn't have one for whatever reason or b) really decided they didn't want one in advance and had a pretty solid plan of how to avoid one. Since I'm waffling now I'm pretty sure I'll get one at some point! You guys think this is true or am I just talking out my butt? Did anyone go in unsure and actually not get one by choice?

I was just going to mention this! I think if you go in unsure, you're most likely to get one. Not a problem...I greatly enjoyed mine the first time and plan on one again.
Also, I needed to factor in DH....he went in not knowing much about labor and such and he really struggled seeing me in pain and feeling helpless as to what to do/how to handle everything. I almost felt worse for him watching me than what my contractions were pain-wise (almost). That was another reason the epidural was a wise move.
Andplusalso, once I got it, I went from 2.5 to 8cm in about 35 min!

mlindzz · June 2015

I'm a FTM, and we're going in with an open mind but hope for a natural birth. We learned lots of pain management techniques in our prenatal class, and hope to use the tools we learned before resorting to an epidural. Although as others mentioned, every labour is different so it would be unrealistic (for me anyways) to try to make a decision in advance to refuse an epidural when I really have no idea what we'll be up against.

If I'm offered an epidural and am considering it, my hope is that the nurses (and our timeframe) will allow me a take a few minutes to pray with my husband before finalizing the decision. As much as I would prefer a natural birth, what's more important is that birth isn't a traumatic experience where I decide I'm not having any more kids... because I should have just taken epidural.

Either way, just praying for a healthy and happy baby in the end.

jessieR358 · June 2015

henrytviii said:
@Frogger5 I think you are on to something. I'd add that a supportive partner who can deal with seeing you in tremendous pain and encourage you to continue without meds is a big help. I'd add that every labor is very different and both the intensity and length of contractions vary widely. So for some this will be really doable and for others meds may be almost unavoidable. You don't know in advance how it will go for you. I laugh when women speak of 1 minute contractions, try 15-20 minutes,when you have a sunny side up baby. I went into both deliveries with a solid plan to avoid an epidural but agreed I would get on in the case of a prolonged multi-day labor and exhaustion. The first was rough but with constant work I was able to just barely stay in control. This time I found that none of my management techniques worked and labor was horrifically painful. I would have failed this time if 1) doc wasn't repeatedly assuring me delivery was imminent (for 5 hours) and 2) DS and the nurse answered every " I can't" and "this is fucking terrible" with a chorus of "you're doing it" Basically I said no meds and none were ever offered in spite of my screaming like a sitcom star. If you really want to do it without meds have a multifaceted plan for pain management (breathing, movement, meditation), be prepared for that to perhaps go out the window and you'll just have to deal with pain you can't get on top of, and make your wishes very clear to your support person and the nurses. If it's a hard labor you will probably say you can't do it and you'll need them to be on board with not offering you meds unless you really make it clear you are done.

This is my plan. My husband is not allowed to mention pain meds and I'll let the nurses know too. I feel that I have to go in with the mindset of there's no alternative. My husband has been really supportive and when I have moments of "I don't know if I can do it" he says yes you can. You'll do awesome. So it helps. I keep reminding myself my body was made to do this.
@delujm0 I also don't believe that epidurals are "completely safe options" either. The nurse shouldn't have said that. There is always the possibility of a complication with the most minor procedure, which terrifies me as a healthcare provider. Very unlikely, but it's possible.

Sammy K · June 2015

I really want to weigh in on this thread but I'm having a hard time. I was all-natural with my son, definitely in the 'my body is made for this and my comfort isn't worth the risks' camp for DS. Man, have I had some humble pie. I had a traumatic experience and I wish I could have had drugs during so I wasn't a shell shocked pile of poop after.

Listen to your body and don't feel guilty if it's saying the pain is too much. I hope everyone has a wonderful birth experience, drugs or not.

jessieR358 · June 2015

I'm sorry you had such a traumatic experience. That sounds awful. I hope your labor and delivery is much better this time. I'm not against getting one if I feel the pain is beyond what I can handle but it's my last resort.

katyertl · June 2015

I absolutely hate when people feel guilty or others make a woman feel less of a woman because they got an epidural. It drives me nuts! Do what you want and need for yourself and your body!

ElRuby · June 2015

Sammy K said:
I really want to weigh in on this thread but I'm having a hard time. I was all-natural with my son, definitely in the 'my body is made for this and my comfort isn't worth the risks' camp for DS. Man, have I had some humble pie. I had a traumatic experience and I wish I could have had drugs during so I wasn't a shell shocked pile of poop after.

Listen to your body and don't feel guilty if it's saying the pain is too much. I hope everyone has a wonderful birth experience, drugs or not.

Same here... This time I opted for the epidural and it was a truly wonderful birthing experience.... My body was so much more relaxed that the labor was shorter and I felt everything I needed to to know when to push... And I was not in shock after the experience but could actually enjoy my baby!

jessicarae0316 · June 2015

janit368 said:
Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though

Gross. Birthing a child should not be a sexual thing.

Frogger5 · June 2015

jessicarae0316 said:

Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though
Gross. Birthing a child should not be a sexual thing.

Well that's a whole lot of judgment. Sex and child bearing are sort of irrevocably intertwined, no? Makes me feel like someone is a tad bit repressed.

henrytviii · June 2015

jesshrou said:

henrytviii said:
@Frogger5 I think you are on to something. I'd add that a supportive partner who can deal with seeing you in tremendous pain and encourage you to continue without meds is a big help. I'd add that every labor is very different and both the intensity and length of contractions vary widely. So for some this will be really doable and for others meds may be almost unavoidable. You don't know in advance how it will go for you. I laugh when women speak of 1 minute contractions, try 15-20 minutes,when you have a sunny side up baby. I went into both deliveries with a solid plan to avoid an epidural but agreed I would get on in the case of a prolonged multi-day labor and exhaustion. The first was rough but with constant work I was able to just barely stay in control. This time I found that none of my management techniques worked and labor was horrifically painful. I would have failed this time if 1) doc wasn't repeatedly assuring me delivery was imminent (for 5 hours) and 2) DS and the nurse answered every " I can't" and "this is fucking terrible" with a chorus of "you're doing it" Basically I said no meds and none were ever offered in spite of my screaming like a sitcom star. If you really want to do it without meds have a multifaceted plan for pain management (breathing, movement, meditation), be prepared for that to perhaps go out the window and you'll just have to deal with pain you can't get on top of, and make your wishes very clear to your support person and the nurses. If it's a hard labor you will probably say you can't do it and you'll need them to be on board with not offering you meds unless you really make it clear you are done.
This is my plan. My husband is not allowed to mention pain meds and I'll let the nurses know too. I feel that I have to go in with the mindset of there's no alternative. My husband has been really supportive and when I have moments of "I don't know if I can do it" he says yes you can. You'll do awesome. So it helps. I keep reminding myself my body was made to do this.
@delujm0 I also don't believe that epidurals are "completely safe options" either. The nurse shouldn't have said that. There is always the possibility of a complication with the most minor procedure, which terrifies me as a healthcare provider. Very unlikely, but it's possible.

I just wanted to clarify that I didn't prohibit my husband from mentioning pain meds. We had our plan but he needed to look out for me and our child. If it reached the point where he felt pain meds would have made it a better experience for me or left me in a better position to care for our son immediately after birth, he would have helped me make that decision.

After my son was born this time I was really shaky and didn't feel well. I didn't want anything that would make me foggy but I did accept an IV form of ibuprofen and it helped me get things together quickly to nurse and welcome my newborn.

jessicarae0316 · June 2015

Frogger5 said:

jessicarae0316 said:

janit368 said:
Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though
Gross. Birthing a child should not be a sexual thing.

Well that's a whole lot of judgment. Sex and child bearing are sort of irrevocably intertwined, no? Makes me feel like someone is a tad bit repressed.

Repressed? No. I just a find getting sexually stimulated by your child going through your birth canal borderline pedophilia.

Frogger5 · June 2015

jessicarae0316 said:

jessicarae0316 said:

Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though
Gross. Birthing a child should not be a sexual thing.

Well that's a whole lot of judgment. Sex and child bearing are sort of irrevocably intertwined, no? Makes me feel like someone is a tad bit repressed.
Repressed? No. I just a find getting sexually stimulated by your child going through your birth canal borderline pedophilia.

OMG!!! Wow. This is the quote of the month.

APago · June 2015

jessicarae0316 said:

Frogger5 said:

jessicarae0316 said:

janit368 said:
Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though
Gross. Birthing a child should not be a sexual thing.

Well that's a whole lot of judgment. Sex and child bearing are sort of irrevocably intertwined, no? Makes me feel like someone is a tad bit repressed.

Repressed? No. I just a find getting sexually stimulated by your child going through your birth canal borderline pedophilia.

Borderline pedophilia? That's extreme! Crawl out from under that rock!

Mommaswizz · June 2015

Just to add my useless two cents... I honestly cannot imagine having an orgasm while giving birth (especially since i've never given birth before) but i cannot imagine the poster experienced an orgasm because she was "sexually stimulated by her child". Get real. I think the human body just does crazy shit and that it could happen, however rare it may be.

carajeanp37 · June 2015

I've read about the orgasm thing but don't know anyone personally who has experienced it - very interesting.

I will agree with @Frogger5 on the epidural, I went in with an attitude that I would try to go without the epidural unless I felt like I really needed it and honestly.. I needed it. I'd been having contractions for days I hadn't slept in 50 hours and the epidural gave me an hour and a half of pure relief so I could rest before pushing.. It wore off and I felt every part of pushing and was up and walking as soon as I was all stitched up. I'm glad I didn't give myself a strict plan to go natural otherwise I would be feeling guilty about the epidural and all the pitocin, instead I'm just happy I got through it and my little girl came out healthy!

dancegurl1118 · June 2015

I hate when women are chastised for their pain management decisions, as if only a natural birth matters. I've never heard of someone after birth with an epidural regretting it. I understand there are both sides of the coin but when people are disappointed that they didn't go natural I always scratch my head as to why...

That being said if that is someone's plan and they want to stick to it then I will support them!

delujm0 · June 2015

dancegurl1118 said:

I hate when women are chastised for their pain management decisions, as if only a natural birth matters. I've never heard of someone after birth with an epidural regretting it. I understand there are both sides of the coin but when people are disappointed that they didn't go natural I always scratch my head as to why... That being said if that is someone's plan and they want to stick to it then I will support them!

I know a woman who got a spinal headache that required multiple medical interventions due to the epidural during the birth of her third child. Do you know what she said when I asked her what she would do if she ever had a fourth child? She said "I'd get the epidural again." Spinal headache is a serious but not deadly complication. I haven't known anyone who regretted an epidural either, and that incldues another friend whose epidural didn't fully take, leaving one side of her body numb and the other completely unaffected.

I reaize that the epidural isn't completely risk free...0.025% of people who get them wind up with life threatening conditions associated with them. But 0.015% of women in the US still die during child birth. I mean there is always SOME degree of risk, even with natural birth. I'm supportive of whatever a woman decides to do, i'm just not supportive of women who use their natural births as a way to look down on women who have gotten the epidural. There is no wrong way to birth a child. period. Do what's right for you, and do not feel bad about it if you went into it wanting to go med-free but wound up with an epidural or c-section. As long as mom and baby are healthy afterwards, you had a successful birth.

hailwillis0628 · June 2015

While pregnant with my first DS, I knew I didn't want one, but initially had the mindset of "well, if I need it, I'll get it." Then after telling people that was my plan and hearing them ALL talk about how there's no way I could go without an epidural, I was fueled to absolutely NOT get one. I really think having that attitude - that there was NO other option - is the only reason I was able to do it. I had a great experience with his birth, and would like to have a similar birth this time, although I'm not quite as dead set against an epi with this one as I was last time. So who knows... We'll see what happens. I'll still try to go as far as I can without one, since the whole idea of them makes me very nervous.

sschwege · June 2015

jessicarae0316 said:

jessicarae0316 said:

Breathing and staying calm, Thinking positive thoughts. I said ohm over and over but it does make me instantly relaxed from a ton of yoga. Raspberry lips helps too. I actually had two orgasms during the birth. Won't get that with an epidural Being able to keep body loose was key and I also had a partner that was great at reminding me to relax and use different techniques. You have to do what works for you though
Gross. Birthing a child should not be a sexual thing.

Well that's a whole lot of judgment. Sex and child bearing are sort of irrevocably intertwined, no? Makes me feel like someone is a tad bit repressed.
Repressed? No. I just a find getting sexually stimulated by your child going through your birth canal borderline pedophilia.

That's a really disgusting thing to say and way to minimize true pedophilia behavior.

For what it's worth I had sort of a similar experience, when I was in labor with my first. I didn't have an orgasm but I did have one contraction that felt exciting? It's not something I was planning for, but it's not like you can control it and I certainly would take that over what the other contractions felt like.

aliciaspinnet · June 2015

I gave birth last night, and I'm so glad I had the epidural. Because my contractions were irregular I wasn't recognised as being in active labour until I hit 7cm - and was not allowed any pain relief through 12 hours of back labour. By the time they moved me to L&D I was pretty frantic with pain. Thankfully the anaesthetist was great and got one in really quickly. After that I was much calmer and more in control. It didn't take fully over the right side of my stomach but it was such an improvement over the terrible sacral pressure I had that I could cope with it easily. Towards the end I refrained from taking any top ups for about an hour, which meant I could feel contractions. It did make it harder to feel how to push but the midwife coached me through really well, and I think I had a lot more control compared to how I felt beforehand. I had a few complications at the end - baby was dropping his heart rate so I needed an episiotomy to get him out fast, then I had a pretty big bleed so had to have a cervical exam to evacuate clots. I was extra grateful for the epidural then - didn't feel a thing!
(Both me and baby are doing great btw!)

dancegurl1118 said:
I hate when women are chastised for their pain management decisions, as if only a natural birth matters. I've never heard of someone after birth with an epidural regretting it. I understand there are both sides of the coin but when people are disappointed that they didn't go natural I always scratch my head as to why...

That being said if that is someone's plan and they want to stick to it then I will support them!

Definitely agree with this. I find it so odd when people attach a weird moral value to pain relief in childbirth. I totally get that epidurals aren't for everyone - I didn't love the dead leg effect, and I can see how the risks involved may put people off. But every labour is different, every persons pain threshold is different, and women should not be judged for requiring pain relief.

mindaa · June 2015

I agree that it all depends,that's why you're hearing contradictory stories. I was one of those who had a fast labor and didn't have one. But if I had been exhausted by many hours of labor, things could have gone differently

virginiaunicorn11 · June 2015

KiwiMumof3 said:
If you have the right mindset you can do it! I used breathing and movement to get through. With my last I just kept telling myself that the contraction will only last for a minute, you can do it and I did.

I was told this and believed it. And then at hour 17, requested an epidural. None of the medical staff offered it, and my husband didn't mention it. I hadn't taken a class or properly prepared, because I heard this over and over - "it's all in your mind". I read books about natural childbirth, which made me believe I could orgasm if I just put my mind to it.

Well, maybe that's true for some, but not for me. I was in the right mindset, but maybe it was that I had no proper tools (preparation) to make mindset matter. Or maybe this mindset unfortunately fails to tell you the pain is very F'ing real.

I almost lost consciousness from the pain, meanwhile I was sitting on the birthing ball trying to visualize my vagina opening like a rose, waiting for an orgasm. My contractions were coming in waves of four or five at a time, so they were much longer than a minute. It was ridiculous. So I am glad I tried med-free for as long as I did 16 hours, until stuck at 8 cm), and I am glad I got the epidural when I did. I am glad I am not the type of person to feel an ounce of guilt or failure about that.

There is a helpful podcast in The Longest Shortest Time series, where the hostess speaks with Ina May Gaskin and basically calls her out on this. On the fact that if women are led to believe it's all a matter of mindset, what does that mean for the women who try but "fail"? Ina May responded that it was never her intention to send that message. Definitely worth a listen.

Sorry to be preachy, but this was my biggest lesson in labor and I don't think it's fair to keep letting women like me believe you can just will away the pain of childbirth.

Westypet · June 2015

virginiaunicorn11 said:

KiwiMumof3 said:
If you have the right mindset you can do it! I used breathing and movement to get through. With my last I just kept telling myself that the contraction will only last for a minute, you can do it and I did.
I was told this and believed it. And then at hour 17, requested an epidural. None of the medical staff offered it, and my husband didn't mention it. I hadn't taken a class or properly prepared, because I heard this over and over - "it's all in your mind". I read books about natural childbirth, which made me believe I could orgasm if I just put my mind to it.

Well, maybe that's true for some, but not for me. I was in the right mindset, but maybe it was that I had no proper tools (preparation) to make mindset matter. Or maybe this mindset unfortunately fails to tell you the pain is very F'ing real.

I almost lost consciousness from the pain, meanwhile I was sitting on the birthing ball trying to visualize my vagina opening like a rose, waiting for an orgasm. My contractions were coming in waves of four or five at a time, so they were much longer than a minute. It was ridiculous. So I am glad I tried med-free for as long as I did 16 hours, until stuck at 8 cm), and I am glad I got the epidural when I did. I am glad I am not the type of person to feel an ounce of guilt or failure about that.

There is a helpful podcast in The Longest Shortest Time series, where the hostess speaks with Ina May Gaskin and basically calls her out on this. On the fact that if women are led to believe it's all a matter of mindset, what does that mean for the women who try but "fail"? Ina May responded that it was never her intention to send that message. Definitely worth a listen.

Sorry to be preachy, but this was my biggest lesson in labor and I don't think it's fair to keep letting women like me believe you can just will away the pain of childbirth.

That's what I've been told-- you can will it away. And that because I've been a chronic pain sufferer for years and years that my threshold will be higher and I should just go for it-- all natural.

I don't see any reason to be in pain if I can safely avoid it. Yes, there are risks, but every pill I've ever taken for migraine has had a risk associated with it.

ElRuby · June 2015

I had a nurse who kept saying "don't lose your mind" ... Picture a calm scene.. I imagined punching her face.,., the epidural was a beautiful thing.... Modern medicine and all....

lydiabrent · June 2015

I don't get it....I wouldn't get a tooth out without being numb!!!!!
I'm a FTM too and would like to go as far as I can without....but if I need one, I'll get one

klkonwi · June 2015

@ElRuby I would hope someone would punch me if I ever said,"picture a calm scene." Punch yourself lady... You need it!
I do always make my patients make eye contact and I breathe with them if things are getting out of control noise, pain and room wise.

amslam15 · June 2015

Well having being the one who started the discussion, I'll share my story. Baby girl came on her own Tuesday evening and I did it with no pain medicine, which was my plan. But I've been told I was lucky cause I was admitted around 4 pm and she was born at 7:03 pm. I had a fast labor and delivery. My doctor broke my big bag of water around 5:15, (I actually had four bags total) I walked the halls til 6, got back in my room and I had went from a 4 to 9cm. Starting pushing at 6:30 .. The pain is ridiculous! I honestly wanted to give up but I had a great nurse, my husband and my mom who coached me through. I can now say I've done it and it can be done, but I will more than likely get an epidural next time. The contractions weren't so bad but coming off of the pushes, I felt like my back was gonna split open at any moment. The hardest thing for me was holding my breath during the push and focusing on putting my energy at my bottom to get her out .. But to each their own! I don't think it makes a woman any less powerful or whatever to get an epidural. Good luck to those who haven't delivered yet!

Sammy K · June 2015

@virginiaunicorn11 Amen sister.

mlindzz · June 2015

So glad your delivery went as planned and your LO arrived safely! And thank you for sharing your story! @amslam15

HoosOnFirst · June 2015

I pulled the trigger at 4 cm for the epidural (I felt silly but holy hell it hurt!) I was induced, so not sure if that contributed to more intense contractions anyway. No regrets! I even got some sleep in overnight, which was helpful since I ended up pushing for almost 4 hours and it ended in a forceps-assisted delivery! :-O

I'd do an epidural next time too, no question.

Westypet · June 2015

amslam15 said:
Well having being the one who started the discussion, I'll share my story. Baby girl came on her own Tuesday evening and I did it with no pain medicine, which was my plan. But I've been told I was lucky cause I was admitted around 4 pm and she was born at 7:03 pm. I had a fast labor and delivery. My doctor broke my big bag of water around 5:15, (I actually had four bags total) I walked the halls til 6, got back in my room and I had went from a 4 to 9cm. Starting pushing at 6:30 .. The pain is ridiculous! I honestly wanted to give up but I had a great nurse, my husband and my mom who coached me through. I can now say I've done it and it can be done, but I will more than likely get an epidural next time. The contractions weren't so bad but coming off of the pushes, I felt like my back was gonna split open at any moment. The hardest thing for me was holding my breath during the push and focusing on putting my energy at my bottom to get her out .. But to each their own! I don't think it makes a woman any less powerful or whatever to get an epidural. Good luck to those who haven't delivered yet!

That's amazing that your delivery was so fast and that you handled it so well! So inspiring to women who don't want medicine interrupting the birth. Way to go! :-)

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To get an epidural or not to get an epidural, that is the question

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