@KimmySchmidt the reason I wanted to avoid/hold off the first time is because I had also heard that it can slow down or stop labor. It turned out to have the opposite affect for me. I also thought I wanted to have more control over my body, but I didn't feel like I had much control over anything when I was in that much pain. I had also heard that you can tear less and push more effectively without one. I was still able to feel contractions just enough to know when to push and I didn't have any horrible tears. I personally think the outcome of the epidural is circumstantial and all depends on your body/labor. I loved it and am so glad I will have the option again.
Just a heads up to anyone not planning med-free, I used IV pain meds with my daughter and I regret doing so. I ended up with an epidural (had planned med-free but it didn't work out), and I wish I had just waited for pain management till I got the epi.
The IV pain meds made me incredibly loopy, and I barely remember the first 2 hours of my daughter's life. I wish someone had warned me that could happen, so I am passing my knowledge off to any FTMs or anyone considering pain management other than an epidural. Do with the info what you will!
*************************************** FORMER USERNAME:@runningisrad
I'm not judging others, but I honestly don't understand giving birth med free. Would you get a root canal with no Novocain? Have a surgery without anesthesia? I don't have a problem with modern western medicine. I have never personally known anyone for whom having an epidural affected their child negatively. It seems like a lot of unnessary pain when the only reward is being able to smugly brag to other mothers who could care less how your baby came out of you. (Again, not saying any of you do/will do that, but I have met several die hard "natural birth" enthusiasts who have had this attitude.)
I needed pitocin and requested an epidural for my first after 5 hours of contractions. I labored for 12 hours after the epidural, so I think I made the right call.
This is time I'm a candidate for a csection due to my labor injuries, but I haven't decided on a course of action yet. I'm waiting to see how big the baby gets or if any other complications arise.
So many more reasons for wanting to go med-free than the opportunity to brag. I don't like being on any medications if I can help it, at any time, whether pregnant or not. I hate not feeling in control of my body. The 15 or so minutes I was made to lie in bed in triage while I was in active labor were horrible. I wanted to be able to walk and move freely. I did not want to expose my baby to medications if it wasn't totally medically necessary. Yes, labor and delivery are painful but the pain is passing/fleeting and I saw no reason to numb that pain for my own comfort.
And this is not to brag, this is purely my feelings regarding my own birth experience since you brought up the bragging reason, I felt like a freaking rock star after. I gained more confidence and a better appreciation for what my body can do.
There is really nothing to understand with regard to how another woman chooses to give birth. It's a personal decision and there are no wrong choices.
I felt the exact same way with my first, I knew before I even got pregnant that I would plan on getting an epidural. I knew that I don't do really well with pain and that would be the only thing I would be able to concentrate on, rather than being able to take in the whole experience. Like you said, I knew there could be some circumstances where I wouldn't be able to/might decide not to get an epidural, but I knew that was my plan if everything went as expected. I don't regret getting it one bit, I tell everyone I loved my epidural. I know it's not for everyone, and more power to the ladies that are able to do it without one, but I plan on getting one again this time as long as everything goes as planned.
The only real negative I am coming up with for an epidural is the idea of a catheter really grosses me out (ftm, can you tell?). However, I have a feeling a lot of things are going to be grossing me out, so epidural and catheter is prob where I'm headed.
@jas1982 They only cathed me twice (they didn't leave one in the whole time). And once was actually after she was born because my bladder was so full my uterus was bleeding more than it should have been. It ended up not being a big deal.
Please allow me to clarify. I am not judging the act of going med free. I really do not care what medical decisions other people make for themselves. Again, the reasons I've heard are not particularly compelling as far as I'm concerned, but you do you. I'll just be over here not "getting" it.
What I DO judge is the the holier than though attitude that some moms take about it. (And if you can judge a person for their shitty attitude, really, what can you judge them for?) I did not and am not saying that I have seen that attitude expressed on this board, however, I have absolutely seen it in real life and elsewhere on the interwebs.
Eta- and I assume that the OP knows the kind of attitude I'm talking about, since she mentioned being made to feel like a pariah for not being anti-meds.
Please allow me to clarify. I am not judging the act of going med free. I really do not care what medical decisions other people make for themselves. Again, the reasons I've heard are not particularly compelling as far as I'm concerned, but you do you. I'll just be over here not "getting" it.
What I DO judge is the the holier than though attitude that some moms take about it. (And if you can judge a person for their shitty attitude, really, what can you judge them for?) I did not and am not saying that I have seen that attitude expressed on this board, however, I have absolutely seen it in real life and elsewhere on the interwebs.
Eta- and I assume that the OP knows the kind of attitude I'm talking about, since she mentioned being made to feel like a pariah for not being anti-meds.
That's a shame that you've run into so many people with that attitude. It's not something that needs to be expressed and makes those of us who don't have that attitude look bad and get lumped into that. Personally, I don't ever share my med-free birth experience unless asked.
ETA - poor wording.
ETA - while I don't volunteer my experience, I would love to as I would love to share how empowering it can be and how it's not just about bragging.
I'm not judging others, but I honestly don't understand giving birth med free. Would you get a root canal with no Novocain? Have a surgery without anesthesia? I don't have a problem with modern western medicine. I have never personally known anyone for whom having an epidural affected their child negatively. It seems like a lot of unnessary pain when the only reward is being able to smugly brag to other mothers who could care less how your baby came out of you. (Again, not saying any of you do/will do that, but I have met several die hard "natural birth" enthusiasts who have had this attitude.)
I needed pitocin and requested an epidural for my first after 5 hours of contractions. I labored for 12 hours after the epidural, so I think I made the right call.
This is time I'm a candidate for a csection due to my labor injuries, but I haven't decided on a course of action yet. I'm waiting to see how big the baby gets or if any other complications arise.
For me, personally, going unmedicated is more about feeling like I have more control over my body. With my first child, the doctor broke my water. Then my labor "stalled." Then she started Pitocin. Then I asked for an epidural, because I was scared of Pitocin contractions. After the epidural, I was stuck to the bed, which was uncomfortable and not conducive to labor.
This time, I sought a team that wouldn't be so quick to intervene, with the hopes that I could make it through this birth without the snowball effect of interventions. I'm hoping to move around my entire labor, and deliver in a position other than on my back. I want fewer restrictions and when you have an epi, you're kinda stuck there. I completely understand why women opt for an epi right away, but for me it's not about bragging rights so much as it's about feeling like I have more control over my experience.
*************************************** FORMER USERNAME:@runningisrad
I'm a person who spent my entire life saying I would get an epidural immediately... like I'd be at the hospital at the first thought of labor to make sure I didn't miss my opportunity. Then, FOR ME, labor wasn't as bad as I was anticipating... and the worst of it was the times that they made me lay in the bed to have monitoring done.. the contractions were a million times worse. For me, the best way to labor was up and walking around, which I knew would not be an option if I got the epidural.. the nurse also warned me that the anesthesiologist has to be called in as he was "on-call" at home, and if I requested it, I could expect about an hour before placement.. that to me sounded like it would be the longest hour of my life waiting.
I did have a pain medicaiton, nubaine, and it was magical. I was very afraid that it would make me loopy and it made me a bit dizzy and nauseous but I was still extremely coherent (if I get it again, I will have the nurse order the anti-nausea med at the same time.. it took them an hour to get me an f-ing promethazine tablet).. it also wore off a couple hours before giving birth.
Going in this time, I have the mentality that if labor goes exactly the same I will be the luckiest person alive and attack it with the same plan.. but I also have the epidural to fall back on.
As others have said, birth is natural. It doesn't matter to anyone but you how you bring this baby into the world. Make sound medical decisions with the advice and guidance of your providers and significant other.
I think this is an interesting topic. I can definitely see how some become self-righteous or judgmental about other's perceptions. But really, isn't every body different? How can I even compare my experience to another woman's when our babies, bodies and of course pain tolerance/experience is completely different? Anyways,
I am not planning on pain medication but I am also not not planning it. If I can manage without it, awesome! But I would hope I could be flexible and gentle with myself during labor and decide what's best for myself and baby in the moment, not because it's written down somewhere or because it was "unplanned."
I haven't decided what I'm doing yet. Ultimately I assume I will be doing the epi, but will try to go without it first and see how far I get. Only so I can stay mobile and such. The idea of the epi kind of scares me. But it is what it is and its there if I need it. My husband's mom told me a story about getting one and she said she was told not to lift her head? She did and got excruciating headaches for months after. Does that actually happen? I don't like the idea that the epi could have adverse negative effects on me and my body long after giving birth. So I'm not sure. Just planning to go with the flow.
I haven't decided what I'm doing yet. Ultimately I assume I will be doing the epi, but will try to go without it first and see how far I get. Only so I can stay mobile and such. The idea of the epi kind of scares me. But it is what it is and its there if I need it. My husband's mom told me a story about getting one and she said she was told not to lift her head? She did and got excruciating headaches for months after. Does that actually happen? I don't like the idea that the epi could have adverse negative effects on me and my body long after giving birth. So I'm not sure. Just planning to go with the flow.
There are some people who report an increase in headaches and/or backaches for sometime after having an epidural. Right after they gave me my epidural, I had to lay flat on my back for 20 minutes so it would take evenly. It took effect very quickly and the 20 minutes flew by. I was a bit nervous and scared of the epidural, but after the anesthesiologist spoke at my birth class, I felt a lot better.
I haven't decided what I'm doing yet. Ultimately I assume I will be doing the epi, but will try to go without it first and see how far I get. Only so I can stay mobile and such. The idea of the epi kind of scares me. But it is what it is and its there if I need it. My husband's mom told me a story about getting one and she said she was told not to lift her head? She did and got excruciating headaches for months after. Does that actually happen? I don't like the idea that the epi could have adverse negative effects on me and my body long after giving birth. So I'm not sure. Just planning to go with the flow.
Yes, spinal headaches can occur from an epidural. I don't think it's super common, but it can happen.
*************************************** FORMER USERNAME:@runningisrad
Did anyone get into the water during labor? Either a shower or tub? How did this effect labor/choice in pain meds?
i was wondering this myself, my hospital allows it, as long as your water has NOT broke. Heat has always helped during my PMS days figured it wouldnt hurt me to try it during labor.
I haven't decided what I'm doing yet. Ultimately I assume I will be doing the epi, but will try to go without it first and see how far I get. Only so I can stay mobile and such. The idea of the epi kind of scares me. But it is what it is and its there if I need it. My husband's mom told me a story about getting one and she said she was told not to lift her head? She did and got excruciating headaches for months after. Does that actually happen? I don't like the idea that the epi could have adverse negative effects on me and my body long after giving birth. So I'm not sure. Just planning to go with the flow.
Spinal headaches can occur if they insert the needle too far and cause spinal fluid to leak. Apparently there is a procedure to correct this, and the anesthesiologist should be able to warn you if they think they went too far with the needle. As for lifting your head, I had to lift mine for pushing, and had no adverse issues from my Epi.
@Sbrown721 Not that this is too helpful, but I planned to get in the tub. When I asked to go in, they brought in the antibiotic for GBS (I was GBS positive) and told me it would take 2 hours to go through the IV. I made it halfway before I called for the Epi. I have no idea if the tub would have prevented me from getting an epidural (doubtful), but I still have it in my mind that it would have helped me hold out longer.
@Sbrown721 Not that this is too helpful, but I planned to get in the tub. When I asked to go in, they brought in the antibiotic for GBS (I was GBS positive) and told me it would take 2 hours to go through the IV. I made it halfway before I called for the Epi. I have no idea if the tub would have prevented me from getting an epidural (doubtful), but I still have it in my mind that it would have helped me hold out longer.
Same here. Damn you, GBS! It made labor so much harder.
@Sbrown721 I tried laboring in a tub for a little while at the hospital, I didn't think it helped with the pain so I got out and asked for the epi. Others swear by it, but the tub just wasn't my thing.
We all have different relationships with our bodies. Different fears, Different confidences. Different priorities. That's what makes us awesome. I honor any choice a woman decides to make with her body, and her delivery choices are no different.
I chose to plan for an unmedicated birth with DD. I am unreasonably terrified of shots/needles/hospitals. Personally, pushing a baby out of my vagina without meds sounded 100% better then the terror I knew I would feel with a needle in my spine. I also have a tendency to obsess about medication side effects - it drives H nuts and I knew we would struggle if I had to go down that road. I also was a long-distance runner and I have been in pain for extended amounts of time, so the thought of a long labor wasn't as terrifying to me. That being said, I meditated LONG AND HARD about the possibility that I would not be able to have the birth plan I hoped for. I tried to be very open to all of the possibilities that we all face in labor.
The advice I give to my FTM friends - your body, your rules. Don't let anyone tell you different. Don't try to tell any other woman differently. Rock on mamas.
@Sbrown721- I don't think my husband will let me climb into the tub again! hahaha. First, I showered at home when contractions were shorter and maybe 5-10 minutes apart, to get ready for the day and relax. That was great. While still in pretty early labor I climbed into the tub at the hospital. I got bored after a few minutes and came out. Then a couple hours later things were intensifying and I thought Hey! Let's hop back in the tub and pass some time. If you saw my earlier post, contractions were considerably worse when I couldn't move around/was on my back. The nurse helped fill the tub (they had to check water temp before I could get in), she and my husband helped me in and I started having a contraction sitting in the tub - completely unable to move. It was the only moment in labor that I shed a tear. I wanted OUT of the tub immediately, but we had to wait for the contraction to fully pass and have enough time to get me safely out (it was a deep jetted tub) before another one hit.
That minute+ contraction felt like a lifetime and I finally climbed out, only half dripping wet and swore I would never get back into that thing. My husband was terrified and I think the nurse was trying not to laugh.
Thanks for the info everyone. Eek. I had no idea of all of the possible side effects of epi. I wish I could go without it but I'm not holding my breath!
I had an Epi with DD and it was a great experience. I was able to read and watch movies comfortably in the hospital since it took forever for me to dialate.
I'm not judging others, but I honestly don't understand giving birth med free. Would you get a root canal with no Novocain? Have a surgery without anesthesia? I don't have a problem with modern western medicine. I have never personally known anyone for whom having an epidural affected their child negatively. It seems like a lot of unnessary pain when the only reward is being able to smugly brag to other mothers who could care less how your baby came out of you. (Again, not saying any of you do/will do that, but I have met several die hard "natural birth" enthusiasts who have had this attitude.)
I actually know of two moms who leaked spinal fluid and had fairly serious complications after birth because of an epidural. It was terrible for them.
There *are* risks. They're just not risky enough for me to consider not getting an epidural. I enjoyed the epidural too much, haha.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
Did anyone get into the water during labor? Either a shower or tub? How did this effect labor/choice in pain meds?
I did.
First birth, the hospital had a tub with jets in the labor rooms. It definitely helped take the edge off. I mean, it still hurt like crap, but I could tell the difference when I got out of the tub.
Second time, I was giving birth at the hospital and knew they didn't have a tub. I tried to stay home longer (not because of the tub, but because I went in too early the first time and was laboring in the hospital for what felt like forever). I actually sat in the kiddie pool in the backyard for awhile, lol. This was before my water broke, obviously.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
@KimmySchmidt I also had an unmedicated birth but don't wear special medals around my neck or shit rainbows for it.
I wanted to be in control, walking around, bouncing on the birthing ball, in the jet tub, and in any position I wanted to.
Before giving birth, I had the honor of watching my nephew being born and also saw the epidural not fully work for my sister. In the end, she wished she didn't get it bc it actually intensified the pain (going from not feeling many contractions to feeling everything as she pushed). There wasn't a gradual progression, so she was completely caught off guard by the end game pain.
The comparison of novocain to an epidural, I can't agree with. Your body is built to handle labor as it progresses naturally, not the excruciating pain of a root canal. I am a fan of modern medicine and that is why I wouldn't ever rule out an epidural, but as @PSUBecky23 stated, it's pretty incredible what your body can do and is nice to be in control/aware of all its functions.
As I did last labor, I will roll with the punches again and whatever comes my way, I'll deal with it. If I need an epi or a csec, so be it. The little miracle in my arms will be worth whatever hurdle.
I've had patients who require a blood patch to alleviate headaches related to epidural/spinal pain management. Even with this knowledge I knew I wanted pain management. I had a planned c-section that started as a necessity and ended up as informed consent, but my son had other plans. My water broke 2.5 weeks early and I was freaked out. The contractions were so painful. Because this was not planned the anesthesiologist had to be called in and the clock hands went backwards. At one point my husband asked which hurt more, contractions or kidney stones to try and give me perspective. I had to admit that kidney stones were worse. I was instantly relieved when I received the spinal. Yes my legs went numb and it was worth it.
I went four days battling kidney stones without pain management before I went to the hospital. I still did not feel like a rock star.
The comparison of novocain to an epidural, I can't agree with. Your body is built to handle labor as it progresses naturally, not the excruciating pain of a root canal. I am a fan of modern medicine and that is why I wouldn't ever rule out an epidural, but as @PSUBecky23 stated, it's pretty incredible what your body can do and is nice to be in control/aware of all its functions.
I was trying to figure out why that comparison didn't sit right with me and this is it. There are things that your body wasn't "made" to go through. Broken bones, surgery, medical procedures, root canals, etc. As women, are bodies are designed to experience birth. That's not saying that you can't have pain control if you want it. If you do, awesome! That's why the OPTION is there for you.
I also don't think that everyone who goes pain free is doing it just to brag. I actually have several friends who went med free and I didn't even know it until I asked them directly about it. Yes, we all know the sanctimommies who like to act like they're better than everyone else for making the decisions they did about birth/motherhood, but I like to think they are the exception, not the rule.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
I tried the no epidural route for my first birth, and I slogged through 26 miserable hours before ending up with an emergency C section. Almost everything that could have gone wrong did, and I have no desire to relive any of that if I can help it. Epidural for me this time! I can't help but wonder if I had just been able to rest and relax for part of my first birth, would I have ended up with a C section? We will see what happens this time.
I'm not judging others, but I honestly don't understand giving birth med free. Would you get a root canal with no Novocain? Have a surgery without anesthesia? I don't have a problem with modern western medicine. I have never personally known anyone for whom having an epidural affected their child negatively. It seems like a lot of unnessary pain when the only reward is being able to smugly brag to other mothers who could care less how your baby came out of you. (Again, not saying any of you do/will do that, but I have met several die hard "natural birth" enthusiasts who have had this attitude.)
I needed pitocin and requested an epidural for my first after 5 hours of contractions. I labored for 12 hours after the epidural, so I think I made the right call.
This is time I'm a candidate for a csection due to my labor injuries, but I haven't decided on a course of action yet. I'm waiting to see how big the baby gets or if any other complications arise.
I get where you're coming from and think each of us has to decide what's best for us and our family. However, I am not planning on an epidural if I can avoid it. The reason isn't as you stated "a lot of unnessary pain when the only reward is being able to smugly brag to other mothers." My reason is that I really hate needles, and would like to avoid the risks to myself that epidurals pose. My research tells me that epidurals pose very little risk to the baby but risks for the mother are higher.
I'm a FTM so who knows what will actually happen in labour and I'm open to an epidural if I need it. I'm also really glad you were able to get the epidural you wanted/needed. I just don't think there's a need to judge those of us making the choice to try without an epidural.
I'm also planning an unmedicated birth, just like I did with DS1, but it's not for bragging rights. I had back surgery in middle school and have two rods in my back. There is no guarantee that they would be able to place the epi, much less ensure that it works. To me, it's not worth it.
I just used the term "natural birth" because I've heard others refer to drug-free birth that way. I wasn't implying some births are natural and some aren't. Just literally didn't know the correct terminology. I guess it's "drug free birth" , although then i didn't know if some people who passed on epidurals still got IV pain meds or what.
This thread is very interesting, I enjoy reading everyone's feelings about it. I agree that no woman has a right to make judgements about how another woman chooses to deliver her baby.
I had zero intentions of going med free and requested the epidural as soon as I was admitted. It was amazing and I plan to do the same this go round too.
My sister is totally the sanctimommy type that bragged about going med free and enjoys calling me out for being "weak" but I just laugh at her because I still have a healthy baby at the end of the day and that's all that matters to me. Plus, my mom, who has attended the birth of all her grandchildren, my daughter being the only one delivered with an epidural, commented how much more present I seemed in the moment because I wasn't concentrating through the pain.
My philosophy is do your research and decide what's best for you and screw anyone who tries to convince you otherwise.
I'm planning to leave the hospital with my new baby boy as healthy as possible. If I get the opportunity to have an epidural, I will. If not, I'll do whatever I have to do in order to have the outcome I want.
Re: Anyone else not planning a natural birth?
The IV pain meds made me incredibly loopy, and I barely remember the first 2 hours of my daughter's life. I wish someone had warned me that could happen, so I am passing my knowledge off to any FTMs or anyone considering pain management other than an epidural. Do with the info what you will!
FORMER USERNAME: @runningisrad
So many more reasons for wanting to go med-free than the opportunity to brag. I don't like being on any medications if I can help it, at any time, whether pregnant or not. I hate not feeling in control of my body. The 15 or so minutes I was made to lie in bed in triage while I was in active labor were horrible. I wanted to be able to walk and move freely. I did not want to expose my baby to medications if it wasn't totally medically necessary. Yes, labor and delivery are painful but the pain is passing/fleeting and I saw no reason to numb that pain for my own comfort.
And this is not to brag, this is purely my feelings regarding my own birth experience since you brought up the bragging reason, I felt like a freaking rock star after. I gained more confidence and a better appreciation for what my body can do.
There is really nothing to understand with regard to how another woman chooses to give birth. It's a personal decision and there are no wrong choices.
BFP #1 5/5/13 MC confirmed 5/9/13
BFP #5 5/16/18 EDD 1/29/19
What I DO judge is the the holier than though attitude that some moms take about it. (And if you can judge a person for their shitty attitude, really, what can you judge them for?) I did not and am not saying that I have seen that attitude expressed on this board, however, I have absolutely seen it in real life and elsewhere on the interwebs.
Eta- and I assume that the OP knows the kind of attitude I'm talking about, since she mentioned being made to feel like a pariah for not being anti-meds.
That's a shame that you've run into so many people with that attitude. It's not something that needs to be expressed and makes those of us who don't have that attitude look bad and get lumped into that. Personally, I don't ever share my med-free birth experience unless asked.
ETA - poor wording.
ETA - while I don't volunteer my experience, I would love to as I would love to share how empowering it can be and how it's not just about bragging.
This time, I sought a team that wouldn't be so quick to intervene, with the hopes that I could make it through this birth without the snowball effect of interventions. I'm hoping to move around my entire labor, and deliver in a position other than on my back. I want fewer restrictions and when you have an epi, you're kinda stuck there. I completely understand why women opt for an epi right away, but for me it's not about bragging rights so much as it's about feeling like I have more control over my experience.
FORMER USERNAME: @runningisrad
I did have a pain medicaiton, nubaine, and it was magical. I was very afraid that it would make me loopy and it made me a bit dizzy and nauseous but I was still extremely coherent (if I get it again, I will have the nurse order the anti-nausea med at the same time.. it took them an hour to get me an f-ing promethazine tablet).. it also wore off a couple hours before giving birth.
Going in this time, I have the mentality that if labor goes exactly the same I will be the luckiest person alive and attack it with the same plan.. but I also have the epidural to fall back on.
As others have said, birth is natural. It doesn't matter to anyone but you how you bring this baby into the world. Make sound medical decisions with the advice and guidance of your providers and significant other.
I am not planning on pain medication but I am also not not planning it. If I can manage without it, awesome! But I would hope I could be flexible and gentle with myself during labor and decide what's best for myself and baby in the moment, not because it's written down somewhere or because it was "unplanned."
I took a bath while laboring at home. It definitely helped relax me. Which ultimately helped me go med-free.
FORMER USERNAME: @runningisrad
I chose to plan for an unmedicated birth with DD. I am unreasonably terrified of shots/needles/hospitals. Personally, pushing a baby out of my vagina without meds sounded 100% better then the terror I knew I would feel with a needle in my spine. I also have a tendency to obsess about medication side effects - it drives H nuts and I knew we would struggle if I had to go down that road. I also was a long-distance runner and I have been in pain for extended amounts of time, so the thought of a long labor wasn't as terrifying to me. That being said, I meditated LONG AND HARD about the possibility that I would not be able to have the birth plan I hoped for. I tried to be very open to all of the possibilities that we all face in labor.
The advice I give to my FTM friends - your body, your rules. Don't let anyone tell you different. Don't try to tell any other woman differently. Rock on mamas.
If you saw my earlier post, contractions were considerably worse when I couldn't move around/was on my back. The nurse helped fill the tub (they had to check water temp before I could get in), she and my husband helped me in and I started having a contraction sitting in the tub - completely unable to move. It was the only moment in labor that I shed a tear. I wanted OUT of the tub immediately, but we had to wait for the contraction to fully pass and have enough time to get me safely out (it was a deep jetted tub) before another one hit.
That minute+ contraction felt like a lifetime and I finally climbed out, only half dripping wet and swore I would never get back into that thing. My husband was terrified and I think the nurse was trying not to laugh.
No tub this time. No tub.
There *are* risks. They're just not risky enough for me to consider not getting an epidural.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
First birth, the hospital had a tub with jets in the labor rooms. It definitely helped take the edge off. I mean, it still hurt like crap, but I could tell the difference when I got out of the tub.
Second time, I was giving birth at the hospital and knew they didn't have a tub. I tried to stay home longer (not because of the tub, but because I went in too early the first time and was laboring in the hospital for what felt like forever). I actually sat in the kiddie pool in the backyard for awhile, lol. This was before my water broke, obviously.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
I wanted to be in control, walking around, bouncing on the birthing ball, in the jet tub, and in any position I wanted to.
Before giving birth, I had the honor of watching my nephew being born and also saw the epidural not fully work for my sister. In the end, she wished she didn't get it bc it actually intensified the pain (going from not feeling many contractions to feeling everything as she pushed). There wasn't a gradual progression, so she was completely caught off guard by the end game pain.
The comparison of novocain to an epidural, I can't agree with. Your body is built to handle labor as it progresses naturally, not the excruciating pain of a root canal. I am a fan of modern medicine and that is why I wouldn't ever rule out an epidural, but as @PSUBecky23 stated, it's pretty incredible what your body can do and is nice to be in control/aware of all its functions.
As I did last labor, I will roll with the punches again and whatever comes my way, I'll deal with it. If I need an epi or a csec, so be it. The little miracle in my arms will be worth whatever hurdle.
I went four days battling kidney stones without pain management before I went to the hospital. I still did not feel like a rock star.
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I also don't think that everyone who goes pain free is doing it just to brag. I actually have several friends who went med free and I didn't even know it until I asked them directly about it. Yes, we all know the sanctimommies who like to act like they're better than everyone else for making the decisions they did about birth/motherhood, but I like to think they are the exception, not the rule.
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
Even miracles take a little time - Cinderella
This thread is very interesting, I enjoy reading everyone's feelings about it. I agree that no woman has a right to make judgements about how another woman chooses to deliver her baby.
My sister is totally the sanctimommy type that bragged about going med free and enjoys calling me out for being "weak" but I just laugh at her because I still have a healthy baby at the end of the day and that's all that matters to me. Plus, my mom, who has attended the birth of all her grandchildren, my daughter being the only one delivered with an epidural, commented how much more present I seemed in the moment because I wasn't concentrating through the pain.
My philosophy is do your research and decide what's best for you and screw anyone who tries to convince you otherwise.