Now that I had my baby, I can understand the importance an epidural shot can be for a woman giving birth. Whether a woman wants an epidural or not, it is always a difficult and important decision. I eventually gave in and had the shot, but that wasn't in my birth plan.
When my contractions reached 2 minutes apart they were definitely strong and painful. At that point I was crying for the epidural. I originally planned for a naturally birth, but I couldn't take the pain any more. I just thought that the epidural would take all the pain away and everything would be absolutely dreamy. The shot just couldn't work fast enough! I needed relief.
Benefits and Risks While an epidural has obvious benefits for many women, it is not without risks. An epidural may cause:Did you have an epidural when you gave birth? And for the Mothers-to-be, are you considering on getting an epidural or is your birth plan to go natural, experiencing the full childbirth? pregnancy epidural shot pain pregnant pregnancy weekly labor baby newborn birth plan question of the week
- A prolonged labor. Some research has shown that epidural labor takes, on average, an hour longer than natural childbirth. If labor stalls after the epidural, your doctor may inject pitocin to make your contractions stronger, which can overstimulate your uterus and cause severe contractions.
- Your blood pressure to drop severely. This happens in approximately one to two percent of cases and can cause your baby’s heart rate to drop. Your doctor will give you intravenous fluids before the epidural and throughout the rest of your labor to prevent this.
- You to be unable to feel contractions or push. This may necessitate the use of forceps or vacuum to deliver your baby and increases the likelihood of having a c-section.
- Your baby to move into the wrong position (malposition) due to relaxed uterine and pelvic muscles. However, some experts believe that the baby may already be in the wrong position, causing additional pain that prompts the woman to ask for an epidural.
- You to have a seizure. However, this happens very rarely.
166 comments:
I did with my first little girl, it was a god send at first, no real pain to speak of, and when i needed to have an emergancy c-section i just needed it topping up. HOWEVER when they gave me the shot they didnt quite get it right the first time which then caused extream headache (and i mean extream) about 4 days after the birth i couldn't stand up due to the pain. That continued for the next month! Dont let that put you off though, i'm told its very rare that this happens. I will be having another this time round. Only 8 weeks to go!
I did first time around, and it was smooth sailing. The only pain i felt was when they pricked the needle on my spine. 127 more days to go before my next one, and i will definately be going for an epidural again. The only negative thing that happened was that; i came out of theatre very thirsty, and i was adviced not to take any liquids immediately, but i went ahead,and the rsults weren't pleasant- it all came out, with a couple of other things! Other than that, all went well!
I had it with my first baby and it was awesome.I didn't felt a thing and I was still able to push.Right now i have 5 months to go for the second baby and yes I would still go for epidural.
I did with my first as well. I went in thinking if I needed it I would take it, if I didnt....... well I did! Although it took a few tries for the doctor to get it in, I had no ill effects from it other than some mind bruising at the injection site. I found that it took almost all the pain away, I could still feel the pressure and the burn as my son was crowning, which was perfect for me. I am 13 days from delivering again and my plan is the same as it was the first time.
I had a totally natural birth with my first baby with no drugs at all and it was a fantastic experience. This time around I am carrying twins and am told I have to have an epidural because of the higher chance of requiring manipulation by the Obstetrician or requiring c-section. I have to say that I am glad the decision has been taken away from me to some degree and I am looking forward to a different birth experience.
I am expecting my first in 9 weeks, and am planning to do it naturally. I respect every woman's choice on the matter. I have decided not to have an epidural because I feel that it is important for me to be conscious of the whole experience. I have read information from many sources that indicates that our brains naturally produce painkillers that can be as strong as morphine. There are also many techniques that can be used to ease the pain. Personally, I feel that I will gain the most from allowing myself to endure the pain. After all, it is only temporary!
To the women that are trying to make a decision: I strongly urge you to explore all of your options. I only made my decision after reading enough informaton to make me feel comforable about it. Whatever choice you make is right for you, and you should be confident in that. Good Luck and Congratulations to all!
I did the first 2 times, but the babies heartbeat dropped both times to the point of me being rshed to the ER, so I don't think I am going to have one this time. I need something for the pain however so I have to talk to my doctor about alternatives.
well i had planned to have one with both my children but didnt have time first time round only in labour 2 hours and with the second i just didnt need it im now 23 weeks with no 3 and im not planning one this time round however if i fell i need one i will have one i would say dont rule it out you might find you can manage with out i did twice and my 2nd was induced so they say that more painfull
I did with my first,I didnt want to but i was wanting to push at the wrong time, which i dont remember because i was already in labor for almost 20 hrs.But now i am 23 weeks along and i dont plan on having one unless i need to because i want to have that experience.
I had an epidural for a planned Casarean with my last baby. It was my first epidural and the trainee inserting it kept getting it in the wrong space and I was in immense pain. Finally she placed it right and it was worth it to be able to see my beautiful baby when she was born. I will be having a planned C-Section with this baby too but am not looking forward to the epidural. Hopefully it will not be as painful.
With my first baby, I went all natural and I'm so glad I did. I feel so proud of myself that I did it. I guess I wanted to see what all the pain was really about. And yes, it is the most painful thing you will ever experience, but so worth it. I felt everything and with my second child (I'm 14 weeks along) I plan to go all natural as well. I'm sorry, but I'm more freaked out about having a huge needle stuck into my spine than pushing a baby out without drugs. I've done it once, so I know I can do it again.
The first time I had an epidural which was probably good since he was much bigger than anticipated and labor took awhile. Recover was really hard but I am not sure if that was due to the epidural or just having your first enormous baby. I tried having a epidural the second time but it didn't work...so unless I planned on having my baby through my knee cap...it didn't take. I was too far along to try again soo....au natural. It was fast and furious but I felt SO much better afterwards. Again, not sure if that was due to the lack of epidural or it being my second. I am due any minute with my third and I and going to do it without since I am hoping it will go quickly. It is really a personal decision that you never really know was a good one until it is all over...everyone's experience is so different. Good luck to all.
I had epidurals with both of my children and will definately have one again with #3 due in July. During the 2nd my spinal sack was knicked resulting in losing spinal fluid causing severe headaches, when this happened I went back the hospital where they drew blood from my arm and injected it into my spinal sack relieving the pain immediately. I see no need to endure the pain to bring your child into the world, you wouldn't go into surgery with out pain meds would you? I don't believe that we need to earn our "badge of womanhood" by suffering needlessly.
I advise against it. There is no reason to add a risk to the pregnancy that dosnt need to be there. Besides, prooving to your husband you can do it naturally is very satisfying :)
And you will be more aware and alert of this amazing experience. I am not against it or look down upon it, I just think we have the power to get through it!
With my first birth everyone told me that I wasn't in labour, I had pethedine and it zonked me - horrible stuff that for someone in labour, then baby came too quickly and there was no time for an epidural anyway. With my second, I asked for an epidural when I was at 7cm which they gave me (just a shot, not the whole catheter in the spine contraption) and gave me very effective painrelief for 5 minutes (after taking 20 minutes to get it in properly) before I had to start pushing. Because they only gave 5ml it left me with feeling in my legs still and being able to push effectively. So it just gave me that little bit of relaxation. All-in-all a wonderful birth experience.
However, this time 'round I've decided that in my case, things go so quickly that honestly the epi is more trouble than it's worth. By the time I feel like I can't take it anymore, that's when I'll know I'm just about done. I think the best thing for me and my baby will be do go the natural route this time 'round - completely natural. Especially since this is definitely my last attempt at this.
I have over five months to go before delivery, but I'm in debate about whether or not to have an epidural. Most of my friends say that when you're in delivery, you don't care and just want the pain dulled, but I'm more concerned about the epidural process and the after-effects. Do any of you have a good website or two that I can reference for information on pain reducing options? Thanks!
This is my second pregnancy and with my first, I honestly didnt have time to get the epidural as my labour flew by!! By the time I got to the hospital, I was 6cms so I didnt end up getting it. At first I said I didnt want it but after the pain I was like "bring it on"!!!!! LOL But alas, the Dr. said no as I was dilating too quickly and he didnt want it to slow down my labour but he did however provide me with demerol! It SO didnt work, I felt EVERYTHING!!! I'm scared to take the epidural as Im not a needle type person & my back is way too sensitive............looks like I'll be going natural this time around or have a shot of demerol! I am 22wks, not too far (yeah right!!!)
I had both of my children at home, with no drugs, and will be doing the same for number 3, due in September. I felt a great sense of pride in myself and my body by doing things totally naturally. I think doctors and the US in general today, have many women convinced that they cant do it(have a baby) without an epidural or a dozen other different interventions. But women have been doing it since the beginning of time, before there was even a choice in the matter. I think if more women would give themselves the chance, they would realize that their bodies were MADE to do exactly this, birth a child. And that they can handle so much more than they think they can.
I opted to "tough it out" without an epidural with my first son, and I plan to do the same with my second son coming in 10 weeks. I also respect the choice of each woman to have/not have an epidural, but I think some of the horror stories I've heard about misplacement and side effects scare me more than the natural pain I experience! Also, being able to feel what is going on all the time is important to me, good or bad. Most of my friends who have received epidurals have said the crowning is still painful, which, in my opinion, was the most painful part! If that pain isn't taken away, I can't see the value in just removing the "bite" from my contractions - they tell me my baby's on his way out and encourage me to hang in there! :o)
Wow, Sarah H., we have a lot in common! I had my first 2 at home (in the water) and am pregnant with my 3rd, due in July. I have some friends who say they wouldn't go through birth without an epidural. I am so glad I did. I now know that I can do it and have read that it gives us a sense of accomplishment and victory. I would definitely recommend it, but you have to be committed. And everyone I have talked to that has gone medication-less wouldn't do it any other way. It's so much more simple-you can enjoy the final stage of birth and the baby (immediately). And like Kimberley said, I am more scared of the needle anyway.
I've had two natural births, because it's something about the pain medicines that I just don't agree with. I'm not condemning any woman that has had this shot, b/c we all know how painful and long labor can be. However, I feel that with or without pain medicine, there are going to be some pain. I'd rather tough it out than get stuck in the back with a needle longer than my body. I was going to have one the 1st time, but once I saw the size of that needle and where they were going to stick it, I said NO WAY!! Everything turned out fine without it. The breathing exercises worked for me.
I'm petrified of needles so there's no way i'm going to have an epidural! It's natural all the way for me (God willing).
Labour with my daughter lasted 21 hrs,it was too long, tiring and painful but had it au natural.I'm expecting my 2nd child in 8 weeks and am going au natural again. I think the risks associated with an epidural are not worth it.Women have been delivering babies without it for centuries and have survived, besides, being fully aware of every little thing that happens in your body during that time is a wonderful experience.
Reading everyone's comments is really helpful. But honestly I still do not know what I will choose to do. The comments about "women have done it for thousands of years..." are not particularly convincing though, because women and babies died in childbirth in great numbers before there was the quality medical intervention that we have today. I am happy to have so many medical options and am glad that childbirth is so much safer these days - with or without the epidural.
I did with my first two girls- and i can tell you with the problems that I had not from the epidural but from my body because i have a small frame, i do not regret a secon of it both birth where +_ 6 hours long. and straight after I went and take a bath and enjoyed my girls without feeling any pain.
I am 22weeks and this time around i will be having a c-section and at the same time removing my ovaries so that this one is my last one. As far as I am concern this is a personal choice but I wouldn't stop anyone from having one I felt everthing less the pain and enjoyed seeing my girls being born.
Had it with my first, even though I swore up and down there was no way (Absolutely HATE needles), LOVED IT! Didn't get one in time for the second, I did get a spinal block, not even close to the same! 10 weeks away from my third and I guarantee that if there is time, I will be having an epidural.
To those first timers, everyone is different, know your options, and go in with an open mind. We all want to say we can handle the pain, but the pain is different for every person and every birth.
Better to go in saying "I would like to do it naturally all the way, but we will see how it goes"
;)
I have 3 children and I had them all natural with no pain medication. I can say I am very proud of myself. now, I am older and I have been thinking that I may need one this time around. my youngest is 14 years old, so there is a big age difference and I feel that the pain will be even more painful. I have heard alot of stories that the epidural causes later on in your future. I am going to try my best not to get the epidural because I feel more of a women when I know I can indore more pain and knowing that it's for a blessing that God has given me.
Oh yeah epidural for me!!! This is my first baby. For me I can't see the reason to be in total pain. Why have so much modern medicine and not use it? :) Course if you want to go natural, thats up to u. But for me give me an epidural or two.
I am 22 weeks with my first baby and am terrified of pain. I would hope to go through labour as naturally as possible but will never say never!!! I'm not going to be hard on myself, if on the day I need it, then so be it.
You have pain relief for any other hospital procedure, so why should women have to suffer through childbirth? Its almost like we have to prove something!!
This is my first, I'm 23 wks along and will go natural. Only because I have had a "run in" w/ an epidural before. I had one for knee surgery a few years ago at a very reputable hospital in Boston- Ma, It wore off after 20 minutes, I started moving, yes moving my legs during the surgery. They "Bolstered" the epidural 4 times- each time I could feel the icy cold going through the tube and somewhere into my spine/back but not where it was supposed to be going- it didn't work- they finally knocked me out. Then they lost the stifle/needle in my back when they tried to remove it and almost had to wheel me into another surgery to cut it out. My mother said I was in so much agony that it ripped her heart out watching me in recovery. I do not remember as I was delireous from pain. I will NEVER let another doctor near me with one of those things again. I'll push through the pain of bringing my little girl into this world, thank you very much!!
I'm due with my third in less than 2 weeks and I'm definitely having an epidural. I had an emergency caesar with my first and had one then, obviously, but with the second I was tired from being up all night with pains and the gas just made me feel sick. So the epidural worked wonders. Plus, I've been told this baby is huge and past full term size 4 weeks ago so I'm going to take all the help I can get.
I am currently 38 weeks pregnant with my first child and am planning a home birth. There will definitely be no epidural for me. As my husband is a chiropractor and I am a kinesiologist we both know and have seen the bad side effects of epidurals. An epidural or spinal block is just not an option for pain no matter what. If an emergency c-section is required, I will be given general anesthetic as my spine is far too important to mess with. We are hoping that the relaxation techniques we learned in labour and delivery class along with homeopathic pain management and acupunture from our doula that things will go smoothly. If you learn how the two systems of the body work with regard to pain (parasympathetic and sympathetic) and learn to work with them and epidural should never be needed.
Absolutely. Infact there is some evidence out there that suggests that when the mother is in pain there are stress hormones released which are not good for the baby
I've never had one. I agree with the other "needle haters". I'll take a lot of pain before I ask for someone to inject my spine. Also, by the time you're at the point where you want it, it's almost over. I'll be having my third baby at home so it won't even be an option but my midwife uses herbs and naturopathic methods of pain relief so it will be interesting to see what that is like. Good luck to all!
Absolutely! I am 38 & 1/2 weeks pregnant with my first child & am absolutely terrified at the prospect of a natural labour & birth without any pain relief. I will try the gas first & see how that goes, but I am not that nieve to believe that gas alone will suffice. So yes, an epidural is definetaly in my Birthing Plan should I feel I need it. If it wasn't an option for some reason, I cannot imagine how unbearable the pain would be !!!I feel I do not have to prove to anyone - including myself - that I can brave it alone. Thank GOd for modern medicine & technology. I feel sorry for our predesessors, many of whom suffered needlessly.
i'm an anesthetist, this means i understand very well the roll of epidural and know all about it but i refused it and even any other pain killers or anesthesia during my first and second babies delivery. it was painfull of course but still it was great. being a doctor i felt all what my babies were doing to come out as i studied before in books. i cannot forget it.only with my last delivery when i recognized that my baby died during labour, i could'nt tolerate the moment of her exit and asked them to make me sleep. this time again i'm waiting for my baby and ready to have natural labour without any medication that my endangour my baby even with low possibility.
I had an edidural with all three of my deliveries and they all went great! With my first it just really felt like pressure you get from a papsmear when it was time for delivery. I was in no pain at all, I was even laughing on the phone to my sister when it was time to push. My second one was the exact same way. The third time, the only difference was that the needle stung a bit more when they were giving me the shot. I will be getting another one when I deliver this next little one. Oh and they didn't prolong my labor at all, if anything for me-it sped things up because I was able to be more at ease. Good luck to all you first timers!!
I had my first child last year and I am due again with my second in Sept. I had a completely Natural Birth. I went through my entire labor and delivery with Back labor, from what I have been told it is the worst labor you can have. I would recomend working your way up to what you can handle as every one is differnent. Start out with the lowest pain revliever, the gas, and work your way up if needed. But don't just Jump into the Epidural right away, as you may find that you can handle labor. I have herd many good and Bad stories alike from all of my friends. I am glad I didn't have one as I got to experiance a feeling of ... the only word I can think of is power, that I have never experianced in my life before. It is an amazing feeling.
I did it all natural the first time around. This time I think I might recommend it, I wont know till the time hits. With my first I was in labor for 19 hoours and it was so painfull that I could hardly remember the pain, I made myself forget what the pain was like, but i try not to think about the negative as long as I have A heathly child thats all that matters right? At this point I am 14 weeks along with my second child And I would honestly say I will try to go natural agian but if I fell I will need one I will try it out even though I am terrified of needles.
This is my first baby and from what I have figured out about the whole birth thing from other mothers, I am definitely getting an epidural. As much as I would love natural birth, I have heard way too many stories about women refusing any medication and then screaming for it and it being too late to have. I do not want that happening to me. I already told my doctor that I will take whatever they offer to give. : )
I had a epidural for my first pregnancy and he pricked me 7 times before he got it right. My back was bruise from top to bottom. That was definitely the worse part about the who things. I am 23 weeks along and would totally do it again!!! I am not good with pain
I am 5 months prego with my fourth girl and I can tell you from experience that first time births are way more painful than the 2nd and so on. This is especially true for longer labors. I recommend an epi for first timers and for those expecting a second child to play it by ear.
Hi, my name is Lana. I have had two babies naturally with no pain relief. I went for waterbirths and although no one can say giving birth naturally is a pleasant experience I think the best way to describe it is that I had two positive experiences. I was pregnant up to 30 November 2006 and lost my baby on 14 weeks of my pregnancy. I have tried a couple of times to unsubscribe with pregnancy weekly but still receive my email every week. Could someone please remove my details from your mailing list, as I don't cope the same way every day with my loss. I would like to be a pregnant mommy when I receive all this information from you, not one who is reminded every week how far along I was supposed to be by now. Thank you very much for a marvellous tool (which I have recommended to some first time moms)that I will definitely make use of in the future. Many thanks.
I am married to a chiropractor who has seen the negative effects of epidurals. We have agreed not to rule it out but we're using a midwife as a birthing coach to help me manage the pain through changing positions, etc. In addition, I intend to get a local injection "pudundle block" that is what they would do if you tear and they have to sew you up - this will take the edge off of the crowning/any tearing that would occur, which is more frightening to me than labor pain. Good luck to all!
I plan on having a second c-section with an epidural shot. To all the natural laborer troopers...KUDOS to you! My first labor was an exhaustingly painful 18hours only to have an emergency c section anyway! This time, I have the date and c-section already planned.
I'm having my first baby due in 10 weeks, and besides been always really scared of needles (and the idea of having one stick in my spine terrorizes me), I don't think I will be ok not feeling my baby, the contractions (the pain), and being unable to push. Besides the chance (no matter how little it is) to harm my baby for not feeling pain.
I know I cannot imagine how painful it will be, and I know I will cry and yell and feel I cannot do it. But I will have my hubby, a pic of my baby's ultrasound and my God to help me through it and do it naturally, for that precious being that is moving in my belly right now. Wish me luch ;o)
I delivered my b/g twins and my singleton daughter without medication or an epidural. I was in labor 9 hrs with my twins and 15 hrs with my daughter. We are expecting #4 and I will choose to deliver naturally again. There is no question that there is pain in childbirth. Going without an epidural doesn't mean you like pain or that you are trying to prove you are better than another mom, it just means you choose to handle the pain using non-medical techniques. Warm showers, back rubs, lots of counter-pressure and sitting on a birth ball can be just as effective as an epidural. I'm proof that if you choose to handle things naturally, you can. Just don't forget to move around. Lying still and thinking about the pain will convince you that you can't do it. God bless each of you as you welcome your new little ones, whatever your pain relief choice may be.
I had the epidural with my first 12 years ago and am now 14 weeks along with my second. The epi wore off 30 minutes before I gave birth to my first, but I am still glad that I got it because it allowed me to rest in the 6 hours between getting the epi and delivering my son. I'm pretty sure I'll want an epi this time around as well, but am worried that this second child may come too fast for it happen. I may just have to "buckle down" and grin and bear it. ;) Good luck to all!
Im expecting 22 wks now, still thinking whether to take an epidural or not.
Im afraid of the side effects and the headaches.. lets see how it goes...
If ive the strength to endure i'll hv a natural birth.
I'm having my first in September. We hired a homebirth midwife and are using a birthing tub with no anestesia. I understand the benefits of the epidural, but no amount of pain could make me put that chemical into my baby's blood stream. I don't care if it's minimal risk, it's not right. Women have been giving birth naturally for millions of years. It saddens me that women get epidurals just because of pain. If you need it for medical intervention, that's one thing, but to use it just because it's there is selfish. Think of what you're doing to your baby.
I am eight weeks away from delivery of my second child. While I know second birth tends to be very different from the first, I am going to try to follow what I did with my daughter. My advise to first time Mom's, for a beautiful delivery you will feel and remember in all the right ways would be this: Try to walk, walk, walk as much as possible when you start active labor. When you are dialated to seven centimeters, have your epidural then. Do not do it too soon and don't wait too long. This was exactly what I did with my daughter and it was PERFECT! I felt the labor just enough, even with the epidural. I was able to still feel my contractions to push and it was a peaceful delivery for both of us. I will be having an epidural again. Timing is everything.
When I had my first daughter I went in determined to not have an epidural or any pain meds, I wanted to have a natural birth and had read all kinds of info on how are bodies produce pain relief and yadda yadda... However when it came down to it I was in incredible pain with back labor and my body was not progressing at all, I was at 4 centimeters for 10 hours or so. I was eshausted, having very painful contractions and my body just could not relax. I remember crying to my mother telling her that I just couldn't do it anymore! When I hit 15 hours and 5 centimeters I knew I couldn't go on another 15 hours so I asked for the epidural. After that I slept through my labor with no pain, my body relaxed and I was fully dilated within a couple hours, she came out in 3 pushes, no joke! Turned out that the cord was twice wrapped around her neck and if my body had not relaxed I would have ended up in an emergency c-section.
The down side: I ended up with spinal headaches a few days after the birth. Went to the emergency room, only to be misdiagnosed and checked for menengitis with a spinal tap. Called my OB a week later, still with headaches. She told me to go back to the emergency room to get a blood patch(very painful!)But I am told that headaches are extremely rare with an epidural.
In the end I didn't hesitate with my second daughter, I got an epidural as soon as I could. I felt no pain, slept through the entire labor and pushed her out in 2 pushed, I was totally unaffected by the epidural after the birth and was able to bond with baby right away! No headaches either!
I am now due to have my 3rd daughter on April 20th and will definitely be getting an epidural if possible!
I had an epidural with both of my boys. Although with my second son I didn't really need it since he came so fast! I didn't notice any problems because of the epidural, but man it takes a little while to wear off! Now, thinking of what I'll do when I go into labor with this child, I won't hesitate if I'm able to get one!!
I am now expecting my fourth child in June. With my first I was very scared to have an epidural, but the contractions got so bad that I eventually decided to go ahead with it. I did not even feel the pain of the needle over the contractions I was having and was so glad to be relieved of the pain. So, of course with the next two I had no problem getting the epidural, but always waited as long as possible before asking for it. I have never had any problems or complications from them and never really felt severe pain when the epidural was administered (I actually felt more pain from having the IV put in to my hand). I guess I have been fortunate to have very skilled people inserting the epidural. I plan on having another epidural (when I feel I am ready during the labor) I feel that being as comfortable as possible helps me to concentrate on pushing the baby through. You never know what you will decide until you have reached that peak when you feel like you've had enough, so don't feel guilty about having an epidural (some of us don't have as high a tolerance of pain as others).
I am on my 5th baby and I will be having a C- section. My 4th was an emergency C and I didn't really have a choice but to do the epidural. I had a good experience with the needle but I got to say they didn't give me enough and I felt everything to the point that they had to put me totally under after my son was delivered. The doc felt I suffered through the whole thing that I deserved to see my son before I went to sleep to finish the stitching. I saw him and was out cold right after that...thank God because I was in agony.
I will be getting it again due to the C section having to be done again, I just pray that this time I really go numb.
My first three were all natural. No bother to me because my labor was easy and quick, no back labor. I was fortunate.
altavista.com is a good place to look up info for medical.
Oh, I am due in Aug. 2007
I had an epidural with my first one and an intrathecal with my second. Both times there was no way that I could have done it without. I was writhing in so much pain that I wasn't able to push at all. Once I got some relief, I was able to push much more effectively. For some reason my boys both had big heads and I had to push for over 3 hours with each. There was no way I could have done that much pushing without some pain relief. I am expecting my third and unless the pain is different, I will have an intrathecal again- that is just a one time shot in you back that lasts for about 3 hours. You can still feel your legs and move them yourself but, the pain is so much more bearable.
With my first one I had to get epidural for emergancy C-section and the second one I got anesenina for the second time around. Now I'm 14 days away from delivery the third child. I might be schedule to get epidural.
I had an epidural with my first 2 years ago. I have to say i had a really grate birth. I had a 9.5hr labour and had my epidural a little under halfway through my labour. The doctor got it right the first time. I hate needles but im glad i did it. I got to sleep through my labour and didnt feel any pain. I didnt loose all feeling in my legs but still needed help to go to the toilet. One side effect that i had was an itchyness over my legs. Wen i wengt to scratch it the itch would move. But after a while i got used to it. When it was time to deliver she was out in 25min and i suffered no pain, just the need to push. I was up and having a shower and breaky with in the hour. I am 120 days from having my second and i am going to have an epidural. But i am still a little worried that things wont go as well and the doctor might not get it right. Thats how i felt the first time. Iv heard people say that they feel like they have let their children down because they had an epidural and didnt go through with it naturally BUT the best thing you can do for you and your baby to to do what feels right and what you are comfortable with. I cant waith to have another little soul in my home. Take care.
I had an epidural with my first son and I loved it. Before the epidural I couldn't stop vomiting and it was definitely ruining the entire experience for me. I felt no pain with the epi. For this next birth, I will get an epidural, but I'm going to ask for a lower dose. The last dose was so strong that I couldn't move my legs for the next 12 hours!
Call me crazy, but after carrying that baby around for 9 months I wanted to feel him coming out of me! Pain and all. And yes it is painful. I was even throwing up. But when it was all over, it was amazing. And I was so happy that I said no when they offered the drugs. I am hoping to do the same for baby number two, due in October. However, I know that no labor experience is the same, so whatever you decide beforehand might not be what actually ends up happening to you once you're actually giving birth. I am open to taking the drugs if I need them. And every mother needs to make that decision for herself! Don't feel pressured by anyone else. Just because your friend went all natural and says it's the best thing ever doesn't mean it will be for you. And vice versa, just because your friend says you are crazy if you don't get an epidural, doesn't mean you are!
I have had two children already with no epidurals. I felt that natural birth was right for me I have been having a difficult time this time around I have kidney stones in one kidney and a growth on the other, even with that I am going to go natural agian, yes i know more painful but it is the best pain in the world and it just wouldn't be the same if i had something to cheapen that.. I am not a pain junkie just I want that experience..
I had an epidural with my first child but i always planned to go naturally. As the labor progressed I asked for Gas & Air and that was cool I was off my head. About 3 hours later the pain was getting stronger and the midwife asked me if I wanted the Epidural but because I was on Gaz & Air I didn't realise that I aggreed. A couple of hours after the first injection I could feel all the pain agian so they did a "top up" same again after another 2 hours. Anyway by the time I started pushing I could feel EVERYTHING but only my right hand side of my body. In the hosipital they told me that i shouldn't have any complications after birth and 2 days after I was out of hospital I had to be rushed back in as my ankle were as big as the top of my legs. This was due apparently to the epidural (i have been told). This time I am due in 5 months and NO WAY I am having this again.
Also the epidural often slow your healing process (if you have stiches for instance, I know it was the case for me too).
Otherwise good luck everybody. I can't wait to be a Real Woman this time.
I had a natural birth as planned with my first birth and although I am extreemly proud of that I'm not sure if it is necessary for me to go through all that very strong continuous pain the second time round! I am seriously considering an epidural, if there is time, with this second child- I heard wonderful epidural reports from friends and think 'why not'?.
I'm planning on a natural birth, we want to avoid an epidural if at all possible. This is our first baby so I'm not really sure what to expect, but I feel a natural birth is possible.
Although I know there will be intense pain I feel that it will be a different kind of pain, because it's not signifying that anything is wrong . . . it's just a part of life. Besides which, I've never done well with pain medication, it affects me badly.
I' am 22 weeks into my fifth pregnancy and I don't plan on having an epidural. My past four deliveries were all natural and not an easy task but looking back I would not want it any other way. I think good preperation, breathing, lamaze, and being able to move around will help you through it. Just being able to look at each contraction as an indiviual instead of labor as a whole helps. So when there getting really intense try to breath and move around and try to relax ( I know it's hard) but that's just your body opening and preparing for baby. And remember do your KEGAL's
this is very important and prepare's those muscle's for delivery. Good luck lady's....
I had my first baby without epidural. I believe that we are genetically programmed to forget about the pain very quickly. I never remember the pain. I am due in 13 days, my husband (the second one) really wants me to do epidural, since 98% in Mount Sinai go for it, and he begs me to be kind to him, since he doens't want to have grey hair after natural birth experience, but I don't want to have it - the huge needle freaks me out... Pushing is easy.. at this point, after all the pain you had during contraction, you don't really care about the pain. You just think about the baby and want it to be delivered safe and healthy. So, I am planning and hope to have natural birth. I was in the TRIAGE the day before yesterday (they sent me back home :-). I met 2 ladies there - one was 5 cm dilated, smiling between contractions, we saw her chatting with her friend in the hallway when we were leaving in 2 hours after we first talk (I didnt' see her partner or husband), another one was in a wheelchair, screaming, with her husband - I read "EPIDURAL" in her eyes.... So, it depends... This is not that painful - just 1-2 hours of pain - many can handle it.... Another thing I don't understand - how it is possible to labour while lying in the bed? It is agains the gravity rules and all the good stuff we learned in the prenatal classes. And thik about that needle, your life depends on the anastetician being professional, huh, and think about your bladder... you can not just go and have a pee
I had one with my first. Although the birth was painless my son had marks and scrapes on his face from the forceps. I also had ALOT of stitches. My recovery took longer with a very sore back I could barely walk upright. I went natural with my second and felt so much better afterwards and only had 2 stitches which I was enormously proud of. I am currently pregnant with my third and plan to go natural again.
I did not with my first one and did not have time with my second one (labor was 2 hrs & 45 min from start to finish) Iam 14 weeks pregnant with # 3 and do not plan on having one with this one either.
Hello I am a mothe of 5. I am preparing for number 6.Just 96 days to go and No I did not have it with none of mine and do not plan to have it with my last one. I do know some women who have had it and some said good things and some sad bad. I would tell anyone who thinks about having it to go for it. Every womans body is different. Everyone handles pain differently. I do know that going natural is my choice. What ever your choice may be, make the best of it, And enjoy your new little baby !!!!
I had an epidural with the first two but the third came too fast. If I have time for one with this fourth baby I will but we will see. I enjoyed not having all that pain. My back hurt a little for a while after but not enough for me not to want one again.
This is baby#5 for me and I've done some with and some without. The first one I had gone through 2 full days of 3 minute contractions before they put in the epidural and broke my water-it was heaven. My 2nd baby was done almost natural and it hurt like heck. The epidural took half effect for about 45 minutes and then full effect about 15 minutes before he was born. I will never go completely natural again. I did the 3rd with demorol, which was fine for me and then the forth was done with an epidural that was too strong and I couldn't get them to turn it down so it took longer to deliver her. I also learned with #4 that demorol given too close to the birth can cause breathing problems-which totally explains my 2nd baby going to the NICU for breathing problems (they were giving demorol to ease the pain while they were waiting for the anesthesiologist-it didn't work). I honestly say that it's up to the woman and what she can stand but I would do an epidural again in a heartbeat. Not only is it better for the baby than narcotics, but most anesthesiologists know what they're doing now and it's heaven sent when countering the pain of childbirth.
Heather
I have had 4 children natrally and the pain is overwalming and very painful. this time around I am haveing an epridural only because with my last birth I almost lost myself in the pain ecspailly towards the last hour of the 36 hour labour. even though all my labours have been this long it was to much to take again... This time I will be having one no question about it 17 weeks to go see how I go.
This is my second child and I do not plan on having an epidural. I went natural the first time around, and so I plan on doing it again. The thought of something entering my spine is way too unnerving for me. My best friend's sister was paralyzed for 7 months from the waist down when she had her daughter using an epidural. She said that she jumped slightly because of the pain associated with the needle entering the spinal column and that caused temporary paralysis. I am not intersted in that at all. The only way I would have one is in the event, God forbid, that I have to have a C-Section. I am praying for a "easy" labor and delivery without an epidural.
I had my first baby two years ago completely naturally; an 8 pound boy who decided to position himself in the posterior position for the entire ride (despite my doctor's attempt at internal rotation - ouch!!!). My labor lasted 21 hours, and I experienced back labor about 75% of the time.
I had an amazing support team and had prepared myself using the Bradley method. I did start to give up and ask for something for the pain at about hour 17, but Bradley had taught me that this meant I was in transition and the pushing stage was very close. Once I started pushing, the pain melted away and I felt a new sense of energy and power. After 3.5 hours of pushing, my little bundle of love arrive looking right up at the doctor : ) I had a second degree tear, which the doctor stitched up using a local anesthetic (a pedundal block is not necessary).
I am a registered nurse and have seen many deliveries, and I truly believe that most women will reach the point where it will be "too much", and will want pain relief. This is the nature of transition. If you really want to go natural, the best game plan would be to decide in advance and prepare yourself for a natural childbirth.
Furthermore, I would not recommend taking so much heart in the "wonderful" medical advances and technology our country has to offer (especially in the area of obstetrics). The US does not have fantastic neonatal/maternal outcomes in comparison to other developed nations. If you do the research you will find that in most situations, a natural approach (no episiotomy, no chemicals in your veins, no "extraction devices", etc.) is the safer route. It will take a lot of work and preparation on your part to avoid these interventions, but your baby is worth it!
It took every last ounce of strength I had to push my son out, and if I had had CNS depressants in my system I probably would not have been able to deliver him without interventions like forceps or a c-section (as 75% of nulliparas in a posterior birth end up having).
I am expecting my second baby this September and plan to do the very same thing - make educated, safe decisions that will give both my baby and me the best possible outcomes.
This is my first and I am for sure planning on having an epidural. I am not very good with pain and I feel that if science has progressed this far to help us with the pain then why not! I've heard the risks involved, and the benefits. I just feel that an epidural is the route I personally need to take.
Ok this is my first and honestly, I am terrified. I am so lost and feel overwhelmed. I can barely get used to being pregnant that the thought of thinking this far down the line has me in a tizzy. Are there any mom's out there who struggled with being pregnant and how did you make all these crazy decisions that seem so overwhelming?
This is birth number 5 for me and I have not had an epidural. The thought of someone sticking a needle in my back freaks me out! I'll be going all natural again.
I had my daughter at a free standing birthing center, so an epidural wasn't even an option (nor did I ever feel that I needed one throughout my 32 hours labor). I think that the key is to stay relaxed, keep moving, and find a position that is comfortable for you. Water is an amazing pain reliever-it's too bad that more hospitals don't allow labor and births in a tub. This time around I'm having a home birth, and to me an epidural isn't even an option. It's a personal decision, and one that is different for everyone, but I urge you to do your research. Just because we have all of this medical technology doesn't mean that using it is going to be what's best for you and your baby. I was please to see comments posted by other mommies who had homebirths!!
I had an epidural on my first baby girl.What a relief it was !!!The only pain there is when getting it done is just the prick of the needle.The only thing that matters is the pain free you feel afterwards.Believe me when i tell you it's much better .I had another baby girl which she was a preemie and couldn't get the epidural ugh don't want to remember that moment without the epidural.Now with my third child on the way, most definite will get the epidural.
The thing that scares me about the epidural is the risk of becoming paralised for good. I know of a woman who is now in a wheel chair due to complications with her epidural. The second thing is, i have a lot of back and spine pain (i have had it for years) and im afraid that this could increase the risk if i choose epidural. I guess it depends how tolerant one is of the pain .. OUCH.
I had an epidural with my first child and ended up having an emergency c-section. I am 21 weeks pregnant with my second child and I WILL NOT be recieving any pain medication because it raises my risks of having another c-section.
I didn't have one with my first, but I was begging for it. I am due with my second in July, and I don't exactly know what I want to do. I have heard all of the horror stories from people having them and not having them, but I think in the end, it's up to u. Don't let anyone sway u either way. Once it's all happening, u will make up ur mind......BELIEVE ME!!!!!
This is my first bub and im terrified of the pain and the needle im still not sure what im going to do, but i will probably have the epidural, none of my friends have had bad expirences so hopefully i wont i only have 120 days to go till my little girl comes along, and i cant wait for that i just hope its not as painful as i think it will be.
i think reading about other peoples experinces has really helped
I'm 22 weeks along with my first, and I've done some research on my options. The most valuable thing I did was watch videos of both natural and epidural births online. Based on what i observed, I've decided to have an epidural. The women with an epidural seemed so much more coherant and able to focus on the excitement of the day, while the women without were screaming and focused more on the pain. Also the partners seemed more able to enjoy the birth along with the mother with the epidural, while they were consumed with concern for the mother during natural births. I'm sure the experience of a natural birth is amazing, but based on what is most important to me, I'm definitely going to choose an epidural if at all possible.
I had an epidural with my first child. I wasn't in mush pain before hand but everyone fightened me in to getting one.The birth went fine but afterwards I had trouble with back pain at the site, my right leg was completly usless for about 6 hours after and I couldn't go to the bathroom until the next day. I had to be catherised several times. I also had bad hemeroids from pushing when I could feel nothing. The spot on my back was tender for months. My second pregnancy I did natural and I was up and about in 10 minutes after birth. I pushed twice and my daughter was out and she was a bigger baby than my son. With in a few hours I felt like I was ready to go home. Also my pain never got worse like everyone told me it would the first time. This time I plan to go the same way.
I had all the pani relief under the sun the first time round. I was 17 and could not believe the pain I was in. This time I shall be giving birth at home and naturally. What I experienced from my last birth, I could not really remember that much as I was quite sedated. Now that i am older I want to go through this and remember every last thing. Bringing a child into this world is the most blessed action us females can choose to take, why ruin the final part with an epidural. Take the pain is what I say. There are many places in the world where pain relief is not available - how do you think them women cope.?
I had an epidural with my first and definitely plan to have one for this pregnancy too. The way I look at it, I can have a root canal without drugs too, but why would I want to?
I had the epidural only because the doctor needed to do and inversion (my son was breach)and wouldn't do it otherwise. The epi worked great through all the midnight labor. I actually got to sleep a little. that was from about 8 pm until 2 am when the bag ran out and the anestisiologist wasn't there to refill it. (He never did.) From then on I felt everything. I am glad that I got the epi for the inversion or the doc would have done a c section. I am also glad that I didn't have it during the birth of my son! I guess you could say I had the best of both worlds. I am pregnant again with my second child and don't plan on having one however, you never know what will happen.
Saying that women have gone natural since the beginning of time is a nice thing to say, but women use to die a lot giving birth too. Men during the civil war had to get arms and legs cut off without any pain medication, except perhaps a shot of whiskey. Just because some lived to tell about it doesn't mean we should all strive to endure that kind of pain. While natural childbirth is a great accomplishment, for sure, you do not need to suffer in this day and age to prove yourself. Technology is your friend if you want it. There are always risks, but you take risks every day- even just getting into your car. My point here is, don't feel bad for wanting help when help is available to you in todays world.
i did with my first and it was the biggest mistake i could make. I nearly lost my baby because of it and although its such a small chance for many, its not one i think is ever worth taking again. My baby's heart dropped rapidly and i was told not to wait for contractions but to just push, the docs pumped me with every drug available and thankfully i got my little one out in time.
I must say however, that the pain relief side of it is fantastic... I'll still be going natural this time round though, no matter what it takes... 22 weeks along!
I am due with my first in 2 weeks, and there is no way I am having an epidural (I am having a home birth, so it won't even be available anyway). Not to judge anyone, but there is no "NEED" for pain killers ever. The pain is so temporary, and to know the risks to mom & baby, I find it ridiculous that it's even an option except in extreme circumstances. And for the twins comment, no you do not need to have an epidural just because you are having twins. There are plenty of people who have twins completely natural.
My first 2, 18 and 19 yrs. ago, no option of epi. You went natural, period. They were born in Michigan. 14 and 12 yrs. ago with 3rd and 4th, it was an option, I still said no. My experience is that being induced, the labor comes so fast and too hard. My advice to anyone WANTING to go natural, go it all the way. No induction or anything. That is my plan. Yes, over 20 yrs. after my first one, I will be having my 5th and am overjoyed. Good luck to all in making the best decision for you.
I am 20 years old and having my first child. I suppose when you are that young and un experienced in the whole childbirth exprience, the doctor just expects you to ave an epidural. When i informed him that i will not be having one, nor do i wish t hav the consultation to allow me to have one, he was NOT pleased. I feel like it is a personal decision and should not be influenced either way by your physician or any one else for that matter. My doctor went as fa to say that he hopes he is not the one on call when i go into labor. Just for that- i hope he is.
im 6 months along and everyone is telling me to get the epidural. but im scared. i have a few friends that still have back problems from it. what should i do ?
With my first daughter, they gave me an epidural and it only worked on half of my body. So they gave me more and I couldn't feel anything! Not even to push! They had to use a vacuum to get her out.
With my second daughter, they tried to give me one 4 TIMES, but they couldn't get it placed right.
So I had her natural. But really, it wasn't that bad! I am due at the end of October with baby # 3 and I am not planning on having one because of my past experiences.
I had an epidural with my 1st delivery and it was horrible. I guess I'm part of the "1-2%" of women who have their BP drop: mine went down to 60/30 for about 3 minutes. It made my babies' (twins) HRs drop, too. So they stopped it. Once it wore off I wasn't prepared to handle the pain, so they gave me a half-dose (or something). On top of that, I was so groggy from it that I would drift in and out of sleep and don't remember much (if any) of my labor. I will NOT do it with this one!
I did with my first child. At first, I thought it was the right choice, but realized too late that it wasnt. I needed to have an emergency c-section due to the epidural. I couldnt feel myself pushing.I am having another child soon and I will not be getting an epidural this time around.
I am 8 weeks pregnant with my third child, and do not plan on having an epidural. My first child was six pound eleven ounces and my second was ten pound two ounces, and i am so proud to say that i had both of them completely drug free. I found that establishing a breathing pattern early and having a positive outlook on the whole birthing experience made the experience a little easier on both myself and my husband. I was very lucky that i didn't have too many post-labour problems (apart from some tearing with number two), but i am more than confident that i can do it again 100% drug free.
Epidural was the best thing I could of done... I have two children and with both I took the epidural and the relief was amazing.. thank God for the man or woman that gave that relief to women in labor! I'm having my third child, and yes epidural is on my list!
Hi! I am due with my first in Sep. I am willing to get an epidural if i absolutely cannot take the pain anymore but I really want to try natural and see how that goes for me. Natural is what i want though, but i am glad i have an alternative if that isn't going too well for me. either way, all this talk has got my super excited! only 69 days to go!
There's not a chance. Last time I left myself open to it (especially since I was pitocin induced) but honestly, after spending 9 months avoiding EVERYTHING, even caffiene, to put a narcotic in my body that may affect my baby just felt wrong. This time I will be avoiding it, too.
I had my first baby the antural way and am 12 days from the next natural delivery....if nothing goes wrong.
I will not ask for an epidural!!!
Hello!! I deffinately did with my first, unknown to my midwife she was posterior and the pain was instant and I didn't have waves or contractions that I could feel just intense pain, once she broke my waters the pain got 100 times worse and I screamed for one! Then I was pain free for the first time that day ahhhh then I fully dillated and I could push! But still not knowing she was facing the wrong way I pushed for 3 hours with no baby....so then I had to have a top up and they sent me to theatre but it must have moved because it didn't work like last time and I was in incredible pain, we had to wait for the anethetist to give me the 'good' stuff lol which he did and ahhh pain free again! My beautiful daughter was born with the help of a vontuse suction cup, but she made up for it she was the easiest baby!!!
My second I had no time for any pain relief and this time he was in the correct postition and I had normal contractions and I thought I wasn't in labour because it was too easy compared to my only other experience...so I stayed home only to nearly not make it to the hospital!! I was on my hands and knees in the car with him on the way out!! 15 mins later we had our beautiful big boy 9lb 7oz so you just can't tell...Im 15 weeks with my 3rd and hopefully I'll have a labour like my second!! If not I will deffinately have an epidural, why put up with agony if you don't have to?!!?
Hello!! I deffinately did with my first she was posterior and no one knew so I was in pain instantly with no waves or contractions that I could distinguish, once the midwife broke my waters the pain increased 100 times worse and I screamed for one! Once it was in (which I didn't feel a thing) I was pain free for the first time and I slept! Then I was fully diallated and I could push but my midwife still didn't know she was facing the wrong way and so I pushed for 3 hours with no baby, now Im in a lot of pain again so a specialist comes in and I get a top up and he says the babys posterior and I was taken to theatre but the second top up didn't work and I was in agony again!! I had to wait for the anethetist to come and give me the 'good' stuff which was amazing! I didn't want to come back from that lol! Then my daughter was born with some more pushes and with the help of a vontuse suction cup...she made up for it she was the most perfect baby so easy!! My second was completely different he was in the right postion and I was having normal contractions, I wasn't even sure if it was time yet because compared to my only other experience this was just not painful enough! So I stayed home only to nearly not make it to the hospital I was on my hands and knees in the car with him on his way out!! 15 mins later with no pain relief at all my big boy was here 9lb 7oz!! So you just can't tell! Im 15 weeks with my 3rd and I hope the labour is like my second but if not I will use an epidural...why endure agony if you don't have to?!?!?!
My first time around I was induced after my water broke and contractions failed to begin within the following 24 hours. After 24 hours of pitocin induced labor and no epidural (or drugs) my contractions were stopped and was taken in for a C-section. After several attempts to start a 'spinal' the anesthesiologist hit a nerve (the pain shot down left leg). It was then concluded I had too much bone to receive a spinal, thus I was put under with general anesthetic. Everything turned out fine despite my girl having been tangled in her cord. This time I plan to go V-BAC naturally (hypnobirhting). If I end up back in the OR, I would rather not risk the spinal nerve damage.
I'm having my sixth child in December. In four out of my five last births, I had an epidural. It has been a God-send for me. I wouldn't give birth any other way.
I had my son completely naturally with hypnobirthing. It was the best feeling I have ever experienced and will be doing the same thing this time. I don't like the risks involved with an epidural and I don't like not having control over my body, so there's no way I'd have one.
I took Epidural for my little boy.
it was like heaven i wasnt in pain and i had a shorter labour. i was very lucky to have a 6 hour birth,
everyone ive talked to had a 12hour labours. and im thinking about it again for this baby im almost 6weeks pregnant.
Emma and Chris: I had a natural childbirth with my first child. The labor was induced with pitocin due to complications and after 22 hours she was born. If I could choose a delivery like my first for next baby (which is in 9 days - hopefully!), I would do the same all again. The thought of an epidural terrifies me and seems so unnatural. I am a big believer that my body is designed to sustain the pain of childbirth, not needles in my back.
Epidural is not an option if your from the island.so when i had my first child who is now 7years i went natural.and 1year an 3weeks later i gave birth again natural.only that with the second delevry they had to induce my laber.so with only 9days to go for baby #3 i do have options.but i will trust in god for another natural delevry.
the things i have herd of epidural does not give me corage to take it at all.
i had never taken it.i already have two kids which the youngest is 6years.an with 10days to go i still belive in my heart i can do it natural again.
i had an epidural with my first baby. i didnt enjoy the procedure for it. it felt so horrible going into my back. but i think with my next baby, i am going el natural. because i felt that the labor and contractions hurt less than the procedure with the epidural. not to scare any first timers. but my opinion, i am going without drugs as long as i can stand it.
I am 15weeks pregnant and my plan is to do everything natural. I was hoping for a water birth, but it is not offerd a my hospital. However, I love my Doctor so I don't want to switch. I am a little nervous of the pain, I usually am such a wimp. But I really think it is safer to go natural. I will have my husband and my Doula there with me, so I hope I can be strong. But I think it's really wrong to put down woen who opt for the epidural... EveryBody is different. Good thoughts to us all. :)
I didn't have one with my first. Instead, I chose to have a dose of Demerol to help me relax more but still be in full control of the experience. After going through it though, trust me, I can see why any women would find it a God send. The pain of labor isn't kids play. I still plan on doing as I did with my first this time around but the option is definately open to me in the back of my mind. Juuuuuuussst in case. ;)
I had a natural delivery with my first and am hoping for the same with my second coming up in 2 months. It was a wonderful experience and such an amazing thing to feel. I figure if I did it once I can do it again.
I had one with my first, mainly cause I was induced, which is not nice and lucky I did as I had to have an emergancy c-section. Am currently 22 weeks and am planning on a natural birth this time, hopefully. ;-)
I did not receive the epidural on my first son I just could not go through the whole process, not that I do not approve of it I just wanted to feel every moment of him coming into this world no matter the pain that I was in I was blessed he was 2 wk's early & I was only in labor 7 hr. Second baby is due in 10 wk. & We plan to do the same Natural if all possible Dig Deep & Push is the saying at this point. If we made it the first time our little girl will be just as equal HOPEFULLY!
I didn't the first time, and the labor was about 28 hours. Near the end, I was able to sleep between contractions (because I was so tired!). I don't plan on having one with my second baby, but I am always open to the idea if I need it. For me, the best part was recovery - I was on my feet in a few hours, and felt pretty great afterwards. Giving birth was the hardest thing I had ever done, but it gave me a new resepect for my body and strength. I feel like I could pretty much to anything after that!
I'm 9 weeks away from my first delivery and am planning a natural go-round. Like some of the other moms, I did a lot of research and am convinced that our bodies have the capability of handling things unmedicated - painful as things may become. Plus, everthing indicates that its the fear and tensing of muscles that cause the pain to increase. It's too bad that changes in medicine during the 60s and 70s have brought about this fear of childbirth that many older generations never knew or with which other cultures are unfamiliar. I do have to admit that I have a greater fear of the epidural than the pain, because of a curviture in my spine, an already low blood pressure and a tendency to be over-sensitive to meds. Good luck with whatever route you choose!
What has happened to the world!!! Who in their right mind would have an epidural when they know all the facts. It seems to me that these days women are not only out of touch with their bodies and what amazing things it is capable of doing but they are also too busy and too reliant on medication to be able to make informed decisions...The reality is that it is only 1 day of pain out of their lives....and for a very good cause.. My pain relief was mediation and visualisation which is simply another way of saying positive thinking and relaxation as well as homeopathy, water and massage - as well as healthy eating & moderate exercise throughout pregnancy....if you are relaxed and believe that your body is designed to give birth ...if you have eaten well and not gained excess fluid and body fat you will be fitter and your body will get on with the job less painfully and faster - these are well researched facts.
With my first, I decided to try it natural, but never say never. It turned out that my water broke and I wasn't progressing, and since it's a risk for the baby to go too long in there after the waters broke, the doctor had to give me pitocin. Pitocin was the ONE thing I didn't want, but when it's for your baby... =^) It definately was much more painful with the pitocin, and I still wasn't progressing terrible fast. It took something like 5 hours to progress 1 centimeter. I decided at that rate, I would be toast by the time it came to push. I opted for the epidural, and it immediately relaxed me another centimeter. I know that there are some that don't work correctly, but mine was WONDERFUL!!! It relaxed me and sped up the labor, I could feel when it was time to push... perfect!!! I don't regret it for a second, because I still had to breathe through the contractions; they weren't "painful", but were so "hard" and seized my whole body.
This time, I'll try going without the epidural, since I know that not all epidurals are created equal. If it's like it was before the drugs, I think I can handle it, but the Pitocin changes things considerably. If the Pit becomes necessary, I'll take my chances with the epidural... which I'm still not ruling out even without the Pit. =^)
hi ya evry1 well im due to have my second baby in bout 7dys or any day now.when i had my first child i had no pain relieve,i was only 17yrs old and my first birth was abit traumatic as i had my little girl who is now nearly 5yrs old on my mothers toilet but....me and my beautifull little girl was both well and didnt need to go to hospital,which was good.Im happy and cant wait for my nxt little one to be born, i just want it over and done with now,as its dragging on now.I have thought about what pain relieve i would have this time round and i have to say its just gas and air for me.ill let you all no when ive had my baby so for now bye.x emma x
Natural with all 3 and planning to with no 4 in a couple of weeks.
Do you notice how many of the women who had epidurals were glad they did because they ended up needing a c-section?
Funny that. Epidurals and other intervention result in far more c-sections than natural births. It's known as a cascade effect. While it may seem like a God-send to be free of pain for a bit, the statistical outcomes of then needing an assisted delivery are greatly increased.
Each time I got to the point where I felt I couldn't cope with the pain anymore and would perhaps have considered an epidural, it was actually much nearer the end than I realised. Perhaps if I had an epidural the labour would have then slowed down and/or baby got distressed.
Yes, it hurts. It's not called labour for nothing, but the rewards are so great and I'm sure we'd all suffer any pain for our darlings. It's worth it.
I did have the epidural with my first son, though it took the pain away it left me feeling uneasy. I hated the feeling of not being able to move my legs and after the delivery I was very shakey and uncomfertable.
With my second son I opted to go all natural and I loved it. Though the pain is difficult to bear, somehow my body was able to manage the labor pains at each different level and I was OK. I freaked out at the very end but before I knew it the baby was delivered and all was well!!
I am due in 14 days and I plan to go natural again. I am nervous b/c one never knows what will happen during L&D but I am prepared to go with the flow and see what happens.
I had an epidural with my son. I believe it prolonged my labor.Because I was 5 to 6 centimeters when I got to the hospital. After I was given the epidural not much went on after.My labor lasted 11 and a half hours! I did still feel pain. I felt stitches as well which hurt! I'm due in two weeks with my second child. I'm going to *try* having her natural. But I've been having a lot of back pain,which I heard in labor it can be excruciating. We'll see! The epidural has it's perks and unperks just like any anesthetic.What scared me the most was my uncontrollable shaking I was sure I was going to move and become paralized! Thank God I was fine.. Good luck!
I am having number 4 and I had an epidural with the other 3 and plan on having one this time. If I go to the dentist, I get numbed... I have nothing to prove. Yes, there are side effects, but I know that it is the best choice for me! It made me refocus on pushing and gave me a little rest inbetween.
The biggest thing is that I am not tring to be a hero, I want to have energy after to hold and comfort the baby.
Lori
I had one with my first and it was great... I was feeling so much pain and when i got that epidural it was the greatest = ]. And i will most def. be getting it again with this one too.Any woman who can do without i give you much respect because i know that I can't!!!
I am on baby number TWO and have decided to go natural again. My first labor was somewhat unique because I really didn't think it was that painful...and I am not really that tough. I was in labor for about eight hours and I WALKED for at least three of the hours. I really think that helped so much! I had about two or three really bad contractions that made me curl up but after that I was ready to push and then it was just working on getting the baby out so I didn't think much about the pain. My doctor asked me what I did to prepare because he had never seen a "natural" labor go so smoothly...in fact, I was smiling and talking in between contractions. So, here is the secret: Every day for three months before labor, I visualized how I wanted my labor to be. I pictured everything from when I wanted my contractions to start to what I wanted to feel and do during labor. In addition, I learned some relaxation techniques from a hypno birthing CD I bought on the internet. Finally, I trusted myself. Our bodies know what to do. It is natural. Trust yourself . You can do it!
To all those women out there who plan to have natural childbirth, please look into hypnobirthing. This childbirth method teaches relaxation techniques, hypnosis and release of fear in order to achieve tolerable, and in many documented cases, painless natural childbirth. There is no need to suffer! I am really enjoying the classes so far and although I haven't given birth yet (9 weeks to go), I feel they have given me the knowledge and confidence to rely on my body to get the job done. Do you think women in Africa have drugs for labor? No! Instead, they do not have fear of birthing naturally, like western women have been taught, and know their bodies can do it. If you can’t find classes in your area, please at least read the book, Hypnobirthing, by Marie F. Mongan.
To all those women out there who plan to have natural childbirth, please look into hypnobirthing. This childbirth method teaches relaxation techniques, hypnosis and release of fear in order to achieve tolerable, and in many documented cases, painless natural childbirth. There is no need to suffer! I am really enjoying the classes so far and although I haven't given birth yet (9 weeks to go), I feel they have given me the knowledge and confidence to rely on my body to get the job done. Do you think women in Africa have drugs for labor? No! Instead, they do not have fear of birthing naturally, like western women have been taught, and know their bodies can do it. If you can’t find classes in your area, please at least read the book, Hypnobirthing, by Marie F. Mongan.
I had my first all natural. I had no time to have any pain killers and I didn't think it was so bad. The worst part of the whole thing was the episeodemy without anything to numb the pain. But I am planniong to go all natural this time as well. I think that if women could do it years ago, we should be able to do it now!
i did not have one with either of my two boys. my second i even decided to deliver at home with a mid-wife i loved it. yes i does hurt but i believe its worth it. and when the baby was out i felt great. dont worry the pain of labor wont last forever.
if you dont take the bradley method it works great.
i did have an epidurral on both my children and i will be having it on te 3rd i would love to do it on my own but its just to painfully the pain drives u mad and u cant think of any thing else and with it u can relax have a sleep if it a late night labour
I know with my first child I wanted to have him all natural, but my birthing plan was crushed after ten ours of labor and a finger tip dialated, so I did get the epidural, along with a c-section. I tried again with my second child but no victory was won there either, so with this child I am having a planned c-section. I have had a very good experience with the epidural though so I really don't have anything bad to say about my experience.
I did hypnosis for child birth with my first child. My body often reacts poorly to medications so I didn't want to take a chance with an epidural. I admit that I asked for pain medication during transition, but everyone knew that my true desire was NOT to have the medication so they helped me not get it. This time (just 10 weeks away!) I am doing hypnosis again and really looking forward to the big day. It's such a short time to feel a bit of pain to gain such a wonderful gift as a child!
Well I'm due in dec 07 and also plan to have natural birth. This time I also want to do it naturally but i have a choice this time as I'm going private.The first time with my son I actually had no choice in the matter as I live in South Africa and had no medical Aid and government hospitals do not provide epidural unless incase of Ceasar. All in all I don't think the pain was that bad although i did feel the worst part was the crowning which only lasted about 5 minutes.I do feel however that some of the pain relief causes more harm than good as lots of people i know have back problems afterwards. I think its up to you what you decide to do but I also believe that I was better off doing it naturally as I had no pain after the crowning at all.I must admit that I've actually had tooth ache that was worse than my labour was.
With my first child, i asked for an epidural and they told me that it was too early in labour. When I asked for it again they told me it was too late! I ended up with two shots of demerol and laughing gas....which apparently didn't work very well with me. I gave natural bith to an amazing little girl...my husband and I are now expecting our second child any day now. I have told my doctor that I woudl like an epidural this time around, and I also have a birth plan made out so that there are no miscommunications this time around.
Of course I will get an epidural. But as a obgyn, I don't believe that it is for everyone. If there are people that want to experience pain for 4-36 hours, fine. If there are people who want to be so exhausted after a long labor and pushing that they cannot hold or even look at their child, fine. Just not for me. And I didn't even mention the wonderful after affect. It works during the time when any stitches need to placed as well.
I went into the labor room thinking there was no way I would take the shot. I did not even bother reading about the epidural because I have always believed that labor pain is something a woman should endure. About 6 hours into labor, I was still only 3 cm dilated and the contrations were just seconds apart. I knew there was no way I could take that kind of pain, especially knowing it would only get worse. I screamed for the epidural (which the nurses had been bugging me with since I got into the room). Believe me, I am yet to experience any relieve better than what I felt. Right after the epidural, my baby girl's head started showing but I couldnt feel any contraction or pressure to enable me push. The baby had to be vacuumed out. She cried for about 5 seconds when she came out and then stopped breathing. I could see everyone around me running wild and all that. She had to be put in oxygen for almost 10 hrs. When she finally started breathing on her own she did it too fast so she had to stay in hospital for 10 days. The doctors believe it was because her head stayed down there for too long since I was unable to feel any pressure or contractions to enable me push. Epidural was a great relieve but the resulting 10 days of hospitalization with all those tubes and the doctors not knowing what to do was just too scary. I am expecting my second in 67 days and I am just leaving the decision to God.
I'm 38 weeks along with my first. I would absolutely love to deliver naturally, but the chances of something going wrong with an epidural are so slim, I know that in my mind it's still a definite option; and if it's still an option somewhere in there, I bet you anything I'll end up getting one when I go into transition. I KNOW i can do it naturally. I can handle it... but do I WANT to???
Well I already have a lil girl and I wasn't planning to have epidural but once my pain got to like 2 or 3 times per min i couldnt take it no more so I got the epidural and @ first I thought it was going to be that easy just push no pain and thats it but no it took me more than 1 our pushing and baby wouldn't come out until doctor decided put no more epidural so 'I could start feeling lil pain to know how to push still wouldnt come out so doctor had to use the vaccum that is how baby finally come out. SO I'm Pregnant right now and at least now in my thoughts not planing to the epidural again I'll leave everything on God.
With my first son, I did not have an epidural. I was bound and determined I would have him naturally. I did take some staydol (which in my case I will NOT use again=---I fell asleep between each contraction and it was awful). Right before I started pushing, I agreed to a local. Thankfully I did that because a decelerated heart rate caused a forcep delivery and a whole lot of tearing. Luckily my 8 lb 5 oz baby boy was just fine after getting the cord untangled from his neck! I am currently six weeks along with our second biological child and am not planning on an epidural this time either, although I will go in with a more open mind than the first time too.
I had both a shot of pain killer medicine to help relieve the pain when I was in labor with my first daughter. When that didn't work, I had the epidural. The first one didn't take, so I receivd a second one. That one caused both of our heart rates to drop and I passed out. Thankfully, I was taken care of by some wonderful Labor and Delivery nurses and was eventually stablized. A few hours later, I was able to deliver our daughter vaginally with the help of an episitiomy. Overall, it was not the type of birth that we had planned for.
This time around, we are planning of using the HypnoBirth method. At 38 weeks, our second daughter could arrive at any time, but we are completely prepared and relaxed.
I had epidural with my first 2 births (with the first because it was very long and with the second because it was twins). With my 3rd, I ended up having a really quick labor & delivery - no epidural, but REALLY intense. With my 4th I was induced & had an epidural at around 5cm & the calmest birth of all :-) Now... I have no idea. I'm currently only starting week 23. I guess it depends how the labor goes :-)
I am pregnant with my third and I plan to go natural like I did with my other two. I want to feel the pain, it's a miricle and I want to be able to birth my baby on my own without all the medical things attached to me, and having a doctor telling me when and how to push.
I had an epidural with my firstborn. I was not impressed with it at all. I also had demerol. Both were a bad combination. Getting the epidural in, I was trying to tell them to forget it, so many jabs, was worse than the labour pain. My legs kept falling off the bed when it finally started working, when my son was coming, and I was supposed to hold my legs up. Yeah right. With my second I did not use an epidural, just two breaths of laughing gas (it was just too much bother to use more). So I was almost all natural. This time around I am going to go all natural. I am sure that I can do it. And I will definitely not have an epidural again (more pain to get it in than worth it). But just my opinion
I have two kids and both where natural birth.I am currently expecting my 3rd but to tell the truth i an scareder than before the two.I feel that im not ready to go through that pain ones again i feel as if i dont have the strength.I am actually dreading giving birth...Know i hear that epidural has side effects.I dont want to read about other options as i have bad thoughts and that freaks me out even more...
With my first child, a little girl, I had an epidural and it went great. 15 minutes after receiving it , I was dilated from a 4 to a 10 and ready to deliver. Then with my second cild , a little boy last year, I got the epidural and my blood pressure dropped so low that I thought that I was dying. Seriously. The room started to close in on me, and I couldn't say anything. My husband was sitting right beside the bed and he started freaking out. The nurses rushed in and gave me a shot of Epinepheran. That raised my blood pressure QUICK, and it then made me sick to my stomach. Needless to say, that time was not a time that I like to think of. I am now pregnant with my 3rd child, and I am due in January. I am still undecided on the epidural this time. I would really like to say that I have experienced Natural Childbirth. Though both children were born vaginally, I personally think that Natural Childbirth is though few and rare women who find the strenght to Suck It Up, and Have their children with NO Medicine at all. Thanks. and Good Luck To All.
Hey mommas! This is a pretty serious posting - previous comments are incredible - read between the lines. Then google some real childbirth classes in which you can enroll... and not the hospital kind that teach you how to be a good non-informed patient.
Had my first baby, completely unmedicated in a hospital and couldn't stand the whole experience. From the uneducated staff to the unfamiliar and uncomfortable surroundings - this is no place to birth a miracle!
Had my second love of my life at home and wanted to do it again, instantly, as soon as she made her appearance!
I am not a "hero" - nor am I out for any medal. I am a WOMAN - who believes in her amazing body. I believe in my babies - who together, with myself, work as a team to enter this world full of so-called fantastic technology that was - by the way - invented by man... ALL of it - those vaccums that suck your babies out, those tools that cut through 7 (yes, SEVEN) layers of tissue, those cold metal forceps, and, finally, that drug that drips into your lower central nervous system that has so many "amazing" side effects.
And, let us be informed of one more amazing drug - the one our miraculous bodies naturally produce - called oxytocin...This is the hormone that, after we work to bring our blessings into this world, allows us to pull our babies to our breast - to suck and comfort without having any drugs in their systems that would inhibit this from occuring. This is the hormone that allowed me to recall every single moment that I had just made. And, about half and hour after birthing my baby girl, I was able to walk into my own bathroom and shower in my own clean shower. Imagine.
It's amazing how much the hospital (staffing and procedures) makes you feel incompetent - how much they feel they need to do to you and to your baby... but, at home, you see that all your baby needs is your warmth, your love, your milk...very very little else (assuming that all health is deemed normal).
The vision of splitting in half, passing out or dying from the pain, or not being able to hold your baby because you are too exhausted from actually feeling life - comes from your most educated, most prestigious medical community... and it is all false.
Remember - hospitals are for unfortunate people who are sick... or for women who may be high risk.
Pregnancy is not a sickness. Birth is not about dental procedures - or other such operations... these are silly comparisons.
We're smart women. We are also mammals. Be informed.
By the way - having my third in June... right here in the comfort of my home.
So, again, don't be scared - be informed, breath deep, and smile - this is an opening device.
Love and laugh! This, too, will open your cervix.
You radiate light, mommas. Keep it bright.
Childbirth is painful when you succumb to the fear. It is incredibly empowering when you move through it with reverence and love.
Having had an epidural and now two entirely natural births, I feel very strongly that natural birth is The Best (the best experiece of my life). The experiences you have learning to ride the rushes of energy through labour and delivery are the perfect training ground for motherhood.
After my epidural, with forceps delivery and third degree episiotomy (the cut ripped all the way to my anus because of the physiologically almost impossible birthing position of laying on my back), I felt so disempowered after my birth that I cried with sadness. The week afterward, with 22 stitches in my perineum, I was constipated from the epidural and codeine prescribed afterwards, and going to the toilet was _so_ excruciating, you can't imagine. Sex was not as good for years afterward and my daughter, now 7, still carries some trauma from her rough handling during birth (doesn't like her head touched, hair combed, shirts pulled over her head, and won't immerse her head in water).
However, it was what I felt I had to do to get through the torrential and unnecessary interventions imposed on me by the American hospital system, who treated me like I was a patient in need of rescuing from the moment I walked into their doors and was told to put on a hospital gown and have an IV in my arm 'just in case'. Anytime I tried to refuse an intervention I was threatened with the idea that if i didn't do exactly what they told me I would be a bad mother, as it might be dangerous for the baby. What a joke! The US system has some of the worst statistics in the industrialized world for birth outcomes _because_ of the continuous interventions.
After my two natural births, I felt like a super-hero, and was so blissed out on natural chemicals from my body I wept tears of ecstatic joy, feeling so empowered by my body's ability to birth when left to it's own natural processes. To have this experience , however, I needed to be fully supported in my choice to have a natural birth, which I was here in Australia, but wasn't in the American system (I am American). However, I believe that if I had been better informed and assertive I could have created a better birth experience for myself. As women, we must take full responsibility for what birth experience we intend.
I feel incredibly sad that women are dissuaded from experiencing the most empowering, positively life changing experience in life in full presence in their beautiful life-giving bodies, and I worry what consequences this will have for the world's culture. The adverse side effects of epidurals are so downplayed that it seems like an obvious preference ('Childbirth without pain? GREAT! Where do I sign up?!'), but birth is _so_ much more difficult with an epidural, which DOES AFFECT THE BABY (they told me it didn't), and leads to many more interventions (pitocin, forceps, vacuum, foetal monitoring, not moving around, episiotomy, much more likely cesarean). Worst of all, you really miss out on the ecstasy and transformative possibility of this most blessed moment in life. After all, you're not only birthing your child, but rebirthing yourself, now as a mother.
We go through labour as a labour of love for our unborn child, the culmination of the beautiful sexual act 9 months previous. Don't allow yourself to be cheated out of this once in a lifetime miraculous bliss!
Our bodies have known how to birth since before we were human. Surrender your mind and let your body show you what it means to be an empowered woman.
Susanne
Doula, mother of 3, 30 weeks pregnant
Hi, this is my 5th baby and my hubbie and I are looking forward to the birth of our baby.How ever like the rest of my pregnancies I had no pain releif as most medications make me sick, so I won't be having an epidural. My last child was born with me standing in the shower for pain releif, so much better than giving birth to the babies on the bed.I am 22weeks pregnant and can't wait for the birth of our baby as I have a hernia to go with it as well. I wish every one the best of luck on the birth of their baby(s)which ever method the choose to have.
hi my name is free and i plan on having a natural birth this is my first baby and i want the experience don't get me wrong i am scared i go in on the 21st of nov and i am scared but everything and everyday is not promised so y not have a natural birth i might not have another chance
This will be my third baby, I have had two uncomplicated vaginal births, I hate hospitals and interventions, so we have decided to have a home birth this time... I am so excited.
I had an epidural with my first and I really feel like it cause problems with nursing, and also I had a sore spot on my spine for about a year afterwards, with my second daughter I didnt have one and I labored for 19 hrs and handled it fine, so this time I am going to use a combination of hypnobirthing and waterbirth, to manage my pain.
I decided not to have an epidural with my first, and don't plan to with my second (although I think it's important for me to remain open to the idea!! I had back labor the first time). After giving birth naturally, I was so much more trusting of my body and its processes - in fact, I had tried this bike ride on the highest point east of the Mississippi before I had my daughter, and gave up half way up. AFTER having my daughter, I was able to climb that mountain - I figured if I could push a baby out, I could certainly ride a stupid bike!!
I had a natural birth for my first son and no epidural that was the best feeling all the pain was gone as soon as he was out. My second son was born via emergency c-section and I hated every second of that inc the epidural and my daughter was born via c-section also I had so much aching in my back and still do and a tale bone that i think is still bruised the epidural fell out, the day after my son was born, they had to give my strong pain killers that day, I am currently pregnant with my fourth and am extremely nervous to go through that again. This one I dont get a choice, maybe they should knock me out!
I went all natural with my first. It was a quick labour though. I wasn't even sure I was in labour when I went to the hospital and they were just calling the doctor down to see how far I was along when I had to start pushing!!! Seriously, don't rule a natural labour out, even if your not good with pain. Use relaxation techniques and see how you go. I still remember it being painful, but I also remember being able to feel my little boy moving down with each contraction and push, its an awesome feeling!!! And I heard so many horror stories that when they told me his head was out I can remember thinking... gee that wasn't so bad! To those who say, why suffer the pain... I don't think it is suffering... just mind blowing. I'm 30 weeks with my second and plan natural... but never say never.
It's my first baby an i want to go for a normal delivery if i can, i'm afraid of anesthetic because i think i'm allergic to it..epidural included
When my daughter was born 3 years ago, I planned to go without an epidural if I could. Despite the fact that I was already 6.5 cm when we arrived at the hospital, dilation stalled at 9 cm and I was given Pitocin. Life became one long, continuous contraction. However, by focusing on just getting through it, I was able to go without an epidural. I am not going to lie and tell you that it didn't hurt that bad, or that the body's natural painkillers worked just as effectively - it HURT and they DIDN'T. But it felt incredibly empowering to have gone through 12 hours of active labor without an epidural. My when my daughter was born she was alert and aware - the delivery room staff was laughing and telling me how much trouble I was going to be in with her because they swore she was memorizing their faces! Not only that, but the OB nurse told me she was impressed and would gladly work with me again next time. High praise from someone who sees so many deliveries! I am 7 weeks with our second and plan on going natural again.
OMG. IM ONLY 6 WEEKS INTO MY PREGNANCY AND I KNOW ITS GOING TO BE THE LONGEST PREGNANCY . BESIDES ITS MY FIRST!!!!!!!! BUT I DEFINATELY GOTTA SAY THAT IF THE PAIN IS TOO MUCH ILL DEFINATELY GO WITH AN EPIDURAL ... DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT IN ALL THAT PAIN YOU ARE GOING TO QORRY ABOUT THE NEEDLE HURTING !! I DONT THINK SO . MY BEST FRIEND HAD HER FIRST NATURAL BUT SHE SAID IT WAS NOT EASY !!! SO LETS SEE WHAT IS INSTORED FOR ME .LOL !!!!!
This will be my Fifth delivery in January and I have had an epidural on all of the last four deliveries!
To me, it is a more enjoyable experience, I was completely aware and felt everything that was happening, just a little more comfortable that I was without the medication.
I did receive horrible migraine headaches as well after my first one and was told it was due to an "air bubble" getting into my spine. They went away after a couple of days. I didn't experience the headaches after any of my other deliveries. I do however....every once in a while feel a little pain where the epidural was inserted - when its extremely cold out! I live in AZ, so its very rare that its cold.
I plan on having an epidural this time around.....my labors usually last awhile. If I were to go quicker, and didn't have time to get one, I wouldn't....I'm just not blessed that way I guess.
Im having my first child and probably my last. After reading all about the epi i got really scared to have one, and of course my boyfriend always told me he didnt want to be with a vegi. So thats when i decided to go all natural so i can get the full experience since it will be my only one, not really by choice only cause he has two other kids. I believe that if women could do it before all the drugs then why cant i my mother did and of course i just want to prove to my boyfriend that i have the will to do so, and that im a very strong woman.So 8 more weeks to go and i cant wait!!!
The first child I had was when I was 15 and I let others make choices for me. I don't know what the shot i got was called but it went in my tailbone and took forever to stop hurting, infact there are still times that it hurts (20yrs later). The lady that gave it to me said that I had one of the hrdest tailbones that she has ever worked on. It took her 3 tries before it took. Yeah, it was nice not to have any pain afterwords but if i could go back I'd not let her come near me. My second child was an emergency c-section. My third child was all natural. Mostly because I waited too long to get to the hospital because they wanted to force me to have an other c-section and I wanted a v-back, but that's for another question of the week. "Should hospitals be allowed to force everyone that has had one c-section only have c-sections thereafter." The hospital that I had my second child at did not have my records any more. I was determined to get the v-back that I wanted. From the time I got out of the car and and the time she was born was only 29 minutes. There was no time from anything but to catch her. Only 124 more days til my fourth one is here and I'm going natural again. I have heard that it is better for the baby to go natural. That alone is reason enough for me, regaurdless of the pain. Besides, pain only hurts til it goes away. Btw, I have 13 piercings (only 9 in my ears) and 3 tattoos, so pain is not an issue for me.
I am 14 weeks pregnant with baby #5. My first was an emergency C-section, followed by two V-backs, and then another C-section(to accomodate the doctor.FUME) Anyway, after all these experiences, I would highly recommend going natural if you can, as painful as it is. The big needle, the risks, etc. is scarey. With natural, at least you're in control. For those of you who think it's less "womanly" if you get pain meds, get over it. You've already survived 9 months of pregnancy, and for me, with the worst hyperemisis any of my doctors have ever seen, don't talk to me about bravery as I am enduring this for the fith time around. There are times when "natural" is just not possible. I have to have a C-section this time around because of some problems. The idea of dealing with the big needle and not being in control, is not very comforting as it is. Mentally and emotionally, I'm tough. So, Girls, the bottom line is, do what's best for your baby, and if you see that you MUST have help, just go for it. Natural childbirth is NOT all its cracked up to be, and it's certainly no spiritual experience, just painful. The only spiritual and joyous part is seeing your baby for the first time, which you will do anyway. Don't take unnecessary risks. Each birth is so different. Trust your instincts, now, through the birth, and as you raise your baby. Best advise I ever received.
I did not have an epidural with my first child everything went good but it was still painful but the pain wasn't unbearable but I have a high tolerance level of pain. Although, with my second child I did have an epidural because I had my labor induced which made it very painful but I don't think I am going to do that again with this baby. I want to because I am so tired of being pregnant but I only have 2 weeks or less left, I think I can bear that. I have been dialated now I am 3cm. I have been walking the track, the stairs and doing the other thing but nothing seems to work.
I didn't have an epidural with any of my kids and I have 3 of them already. But now i am going on my fourth and only days away, i really want the epidural bc i already know what to expect and i don't want to feel any pain i just want to see my baby. It just depends on the person i guess, But i really do want it this time, I am still unsure. Whatever happens happens . . .i think i am scared of the needle too, instead of the pain that i will have to go through pushing him out. So i don't know what to do.
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