Epidural or Natural??

Emily - posted on 12/20/2009

I went with the epidural as soon as they offered it. I'm not great with pain anyways, but I thought the contractions we're excruciating and so we're the checks to see how dialiated you are. I also ripped and had to have a vaginal hemmeroid cut off, so I'm really glad I couldnt feel anything! I could feel enough to push, but no pain, anywhere, the only downside I had with it was while I was waiting to get to dialted enough to push, from the waist down felt like it was asleep, and that wasnt too comfortable, I really wanted to change positions but couldnt without help from my fance and the nurse. but if we decide to have another baby, I'm still going to try for an epi again.

good luck with labor and delivery!

Colleen - posted on 12/20/2009

I had planned to do it o natural but i had to be induced with cervdal and pictocin i made it 10 hours of hard labour without one and didnt dialate a bit. i finally gave in and 2 hours later had my little girl. i was dissapointed at first cause i thought i was stronger than that but looking back now i wish i hadn't been so stuborn. i would go into it and try it with no drugs but remeber they are there for a reason:) good luck

Jaime - posted on 12/20/2009

I got the epidural with both, but realized with my second that the first time that it hadn't worked. When the epidural worked it was much more relaxing, and PAINLESS!!! BUT there are big risks!!!



Try watching "The business of being born" to get some more info.



After seeing that, I am going to try to go all natural with my next ones (if there are any)

Belinda - posted on 12/20/2009

For me it was all about what would be best and have the least amount of risks for bub. Women have been doing this naturally for a very long time so I went into both my labors hoping for a natural, intervention free birth, which thankfully I got both times. What an experience. I was truly on the biggest natural high after having both my children. I will never forget how powerful I felt, how primal it feels and how close to nature I got. Besides, with a complicatin free natural delivery I was able to go home 12 hours after having my first, and I was home from hospital 4 hours after having my second. That alone is a good enough reason to go it natural for me!

Najia - posted on 12/20/2009

Oh and by the way, the epidural didn't hurt at all. It was just a hard pressure point and no pain at all....no lie.

Najia - posted on 12/20/2009

Last I checked they didn't give me any gold metal after going through almost 3 days of contractions without an epidural. Don't worry there weren't all close together, only the last day at 10 minutes a part then they got closer and I went to the hospital. I was planning to go natural and even took classes for Hypnobirthing that I was sure was going work. Trying to stay calm and relaxed worked only for so long FOR ME. I don't get cramps doing my monthly so the cramps I got during the harder labor pains was way beyond what I could manage. Then I had to get induced because I wasn't dialating. Can you image, all those days and nothing but 2cm!! I say, do what you can. Stay calm and cool, relax, control your breathing and do your best. If you best isn't working go for the epidural. It definitely made things better for me. I didn't like that my legs were numb but it didn't matter since I had to have a c-section after all that even after getting induce with pitocin.



No matter what you do it will be the right thing. The bottom line is to make sure your baby is healthy and that you stay healthy too. The end result is the same...you will have a new baby!!! Hurray. Best of luck.

Ashley - posted on 12/20/2009

I had an epidural at 8cm dilated. Could not take the pain anymore! Definately get one!!

Ieasha - posted on 12/20/2009

I just want to say THANK YOU so MUCH for all of the comments and stories. It truly helps a lot with trying to make a decision such as this. Love much, Ieasha

Summer - posted on 12/20/2009

i was induced on a tuesday and in soft labour all day.. then re-induced wedensday morning..and in hard labour all day and went to the hospital wedensday night.. got a shot of morphine and sent home.. and went back a few hours later.. i got my epidural around 7pm thursday night.. my contractions were sooo bad.. it was unbarable. and when i got the epidural they told me when i was having a contractions.. The epidural was such a relief and it didnt hurt that bad at all.. doesnt hurt at all if you have contractions like mine. its well worth it. the neatest thing was... they put ice in a plastic doctors gloive..and ran it from my toes up to my rib cage.. i felt touch till my ribs..then i felt cold.. it was amazing. i reccomend it for sure.. Hope this story helps!! and once your baby comes out.. you forget about the pain!!

Traci - posted on 12/20/2009

I went into labor in the middle of the night when my water broke. I thought I had a high pain tolerance level, but the contractions were unbearable! I didn't want to take Nubain, but was in so much pain I did, since I wasn't dilated enough for the epidural yet. I was really groggy with the Nubain and it didn't last very long for me. When I got the epidural it was amazing, I napped for a couple hours and they woke me up when it was about time to start pushing!! It did make me very itchy, more so then the normal. But it was well worth it!!

Hannah - posted on 12/20/2009

i was natural all the way. No drugs or gas and air and yes its a bit sore but every pain brings you closer to meeting your baby and its nowt you can't handle. i enjoyed being fully aware and in control many of my friends who had drugs felt out of control and can't really remember which is such a shame. If I was you go in with an open mind. i had no birth plan except i didn't want drugs inless i really wasn't coping. and honestly if you have no complications you can do it drug free which is better for you and baby xx

Nicole - posted on 12/20/2009

I went completely natural and had my daughter at home with my midwife. I was in labor for 27 hours and it did hurt. It feels like the worst stomach cramps you've ever had. If I can do it, so can you because I'm a wimp when it comes to pain. For example, when I get migraine headaches, I have to go to the hospital to get shots of demerol. I would much rather be in labor anyday! Good luck! Whatever you choose, will be right for you.

Rebecca - posted on 12/20/2009

I was induced at a hospital that didn't offer epidurals...I was planning on having a completely natural, drug free delivery, but when I hit 5 cm that changed I was having a contraction every 30 seconds (they had to turn the pictocin down) I tried the gas it did nothing the pain pump did nothing, I wish I would have had the option of an epidural, I think I would have enjoyed my daughters birth more without alot of pain. Next time for sure I am getting an epidural, so I can fully enjoy my next childs birth more. And I want to clarify because I'm sure someone has told you that drugs can hurt your baby, the drugs they give you Do Not pass through the placenta, so it is safe. However my mom had an epidural with my brother (she has a bad back) and it only froze half her body. So make sure you know the risks and such, just ask your doctor.

Kelly - posted on 12/20/2009

I just had my 1st baby in June....I was SO glad I had an epidural...my 1st one failed and i felt the back labor...i wanted to die..i have never felt pain like that...my hands and arms the next day were so sore from squeezing the bed rails!

you can still feel things with the epidural it just takes the pain away and makes you more comfy..so dont think you will be completely numb.

also, the epidural does not hurt at all...honestly i did not even know when the dr. was done!

Casandra - posted on 12/20/2009

I have gone through it three times going on a fourth and I did the first two natural, my very first I had an IV for fluids but my second I did completely natural unassited and I am glad I did those two that way and I felt great and proud and so accomplished. I did have an epidural my third time around and at first when asking for one I felt like a cheater, but I am so glad I got it and I fully intend to get an epidural this time around, granted I have time to, each baby the labor has gotten shorter for me, more intense but shorter. I have to admit that maybe my epidural was a little too strong though, at one point I felt so high I forgot what I was doing!!! make sure if you get one your anisteisologist knows how much med. you should get.

Lea - posted on 12/20/2009

I am having my 5th child and I have done both ways...the babies I had naturally were so much easier births...the epidural made my contractions stop and had to build back up plus I could not feel my pushing pains. I had my son 7 months ago...all natural...he was 10 lbs and 3oz and was out in two pushes! Yes, the pain was difficult but I also do not want to put drugs into my body not knowing 100% how they affect a fetus (regardless if they tell you it won't...i have a hard time believing that). After seeing pictures of all my newborns the ones that i had an epidural with seemed to be very swollen in the face and their face was all red and blotchy...the ones i went natural with had the most baby pink and perfect complexion! Guess to me the proof was in the pic! Hope whatever you choose it will be after careful consideration! Hope all goes well and congrats!

P.S. The worst contraction pains get are when you are 6 cm dilated so really the worst is already over by the time they are giving the epidural.

Ashley - posted on 12/20/2009

I've had three kids and didnt have an epidural with any of them. I dont know if it was because I had my first one when i was 18 and i was scared or if it was the fact that iam terrified of needles. Either or, no epidural, but they did put medication through my i.v.. The meds in the I.V. still allow you to feel everything, it just takes the edge off a little bit, and kinda makes you sleepy. Unless you have to be induced then the I.V. meds do absolutely nothing. (sorry) Hope it helps, good luck.

Michelle - posted on 12/20/2009

I've given birth to nine infants and only one did I have an epideral with and that was my first. I would never do it again. It was given to me in the wrong place making my legs feel like a thousand pounds and it did not help the pain. It also caused vomiting during contractions so a tube was put down my throat and medication given to me to counter the overdosage effects of the medication! All of the rest, there was my fifth and I was induced because my water broke but was not having contractions so I was given 'demerol'. Never again would I do that! I felt drunk and out of control and terrified to have the baby, not for a pleasant experience! GO NATURAL if at all possible. You will feel immediately alot better with no residual medication after given birth. My daughters have all had epiderals, (go figure) but they have also complained of back pain at the injection site for quite sometime and two have had to return to the doctor because of it. And one of them it was a little debilitating to have such pain in her spain. There is nothing they can do for it either. Natural, really is the best way to go. I have been through some rough labors and deliveries that tempted me, but I was nearly 9 cm, so you're almost there! You'll do fine, just focus and concentrate. Best Wishes to you and your Partner!



Michelle

Trista - posted on 12/20/2009

i had the epidural also. with my 1st child it really helped incredible i went right to sleep till like 2hrs b4 i was going to give birth. it was soo helpful but my last child they didnt put it in right and one half was more numb then the other. and i felt alot. but i guess what i would do and what i did with my 1st born was try and go natural and if you cant then get the epidural. i got the epidurall at 8cm. i wish you the best

Jessica - posted on 12/20/2009

epidural!!!!!

Sarah - posted on 12/20/2009

Ok I was unmedicated BUT they had me on pitocin so the labor was HORRIBLE! I don't recommend going unmedicated on pitocin. My labor only lasted 5 and a half hours though, so I was lucky in that sense. But this was also my first baby so I don't know how a natural labor uninduced would be.... and even though it was really hard, I lived, and I do think its better to go unmedicated.

Melissa - posted on 12/20/2009

I wasn't going to decide until I was in labour. In the end I decide to no have anything strong and just had gas and air. I had to have forceps as he got stuck as he was 10pound 4 and half. I'm so glad that I didn't have anything but Gas and Air. Keep and open mind x

Sam - posted on 12/20/2009

Decide at the time - I was lucky and had a completely natural birth as I was alreday 9cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital. You don't know how you will feel - just be open to what is suggested to you.

Kylie - posted on 12/19/2009

I had intended to go natural. I was induced because of high blood pressure and went for 10 hrs to fully dilated without medication, vomiting the whole time because of the pain and confined to the bed with a fetal monitor around my belly. The midwife became concerned about my blood pressure and suggested an epidural as I wasn't making any further progress. I had the epidural and it was wonderful. I could still feel the contractions without the intense pain and my legs weren't numb - I could have stood up and walked. I could top up the epi by pressing a button every so often. I am pregnant again now and if I end up having to stay on the bed again, I will have an epidural much sooner.

Kelly - posted on 12/19/2009

I had planned on having a natural birth. When I got to the hospital however I had been in active labor for about 8 hours and was ready for an epidural. I got the epidural but I passed out (very rare!) and opted to have my daughter all natural. I am so glad I did! Although it hurt. The memory of the pain went away after about three weeks. It was such an awesome experience. But do what is right for you. If you can't tolerate the pain go for the epidural.

Amy - posted on 12/19/2009

You can peruse this when you get the chance. It's from the International Cesarean Awareness Network - a non-biased organization dedicated to informing the public about c-sections. Everyone should check it out - they have tons of very researched articles about all kinds of things related to childbirth. Here's one article that I found about epidurals:

http://www.ican-online.org/pregnancy/epi...



This is what the first paragraph says, but you should really read the whole article. Again, it's very research-based and doesn't give any info without backing it up with scientific fact.



"An epidural will often slow a woman’s labour, and she is three times more likely to be given an oxytocin drip to speed things up (Ramin et al., Howell). The second stage of labour is particularly slowed, leading to a three times increased chance of forceps (Thorpe et al.). Women having their first baby are particularly affected; choosing an epidural can reduce their chance of a normal delivery to less than 50% (Paterson et al.)."

ASHLEY - posted on 12/19/2009

I got the epideral but I waited as long as possible before asking for it. I could still move my legs and tell when I was having a contraction. They say an epidural can sometimes make it harder to push but in my case i only pushed for fifteen minutes. I got up and walked to the bathroom on my own about twenty minutes after my son was born. It was great! Almost instant pain relief (takes 10 min to kick in fully) fast recovery time and no side affects at least for me. I'm planning on getting an epi next time as well since I had such a good experience.

Meagan - posted on 12/19/2009

eeepidural! wonderful wonderful. we dont go to the dentist and just get drilled without ne meds just to feel a primal satisfaction! i was so relaxed the labor was FLAWLESS and i got to keep the baby in my room all night, even tho i was a single mom bc i was ready to take care of my baby, i know alot of women who were too exhausted from labor and had to use the nursery!!! im preg again and will have it sent up ASAP i loooved it!

Serena - posted on 12/19/2009

First of all, don't let some of these women scare you or make you feel that you aren't "woman hear me roar" if you don't go all natural. Anyone who gives birth deserves a medal of honor. Its a battle. I personally had two all natural babies but I felt that my lamaze classes had a lot to do with that. Once I learned the stages of labor I felt that I knew what was ahead of me and what was behind me,. But I do agree stay relaxed, it will become very easy to get scared and let the pain take over try to keep your cool. Good luck with everything.

Rebecca - posted on 12/19/2009

I went natural. To me, the worst was the pushing. It was the most uncomfortable feeling I've ever felt. The contractions I could handle. They had to give me pitocin to regulate my contractions and they say it makes them stronger but I have nothing to compare. It really depends on your pain tolerance.

Kristina - posted on 12/19/2009

You might as well try to go as far as you can without it...you can always change your mind! That's what I did and it worked out fine. After about 4 hrs of painful contractions the anesthesiologist walked in and said he was available if I wanted one, so I said sure! I don't regret it. You don't have to decide now, you can always wait and see if you can deal with the pain or not.

Sabrina - posted on 12/19/2009

I had my first baby in May of this year. Vaginal birth, short labour (less then 3.5 hours from start to finish), some tearing and no epi, I did however have a bit of nubain (not sure if that is how it's spelled) because I had a panic attack mid labour. Everything was very fast and intense but I managed to survive it. Just keep in mind that the pain you are in is a very small part of your over all life and remember it's pain with a purpose. I heard from so many people about the bad side effects they had from the epi that the idea of it scared the crap out of me. I have a friend who doesn't remember the first 3 days of her daughters life and my hubbies sister had the epi headache so bad she couldn't move, said it was SO much worse then the labour pain she did feel. I felt great after my daughter was born, I was up walking around within hours and was able to enjoy the time with my new family. If you think you can handle it I recommend going as natural as possible, don't forget that epidural isn't the only option for pain relief but look into how the others may effect the baby. My laction consultant told my when my daughter was about a month old that the nubain may have been why she was having trouble breast feeding and that it can last in there systems for 8 weeks, I also experienced a numb section of my arm for a few months. Go in with an open mind, that way you won't be disappointed if things don't end up the way you hope.

Best of luck!

Christina - posted on 12/19/2009

hey hunny my name is christina i had my son in may of 08, i was enduced.. i didnt want an epidural i wanted to do it naturally, i was 1 of those mothers that wouldnt even take an advil in fear that it would effect my child, but than when the contactions began i was screaming for 1 but they told me it was to late im glad i didnt get 1 because i ended up having an emergency C-section in which if they would have given it to me it would have been a waist.. after the whole ordeal i have friends that have had epidurals n now suffer with back problems every1 body is different n no 2ppl are the same i hope my story will help u alil more n pray that u have a beauitful child birth god bless u n ur new family

Jessica - posted on 12/19/2009

I was the exact same way you were, i was undecided. I thought i would decided when the time came! I was begging every 2 minutes for that stupid epidural!! FINALLY i got the epidural and it was smooth sailing from there. I would recomment the epidural, it will make the labor and the few hours after delivery comfortable for you! My son i had a c-section because he was breech and i had a spinal tap with him and that was wonderful as well. I was afraid of getting it and what the concequences could be but i can honestly say looking back that i was too paranoid! Good luck!

Cassie - posted on 12/19/2009

Okay!! This probably won't help you any, but I'm in the middle of my third pregnancy and, let me just say, every time I get pregnant I tell myself that I am going to have my baby naturally, then by the time I am in labor and at the hospital I am screaming for an epidural. With my last pregnancy, though, They gave me the epidural too late and I could feel everything as my daughter was coming out. It hurt like hell, but as soon as I held my daughter in my arms I completely forgot about the pain. I suggest trying to go natural and if the pain is too much for you to handle, ask for something to take the edge off through an I.V. Then if it is still to much ask for the epidural. Most of the meds kick in right away, so you'll have to decide quickly if that is what you want, because if it's too late they won't be able to give you the epidural. Hope that helps a little.

Becky - posted on 12/19/2009

hi, im a first time mom to, and im not gonna lie, i hate pain! so i had the epidural, and it was wonderful, when i say wonderful, i mean it lol. and some people might tell you dont get the epi cause your baby will be drowsey from it, thats not true..... and you dont get any side effects from it, you might get a little itchy from it, but nothing real bad, i say what ever you do, is great you go! but for me i

would use the epi again if i had to choose.... my son was born on thanksgiving of this year. congrats to you, i hope you have a safe dalevary

Sarah - posted on 12/19/2009

Quoting Sarah:

I had natural, although I was asking for pain relief at the time, I felt too absorbed by contractions to keep asking for it. My midwife & my partner decided it wasnt necessary for me, & I kinda knew what they were upto but didnt have the strength to argue. My contractions hurt more than actually pushing my son out, I think it was the fear of what I was about to do, that made me want the relief.

continued.. Straight after the birth I was up & about & in no pain, I was actually pleased that I didnt have an epidural, as it could have taken time to recover.

Sarah - posted on 12/19/2009

I had natural, although I was asking for pain relief at the time, I felt too absorbed by contractions to keep asking for it. My midwife & my partner decided it wasnt necessary for me, & I kinda knew what they were upto but didnt have the strength to argue. My contractions hurt more than actually pushing my son out, I think it was the fear of what I was about to do, that made me want the relief.

Ashley - posted on 12/19/2009

I went all natural and will be doing it again in March.

Sarra - posted on 12/19/2009

my epi was fast and painless compared to contractions...I just went into thinking im not gonna try to be a hero if i can do it i cant do it, i didn't wanna be disappointed in myself if i couldn't handle the pain

Gemma - posted on 12/19/2009

i had to have epidural as my babys life was in danger but if his life wasnt in danger i wouldnt have had it. although i didnt feel a thing benjamin was my first child and i wanted to bring him into the world naturally an experience the childbirth pains but if i did then my baby might've died and also the epidural took half an hour to put in my back an i emeraged but they jus managed to stop the bleeding plus wen i was comin round from the epidural the tube which was inserted into me so i could pee was very uncomfatable an it took me a week to learn to walk again then it hurt wen i bent or sat down it was a complete nightmare but its your choice it effects everybody differently

Lianne - posted on 12/19/2009

it all depends on how long u can put up wit the pain, when i was pregnant i didnt want a epidurial, but after being in labour about 10 hrs i couldnt cope anymore gas and air made me feel sick. so i had a epidurial omg it was like heven!! it didnt hurt when they did it, i slept wasnt in any pain, but i had 2 keep having it topped up ciz i was labour very long time!! in the end i had a emergancy c-section!!
good luck try not 2 worry 2 much x

Nicola - posted on 12/19/2009

I had an epidural with my first...i was induced with him. With my second, i had no time for pain relief, my labour was that quick...i had a natural birth with no pain releif with her, not even gas and air. If i was to do it again....i would be going for a natural birth. My daughter was 2lbs heavier than my son...and i managed very well. Good luck anyway xx

Elizabeth - posted on 12/19/2009

I had an epidural. It took the pain away but when it came time to push I was so drugged up that I couldn't feel the urge to push. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my second child and plan on having the epidural again. It is worth it trust me especially when it comes down to being in active labor and being exhausted. This time around I will ask them to turn it down so I can push easier.

Sarah - posted on 12/19/2009

oh ya and when i was getting it i even jumped a lil most ppl say u get paralysed and it makes u scared i jumped and everything so it didnt do ne thing. well they say u can but honestyl i never heard of ne one having problems caused by the epidural plus ppl that do it pretty much every day do it so they know what ur doing...and i would not do it natural bcus i was in so much pain ..maybe bcus i dont like pain in my back and that is what it was alll back ouchy

Sarah - posted on 12/19/2009

i would say epidural im a first itme mother to i had a lot of back labor which hurts like hell.. i was also induced at 8pm on august 12 then at about 430am i was 5 cm and got the epidural which was when iwas allowed by my doctor and then at 538 am i had her so it made my labor got from 5 to 10 in an hour and i only had to push for 2-3 minutes..but everyone is differet...i loved the epidural even though i only got to enjoy it for an hour.

Olga - posted on 12/19/2009

my contractions were far apart..so i had a really good brak in between i would of made it natural..but i had an epidural.. im telling you ZERO pain...it was perfect i recommend it to EVERYONE lol..... i was texting through out labor i felt nothing lol excpet the pressure which doesnt bother you at all..... plus i ripped so i didnt feel that neither because of the epi...i still cant imagine feeling a rip in my cooch.. ouch lol but you'll be fine either way..what are you leaning towards? when are you due?

Paige - posted on 12/19/2009

I should mention too that even though I was in some pain during their actual births I still have great memories of when they were born. You don't remember all the pain when you look at them..you remember the first time you saw them and held them and how you fell in love with them the second they were born ♥

Paige - posted on 12/19/2009

I've had 2 children and delivered them both all natural. With my first I was scared away from an epidural because my mom had one for me and my siblings and it left her very loopy for a couple days. I didn't want to be that way for the first few days of my daughters life. I was also a single mom then. The contractions hurt but I wouldn't say they were unbearable. The worst part was pushing her head out haha but if you concentrate on pushing and try to clear your mind of anything else you can get it out pretty fast haha once the baby is born the pain is gone! you're gonna be a little sore (epidural or not) for a few days tho. With my second little girl I figured if i did it once I could do it again haha I did have a moment oof weakness during both labours when I thought i would need an epidural but when i mentioned it to a nurse both times I was told i was 10cm and ready to push haha so within an hour for my first and 13 mins for my second they were out. The time you spend pushing depends a lot on how far down they've dropped too. My first was up high even when I went in labour so a lot of my pushing was moving her down so she could be born (about an hour) and my second had dropped into my hips about a month before labour (made walking painful haha) and i only pushed for 13 mins (contractions were about 4 mins apart and it only took 3 good pushes)

Amy - posted on 12/19/2009

i had planned to have the epi but decided at the last minute not too, only because i was afraid of the needle! lol. i am really happy i went au natural, if i could do that i feel that i can accomplish anything! if i have another babuy i will choose to go natural again. GOOD LUCK! ♥