I am due in August... I want honest thoughts on epidurals or other pain managment please!?!

Mae-Alice - posted on 05/19/2009

I wanted an epidural so bad.

I was positive I was going have one.

Then the day I had my daughter I didn't go to the hospital until I was 9 cm.

About an hour before I had her I got there.

I asked and was obviously told that it was too late.



Afterwards I must admit that I was happy didn't have one.

So many people have told me about how they were bed ridden for a little while after the epidural because of the effects of it.

I was up and walking around a few hours later (after a very nice nap.)

C-=

I can't say anything about what it's like to have one, but I know my experiance without it was great.

Roberta - posted on 05/19/2009

Hi Sarah!



From my 'personal" experience it was the best drug pumped into me! I didn't even feel the epidural going in!!!

Patricia - posted on 05/19/2009

I was expecting to have a vaginal birth, but things went differently, my baby quit moving 5 days before my due date so they decided to do a c-section. Although I was already going into labor when they were prepping me for the operating room, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and I didn't feel any of them. Anyways, I wasn't going to do the whole epidural thing or pain management, but it helps. You won't be able to walk or get out of bed for a few hours, but it helps. It all depends on if that is something that you think you will want. Every person is different. Some people prefer to not get the pain meds and some do. For me though it helped, but then again I had a c-section. I hope that I helped

Patricia - posted on 05/19/2009

I was expecting to have a vaginal birth, but things went differently, my baby quit moving 5 days before my due date so they decided to do a c-section. Although I was already going into labor when they were prepping me for the operating room, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and I didn't feel any of them. Anyways, I wasn't going to do the whole epidural thing or pain management, but it helps. You won't be able to walk or get out of bed for a few hours, but it helps. It all depends on if that is something that you think you will want. Every person is different. Some people prefer to not get the pain meds and some do. For me though it helped, but then again I had a c-section. I hope that I helped

Julia - posted on 05/17/2009

I was anti-epidural every since before I was even married. I tried doing research to see what my other options were but none seemed as good, for me and my baby, as the epidural. I considered Demerol, but since I was planning on breastfeeding I wanted to be alert right away to be able to nurse my newborn. My husband and I also chose to not do birthing classes, since we were told it is not necessary by our doctor. A month or so before my due date, I made a decision to go with the epidural. I will admit I was scared out of my mind. When I went into labor, I was in so much pain from my contractions that tears were actually falling. And I don't cry easy especially from pain. My anestesiologist came in right away and had me sit up and lean forward a bit. He handed my husband, who was sitting in front of me, a book about the procedure he was performing. While he was behind me doing his magic, he was explaining the process to my husband. My husband thought this was a little odd...so did I. I kept looking at the expression on my husband's face...it was a look of perplexion. Next thing I knew the dr. was done. I didn't even feel a thing-not even a pin prick. Maybe I was in so much pain before that it didn't even matter. Maybe he purposely used his teaching lesson to distract MY attention from the process. But he started putting away his supplies and I was left wondering if he had even done anything...until a minute or so later when I felt NO pain. The only way I knew I was having contractions at that point was by seeing them on the monitor or being told by my nurse. Now, I would strongly recommend the Epidural. And I did not feel loopy. I was fully aware of everything, but was numb from the waste down. And I was able to get a few hours of sleep before we had to get to that final pushing. That was the last solid sleep I got for months to come. I thank the excellent anestesiologist and that Epidural.

Catherine - posted on 05/15/2009

I decided from the very begining that birth would not hurt that much and I wouldn't need any pain medications. When I got to the hospital I wasn't entirely sure if I was actually in labor or not or if I was if it was soon enough to be at the hospital. The nurses did nto think I was far enough at first because they made a big fuss about how they needed to check me because I needed to be at least 4 cm dilated before I could be admitted. Well, that nurse's eyes just about popped out of her head when she checked me b/c she could feel the head already b/c I was 9 cm dilated. My son was born about half an hour later. For me, it was mind over matter. I wasn't 100% comfortable, but who is in the third trimester? I have experienced more pain from broken bones and UTIs than I did giving birth.

Catherine - posted on 05/15/2009

I decided from the very begining that birth would not hurt that much and I wouldn't need any pain medications. When I got to the hospital I wasn't entirely sure if I was actually in labor or not or if I was if it was soon enough to be at the hospital. The nurses did nto think I was far enough at first because they made a big fuss about how they needed to check me because I needed to be at least 4 cm dilated before I could be admitted. Well, that nurse's eyes just about popped out of her head when she checked me b/c she could feel the head already b/c I was 9 cm dilated. My son was born about half an hour later. For me, it was mind over matter. I wasn't 100% comfortable, but who is in the third trimester? I have experienced more pain from broken bones and UTIs than I did giving birth.

Sandi - posted on 05/14/2009

Wow! This is the hot topic!



I have found some wonderful resources that exist to improve maternity care in both the U.S. and Great Brittan.



Childbirth Connection (childbirthconnection.org) has published "The Rights of Childbearing Women" They have listed 20 Rights in their statement (which I'm not that going to list here...but the website is great) and they say, "We must ensure that all childbearing women have access to information and care that is based on the best scientific evidence now available, and that they understand and have opportunities to exercise their right to make health care decisions. Women whose rights are violated need access to legal or other recource to address their grievances."



This group touches on several points that have been debated here in this thread, for example #10 states that, "Every woman has the right to accept or refuse procedures, drugs, tests and treatments, and to have her choices honored. She has the right to change her mind." Which I thought Emily Burlingame might understand (especially the 'honor' part). OR #15 "Every woman has the right to receive continuous social, emotional and physical support during labor and birth from a caregiver who has been trained in labor support" which is the doula that Sara Tegen is referring to.



Another resource is a book that is a winner of the 1995 British Medical Association Book Competition, "A Guide to effective care in pregnancy and childbirth" This book reviews the research and summarizes the evidence and concludes with tables listing practices that are beneficial, promising, of unknown effectiveness or are ineffective or harmful.



Well, I'm thinking I will post the Childbirth Connections website on some of the communities in hopes that information helps us make informed decisions and keep the debate alive. And I better stop rambling before my husband notices I have been absent for too long;) Thank you for sharing the stories!! I agree Veronica it is an ADVENTURE!

DON'T glaze over in boredom yet...they may put the epidural debate to rest (or not...but I think Mary and Melissa may like this)?!? They summarize that "epidural analgesia is a more effective form of pain relief than alternative forms of analgesia, but it increases the likelihood of operative delivery. Little more can be deduced with confidence about its effects from currently available information. It is particularly worrying that there are so few experimentally-derived data available to assess its effects on infants or its long-term effects on the mother...." Maybe they can use this thread to add to the data?? Besides, I like the stories better than the numbers. But, both may be what helps us advocate for every woman.



I enjoyed reading some of the posts in this thread and those mothers that talked of 'air & gas" made me think of my husbands grandmother who told me her birth stories (all 3) which were short and simple...'they took me into the labor room, knocked me out with gas, and when I woke up the baby was there.' (there being in the nursery, not her arms). And she breastfed the first one for 2 months and the others were raised on canned milk (PET brand).

Shawntelle - posted on 05/14/2009

GET THE EPIDURAL

Mary - posted on 05/13/2009

Who was lucky Brooke? I wasn't lol....I was enduced at 8am on Sat and didn't have Jayden untill 8:26am the next day, lol. I was fine (just a little crampy and uncomfortable) untill around 8pm then I was not having so much fun anymore, lol....around 10pm they broke my water and gave me the epi at my request. I fell asleep (but not a good sleep but enough to help) between 3 and 4 am they had to put a cafiter in cause my bladder was ready to burst and I was awake from that point on casue the contractions were too much for me to rest...they asked me if I wanted my drip turned up on my epi but I said no. I just wanted to use enough to take the edge off. I started pushing around 7amish and had Jayden at 8:26am.



I know some moms prob had worse but it wast all that fun, LOL......The epi was great and I am sure it would have been alot better if I turned up the dripp, LOL...but I wanted to be able to know when to push and so on....thats why I recovered so quickly from it too because I didn't have a whole lot of numbing going on.

Brooke - posted on 05/13/2009

You are so lucky I was in labor for 13 hours before I started pushing. Then I pushed for 2 hours. It then took an hour to get out my placenta.

Brooke - posted on 05/13/2009

Epidurals are great. I was trying to wait as long as I could to get mine. When my doctor checked me and tried to break my water it hurt really bad. That was about 3 hours after getting to the hospital. The epidural hurt a little getting put in, but let me tell you it was worth it. I would definatly do it again. I had heard to many horror stories about them, but my doctor says those things only happen like 2% of the time.

Mary - posted on 05/13/2009

Quoting Melissa:

Quoting Mary:

Melissa...I could feel my body just fine after and during the birth with and epidural. It is nothing like when you get a c-section....they pump up the dosage so that you can't feel the operation but when you have a baby vaginaly they don't give you nearly as much....but then again I know some moms who asked for their dripp to be turned up cause they were still in to much pain....and then they couldn't feel to much.

I just used enough to get me through....the nurse told me once the dripp is turned off it takes at least an hour to be able to walk again....I was up and standing in about a half hour and I was even able to move my legs up into the leg rests on my own...although it was a little clumsy, LOL. Everyone is different though and you could react differently than I did....I found the epi worked great for me and I had no negative problems from it....but like I said that's just me!

I agree that it is a sin that the health care is like that in the US....makes ya appreciate what we have even more. I also agree that it is still an awesome country and it would be cool to travel all over the US! Good luck in your efforts to have baby #2!

  Wow thats amazing! i think im more scared of the needle. the idea of something that big going into my spine, althought someone i know from the US told me epidurals are definately the way to go. But im someone who feels sick in the stomach with the blood tests you have to get in pregnancy so much so that they said ok we wont do this last one again if it bothers you that much. i had massive bruising down my arm for 4 weeks and after that healed they wanted to do it again!

 

Anyway i guess im just scared in case i have a reaction so ill say now i hope its too late next time when i try and tell them i need the epiduiral again! Thanks yeah im tryin nmot to get my hopes up becaus ei know it could take a while but hopefully in the next 6 months i conceive

I hear ya about the needles thing!  I hate them to and was also pretty sick to the stomach about it, LOL....there was a tv in my delivery room and I could see the guy getting the stuff ready and I freaked, hahahaha....we had to turn the tv so I couldn't see and Jamie (my boy friend) had to turn his back to me cause it just made him feel dizzy, hahahaha...... I commend all you ladies who have done it without the epi though!  I know I could have but at the time I didn't feel like I could and I was so tired from being in labour all day.  I was pooped and when my water was broken at 10pm I was like give me the epi I need some sleep!  LOL....I got to sleep for about 3 hours and that helped alot.

Mel - posted on 05/12/2009

Quoting Mary:

Melissa...I could feel my body just fine after and during the birth with and epidural. It is nothing like when you get a c-section....they pump up the dosage so that you can't feel the operation but when you have a baby vaginaly they don't give you nearly as much....but then again I know some moms who asked for their dripp to be turned up cause they were still in to much pain....and then they couldn't feel to much.

I just used enough to get me through....the nurse told me once the dripp is turned off it takes at least an hour to be able to walk again....I was up and standing in about a half hour and I was even able to move my legs up into the leg rests on my own...although it was a little clumsy, LOL. Everyone is different though and you could react differently than I did....I found the epi worked great for me and I had no negative problems from it....but like I said that's just me!

I agree that it is a sin that the health care is like that in the US....makes ya appreciate what we have even more. I also agree that it is still an awesome country and it would be cool to travel all over the US! Good luck in your efforts to have baby #2!

  Wow thats amazing! i think im more scared of the needle. the idea of something that big going into my spine, althought someone i know from the US told me epidurals are definately the way to go. But im someone who feels sick in the stomach with the blood tests you have to get in pregnancy so much so that they said ok we wont do this last one again if it bothers you that much. i had massive bruising down my arm for 4 weeks and after that healed they wanted to do it again!

Anyway i guess im just scared in case i have a reaction so ill say now i hope its too late next time when i try and tell them i need the epiduiral again! Thanks yeah im tryin nmot to get my hopes up becaus ei know it could take a while but hopefully in the next 6 months i conceive

Katie - posted on 05/12/2009

I just had my first March 31st and I have to tell you my mind set going in was epidural all the way. Things did not go as planned! When i got to the hospital I was only 3cm and they asked if i wanted to go in the tub while in labor. I think it was the best decision i ever made! I was in the tub for about 2 and half hours at which point I said to the nurse ok it is time for drugs. By that point it was too late. I pushed for maybe 12 minutes and my daughter was born. I have been told I was lucky but a bunch of my friends have been told by other moms that being in the tub helps you dilate faster.

Sara - posted on 05/12/2009

i ahd my first child in november 2008, i planned for just the gas, and i have to say, it was bloody brilliant stuff, it took the edge of the pain and relaxed me hellish but i instantly came round once i had given birth, i was basically in full labour for about 3 hours (lucky hey), i felt every contraction, every push etc and i still remember it. its up to you what you have at the end of the day how much of the labour do you want to feel. i would speak to your midwife about all the options and the positives and negetives of each at the end of the day, you can say what you want now but on the day it may change, just keep and open mind.

Mary - posted on 05/12/2009

Your crazy Nikita!! you LOVED your LABOUR????? hahahahaha....just teasing ya. I am glad you had such a good experience. There was another girl in labour in the room next to me, It was funny cause we had the same doctor and everytime we went to see our doctor we had appointments on the same day around the same time and we were put in the hospital at the same time too! She used gas and air...she hated it and wished she would have tried the epi. I could hear her screaming and it freaked me out! lol......But I am glad it worked for you. It's funny how different we all are! I guess the best advice is to have an open mind and if you have time try different things and stick with the one that works for you!

Nikita - posted on 05/12/2009

i had my son 7th april this year and i LOVED my labour so much we are planning to get pregnant next year! i had gas and air and wanted to take it home with me lol, i think it is absolutely great also epedurals can slow labour down and increase the risk of assisted delivery im 19 and i honestly think gas and air (entenox) is the best idea, my waters did not break and the preassure was so intense i asked for an epidural they put in the cafiter but my viens callapsed twice! once they had broke my waters i was on a role and was only in labour for 3hours 51mins. take my advice and just use gas and air its great and you feel happy :) good luck and enjoy x

Mary - posted on 05/12/2009

Melissa...I could feel my body just fine after and during the birth with and epidural. It is nothing like when you get a c-section....they pump up the dosage so that you can't feel the operation but when you have a baby vaginaly they don't give you nearly as much....but then again I know some moms who asked for their dripp to be turned up cause they were still in to much pain....and then they couldn't feel to much.



I just used enough to get me through....the nurse told me once the dripp is turned off it takes at least an hour to be able to walk again....I was up and standing in about a half hour and I was even able to move my legs up into the leg rests on my own...although it was a little clumsy, LOL. Everyone is different though and you could react differently than I did....I found the epi worked great for me and I had no negative problems from it....but like I said that's just me!



I agree that it is a sin that the health care is like that in the US....makes ya appreciate what we have even more. I also agree that it is still an awesome country and it would be cool to travel all over the US! Good luck in your efforts to have baby #2!

Mel - posted on 05/12/2009

Quoting Emily:

Your opinion of healthcare in the US is spot on! I think thats great that they make you ask for the epidural where you live. In the us, they are constantly in your face every 10 minutes, practically begging you to take the epidural. And if you dont, they look at you like you're a horrible mother already.
I'm sure epidurals are WONDERFUL! But unfortunately I wont be receiving one with this upcoming birth. I'm attempting a vbac, and I'm trying to avoid any interventions at all that might lead to a repeat section. Being tied down to a bed is the last thing you need during labor. Gravity is working against you, your pelvis is tilted and is actually 1 inch smaller in this position, and its more painful to deliver. So I'm going all natural :)

thats terrible i cant  believe they do that in the US just to be greedy! I am so glad the health care is free here i think i take that for granted when im waiting at the doctor getting angry when my appointment is a little late. Not to say anything against your country of course (if your in the US, i havent read all posts). Infact id love to visit there myself one day I think its an excellent counrty however im still happy to be living in australia. I agree with you that epidurals are not the way but that said i did not have one with my daughter. ive thought about it alot but decided its most likely not worth the risk and i want to be able to feel my body after i give birth. good luck with bubby #2. im still crossing my fingers that i conceive soon

Mary - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Emily:

Quoting Mary:

Quoting Emily:

Epidurals CAN reach the baby by diffusion. I see your book was written by a DR, most likely an OB. Of course your ob is going to tell you an epi is okay, and to not worry at all about it! And essentially an epidural IS okay, I have nothing against them. But there are side effects, for both mother and baby. A typical OB wont tell you this. Because essentially, that doctor is trying to -sell- you that epidural. Epidurals bring in the big bucks. Hospitals are businesses, and they need money to operate. Epidurals bring them money. Thats why you're constantly bombarded with offers for the epidural when you're in labor. Unfortunately doctors arent always going to do whats best for mother & baby. They are going to do whats best for the hospital, and for themselves. And thats just another example of how shitty the maternity care system has become in the US.
But of course there are girls like the ones above, who have hearts and stars in their eyes when they see their OB, and never ever believe that they would ever do them wrong! Women put their doctors and hospitals up on a pedestal, and blindly follow along with whatever they say, without taking the time to do their own research (and i mean look outside your book written by an ob) or make their own decisions. Because afterall, who knows your body better than your ob right?

wrong.

Emily just stop it already......I never said you were 100% wrong so please stop telling we are 100% wrong...no one knows for sure so just drop it already.....and I am sorry but I live in Canada and our health care is totaly different than yours.  I didn't have people trying to force anything on me....they asked me ONCE if I wanted the epi and I said I wanted to wait and see.  They never mentioned it again untill I ASKED.    No one tried to "sell" me anything. 

But I am tired of talking to you because no matter what anyone says you are always right and we are all just stupid people waiting for your approval.  Please......this place is for mothers to come and talk...offer their opinions and advice not to come and make people feel stupid or to tell people their opinions and experiences are wrong

 

 

If you're saying that an epidural in no way affects the baby and the actual labor experience, then yes, you are 110% wrong. And its facts, not opinion hun. The epidural reaches the baby by diffusion. Everyones body is built the same way when you get down to it. No one is immune to diffusion, haha. And the epidural DOES effect the labor. Most often negatively, but sometimes positivley as well. I know there are many women who had a more positive experience with their epidural. And vice versa.

I was also talking about maternity care in the US. It's totally different in every country. The US maternity system sucks. It sounds like Canada is a little bit better. I have no idea, I've only been studying whats going on where I live, to prepare for my second birth. But you have to actually take a deep breath and read what I'm saying before getting your pants in a twist and taking personal offense to the things i say ;)

I never said that is doesn't effect the labour at all cause I know it does...like you said sometimes good sometimes bad.  I didn't have any problems but that is just my experience....and I don't know much about diffusion and how that works.....I just don't think it druggs up a baby like Iv druggs do....That is what I am saying.  I am sorry to argue with you I don't mean to be rude or argumentive but I just felt like you were calling me stupid.....I know I am not the smartest person out ther and I am just going by my experience.

I read your other posts and I did want to say I am sorry you had such a hard time with your first delivary....I can understand why you feel they way you do about them pusing stuff on you.  It is not the case here in Canada...like I said everything is free so it is different. 

when you talk about diffusion I am thinking if it effects the baby it would effect it the same way it does you by making it harder to move...thus why you said that some babies don't have great muscle movment at birth but I still don't see it the same as if you had morphine or something.  all in all I think perhaps we should just agree to dissagree on the baby being drugged up thing, lol 

Emily - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Mary:

Quoting Emily:

Epidurals CAN reach the baby by diffusion. I see your book was written by a DR, most likely an OB. Of course your ob is going to tell you an epi is okay, and to not worry at all about it! And essentially an epidural IS okay, I have nothing against them. But there are side effects, for both mother and baby. A typical OB wont tell you this. Because essentially, that doctor is trying to -sell- you that epidural. Epidurals bring in the big bucks. Hospitals are businesses, and they need money to operate. Epidurals bring them money. Thats why you're constantly bombarded with offers for the epidural when you're in labor. Unfortunately doctors arent always going to do whats best for mother & baby. They are going to do whats best for the hospital, and for themselves. And thats just another example of how shitty the maternity care system has become in the US.
But of course there are girls like the ones above, who have hearts and stars in their eyes when they see their OB, and never ever believe that they would ever do them wrong! Women put their doctors and hospitals up on a pedestal, and blindly follow along with whatever they say, without taking the time to do their own research (and i mean look outside your book written by an ob) or make their own decisions. Because afterall, who knows your body better than your ob right?

wrong.

Emily just stop it already......I never said you were 100% wrong so please stop telling we are 100% wrong...no one knows for sure so just drop it already.....and I am sorry but I live in Canada and our health care is totaly different than yours.  I didn't have people trying to force anything on me....they asked me ONCE if I wanted the epi and I said I wanted to wait and see.  They never mentioned it again untill I ASKED.    No one tried to "sell" me anything. 

But I am tired of talking to you because no matter what anyone says you are always right and we are all just stupid people waiting for your approval.  Please......this place is for mothers to come and talk...offer their opinions and advice not to come and make people feel stupid or to tell people their opinions and experiences are wrong

If you're saying that an epidural in no way affects the baby and the actual labor experience, then yes, you are 110% wrong. And its facts, not opinion hun. The epidural reaches the baby by diffusion. Everyones body is built the same way when you get down to it. No one is immune to diffusion, haha. And the epidural DOES effect the labor. Most often negatively, but sometimes positivley as well. I know there are many women who had a more positive experience with their epidural. And vice versa.

I was also talking about maternity care in the US. It's totally different in every country. The US maternity system sucks. It sounds like Canada is a little bit better. I have no idea, I've only been studying whats going on where I live, to prepare for my second birth. But you have to actually take a deep breath and read what I'm saying before getting your pants in a twist and taking personal offense to the things i say ;)

Mary - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Emily:

Epidurals CAN reach the baby by diffusion. I see your book was written by a DR, most likely an OB. Of course your ob is going to tell you an epi is okay, and to not worry at all about it! And essentially an epidural IS okay, I have nothing against them. But there are side effects, for both mother and baby. A typical OB wont tell you this. Because essentially, that doctor is trying to -sell- you that epidural. Epidurals bring in the big bucks. Hospitals are businesses, and they need money to operate. Epidurals bring them money. Thats why you're constantly bombarded with offers for the epidural when you're in labor. Unfortunately doctors arent always going to do whats best for mother & baby. They are going to do whats best for the hospital, and for themselves. And thats just another example of how shitty the maternity care system has become in the US.
But of course there are girls like the ones above, who have hearts and stars in their eyes when they see their OB, and never ever believe that they would ever do them wrong! Women put their doctors and hospitals up on a pedestal, and blindly follow along with whatever they say, without taking the time to do their own research (and i mean look outside your book written by an ob) or make their own decisions. Because afterall, who knows your body better than your ob right?

wrong.

Emily just stop it already......I never said you were 100% wrong so please stop telling we are 100% wrong...no one knows for sure so just drop it already.....and I am sorry but I live in Canada and our health care is totaly different than yours.  I didn't have people trying to force anything on me....they asked me ONCE if I wanted the epi and I said I wanted to wait and see.  They never mentioned it again untill I ASKED.    No one tried to "sell" me anything. 

But I am tired of talking to you because no matter what anyone says you are always right and we are all just stupid people waiting for your approval.  Please......this place is for mothers to come and talk...offer their opinions and advice not to come and make people feel stupid or to tell people their opinions and experiences are wrong

Mel - posted on 05/11/2009

i read some other posts, i didnt do any birthing classes or parenting as i didnt need them and i went in not wanting an epidural because im scared of needles and because of the risk, at last minute i asked for one and signed forms they said are you sure you're almore there but i said yes, they started preparing it then said its too late you have to start pushing now your fully dialated (not that I was alread pushing anyway at 9cm) so i did it natural apart from some bethadeen hours and hours before that so i could sleep between contractions, i tried the gas and warm baths but didnt work for me i was in too much pain. my labour was 22 hours and pushing only 34 minutes, yes it is painful but i dont regret having a natural birth id do the same again. i found the healing worse then giving birth afterwards the pain was terrible.

Sarah - posted on 05/11/2009

i didn't have any as i didn't have enough time.

i wanted everything though but i managed with nothing.

Melissa - posted on 05/11/2009

wow, seems like you had a LOT of pressure put on you- i can see why your bitter at the hospitals. From what i've heard ultrasounds are notorious for being wrong for sizeing. A 9 lb baby is a good size, my baby was 7lb 11oz (or 3.5kg this is the measurements they use here).

Good luck with the VBAC this time round- hopefully you get the birth you want now that your a bit wiser to everything!

Emily - posted on 05/11/2009

I regret my csection so much! I was so completely ignorant about the whole birthing process. I knew absolutely nothing. I spent all of my time learning how to parent a child, not learning how to actually give birth, and I regret it so much. I went to 43w 3d overdue, and had an ultrasound a few days before going into labor. I didnt know that ultrasounds are commonly off by 1-2 pounds, and I was told I had a 13 pound baby at LEAST! So they were really pulling the big baby card on me. I had to be induced that night, and after 32 hours of labor I was only dilated to 2 cms. They kept telling me that I was wasting my time, that I would need a csection anyways. So stupidly I gave in. Worst mistake I ever made. My son was only 9lbs 11oz! I could have easily had him vaginally.
This time around I'm prepared though :)

Melissa - posted on 05/10/2009

Emily, your first birth was a c-section? if you dont mind me asking what was the reason behind having one? Did you have complications with your labour? Just curious is all.

Because of complications with my sons heart rate dropping everytime i had a contraction, i was taken to theatre in preparation for a C-section, because of this my epidural was topped up a few times in the lead up- but last minute they decided that i was dilated enough to birth him vaginally but with forceps, and because the epi was topped up so much i had NO feeling at all below my waist. Its weird trying to push when you cant feel anything! (i guess thats one down side to epi's- although they usually dont top you up when your close to giving birth so you do have feeling for pushing)

Anyways im glad i didnt need a c-section (i really didnt want one).

Renee - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Kayla:

Well I thought I could do it without anything with my first child, but iwaswrong lol I ended up getting the epidural and it didnt work. With my second son I ended up getting one too because I started having back labor and it worked very well. I tell you what though my back is still hurting this time from it.

kayla i still find my back really bad and like you i didnt want one but gave in and the anesthiolgist that done it was terrible he didnt communicate at all and it took him 45 mins to finally get it in.....just wanted to know how old is your son/daughter...Lennex is almost 4 months and my back still kills

Renee - posted on 05/10/2009

i had every drug possible...lol nubane demerol first actually then i was sent home ...then nubane and at 6 cms i had an epidural.....in regards to pain to was good because i didnt feel much and i was able to push my son out in 20 mins:) super powers i tell ya! but i don't think i would ever have the epidural again because the anesthigolist(not spelled right) didnt really communicate with me and it ntook him a few tries to get it in so it made me a bit nervous. Another thing you back is bad after for a while...well everyone is different but my baby is almost 4 months and i still have a bad back it could be because of my still DD breast though...LOL good luck

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Emily:

Your opinion of healthcare in the US is spot on! I think thats great that they make you ask for the epidural where you live. In the us, they are constantly in your face every 10 minutes, practically begging you to take the epidural. And if you dont, they look at you like you're a horrible mother already.
I'm sure epidurals are WONDERFUL! But unfortunately I wont be receiving one with this upcoming birth. I'm attempting a vbac, and I'm trying to avoid any interventions at all that might lead to a repeat section. Being tied down to a bed is the last thing you need during labor. Gravity is working against you, your pelvis is tilted and is actually 1 inch smaller in this position, and its more painful to deliver. So I'm going all natural :)

good luck emily ! I had a VBAC with my first (and only child) and i tell you I personally don't care how much pain an epidural takes away, i loved my daughter's birth and if i can do it again with the next one, I would be over the moon, no offence to anyone else, but it was a great feeling being so active and in control...totally recommend a tens machine tho if haven't tried it, i will always believe it's what helped me progress so quickly )...and also ( not trying to teach you to suck eggs, but raspberry leaf tea ..i drank it, and apparently it helps speed up you second stage ...mine was 10 mins !) 

Emily - posted on 05/10/2009

Your opinion of healthcare in the US is spot on! I think thats great that they make you ask for the epidural where you live. In the us, they are constantly in your face every 10 minutes, practically begging you to take the epidural. And if you dont, they look at you like you're a horrible mother already.
I'm sure epidurals are WONDERFUL! But unfortunately I wont be receiving one with this upcoming birth. I'm attempting a vbac, and I'm trying to avoid any interventions at all that might lead to a repeat section. Being tied down to a bed is the last thing you need during labor. Gravity is working against you, your pelvis is tilted and is actually 1 inch smaller in this position, and its more painful to deliver. So I'm going all natural :)

Melissa - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Melissa:

Quoting Emily:

Epidurals CAN reach the baby by diffusion. I see your book was written by a DR, most likely an OB. Of course your ob is going to tell you an epi is okay, and to not worry at all about it! And essentially an epidural IS okay, I have nothing against them. But there are side effects, for both mother and baby. A typical OB wont tell you this. Because essentially, that doctor is trying to -sell- you that epidural. Epidurals bring in the big bucks. Hospitals are businesses, and they need money to operate. Epidurals bring them money. Thats why you're constantly bombarded with offers for the epidural when you're in labor. Unfortunately doctors arent always going to do whats best for mother & baby. They are going to do whats best for the hospital, and for themselves. And thats just another example of how shitty the maternity care system has become in the US.
But of course there are girls like the ones above, who have hearts and stars in their eyes when they see their OB, and never ever believe that they would ever do them wrong! Women put their doctors and hospitals up on a pedestal, and blindly follow along with whatever they say, without taking the time to do their own research (and i mean look outside your book written by an ob) or make their own decisions. Because afterall, who knows your body better than your ob right?

wrong.

Hey there,

I can see how in the US how this is true as your health care system is pretty much run by greedy insurance and pharmucutical companies (correct me if im wrong- this is what i've heard) and seems like you only have to break your toe and you could lose your house.

 Where i live in Australia the health care system is run by the government (universal health care system- im guessing similar to that of canada) so the public health system is totally free - the hospitals here dont have affiliations with drug companies and we dont need to have health insurance to recieve care- the level of care is the same if i did go private. in fact the only differance between the public birthing suite and private is that the private suites had a spa bath and TV, and the public had a shower. (who wants to watch tv anyway while in labour!)On the ward tour we were told if it was quiet we could use the private suites if they were free anyway.

  Also The midwife informed us that if we did want any pain relief we HAD to ask for it, she wasnt allowed to offer it- i went about 11 hours of my 14 hour labour without anything (except the hot shower that i had right on my back and my husband rubbing my back. ( my baby was posterior so quite painful in my back- i could hardly move)

The epi was SUCH a relief when i got it- i didnt care that i had to stay in bed because all i wanted to do was rest at that point and be pain free.

You do have a valid point that there can be complications due to epi's- i think mainly to do with blood pressure dropping, making the need for c-sections higher. This is why we are montered when an epi is administered.  The risk with an epi affecting the baby is much much lower than that of other drugs like Pethidine (a morphine like drug) which does enter the blood stream and affect the baby especially if given too close to birth.

 

i forgot to add- our taxes pay for the hospitals to keep them running.

Melissa - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Emily:

Epidurals CAN reach the baby by diffusion. I see your book was written by a DR, most likely an OB. Of course your ob is going to tell you an epi is okay, and to not worry at all about it! And essentially an epidural IS okay, I have nothing against them. But there are side effects, for both mother and baby. A typical OB wont tell you this. Because essentially, that doctor is trying to -sell- you that epidural. Epidurals bring in the big bucks. Hospitals are businesses, and they need money to operate. Epidurals bring them money. Thats why you're constantly bombarded with offers for the epidural when you're in labor. Unfortunately doctors arent always going to do whats best for mother & baby. They are going to do whats best for the hospital, and for themselves. And thats just another example of how shitty the maternity care system has become in the US.
But of course there are girls like the ones above, who have hearts and stars in their eyes when they see their OB, and never ever believe that they would ever do them wrong! Women put their doctors and hospitals up on a pedestal, and blindly follow along with whatever they say, without taking the time to do their own research (and i mean look outside your book written by an ob) or make their own decisions. Because afterall, who knows your body better than your ob right?

wrong.

Hey there,

I can see how in the US how this is true as your health care system is pretty much run by greedy insurance and pharmucutical companies (correct me if im wrong- this is what i've heard) and seems like you only have to break your toe and you could lose your house.

 Where i live in Australia the health care system is run by the government (universal health care system- im guessing similar to that of canada) so the public health system is totally free - the hospitals here dont have affiliations with drug companies and we dont need to have health insurance to recieve care- the level of care is the same if i did go private. in fact the only differance between the public birthing suite and private is that the private suites had a spa bath and TV, and the public had a shower. (who wants to watch tv anyway while in labour!)On the ward tour we were told if it was quiet we could use the private suites if they were free anyway.

  Also The midwife informed us that if we did want any pain relief we HAD to ask for it, she wasnt allowed to offer it- i went about 11 hours of my 14 hour labour without anything (except the hot shower that i had right on my back and my husband rubbing my back. ( my baby was posterior so quite painful in my back- i could hardly move)

The epi was SUCH a relief when i got it- i didnt care that i had to stay in bed because all i wanted to do was rest at that point and be pain free.

You do have a valid point that there can be complications due to epi's- i think mainly to do with blood pressure dropping, making the need for c-sections higher. This is why we are montered when an epi is administered.  The risk with an epi affecting the baby is much much lower than that of other drugs like Pethidine (a morphine like drug) which does enter the blood stream and affect the baby especially if given too close to birth.

Becki - posted on 05/10/2009

i had a failed epidural so was just gas and air for me which made me feel sick but as it was only 4 hours it went quite quick for me i dont know what i would of done if it was longer so as for painkillers epidurals i wouldnt have again. gas and air took the edge off but its always different for everyone only you can decide

Veronica - posted on 05/10/2009

Look at labor as an adventure. I look back at it now and say it was fun. It hurts but I had a long marhton. I was induced on Feb. 15 and 9pm they started me on pitocin at 6am Mon morning, then broke my water at 7:30am I was a 3cm I got my epi at 945am I got stadol( pain meds) around 4am this helped alot before I could get the epi. Then around 3pm they figured out my son was sunny side up he was facing up not down they started turning me different ways in bed every 15 mins it was crazy. Then all of the sudden the labor pains started coming and I could feel them the Dr came in 3 times to give me extra epi medicine in about a 2 hours time frame. Well I got to 9cm they wanted me to push for about 45 mins to see if I could deliver him but he was so stuck he wouldnt come. When I had to push the pain went away. Then at 6pm they said c-section time. I was relieved then scared out of my mind because the epi wasnt working. They gave me a spinal to make sure I was numb enough and I was so happy they did. Come to find out the catherter was coming out for epi so thats why I wasnt getting all the pain relief from the epi. Every woman is different with a different labor storey its all worth it. My son is happy and healthy!!

Jenna - posted on 05/10/2009

also when they give u an epidural they put a thing on ur tummy to listen to the baby to make sure things are right!!!! so if something is up they no straight away!

Jenna - posted on 05/10/2009

hi there,

ust wanted to say i have my son 6 months ago and i didnt want an epidural at all but when it came tim to have one i took it! it helped so much with the labour pains it was great. when i needed to push i could! i think they are wonderful thing i know i Will use it again for sure best things in the world!!! the gas made me sick! also i used the shower warm water on ur back is wonderful best thing ever too hope it helps!!!

Emily - posted on 05/10/2009

Epidurals CAN reach the baby by diffusion. I see your book was written by a DR, most likely an OB. Of course your ob is going to tell you an epi is okay, and to not worry at all about it! And essentially an epidural IS okay, I have nothing against them. But there are side effects, for both mother and baby. A typical OB wont tell you this. Because essentially, that doctor is trying to -sell- you that epidural. Epidurals bring in the big bucks. Hospitals are businesses, and they need money to operate. Epidurals bring them money. Thats why you're constantly bombarded with offers for the epidural when you're in labor. Unfortunately doctors arent always going to do whats best for mother & baby. They are going to do whats best for the hospital, and for themselves. And thats just another example of how shitty the maternity care system has become in the US.
But of course there are girls like the ones above, who have hearts and stars in their eyes when they see their OB, and never ever believe that they would ever do them wrong! Women put their doctors and hospitals up on a pedestal, and blindly follow along with whatever they say, without taking the time to do their own research (and i mean look outside your book written by an ob) or make their own decisions. Because afterall, who knows your body better than your ob right?

wrong.

Melissa - posted on 05/10/2009

Just to add- there are several types of epidurals:



Caudal anaesthesia is given by injection into your spinal area around the sacrum, and numbs your vagina and perineum. This one is may be use for short term relief if you need a vacuum extraction or forceps delivery

for a pudendal block, anaesthesia is injected straight into your vagina near the pelvic region, blocking the pudendal nerve, this may be given if you are needing a episiotomy, although it isnt used often.



The most commonly used is the epidural Block- this is the one with the catherter. (i wont go into detail cuz im sure we all know)



Yes i do agree that they can to some degree affect the baby ( "indirectly" as emily said)- this is why we are monitered when it is inserted. It can lower our blood pressure therfore affecting the flow of blood to the baby, (but very minimally).

Melissa - posted on 05/10/2009

Hi, this post has got me thinking so i looked up the Epi's in my pregnancy book and found this :



Epidural Anaesthetic

"Drugs used in epidural anaesthesia cannot enter your baby's blood. A baby born after epidural anaesthesia stands a very good chance of being alert and of breathing well"



" Pethidine can make your baby drowsy after the birth which may affect his ability to suckle and to respond to you after birth."

"Narcotics can depress your baby's respiration. If you take Pethidine late in your labour it will remain in your baby's bloodstream for longer"



-Emily are you sure you didnt get pethidine and Epidural's mixed up?



This is just a snippet from the book



The book i got this from is called "conception, pregnancy and birth" by Dr Miriam Stoppard. This addition was revised in 2005, i bought it at the start of my pregnancy so i know the info is still current.

(Yes i used a book rather than the internet)

Emma - posted on 05/09/2009

Hi there, I didn't want to have any help with the pain. But I'm glad I did. It kept me quite calm. As we had a very stressful labour. Bai didn't really want to come. But I was induced so he had to. In the end we had an emergency c-section. The drugs kept me calm so Bai didn't get too stressed out. But every labour is different honey. Don't rule anything out. Keep your options open. You might find that on the day you don't need anything or you might. But make that decision when the time is right for you.

Emily - posted on 05/09/2009

You're just upset that I proved you wrong. My smart ass comments are facts dear, and I'm sorry they didnt support what you were saying. :)

Melissa - posted on 05/08/2009

OK whatever you say Emily, I would just like to tell you to grow up and enough with your little smart ass comments. I think you need to be a big girl now, and learn how to have an adult conversation.

Emily - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Melissa:

FYI emily the epi only affects spinal nerves and does not cross to the baby. It can cause a drop in BP which I agree with you on that fact. Other than that it can delay delivery a little bit, but it does not go into the mothers bloodstream, so therefore would not cross the placenta. They are also unlikely to affect the central nervous system, so you and your baby would both be alert after the birth, unlike most IV medications.

The medication used in epidurals crosses the placenta by diffusion. This means that when epidurals are administered, the medication rapidly diffuses across cell membranes, crosses the placenta and enters the bloodstream of the baby.

Do we need to repeat the 8th grade?

Mary - posted on 05/08/2009

Emily I am NOT a thick headed idiot and I don't appreciate you calling me that....I haven't insluted you so please don't insult me....act like an adult please. I still agree with Melissa here....What you said is not proven fact it is only from studies in sweeden.....I would also like to see where you got this info from. My son didn't show any of those side effects you say....and YES I would know I was there you were not...my son cried maybe twice the whole time we were in the hospital and he latched on perfectly right after birth. He was alert and just wonderful.



I am not saying that an epi COULDN'T cause complications and such because I know it can but I just don't agree that it druggs up your baby.....perhaps it has to do with the amount of medcine you are receving because they kept my drip on the low side and turned it up a little once when I asked but it was still not as much as some get.



anyway I am sorry to the lady who started this post for this whole "debate" I am just very tired of being made to feel stupid by Emily. I will say no more.

Emily - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Melissa:

FYI emily the epi only affects spinal nerves and does not cross to the baby. It can cause a drop in BP which I agree with you on that fact. Other than that it can delay delivery a little bit, but it does not go into the mothers bloodstream, so therefore would not cross the placenta. They are also unlikely to affect the central nervous system, so you and your baby would both be alert after the birth, unlike most IV medications.

The medication used in epidurals crosses the placenta by diffusion. This means that when epidurals are administered, the medication rapidly diffuses across cell membranes, crosses the placenta and enters the bloodstream of the baby.

Do we need to repeat the 8th grade?

Melissa - posted on 05/08/2009

FYI emily the epi only affects spinal nerves and does not cross to the baby. It can cause a drop in BP which I agree with you on that fact. Other than that it can delay delivery a little bit, but it does not go into the mothers bloodstream, so therefore would not cross the placenta. They are also unlikely to affect the central nervous system, so you and your baby would both be alert after the birth, unlike most IV medications.

Shannon - posted on 05/07/2009

My girlfriend just had her 4th, first 3 all natural. The 4th she had an epidural because she was having another procedure done at the same tme. She is KICKING herself for going through the pain the first 3 times.

Suzanne - posted on 05/07/2009

I think your best bet is to wait and see how its going. Everybody is different and every delivery is different. Just go with what yr feeling when you get to the hospital.