Pain control in labor and delivery

Allison - posted on 03/26/2010

PS So there are so many different types of labor and birth, but my baby was almost 10 pounds, and I am small-to-average sized, so natural birthing of "big" babies is certainly possible!!! I know several friends who had the same experience. And I learned that the World Health Organization just determined that statistically, "big babies" (8-10 pounds) actually do NOT suffer more birth complications than small ones. However, many Drs still believe this is the case. So just FYI, if your Dr or midwife implies this for you or your baby, consider asking them what evidence it's based on and maybe ask for a second opinion :) My guy was in the normal anterior birthing position, but one more thing I have learned is that babies who are "posterior" - that is "sunny side up" - often lead to painful back labor (even between contractions), and I know a couple friends who did need an epidural for this type of labor and birth. Just more anectodal info to help your decision :)

Allison - posted on 03/24/2010

I have only experienced natural birth and it was an absolutely empowering, powerful and amazing experience!!! I highly recommend it :) My first labor was 12 hours long (active labor, contractions 4 minutes apart the whole time) plus 1.5 hours of pushing. It was intense and very painful, but it came in very manageable, 1 minute segments - so I just had to get through each contraction and then would get a break :) It was a homebirth and actually VERY peaceful!!! My son was also 3 weeks "over due" so I was VERY ready to push him OUT!



I focused on RELAXING above all (slept between contractions) and did NOT lay down the whole time - I rocked in my chair, sat in the tub, walked around. I took a hypnobirthing class, but didn't really do the "hypno" part, just the relaxation and pain relief positions, which were great. I learned as much about birth as I could ahead of time so I could stay relaxed and confident. The pushing was scary at first, but I remember what our birth class instructor said "push THROUGH the scary place, your baby is waiting on the other side!" - and my body did it for me, I didn't really have a choice! I also felt with each contraction that I was hugging my baby inside me for the last time. Also, feeling each contraction told me that my body was doing exactly what it needed to get my baby out safely. I'm sure you can have a lovely birth with an epidural, but do remember that any intervention (induction, epidural) increases risk factors to you and baby, including c-section, so that is why I wanted to avoid them. So my educated *opinion* is to delay/avoid any interventions (including pain relief) unless they are truly necessary. The better you are informed, the better decisions you can make in the moment. And trust your body - it knows how to do this! Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful birth!!!

D - posted on 03/24/2010

I had both my babies natural (and plan with my 3rd as well). I'm not against drugs, but just didn't "need" them. My labours go fast, which I'm sure is helpful, but don't get me wrong, it does hurt. My first, from first couple of contractions to birth was 5 1/2 hrs and my second was 4 1/2. I did try the gas with my first but it only made me feel sick. Just changing position and walking/rocking, doing whatever you feel like doing at the time is all I did. I remember the prenatal classes talking about bringing a CD with you for calming music, but get real, there was no time for that. I'm not against drugs, but feel I shouldn't need them. I think there shouldn't be too much intervening with the birth process. All the Dr's and all the tests/inducing/breaking waters/applying gels....and so on, just let it happen when and how its going to. Your body knows what to do, don't interfere with it. Just my comments.

Mellissa - posted on 03/24/2010

Of my 3 I had drugs with the youngest. He was the biggest, my cervix lipped, and I was under a lot of stress. With my first two, I just did the breathing and kept as calm as I could. The calmer you can stay, the easier your labor will be. Take in some music that you like that calms you and anything else that might keep you relaxed. That's what I recommend, but remember, this is your birthing experience and you should do it the way that you want to!! Good luck to you!

Allyson - posted on 03/24/2010

I had an epidural the first time around and definitely will again. It made the labour bearable and actually a somewhat pleasant experience. That's how I want to remember the day my daughter came into the world!

Niki - posted on 03/20/2010

I went for natural pain relief, used a combination of waterbirthing in a pool (which cut the pain in half as soon as i hopped in!) positioning myself properly (laying on your back is the most painfull position so try on all fours or squatting) as well as using herbs, aromatherapy and homeopathy (i got remedies made up by a qualified naturopath) all in all my birth went really smoothly and wasnt as painfull as i was expecting it to be which was choice! this time around I plan on doing the same things - i just dont like the idea of my baby been born all druged up and risking all the complications that go with the synthetic pain drugs. good luck with what ever you choose xx

Jenna - posted on 03/20/2010

I didnt use any pain medication with my first and hoping to use none with my second im due in 2 and a half weeks and a bit nervous but still pain medication has not crossed my mind ......DO NOT use water injections in your back though my cousin used those and said she would of rathered use no medication it done her more harm then good....good luck!!!!

Abigail - posted on 03/18/2010

i just hads pethedine and gas and air although these did nothing to take the pain anyway i glad i had the pethedine as it made me to tired ot move around the ward screaming, i was to tired to keep a check on the time and before i new it i had her so even though u can feel everything it is def worth it in my opinion. i didnt want to have an epidural and im so glad i didnt as i was so proud of myself after.

Marie - posted on 03/18/2010

Epidural! I got a good taste of the pain w/ #1 & held off on the epidural as long as I could b/c I didn't want to slow down labor. Epidural took it all away! I am due in 10 days w/ #2 & am definately getting another epidural. It is scary, but it is worth it!

Chelsea - posted on 03/18/2010

I had an epidural when i had my daughter and i definately plan on having another one with this baby!!

Carolee - posted on 03/18/2010

Epidural for me! I went through 20 hours of labor without progressing "enough", had the epidural, and it relaxed me enough to where I could have a vaginal delivery 3 1/2 hours later. My body fought labor, so it's a good idea for me to get an epidural a LOT sooner when I give birth to my daughter in July.



It really depends on your body and how you deal with pain. I can "take" a lot of pain, but I "take" it by fighting it. Others can "take" it by pretty much accepting it and working through it. Other women can't "take" the pain (and I don't blame them ONE LITTLE BIT) and automatically get meds the moment the staff says they can.



The best advice that I can give you is to be open to all possibilities. I was torn between wanting to go without meds and having an epidural until I actually made the decision in the hospital and called for the nurse. I also knew that I was close to having to have a c-section (my doctor won't let anyone go much past the 24 hour mark while in labor), and was going to end up getting either an epidural or a spinal block anyways.



Good luck with whatever you choose. As long as the baby comes out, you've done GREAT! Congratulations.

Amber - posted on 03/17/2010

I didn't use any pain medication ! You basically just get into your own zone or mood and get through the contraction ! Just remember to remain calm and breathe , if you hold your breathe during a contraction the baby will go into distress so please don't do that ! Just focus on the baby and the contractions, you'll be fine. && good luckk.