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Alternative pain relief during labour?

Charlene - posted on 04/14/2010 ( 2 moms have responded )

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Hi there

Im 33 weeks pregnant and at Birth class the talk was about pain relief and our options but the only thing that was discussed was Epidurals! I do not want a Epidurals as i have a absolute fear of needles, hospitals and Dr's! and I also want to experience birth as natural as possible.

To have a epidural, we were told of all the must have's that comes along with it like a must for catheter and drip and your legs have to be in stirrups as you cannot feel the contractions and push, all the things that i really would like to avoid as it strips you of the whole birth experience (or am I wrong?).

My hopes for a water birth, partly as a method of some pain relief during labour, was quickly dismissed by the nurses and my Dr as i am a first time mom, and to them it is just not allowed for a 1st time mom!

Is there any other moms out there that can give me some advice on other pain relief that is available, as it seems that at certain hospitals Epidurals are being forced down as the only way of pain relief.

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Rebecca - posted on 04/14/2010

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I don't think that the epidural is the only pain relief that is available. In my hospital the other main drugs that are offered are Pethidine (this has been outlawed in NSW Australia due to deaths to the mother and baby) and the gas.

the main thing I found effective in reducing the pain of labour greatly is a hot shower. In my hospital they have showers with 2 heads. I had one on my tummy and one on my back.

I'm petrified of needles too but getting the epidural and drip and catheter wasn't that bad. I had an emergency c-section in the end.

My friend had the epidural twice. the first time she didn't feel anything and the second time they didn't give her the full dose so she could feel when to push and could feel the baby coming out. she said it was the best birth experience out of the two. So I think having the epidural might not take the full birth experiance away from you.

Talk to your midwife and put a birth plan together that has all your desires in it and make sure all the doctors present are aware of your plan.

If your in America you probably don't have a midwife since so many births are done with hospitals and doctors. Look up some birthing centres and midwives. Talk to them about the different options available for natural birth and watch 'the business of being born". It's about all types of births in America and the choices mothers didn't know they have.

If the documentary doesn't help, it will be very interesting in the least. Good Luck.

Suzie - posted on 04/14/2010

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there are many techniques to avoid pain. Meditation relaxation aroma therapy music warm water massage, hot pacs, rolling hips on a large ball, walking etc, most you can do but as soon as you get an epidural you know you are limited. I would suggest you get real proactive. It is your birth your baby. Wether it is your first or last. Get a new Doc if yours will not sign off on your birthing plan. Which you should have in writing and signed by your Doc to take with you to hosp. I suggest staying in the birthing tub until you reach 8-9 cm and then moving to the bed if they will not let you go thru the actually delivery of the baby on the tub. Hunny your end result is a happy and healthy baby, I have had 9 pregnancies/deliveries and have had every style of delivery imaginable and have had epidurals. I have all healthy children and had some harder deliveries than others that went easy....good luck you will be fine!

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