I have a ton of questions when it comes to pregnancy, labor, and parenting. I’ve decided I might as well go straight to the source…my readers! I’m sure you all have plenty of advice to give me. I want to hear it all: the good, the bad, the strange.
Prior to Christmas, I thought for sure I was going to go with an epidural. No need for unnecessary pain is what I figured.
But then I did some reading online and this is what struck me—that drugs administered to the mother will enter the baby’s bloodstream at equal and sometimes higher levels, and that the effects of the epidural on babies are not fully understood.
I am all for withstanding pain if it means my baby isn’t negatively impacted by drugs. Because the research isn’t concrete, I’m totally confused!
What say you? No wrong answers, as they are your opinions and I’m happy to hear the broad spectrum. I’m particularly interested in women who birthed once with an epidural and once without, and what your thoughts are.
Can’t wait to hear all of your comments!
I had epidurals both times and the second time it actually never took, because I flinched when the doctor administered it. I totally felt everything, but I swear it was so much quicker and easier even without the epidural. And the healing afterwards was, too. So, if I ever did it again, I think I would opt out of the epidural to be quite honest. But that is just me.
I had an epidural with my son and was so greatful as I had a long, 24 hour labor. I labored the first 12-14 hours without it and then got an epidural which allowed me to relax, get some rest, and have a few visitors. I had to have a c-section the second time, but never regretted my epidural!
Epidural both times, and both boys seem healthy and hearty. That said, just remember that there are no wrong answers – you need to do what feels right for you and your family! 🙂 And merry Christmas and happy new year!…
I had epidural with first son and didn’t feel a thing . Not great when it comes to pushing. I didn’t know whether I was doing it or not. Second son I did everything naturel. I think the first thing you need to do is stay calm and don’t give yourself unnecessary panic attack. That’s the secret of all . Spend your pregnancy on being calm and study your breathing, and pushing for the big day if all goes to plan. I was determined to get my second child natural and I got my vbac . But don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go as planned . That’s life 🙂 happy holidays xx
I am of the no-drugs-for-baby school of thought. But after 19-hours of drug-free labor, with my first baby, and screaming at every nurse who suggested I get an epidural, I ended up with an unexpected C-section. I happily accepted morphine at that point! My two cents: if you can do it without an epidural, that’s better for the baby.
A wait and see approach is always a good idea. Birth plans are helpful for you and your delivery team, but remember that things never go exactly as you will plan or hope for, so keeping an open mind and being flexible are key.
If you want to be up and moving around during your labor, keep in mind that you’ll be stuck in bed after you get the epidural. I had 30 hours of labor and was on pitocin the whole time which makes contractions stronger and more painful. About 18 hours into it I finally decided I needed to get the epidural (at that point I was still only 2-3 cm dilated). I agree with another poster that the epidural helped me relax some and I started dilating more efficiently after I got it. But I wasn’t a big fan of the epidural either. I had that pins and needles feeling (like my legs were asleep) the whole time. My mom and husband spent hours rubbing my legs because of that. Also, I had an uneven distribution of the epidural medication such that my right leg felt twice as big as my leg, like an elephant leg, and I couldn’t move it at all. It was a really strange sensation. Because of these two things, I wasn’t able to sleep at all with my epidural. And because your legs are numb you can’t get up to walk or even go to the bathroom so you’ll either need a bladder catheter placed or I just had them in and out straight cath me every few hours. But I was glad not to have much pain after the epidural. Even with the downsides, I would probably choose to have the epidural if I had to do it over again.
I was all for being a “real woman” and not having any meds during labor. What I’ll say is do not try to be a martyr. You’ll know when to get the epidural, if at all. Maybe you’ll be blessed like my cousin was and have a “drive-thru” baby – labor and delivery less than 4 hours. No epidural needed.
I did both and both were good for different reasons. With baby #1 – I did the wait and see approach – I wanted to do what was best for the baby – no drugs if possible. But after a few hours of pain, I decided there was no way I was going to be able to labor with the pain, which would undoubtedly become worse over the next 6 hours. The good – no pain, I was able to easily converse with my husband and mom for 6 hours – it felt like just a normal day. The bad, I hated that I had to have a catheter for the next 12? hours, especially when people were coming to visit. I think I was also more sore afterwards? and it was strange waiting to get the feeling back in my legs. I wanted to be me again. With bayb #2 – I did it natural….but I was sure to have a doula. A doula makes it so much easier – someone to help you focus on other activities and exercises to take your mind away from the pain. Sure your husband is there to help – but with a doula, it is their job to help you get through labor according to your birth plan. And they can be the strong one the helps you tell the nurses you are fine and don’t need an epidural. They have so many techniques to help you get through the painful points. I loved that after the birth I felt like me and I could pee. I loved that no extra drugs entered my babies blood. It was PAINFUL….but so worth it. And if I were to have a third….I would probably do it drug fee….but I would again pay the extra $$ to have a doula there to hlep!
I’m so happy that I am reading this, because I have experienced one that worked and one that didn’t. I honestly think that no matter what you think/research/plan, all of that can go out the window in a heartbeat. So all I could really do was keep an open mind. With my daughter, I had an epidural that worked but they wouldn’t let me have it at the end. So I did actually deliver drug-free. However, those few hours with it were GLORIOUS.
With my son, I asked for one soon in because it was a rush induction and I hadn’t expected to be there that day..and I wasn’t ready. I wanted to chill out. In that case the epidural gave me chills and a fever. Maybe it wasn’t related but it scared me. And again, it was taken out and I delivered without anything. And it wasn’t so bad. Honestly. I’d do it all again.
I wish I had asked myself these questions before I had kids. I didn’t start learning about a lot of the things you’re reading up on until several years later. If I had the chance to do it over I would definitely consider no drugs as the Plan A birth plan. I know you didn’t ask abt this but I have two friends that did home births and they are huge proponents!
In my experience, this epidural vs. natural has been a heated debate in some circles, so I’m a bit reluctant to comment on this…. but the discussion on the comments have been really pleasant, so here it is… I did epidural both times and it worked well for me. No complications. I have a very low tolerance for pain, i.e., I’m a wuss, and knew from the get-go I’d go with the epidural. There are risks with everything, including having a heightened stress-level when you’re in pain, which I was told is also harmful to the baby. I agree that you should keep an open mind on both options. I can’t say one is more right than the other. You know your body and its capabilities, so only you can decide that. 🙂
Well, my friend, this decision is all yours, my labor (when they saw that K was big enough- they forced my body to go into labor) started at 530am, they gave me epidural at 10am, & another at 5pm & I delivered at 814pm that evening it was a lenghty process… I am SO glad I had an epidural it made the lengthy contractions & all day pains doable… I remember, I was goofing off & laughing all day with my Momma, I was singing (probably broadway tunes… dreams…lol) I can’t imagine my labor without the epidural, Kensie was only 4lbs & 6oz however I was in labor from 530am until she was delivered at 814 that night so, epidural was worth it to me, but, my body is not built to handle babies… BUT you must remember, I was told after K, I would never be able to carry a child again, I was lucky to carry her as long as I did… I probably shouldn’t chime in, Sorry C! Happy New Year…
Hey Catherine, as someone that’s experienced the whole birthing process and have went through it with others all I can say is this: plan for the ideal, prepare for the worst. Ideally, we’d all love to toughen up and deal with the pain and go through this experience naturally however, many times complications we cannot foresee arise and you are in a position where it isn’t about what YOU want but what is best for your child. Under these situations it is best to keep an open mind and work as a team with your doctors and nurses to ensure the safe arrival of your little bundle of joy. My friend just had her precious baby (love my niece) this past Christmas Eve and it did not go AT ALL how she had planned but she was open-minded and things turned out well and everyone is healthy. As long as you have a plan for what you want and try to stick to it as much as possible but with the understanding that things can go the opposite direction and just be a team player about it – your experience will be optimal. Hope that helps. Have a great one! -Iva
I dropped by from SITS and wanted to leave a comment though I haven’t had children of my own, I have been a helper at a couple births so can share what I saw.
One friend listened to hypnosis tapes and had the fastest delivery I’ve ever heard of – no epidural needed.
Another had a home birth and was thought it would be a great party but ended up kicking all the helpers and supporter out and getting more internally focused, so she also didn’t have an epidural.
Then there are many friends who’ve had epidurals and that worked out fine too : )
It seems like having a Plan A but being open to Plan B is an effective solution.
The epidurals I had both times saved my life but remember that’s just one person’s experience. I’ve also done some research and it’s so completely minimal effects of the medication from the epidurals have on the baby that I feel it’s safe. Later in life people pumped their kids with megadoses of amoxicillin and Tylenol which is absolutely more detrimental than the minimal amount of medication given during an epidural. I say if you can take the pain of labor then go for it all natural but if you feel like this is the worst pain you’ve ever been and then an epidural is a great option. I
I can honestly say that I had done both. My first child I had an epidural, because I was pushed for it by my doctor. I labored for 12 hours, and most of those hours I was able to relax. But I didn’t want to do that the second time around (not relax, I mean no meds) so the second time I went to a birthing center and had a med-free birth.
Both experiences were good. I liked the birth center birth better because I was surrounded by family and I knew the midwives (off topic I guess), but to be honest, the pain from the labor was really not that bad. I just did what my body wanted to do naturally to get through the pain (rock, humm, breathe deeply).
I agree with Tamara, this is a decision that can honestly only be made in the delivery room, your pain tolerance etc will surely come into play. Doing your research is great but remember there is good and bad to both sides. You can only make the decision for what is right for you!
I intentionally opted for no drugs and prepared myself and my husband for a drug-free delivery by taking a 12-week Bradley Method birth class together. I love the emphasis on nutrition and how they not only prepared us for a drug-free labor and delivery, but our instructors also taught us how to prepare for any situation that may arise and how to be our own advocates. I’d love to talk more with you about it if you have questions. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
~ Ferly
Gifts We Use {to grow, love and serve}
This is exciting that your baby’s delivery is getting closer, and you are doing your research.
With my first child, I was just going through the motions, breathing, enduring the pain, drug free. To make a long story short, the delivery didn’t progress as expected, and the doctor had to do an emergency C-Section. I was administered the epidural, and baby and I were both fine. Second baby, scheduled C.
Good luck to you!
For what it’s worth, the idea of an epidural scared the snot out of me. I don’t want needles that close to my spinal column. BUT… contrary to what it sounds like from all the “literature” out there, it’s not an epidural or nothing. I had statol (not sure of the spelling there). I sure as heck felt the pain, but it made it deal-able.
Yes, any drugs you get will likely go to the baby too. But, that’s not a reason to torture yourself. Basically, any pain relief has the pro of pain relief and the con of making pushing harder.
Drugs like statol won’t be administered when you get close to pushing because they can make the baby drowsy too and that can make those first breaths harder (in my case, since I went from “hey I’m in labor” to giving birth in about 90 minutes, this did impact the baby as it took her about a minute to breathe on her own. No harm though, she was still attached to the placenta and is perfectly fine – and reading no less – 4 years later).
To my understanding, epidurals are similar and they have to “back them off” when the true labor starts so you can push.
My personal opinion is that it’s best to leave pain medication decisions until you are living it. I didn’t WANT pain killers, but then I hit the point where I thought I’d vomit because it was so painful. So, have a gameplan, but be open to changing it. Don’t torture yourself! Your needs will depend on how your hips are (there are different shapes) and the size/positioning of your baby. If you have a small one, say 5.5 pounds or so, you won’t likely hurt as much as having a big ‘un (over 10 #). But even those ultrasound estimates aren’t foolproof, so be open to change. My 10.25 pound child was estimated at 7 pounds 15 ounces… less than a week before delivery!
This has long been quite the debate! My mom had the first 5 of us natural, the 6th with an epidural because by that time she thought it might be nice…and she said it worked perfectly on her, but with baby #7 she went without because we were living in Malaysia and she didn’t trust their technology/skills. Epidurals do have some risks, I’ve heard. But then, there’s always risks!
I didn’t go thinking I would have a drug free labor but my little one came fast and quick. I’m still not sure what I would do for the next one if there ever is a next one
I’ve had both! With my daughter, I had to be induced so the contractions came in fast and STRONG. I had an epidural within the hour and don’t regret it one bit. With my son, he came out before my husband returned from parking the car – so I didn’t even have time for an epidural. Since it was natural, my body just knew what to do and I could withstand the pain from the contractions. I would have never thought I could do a natural birth, but that’s because I underestimated my own strength. Also, the recovery was so much better without the meds. My advice is that it’s up to you and how you feel at that moment! Good luck with your decision 🙂
When I had my son, my water broke in the hospital, and I lasted less than an hour before I got the drugs. And I LOVED them. I was dancing, and calling people on the phone, and happy for HOURS! And I would see my contractions on the monitor and laugh because I couldn’t feel them. Now, when it was time to push, that was painful, but I had a mostly pleasant time.
Hi again! Went natural with my first (in the hospital). I had written a birth plan saying that I didn’t want drugs. During transition, I asked the angel-nurse for drugs, saying I couldn’t handle it anymore. Thankfully, she reminded me that I had really wanted to go natural, and thought I would be happier if I kept with that decision. She checked me again, and could feel a head of hair, which gave me the encouragement I needed to go forward. In the end, I am so glad that I know what contractions feel like, and what it feels like to give birth. We are planning a homebirth with this second pregnancy.
I went into delivery with no birth plan. I figured I know how babies are born, and it will happen one way or another regardless of any plans I had.
With my first born, I spent 7 hours at home tracking contractions before going to the hospital. Once there and on monitors I received something for pain and was offered an epidural. I agreed and felt immediately better, however, my contractions pretty much slowed to a stop. At that point I was told I would need to have pitocin administered. After a total of 16 hours my son was born.
My second child could not have been a more opposite experience. I left for the hospital an hour from my first contraction, was wheeled into the ER triage, asked for an epidural and told there was no time. I was in so much pain and kept asking for meds but the baby came too fast. Two hours start to finish.
Although natural delivery was painful, it was over before I knew it and I felt better sooner without the epidural. I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way to do it… Personal choice… Every baby and delivery is different. Try going in with an open mind and do what feels comfortable for you!