Epidural Poll!

[J3nn78]

No amount of labor pain would even allow me to consider a needle in my spine. I have a needle phobia. Cried when they put the IV in, but never cried for any labor pains.

I'm weird.

 

[brockash]

With my first child, I had every intention of getting one, but he ended up being 3 weeks early; I was in denial about being in labor, and by the time I got to the hospital it was too late to get one. Right after I had my son, everyone I spoke to on the phone and the new nurses that would come in kept saying how alert and with it I was (I didn't really get it, but apparently some women are kinda out of it when the have an epidural -or at least that's what I was told.) When I got pregnant with my second I had planned on not having one, because I had already done it once, and I hadn't been too into having a needle in my back when I thought I was going to the first time, so I figured I could deal with it. I didn't have one, and again I was told how alert ect. I was so I guess I preferred it that way. I don't know how I would feel about not being able to basically feel the bottom part of my body. After I had my second I thought one of the nurses said something about how they could of put some kind of pain reliever thing in my IV and I just remember thinking what the heck, why didn't you tell me that beforehand. I guess they thought I didn't want an epidural because I was against having any kind of pain reliever...so not true, so you may want to ask about that. It's very painful, but I had both without anything and I'm still here Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I voted that I didn't want one but ended up getting one. I wanted to try going through labor without it. Well, I started having conractions on Saturday night. By Monday afternoon (yes, I said Monday) I just couldn't take it. They gave me demoral and I had a bad reaction. I tried pulling out my iv and tried to get out of bed. I think I was going to bolt for the door! I really went crazy. After that, I agreed to the epidural. I had my baby Tuesday morning, but I was very comfortable and in very little pain.

For 2nd ds, I had the epidural as soon as they would give it to me. Then during the night, they shut off the medication because ds was going to be a big baby and they really needed me to push. It hurt like heck, but I pushed that 9 lb baby out!

 

[My2Cinderellas]

1st baby - induced labor, didn't have a great nurse this time and different people kept coming in and adjusting the pitocin and it was awful. I didn't want an epidural, but ended up getting one, and it helped. but it made it harder to push, I had a harder time feeling the contractions and timing the pushes. This was a high risk pregnancy and a very medically involved birth, not what I wanted, but I didn't really have a choice.

2nd baby - another high risk pregnancy, induced labor, fabulous nurse! - I was encouraged to have a c-section, dr reluctantly agreed to let me try v@g!nal, but said no interventions this time. I asked for an epidural, figuring that I would end up with a C, and this way it would be in place. Nope - I needed to be 110% able to push so no epidural. I made it through fine, but this labor was super fast compared to the first one.

3rd baby - nope - no 3rd baby. My OB told me that if I had more children that a C would be mandatory. My endocrinologist said sure, have more kids if you want, we'll get you through the pregnancy! but after DD2 spent a week in NICU due to MY problems, that was it. 2 healthy babies and my advancing age and issues meant that we were done.

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

1st baby - induced labor, didn't have a great nurse this time and different people kept coming in and adjusting the pitocin and it was awful. I didn't want an epidural, but ended up getting one, and it helped. but it made it harder to push, I had a harder time feeling the contractions and timing the pushes. This was a high risk pregnancy and a very medically involved birth, not what I wanted, but I didn't really have a choice.

2nd baby - another high risk pregnancy, induced labor, fabulous nurse! - I was encouraged to have a c-section, dr reluctantly agreed to let me try v@g!nal, but said no interventions this time. I asked for an epidural, figuring that I would end up with a C, and this way it would be in place. Nope - I needed to be 110% able to push so no epidural. I made it through fine, but this labor was super fast compared to the first one.

3rd baby - nope - no 3rd baby. My OB told me that if I had more children that a C would be mandatory. My endocrinologist said sure, have more kids if you want, we'll get you through the pregnancy! but after DD2 spent a week in NICU due to MY problems, that was it. 2 healthy babies and my advancing age and issues meant that we were done.

Hello fellow Iowan!

And I love your Alan Shore quote. One of my favorite, and most missed shows.

 

[T16GEM]

I didn;'t want one for the exact same reasons as you, I was so scared of the needle going anywhere near my back, but after being in labour for about 8 hours and exhausting every other pain relief method it was the only option left! I was surprised at how easily they did the epi.

I was pleased that I did have it at the end, with my second I had a planned C section so I didn't have to worry that time!

Good luck with what you decide.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Going in, I was on the fence about the whole thing, but giving birth hurts. Once I was in the middle of it, I REALLY wanted that pain to go away and I didn't care WHAT they had to do - epidural, chop off my arm...I didn't care - whatever it was, that's what I wanted.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I had my first DD without it. By the time I got to the hospital I was too far into the labor so they let it go.
I had back labor and it was the worst pain I ever imagined!
You can't lay down, walk or anything.

For my second DD I got the epidural and it was a life saver!
To lay on on the bed without cringing everytime a contraction came felt so good.

The epidural is the way to go!

 

[cruiserkaren]

I just wanted to say that it's great to have a loose plan of not having one...but, wait until you're in pain. Labor pain is unlike any other pain you've experienced.

For all of my kids, I held out as long as I could, but in the end, I was begging for the pain to stop. It's like having your insides ripped out, stomped on and twisted. Kids, anyone?

If you can not get one, more power to ya. I'll take the pain free, stress free birth please.

I just want to reiterate that just b/c you have an epidural doesn't mean that the birth will be pain and stress free. I'm glad it worked out that way for you but it does not work out like that for everyone.

I went in with my 2nd one thinking that the epidural was going to be life saver and it ended up making labor far worse.

I think someone expecting needs to go in with an open mind and be ready for things to go far differently then "The Plan" they had in mind. Each pregnancy will be far different from the last one or your friends/SIL/sister...etc.

 

[monorailsilver]

I had 1 epidural & 2 spinals. My last 2 were c/s.

My oldest I was in labor for 3 days, yes 3, 3 days of back labor. Anyone who has ever had back labor knows how much fun that is.

I started on Wednesday & I couldn't sleep that night since I was up. Thursday they got worse (my water hadn't broken yet) & again no sleep. OK I lied I think I slept for about 2-5 minutes & then bam there goes that horrid back pain.

I remember telling my husband to push on my back & he couldn't push hard enough (that is what they said in lamaze class, um..it didn't work). My legs that next week were so sore from the few times we went out to the store (to get me pain meds, anxiety drugs, etc...) & the 35 min drive to the airport & twice & the 25 min drives to the OB, twice. Anyways they were sore from pushing with all my might on the floor of the car & my arms were sore from holding/pushing onto the door.

So yes once I my water broke Friday night at around 9pm (I started Wed at 6am), they admitted me, well they had me come in to see if it was my water. Go figure Yale was FULL! Who knew that could be possible.

Anyways I was still in so much pain & thanks to that wonderful drug Pitocin I was in even more frequent pain.

So they gave me the option of a epi & I wasn't stupid. It is there, I am going to take it. I actually had a student do it on me. Was I scared? No not really I was in pain & that was all I could think about was that horrid pain. Plus I was a nursing student once too so I know they do need to practice & her instructor was right there making sure she did it right.

Lets just say instant relief. I actually slept. The intructor came back in & I told him that the student did a wonderful job. I was pain free. I slept that night for more then 2 minutes in a row. The only problem was "numbers" to which my husband got up & looked & my b/p was so low. But I was fine & pain free.

At about 5:30am I was ready but they were cleaning up the delivery in the next room so I had to wait a bit longer. I was able to feel each contraction, more like pressure then anything & push with each one. I don't think I could of pushed if I had not got an epi after the 3 days of labor.

I was also up & walking around with out any problems & nursed with out any problems.

With my 2nd I planned on getting one if needed. So after about only 30 hours of labor they checked me & the flipper flipped back to arm/shoulder down so off for a c/s.

The 3rd was a planned c/s but I went into labor & they tried to get me to do a VBAC but I wanted a tubal with my c/s.

So yes I'd get one if I needed one. Yes it is very scary but being in that much pain the pain factor out weighs the scare factor. I almost broke my dh's fingers with the epidural since I had a few contractions during it & you have to stay still so I held on to him. With the spinals, I was in the OR & dh wasn't allowed in there at that point so I had the nurse. I had contractions with my son but they weren't as bad as with my oldest & the 2nd c/s the contractions were minimal.

 

[james'mommy]

I had one with my son. The nurse didn't want to get one for me. She said I had just had some pain meds and should just use that. I told her to get me a f-ing epidural. Ended up having a c section (DS was 9.5) so I would have needed one any way. My husband thinks they should be mandated and that they should give them as soon as you check in.

 

[AftertheSunset]

Nm

 

[HelenePA]

My husband thinks they should be mandated and that they should give them as soon as you check in.

Really? why? I did it both ways.. the last 2 were not small babies either and they were the drug free births.. I'm just glad we have the choice.

 

[Laura]

I think someone expecting needs to go in with an open mind and be ready for things to go far differently then "The Plan" they had in mind. Each pregnancy will be far different from the last one or your friends/SIL/sister...etc.

I went to the OB today and got the handout on what they do as standard procedure, what my options are, etc. Pain management is up to me, but it says this: "Labor, unfortunately, is a painful process. It is also an unpredictable process and we thus encourage you to have an open mind about your pain control needs. Some labors are quite rapid and tolerable while others require a great deal of patience and intervention."

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I have no intentions of having one, not because I don't think its not going to hurt, or because I think I will be more of a woman going through labor naturally, but because I can't stand the thought of a needle in my spine, the costant worry of one slip up and I could end up brain dead, I know they are safe and women get them every day, but I want to try to last as long as I can without one, because I am too fearful of the needle, I mean come on my great grandma had 16 kids and there were no epidurals back then, my other great grandma had 12... I think they might have stopped if it were that bad...

I know every woman is different, and that I might end up being in the worst pain ever and getting one in the end, but my plans (and I know they change!) are to not have one... I think I'm pretty tough though... I survived a car running over my legs and stomach, I've passed kidney stones, and I get mind numbing can't walk cramps once a month...

So to anyone who feels like answering, did you get one? Anything you care to share about the experience, without or without one?

Not reading all the replies...because some people get all up in arms about this...
With my first daughter...I did NOT want one because about 3 months prior, a friend of a friend died due to complications of the epidural. Yes, I know this is VERY rare, and probably not what you want to hear, but it happened, and it terrified me. As I dialated to 7, they told me this was my last chance for the epidural, and I gave in...call me a wimp. She was born very quickly after the epidural (although it DID help with the pain tremendously), but my legs were numb for nearly 8 hrs and I was terrified I was paralyzed... But, everything turned out fine.
With my 2nd daughter, I wanted one, but was diagnosed with a heart condition in my 8th month, and they wouldnt give me one (although they lied to me the entire time saying "in just a few minutes").. I totally felt the difference between not having one and having one. I'd choose to have one anyday... lol
With my son, I tried to hold out as long as I could, having just the demorol (sp) stuff... but gave in for the epidural. I, too, HATE needles, but honestly, with the contractions you feel, you dont' even feel that needle going in. Everything was much better.
I'm due again in April, and have all the intentions of having another epidural. (And my tubes tied....lol)

 

[juligrl]

Yes, two epidurals and I would absolutely do it again. Never saw a needle and trust me, by the point that I got the epidural any fear of needles would have been the last thing on my mind! I was around 6-7cm with both my kids when I got the epidural and my contractions were coming fast and hard. My biggest concern was "how the heck am I gonna stay still through my contractions (think really HUGE cramps that last a long time) long enough for them to give me the epidural??" Somehow I did manage to focus and breathe and never felt a thing with the epidural going in (bigger discomfort to deal with - all things relative).

I will say this, my labors were "fast", 8 hours with DD#1 and 4 hours with DD#2. I wasn't completely sold on the idea of an epidural until I was actually in labor and I said - "This is nuts!!! I take drugs for a headache when I have one, why would I not take something to ease the discomfort of childbirth?!"

I did labor through for quite a while with DD#1, and got the epidural just about an hour before she was born. DD#2 came so quickly that I was pushing and delivering within 15 minutes of getting the epidural.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

OP, I thought the same as you, but with DS(1st child) I was induced. Those laborpains started so strong and intense they couldn't get that needle in my back fast enough. LOL

With DD my labor came faster, but I still tried to opt for the epidural. I don't know if I got someone new or what but that needle going into my back hurt so darn bad. After the 3rd try, I told the CRNA, forget it, I'll do without.

So 1st, yes, 2nd no. Go in with an open mind.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I HATE needles, but wanted an epidural. I didn't even see the size of the needle before the tech went to work. Hubby did and said it was a good size and he was very proud of how well I handled it considering how I usually react to smaller needles in my arm.

 

[Chokky]

Two babies neither with an epidural but some pain relief with the first.

The number one was small at 5lbs 12 and was coming very fast so they did give me a small hit of morphine.
Number two was 7lbs 16 but I did that one without any drugs.

For me childbirth is not the most painful part of having children...it is getting started and used to breast feeding on top of lack of sleep issues.

My sisters have all been the same so we have been very lucky.
Fast deliveries, no epidurals.

 

[jodifla]

I always knew I didn't want an epidural b/c I am just deathly afraid of needles, plus what my sister went through. It REALLY irritated me when person after person after person after person after person.... would tell me something like this. I was already nervous about the whole thing, trying to build up the courage and confidence to deal with my upcoming labor...and then every woman I met felt it was her "duty" to tell me how wrong I was, or laugh (roll eyes) at how "ignorant" I was about childbirth pains, like I was stupid or something. I know it was rude, but I finally just started replying with a smile, "Well, some of us are just stronger than others."

I know you probably mean well, and so do the MILLIONS of people who say the same line, but why is it considered bad for someone to say something negative about epidurals, but at the same time, women can try and make you feel stupid or ignorant for wanting a natural birth. And WHY WHY WHY does every woman tell a pregnant woman how horrible and painful birth is!! That is SO irritating!! Girls are nervous enough w/o your bellyaching already....

It's like each side has their own "club" and they are trying to recruit you for THEIR club and make you feel inferior if you are leaning toward the other side...

Can you tell this is one of my pet-peeves????? Sorry for the rant....

Again, I was following the advice of three of my closest friends, each who did a natural childbirth and one with an epidural, and they each said the EXACT same thing: That the epidural was great, and that's the only way they'd want to have another baby. They were miserable and in great pain without the epidural. They were able to enjoy the births of their second children.

Definitely, different people have higher pain thresholds and labor is different. I just hate to see women go in with the idea that they HAVE to have a "natural" childbirth, and then feel like a failure because they couldn't do it.

It's best to have an open mind. You just don't know how things will play out in a delivery room.