What kind of pain medications did you use during labor/delivery? Were you happy with the outcome? Why or why not?
I get to try my hand at this in the next month or so and wanted to hear about your experience. My plan is to go middle of the road - use techniques I learned from my lamaze class, possibly some narcotics. I want to avoid an epidural - because the thought of a needle in my back and no control of my body freaks me out, and I also want to feel connected to this experience, even if it is painful.
I will keep an open mind, though, because I won't know how effective lamaze techniques, etc. are for me until I am actually in labor!
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My nurse said that narcotics would make me feel loopy and drunk. When i told her I'd never had alcohol, she recommended against them-she said it wouldn't be a good time to try it out!
I had an epidural-I was induced and so if I don't have to be on pitocin with my next baby, i want to try not having anything. We'll see! :) I think being open-minded is definitely important-you never know how you'll really be until you're in the middle of it!
EPIDURALS ARE MADE BY ANGELS!!!!
I can never understand when women say they are afraid of a needle in their back. I'm afraid of the HORRENDOUS PAIN OF CHILDBIRTH.
Still, to each their own. Good luck and keep an open mind. You just might change it in the middle of labor.
I agree that it's good to not be set in decisions until you get there. I was open to not doing an epidural and waited as long as I could and then chose to do so (and loved it). I didn't think the back thing was bad at all and I was able to still feel what was going on to some extent which was wonderful. I knew when contractions were happening and I knew when it was time to push.
Good luck by the way!!
Well I too was not keen on the idea of a needle in my back. I opted to go without an epidural, and although it was painful, I am glad I went that route. My daughter came out facing up (head was down, but facing my belly instead of my back). That made the delivery harder, but I probably wouldn't have been able to get her out on my own if I had had an epidural. I am glad I was able to feel everything, it was a rewarding experience. But I agree with the others - you can't entirely make up your mind ahead of time.
Well, as you can see by the different answers, it's different for everyone. I had the same goal as you, and after 6 hours of INTENSE contractions that were only 1-2 min apart, at the end of which I was told I was only dilated to a 1 at the most.....I opted for an epidural after all. Best decision I ever made. I was able to enjoy the rest of the experience. As far as feeling yourself push the baby out, I promise you...I felt EVERYTHING! Maybe that's one of the things that's different for everyone. Anyway, I wouldn't do a thing different! I agree that the most important thing is to have an open mind.
I agree with Joni all the way. With each one of my pregnancies I always went in saying that I wanted an epidural. And with both my first and second, they told me that I was TOO LATE. I had gone to fast!!! So, yes I felt everything and I don't recommend it. The contractions hurt enough, but pushing the baby out, for me anyway, had such a burning pain. Luckily with my third I was finally able to get the epidural and I was so happy. It had worn off a bit by the time I was pushing, but the burning crotch pain luckily was not at all like it was without the epidural. Having the epidural did not in anyway make it feel any less like a bonding birthing experience.
ps. I did have the narcotics with my first too and it did nothing but make me a little relaxed. Of course, I was relaxed but still in PAIN.
Nubane = HIGH AS A KITE
Epidural = tearing.
go natural
...your adrenaline is the best pain medicine you have
I went into my labor knowing that an epidural was that way I was going to go. I also had to be induced (basically from scratch) and I waited until I just couldn't handle it anymore before I asked for the anisthesiologist to come in. It just depends on your situation. It got to the point that I was just exhausted and couldn't handle it anymore, and I felt such relief after the epidural. For me, it was totally worth it and I plan on it again with the next baby.
I also don't really understand why women chose to endure such pain. I had hard labor from 3-6 am and was so thankful when they asked if I wanted the epidural. The shot in your back is nothing compared to that horrible labor pain. There is nothing that says
more pain = more connection to your birth--no way! I felt it all, just less intense and much more enjoyable. I don't understand why you would want to experience that kind of pain when we are given things that can make it much more manageable. An open mind is good of course, but don't be too afraid to lessen your pain. I was sooo thankful for that epidural. I worry that for future children it wouldn't be as great as my experience having Caden. Also, you decide how much of the epidural you want to have. They have a button you push--you can decide how little or how much (within reason) of the numbing you want to feel. Good Luck!
I never got to push a button to up my epidural. I would have choose complete numb :)
I think there is a little misconception that going through labor without an epidural is stupid. I did not 'suffer' through labor, I enjoyed it, and would opt for the non-epidural route again. The best advice I can give you, Cramster, is to have a blessing before you deliver. You will know what is right for you when the time comes.
Thanks you guys. This is good info. I especially like the advice about a blessing... that hadn't even crossed my mind!
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