Drugs or No drugs??

Question

Hey guys! I'm currently 18wks 5 days with my second pregnancy 10 years later. With my son I was only 20 years old and knew nothing about giving birth naturally (with no epidural) I just wanted him here and just listened to what my doctor told me. Now that I am older I really want to try not being induced and not having an epidural. I am seeing the same doctor that delivered my son and I know she will support me with whatever decision I make but I just don't know where to start! Any tips or advice on how to stay away from the epidural when the pain gets unbearable?! Thanks in advance!

Answer

I went into my first knowing drugs were an option if I needed them but knowing I wanted to do it without them if possible. Everyone reacts differently to labour and the pain, I luckily tolerated it very well. There are other options for pain medication as well, it’s not epidural or nothing. Also tell the nurses how you feel, you would like to do it without drugs but don’t want them with held if you are in a lot of pain. The whole time I was in labour I just told myself each contraction was one I never had to have again. And my mom told me not to fight the pain and I think that helped. It hurts but you can do it! I am going into my second pregnancy the same, every labour is different, if I need the pain relief I will take it. You’ll know what you can tolerate and what you can’t. ❤️❤️

Answer

I second Bradley method classes. And also hiring a birth Doula helps. Maybe watch the Business of Being Born. I read Ina May’s Guide to Natural Childbirth. All these things helped me and I was able to deliver naturally but with Pitocin at 42+1 with my first.

Answer

I didn’t want an epidural with my first and my doctor knew that. She got to the hospital last minute (got back from vacation early and decided to work). There was a midwife and several nurses checking me and talking with me. The midwife was fine with my decision to not get an epidural and said fine for the pain medication. The nurse came in and got real snotty and didn’t understand why I wouldn’t want an epidural. I caved and got one. I honestly didn’t need it. Yes it hurt but I could’ve handled it. I was at the hospital a total of 3 hours and 15 minutes before my daughter was out. It was fast and fairly easy. I know for this one that I’m standing my ground and kicking out the rude nurses. It’s just such a vulnerable time.

Answer

I took a Bradley methods class that helped prepare me to go epidural free with my first. I used pretty much all the techniques recommended for relaxation and it totally worked. I plan to do it again with number 2. Maybe get a Bradley method book and see what you think? There is a lot of hippy dippy crunchy stuff in there but the actual methods worked for me. Good luck!

Answer

Honestly I just went into my first delivery at 31 years old without any plan. Decided to go with the flow. I will say I was terrified of the epidural so it would have taken me a lot to choose it. I had a long labour with some Fentanyl but nothing else. Stalled at 8 cm for 4 hours and ended up with an emergency c section and a spinal anyways lol. I guess all I'm saying is don't expect it to be like one thing or another since you won't know until you get in there. If you do end up with an epidural don't even worry about it

Drugs or No drugs??

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