FTM - Epidural?

Question

FTM here - just wondering how many of you have successfully gone through childbirth without an epidural and/or do you plan to get an epidural with this pregnancy? I have pretty bad scoliosis and the thought of a needle in my back is causing me some extreme anxiety. But every time I mention to someone that I’m thinking about going epidural-free, all I get are comments about how I won’t be able to handle it. It’s incredibly discouraging for me and is causing me even more anxiety. I know birth plans change and I’m definitely not against medicated childbirth, it’s simply the fact of the needle in my already messed up back. Any thoughts/comments from those who have been through it before are appreciated! Feeling lost at the moment! 😕

Answer

I stopped telling people I don’t plan on getting an epidural because the negative comments are ridiculous! I’ve been doing a course I found online on hypnobirthing. If you haven’t heard of it, look it up. It has me feeling pretty confident going in without drugs.

Answer

I’m a second time mom, and I myself have scoliosis and arthritis. I knew going in, that I wanted the epidural and I know this time around; I’ll request it again. 
That being said, an epidural free delivery is totally possible. Women have been laboring medication free for hundreds of years. Childbirth is a natural and instinctual process that you can certainly do! The nay-sayers don’t need to be in the room. You’ll need lots of positive support, but I think you can do it! ❤️

Answer

The negative comments are AWFUL!!! Even friends that are all ‘women need to support women’ are like oooh you’re crazy!! I’m trying to block the noise out. I’m trying to go natural but if it winds up in an epidural I’m ok with it. 
I am currently doing an online hypnobirthing course which is really helpful and when I start doubting myself I watch positive birth videos on YouTube and it makes me feel better. 
The way it was explained to me was you’ve had a lifetime of images and comments about childbirth being the most painful thing in the world and you just have to fill your brain with positive images and commentary to over ride these thoughts. Good luck!!

Answer

I had an uncomplicated, unmedicated 14 hr vaginal birth. My daughter is about 14 months old and I’m due at the end of August and ready to do it all over again. Not every birth story is a horror story.

Answer

I did it with my first. It wasn’t as bad as everyone makes it. The thought that your own body was able to achieve this naturally is so powerful. If you can do it, go for it!

Answer

If you want to go without an epidural, don't start doubting yourself. I'm a huge believer of we psych ourselves out with fear and anxiety saying, "oh I can't do this", thus you can't handle the pain without because you've convinced yourself you can't.
People are negative constantly and yes, labor does hurt A LOT, but if you have a safe, non-complicated labor you should be perfectly capable of delivering without pain meds.
So ignore the asshats who like to make us doubt ourselves or to shove their negativity down our throats, take a deep breath, STAY CALM, and believe you can do it if everything goes well.
I believe in you!

Answer

I’m a third time mom. I’m scared to think about getting an epidural. Both of my two sons were done naturally. My first was 8 pounds 12 ounces and my second was 10 pounds 4 ounces. I keep telling myself if I can do those two big boys naturally, I can do my last son naturally too. 
Keep in mind there are different pain management options besides an epidural. Don’t feel pressured to have to go with it if you don’t want to. You truly are in control of your birth, unless it is an emergency situation. Best of luck sweetie!

Answer

I did it with my daughter and will with this one too

Answer

Got it with my 1st, didn’t feel a thing, it was an amazing, pain free birth. Wasn’t able to with my 2nd and OMG the ring of Fire 😫 painful. Got it when I was induced with my 3rd and I still felt pain. Got with my 4th, again still felt pain. I plan on getting one with this one, but plan on laboring as much as I can without pressing the button for more meds until I get closer to delivery.

Answer

You can absolutely do it without an epidural! Women are amazing and have been doing it au natural forever, just remind yourself of that. There is always the option to have an epidural, so you definitely have that choice (amongst other options). My birth plan didn’t go, well, as planned. So I had to get an epidural after being stuck at 9.5cm. There are many pain management techniques that can get you through the laboring process without meds, definitely look into some and start practicing (breathing, movements, birthing ball, etc) Also, maybe it would be reassuring to you to talk to an anesthesiologist at your birth center? I would have to believe they are highly trained to handle many conditions, such as scoliosis, and it wouldn’t be an issue for them to administer an epidural. 
Good luck!

FTM - Epidural?

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