What's you birth/pain management plan?

Question

Idk what options are even available really? My doc was asking me to start thinking about what we want today at my app and as far as I know I don't want an epidural in my back. I don't really care about having pain meds but since I saw them pull out the epidural from my sisters back about 10 years ago I've never wanted one like that. It's scared me how long it was and that close to my spine just worries me... does anyone know of other options to get pain meds or an epidural other than in your back?

Answer

An epidural isn't just close to the spine, it's in the spine. That's how it works. I have a high pain tolerance so i'm going to try to do this one with no pain meds again- there wasn't time for anything with my first and i was just fine- but if i need anything it'll be an iv. Nothing goes in my spine

Answer

My only advice is research all the options in case things change.

Original birth plan- water birth, hypnobirthing breathing techniques for pain management and paracetamol- maybe gas and air if i needed it. I even had a beautiful rose facial spray for my husband to spray on me when I was hot.

Actual birth- emergency c section after a failed induction which required a spinal anaesthetic. I even needed gas and air for the internal examinations as I was having full on contractions but my cervix wouldn't efface- my baby simply went back to back. Ugh.

The spinal wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm glad I researched what could happen as I knew what to expect and what I could do to help myself. I knew inductions often fail so I bought some special c section underwear just in case (I could have returned if not used) which was really helpful. Make your plan but please look at everything as it pays to be prepared. I never once felt helpless or out of control, in a pretty uncontrollable situation, because I knew side effects and benefits of everything that was offered to me.

Answer

Go to the Earth Mama Angel Baby website and find their free birth plan. It is SO informative. Even if you think it's all useless for your birth plan the process of gaining knowledge and informing yourself is invaluable. They have pretty much every possible option for every scenario on it.

Answer

I'd prefer an epidural over the actual pain meds they put in the iv because those get you outta your head and high and it has more of an affect on the baby after they are born. But an epidural is going to numb your legs so you'll be fully aware & there for your birth mentally and much less likely to have any affect on the baby.

Answer

my original plan was a water birth but i ended up dehydrated so had to have a dry birth with just gas and air😊

Answer

You will want to inquire at your hospital to see what they provide. You most likely would be able to get IV pain medication, and some hospitals offer laughing gas.

I personally did not care for the IV meds. They made me feel disoriented and dizzy. I had one dose and let it wear off.

What's you birth/pain management plan?

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