Epidural or no epidural?

Question

I’m unsure of if I want to get an epidural or not so I’m want to hear what reasons you ladies had for either having one or not having one as well as how they effected you or any weird side effects you experienced. All the research Iv tried to do has come up with women just bashing each other for whatever choice they made and hasn’t actually given me much information. 
I have a very low pain tolerance and I’m pretty scared about the whole pushing a baby out process but I also get freaked out when it comes to needles and not being able to feel my limbs.... so if you ladies could just tell me your experiences and try your best not to mom shame others I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks :)

Answer

I’ve had 5 babies without any medicine. And not because I “care what others think”. It’s because I don’t want a needle going into my spine. Yeah, no thanks. I have an extremely low pain tolerance, I cry when I get paper cuts (no joke) and am deathly afraid of needles. Medication is no option for me during my labors and I go in telling myself that. Labor pain isn’t as bad as it sounds. I mean, of course it hurts, but it’s only very temporary. I’m planning on my 6th unmedicated birth in July. I love the fast recovery, being able to feel my legs, everything. But make the decision that’s best for you because it doesn’t matter what you choose as long as it’s what you want.

Answer

You don't have to make the decision ahead of time. Go in planning on not having it, if the pain is too much and you change your mind then ask for it. I had one 2 of my 3 births and it was a positive experience, but it wasn't like decided ahead of time that I was for sure going to get it.

Answer

I said no only because I didn’t have one, but not because I think you shouldn’t have one.
It’s your choice, just be informed about what risks their are and also the benefits and make an informed decision. 
I didn’t get one because I wanted to experience childbirth and all it’s glory. I also didn’t want to risk chronic back problems, even the chance of paralysis from the needle. Another huge factor for me was that the epidural does affect the baby and cross the placenta and I didn’t want that at all. 
You do you and don’t feel pressure either way ☺️

Answer

I don't have a high pain tolerance and I don't remember childbirth as being painful exactly. I kept thinking of how it was just muscles doing their job and since the contractions weren't very long even in active labor (less than a minute), the time just kind of flew by. I also was happy to avoid the possible side effects and complications of epidurals, and being able to be up and about immediately after giving birth

Answer

I had it with both of mine and plan on getting it for number 3. I could still feel to push and pushed for 25 minutes at the longest, then 15 minutes with my second. I was up and showered and changed in an hour. No bad side effects. I recommend them 100%!!

Answer

I couldn’t handle the pain.. they put me on pitocin since my water broke and I wasn’t progressing any.. and after a couple hours my body started laboring on its own.. and so the pitocin would make me contract and then a second later my body would contract so I begged for the epidural.. it failed on me. I still felt every ounce of pain..  I was only numb to an extent.. and it made them lose my daughters hearbeat for almost an hour and mine go up to the 170s... so in my case it did not do well. By I recommend it lol. cause ive seen it work more times then not.. and btw no one told me but it will make you super freaking itchy every where for like 30 minutes...

Answer

I had one worth my first and I'm skipping it this time. 1) it was too expensive. 2) then it made me "high risk" so they tacked on an extra $3000 to my bill.
It was a mostly unassisted, two push, baby sliding out on it own during contractions, no red flags birth, not a rip or tear, bleeding stopped overnight birth. 
And I'm mad about it lol. Calling me high risk. I didn't even have a nurse with me until I decided to push because baby was crowning 🙄

Answer

Hi, I would strongly recommend that you speak with your doctor and/or Ob about pain management options and the fears/concerns you have. There are several options available and you may find one of the "in betweens" is a good fit for you...remember every woman is different and every labour is different - do what you feel will allow you to safely and comfortably deliver your baby (note that being comfortable does not necessarily equate to being pain free). As for my experience...I chose to not get the epi (as in the numb-from-the-waist-down option). I wanted to be able to move around, try alternate positions/birth ball/etc during my labour...and these worked well for me....to a point. I had very strong back labour (hubby helped by massaging my low back) and by the time i reached 8cm my contractions were hitting every 90 seconds and lasting for over 60 seconds...with so little time to relax between I was tensing up and not able to breathe through contractions...so i got a dose of fentanol (sp?) which took the edge off (still felt pain just less of it and  my back labour was significantly reduced) it lasted for about 45 min, and allowed me to relax, calm down and breathe through the rest of my labour and eventual delivery 2 hours later. I am happy with my choice (pain and all)...and whatever you choose, I hope that you feel confident in it and have a positive experience.

Answer

I am planning on not getting an epidural for a few reasons..I know several friends of friends who had issues after having one (spinal headaches and back pain/soreness for several months afterwards) and want to avoid that. I also do not want to be strapped to a bed and would like to be able to move freely during and after labor. Epidurals can slow down labor and lead to other interventions, which I also do not want, so that’s another factor for me. You have a greater chance of tearing, as well. I personally have to go in with the mindset that I will not get one or I know I’ll cave. It’s similar to my distance training runs-if I go into it thinking eh maybe I’ll run 5 miles, but I can stop at 3, I’ll stop at 3, but if I go in thinking I WILL run the whole 5, I will. That’s just how my mind works. Ultimately you do what you feel you want/need to do! One labor plan isn’t right for everyone!

Answer

My first labor was induced and I chose the epidural. I slept through labor and delivered my preemie. I was unable to get out of bed and had to have a foley for hours after it was removed. Even the next day, I needed help walking. 
With my second, I requested the epidural but they didn’t make it and I birthed without anything. It was scary because everything progressed so quickly and I didn’t know how to handle the pain. But I was out of bed in the shower two hours later. I Walked around the room with my baby and my recovery was great. 
With my third, I wanted a natural labor and prepared myself. I hired a doula. I let everyone know what I planned. I watched labor videos and birth videos and researched pain management techniques. I labored 18 hours, many of those with pitocin, and delivered my son without pin meds. again I was able to shower and get up and move around and recovered quickly. 
Now pregnant with my fourth, I plan to labor without pain intervention again. 
You donthave to decide how. If you want to pursue a natural birth, go for it! If you get tired or whatever and need the epidural, you can. Every woman is different but doing your research is a great idea.

Epidural or no epidural?

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