Crash course in unmedicated labor?

Question

I will be induced at 36 weeks and my baby will have to go directly to the NICU. I learned today that I cannot go with her until I can stand up and the epidural has worn off. This has me considering labor without an epidural. Can anyone share their advice/expertises for getting through an unmedicated birth?

Answer

I had no medication for my first baby, it hurts, but is very doable! She even got stuck for a bit, 30 minutes of crowing/pushing! It hurts, but I was able to get up and go to the bathroom right afterwords. I am planning on med free for this baby too! Just lots of focusing, deep breaths, and making every push count.

Answer

I’m hoping to have an unmedicated birth. I have watched a lot of you tube videos to teach myself what to expect and natural ways to handle the pain

Answer

I always with my epidural would not get the dosages towards the end like when I'm 9 centimeters. I start letting it wear off then. I also wait till I have severe pressure and feel like I have no choice but to push. I don't like the practice push things places do. And with that said usually by the time you give birth if you time it right epidural will already be wearing off and you'll feel a lot but not to bad and it wears off for me in like. 30-50 minutes. Last child I could move my legs and feel then pretty fast but when I stood up they felt like noodles lol but you'd be surprised how strong you will be in that moment and you will get up and see your kid if you do happen to get the epidural!! 😊 either way unmedicated or medicated you got this!!!!

Answer

I’m hoping for one too! I’m glad that some of you have posted your experience.

Answer

Was induced and had epidural for my first.  Had an epidural 5 minutes before my second daughter so it was I in medicated as they epidural had no time to kick in.  I found my labour stalled till I changed position for the epidural then I went from 5-6 to 10 in 10-15 minutes.  It was painful with the contractions back to back but honestly just push and I swear it all stopped after she came out.  I was able to walk and go pee 15- 20 minutes after birthing and most of that time was for stitching up the 3rd degree tear (she was a whopping 10.5lbs).  Basically keep moving and changing positions to find what works to speed up the contractions, if they are increasing in strength, duration, or frequency then you are progressing.  
Also don’t be afraid to ask for medication if you need it.  With my 1st I wanted unmedicated but just wasn’t progressing and I couldn’t relax to let my body do it’s thing.  But with my second I wanted an epidural but was too late, I was offered fentanyl (a narcotic) which I declined as I did not want anything that could affect the baby’s breathing.  It all comes down to personal choice and remember you may have a birth plan but it may go out the window once you are actually doing it, stay open to suggestions from your care team.

Answer

Get a doula if you can. You may want to check out the book  Ina May’s Guide to childbirth.  Have you watched the business of being born? The Birth Hour or Informed Pregnancy Podcast are both great for information.

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With my first i decided not to have a epidural. I was induced 12 hours labour and 1 and half hour if pushing. She was back to back and i had forceps delivery. Which was so painful. This resulted in 3rd degree tear.
I had to be taken to to the operation thearter to get stitched. When they took me there i had to have a epidural. 
This made me think that i ended up with a epidural i wish i had it earlier then. Now i am considering a epidural because you never know.

Answer

You’ll be able to walk within the hour of removing the epidural. Having an induction that early may mean your in for a long labor and contractions on pitocin can be brutal. If you want to go without meds you will definitely need some coping strategies! I wouldn’t worry too much about the length of time before you can walk again. The epidural will likely be pretty much gone by the time you are done delivering the placenta and getting stitched/cleaned up! I hope you find something that works for you! Hope you have a great labor and you and baby are healthy!

Answer

I had a c section with my first baby and they wanted me to wait 2 hours in a post op room before I could go to the NICU and see my son. I had those boots on to keep the circulation going in my legs. After I wasn’t so out of it after about 30 min I told the nurse to either push my down there or I’m getting up and walking myself- shortly after they let me husband wheel me down in a wheelchair. It was my way or the highway 😬🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

An epidural will wear off in about an hour. By that time your recovery will be done.

Crash course in unmedicated labor?

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