Epidural
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37069
Printed Date: 09 August 2025 at 4:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Epidural
Posted By: Stephi
Subject: Epidural
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 9:13am
|
Im not sure which section this should go in! So will place it in here.
For those of you who have given birth (or those who havent but still know the answer haha), do doctors let you have an epidural active right up until the baby has been pushed out? Or will they let it wear off before pushing begins? I am petrified of birth. I lay awake most night and get into panic attacks cause of it. I know its such a long way away but im so scared. I get really bad anxiety and usually go into panic attacks when I feel sensations in my body I haven't felt before. And I know during labour I will absolutely freak out. So am wanting to have an epidural working right up until the point that baby is in my arms ------------- 
|
Replies:
Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 9:45am
|
My understanding is that they don't like to because having no sensation makes it hard to push effectively.
This was pretty true for me. I had one with my first and I couldn't feel when to push or how long for. It made it really long and exhausting and was not good for morale not knowing if all the energy I was putting into it was helping me get anywhere. I'd suggest talking to your midwife about your worries and she will be able to make a plan with you about how to prepare yourself mentally, how to support you and what you will need to get through the birth. She can also refer you if you need more support. All the best. ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and: 
|
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 10:26am
|
I have had an epidural but I didnt end up pushing as I got rushed in for an emergency C section, but Im pretty sure they told me that they weould let it wear off just a bit so I could feel when to push, but I know people who have pushed with the epi on full, and they just got told when to push. ------------- |
Posted By: Whateversville
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 11:56am
|
Mine was turned right down but I still was very numb, I could feel the pressure of when to push but I couldn't feel pain at all. I had an episiotomy aswell which I didn't feel..Baby was born at 330pm and I wasn't up and walking around until 9pm !!
Definatly talk to your midwife about your anxiety, she'll be able to give you some help. Good Luck 
|
Posted By: Lou1972
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 12:21pm
|
I was told they normally turn it right down and let it wear off.
When I had mine ,as it was such a long labour they decided to keep it going until I'd had bubs.I couldnt feel a thing though and they had to tell me when to push. I wasnt able to walk until aboout 4-5 hours later and even then I was still really wobbly. |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 12:56pm
|
My mw said it was my choice to top it up.
I had mine at 5pm when I was only 7cm dilated (had been 6cm at 10am) anyway they gave me syntocin also to speed things up and I didn't bother topping it up because it was fine (I had asked for epi at 4pm) anyway it wore off by 7pm when I had to push so I felt everything and it wasn't too bad, although I suspect it was slightly toned down a bit because it didn't seem as bad as everyone had been saying! And it's totally normal to be scared of giving birth! I was scared until I went to AN class, and all the talk about birthing the placenta scared me more than pushing the baby out! But agree you should talk to your mw. I also had to stay in the hospital so they could make sure I could still feel things in my legs etc but I was able to walk around right after the birth though my bum felt quite sore like I'd been sitting for too long! (but worse) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: mothermercury
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 1:16pm
This is true for me too. I couldn't feel anything, and they were telling me to push, but I really didn't know what was happening. They let it wear off a bit and I could at least feel pressure (I could feel the contractions too but I couldn't actually feel her coming out); pushing was MUCH more effective after that. So yeah, you might not want it all the way to the very end. Definitely discuss it with your LMC though; I'm sure it's different for everyone! |
caraMel wrote:Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 1:19pm
|
Thanks ladies!
I like the idea of them letting it wear off so you can just feel pressure but not pain (I am not to keen on feeling the ring of fire haha). I will definatley discuss with my midwife the options and see what she reccomdends. But I suppose in the end it is my body and my choice in regards to pain relief, I just dont want anything to affect bubs. I have heard that epidurals can slow labour down, but have also heard so can anxiety and stress! So im at a loss there haha but will talk to the midwife and discuss options when we go over my birth plan. Are you allowed to write things in your birth plan such as "I would like an epidural to be active right up to the very end of labour"? -------------
|
Posted By: queenbean
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 1:27pm
|
I had an epidural and it wasn't turned down at any time. I thought the midwife always tells you when you can push anyway? I loved my epidural so much, felt pressure when my son was born but no pain at all. It was taken out shortly after the birth and I was walking around a couple of hours later, and transferred to a birthing centre.
I did have a long, drawn out labour but I don't think that had anything to do with the epidural, more like my own inefficient body!! ETA: And he only took 10 minutes to push out! -------------   
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 1:38pm
|
I had an epi with #1 that was turned all the way up for the whole time. COuldn't feel when to push.
When doing my birth plan with #2, I asked my MW if she would let it wear off when pushing. She said she wouldn't do that. reason is, when you're contracting in first stage, your body produced natural endorphins which help with pain relief. If you've had an epi in the first stage, your body won't have built up those endorphins. If you then get the second stage pain, you don't have the natural reserves to help you deal with it and you're more likely to struggle lots. What we agreed was that if I had one (I didn't in the end), she'd do it low dose, so I would still be able to feel a bit of pain, still be able to mobilise and would still feel the contractions, but the edge would be taken off. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 2:36pm
|
Its so great to hear (for me anyway haha) that all these stories are from women in NZ!
I have read a lot about women not being allowed them all the way till the end but they were from America and I know in America, a lot of things are different, including birth. So its good to see stories from this country :D It makes me feel so much more at ease :D -------------
|
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 2:38pm
Oh ok so your midwife said she WOULDNT let it wear off? I have never heard of that! haha makes me feel at east I think. I am very nervous about it all. I have a low pain tolerance and just the thought of being in any kind of pain terrifies me! -------------
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 3:08pm
|
Yup, wouldn't. Once she explained it, I completely got where she was coming from (esp given that my other things were that I wanted to avoid an intervention cascade - I think she was concerned that stopping the epi would increase my risk of CS). ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 3:43pm
Yeah it makes total sense why she wouldnt let it wear off. I didnt know that about birth, that the first stage produces the endorphins to help you later on. So you decided not to take it then based on that? I guess not being able to feel when to push must be very frustrating -------------
|
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 5:25pm
|
I don't know if this will help at all and isnt to do with epidurals because i dont know anything about them - but personally i was petrified of birth, like having panic attacks in tears, just totally distraught at the idea. I was so so scared and couldnt see how i could do it, the works. People will say to you that the closer you get to labour the less afraid you get and you'll probably laugh and think they're talking crap but its so true. I'm still not keen on the idea but i can think about it without freaking out totally. So as you get closer you might still want the epi (and go for it!) but not be lying awake at night stressing out. Which is a nice feeling
|
Posted By: mothermercury
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 5:58pm
|
My pain didn't really seem worse after the epidural wore off. I had already had a few contractions before I got it though, so I don't know if that makes a difference.
Personally, I was much happier once I could feel what I was pushing. My midwife could see I was getting frustrated so that's when we stopped the epidural.
Everyone's different though, and epidurals affect people in different ways. |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 6:23pm
|
I don't think the epi slowed things for me as I went from 7cm to fully dilated (what 10cm?) in 2 hours but I was also given syntocin. I got to 7cm by myself but personally I think the water from the spa bath and the internals slowed things for me!
I was 6cm upon arrival to the hosp and mw stretched me to about 6.5-7cm (s&s) and that was all fine and the pain was fine (much to my mw's surprise but I have a high pain threshold though the unknown pain scares me!) and after 2 internals and being told 7cm, still 7cm... I got a bit negative and that's when it hurt! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Panda289
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 6:29pm
ooh this is a great thread! i have been told i have to be induced at 38 weeks because i have an issue with my blood being prone to clotting (taking injections to thin it out) and i was worried this would mean i would most likely end up with a c - section because my body wont be ready  ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
|
Posted By: Flossie
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 7:32pm
|
In the first half of pregancy I too was petrified of giving birth but I read a really good birth book which made me feel slightly more at ease and then after ante-natal and being pregnant for more than 9 months I was more than ready. Also your body builds up to the ouchy bits of labour and you will be surprise what you will cope with! Epidural ahhhhh bliss! I made sure mine was topped up as I had reached the stage in birth where I didnt want to feel anymore pain I was over it (Had been in labour for quite a while by this point!!) so they very nicely made sure it was topped up throughout pushing etc. A midwife said to me that you reach a stage when you want the epidural to take the pain away or to just take the edge of it and I was definantly wanting it to disappear! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 11 December 2010 at 8:16pm
|
I had one and it was the type you can top up (I think every 30 mins, or might have been 15 I can't quite remember). Mine wore off on one side and then I stopped using it and it wore off completely but I only had it for a couple of hours as I transitioned far quicker than expected. I would think if I had wanted it the aneasthetist could have come back and fixed it so that I didn't feel anything.
Queenbean to answer your question when you can feel it you don't need anyone to tell you when to push you just do it, at one point they told me to stop pushing and just breathe through them and I found that harder to do. ------------- 
 
|
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 8:47am
Epidurals sound like heaven! My mum said she had one with me and she managed to sleep for a good 4 or 5 hours which is what im wanting, especially if I have a long labour. I cant stay up for long periods of time without falling asleep and im sure the contractions would keep me awake! -------------
|
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:22am
My midwife had a woman doing sudoku during her labour (with an epi, obviously!) 
|
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:25am
| Double! |
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:29am
| Tripple! |
Posted By: Whateversville
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:36am
| I wish I'd slept! I'd been awake and contracting for 3days but once I got my epi I was chatting away to my mw about her holiday to france coming up and texting my friend lol by the time it came to pushing I was exhausted.*slaps head*.should of slept! |
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:55am
Haha yeah I have been told of women who just sit there and do crosswords or read a magazine with an epi. My mothers friend actually had a painless birth without the need of any drugs which was incredible. She said she was sitting up doing crosswords from a women's weekly all while she was contracting. Insane! -------------
|
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:56am
Aww haha I suppose once you cant feel the pain you just get excited about the actual birth experience and having your bubs and so you dont think to sleep! i will definitely sleep though (if I get an epidural and if i can). I want all that energy for the pushing! -------------
|
Posted By: kellie
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 12:11pm
|
I tried to sleep when I had an epi (had been up for about 30 hours by then.) I kept drifting off, but would wake up every 2 mins. There was a clock on the wall in front of me, so everytime I opened my eyes it had only moved a tiny bit :( ------------- 
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 1:18pm
|
I tried to sleep but my DH and the med student kept talking (loudly) about soccer. For 5 blinking hours! ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 2:02pm
|
I had planned to go with the flow and it was fine til my thoughts turned negative and then it 'hurt' and I got the epi and it was great, gave me a chance to rest as I had been up for almost 2 days at that point, though I didn't sleep as was too hungry/excited/tired!
I read magazines and had a big Sudoku book but I didn't end up reading them or doing them as was too busy thinking about everything and after she came all I wanted to do was stare at her lol! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 7:12pm
|
...I cant do sudoku ...*sigh* ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 7:44pm
|
Having done sudoku for 3 days during my induction, I don't think I ever want to do it again.
Watching Friends on a laptop however, is highly recommended  ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 9:57pm
LIKE seeing that photo of you watching Friends,I felt so proud -------------
http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 12 December 2010 at 10:46pm
| SUCH a good idea. I can't do Sudoku to save myself but i LOVE FRIENDS. |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 13 December 2010 at 10:49am
|
...I should hope so
I watch it so often (we have every episode) that my daughter can quote it almost as well as me ...sorry,off topic ! -------------
http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: mizpix
Date Posted: 15 December 2010 at 12:17pm
|
I loved my epidural, it took all the pain away.
Only thing was you have to be 3cm dilated before you can have one and it took me a day and a lot of evil contractions to get that far. I slept for several hours after my epidural. They turned me down prior to pushing, so I could feel tightening when I had a contraction but had no pain sensation. I found I could push effectively even without sensation. I ended up having a ventouse though as baby was distressed, and only felt tugging etc even though I ended up with a third degree tear. It was about 2 hours after birth before I could get up and get to the shower, and really couldnt feel my legs for 4 or 5 hours after birth ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/2920e5" rel="nofollow - My Ovulation Chart |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 15 December 2010 at 2:07pm
|
Re the 3cm - depends on your situation. If you need synto, they'll offer you an epi regardless of how dilated you are cos synto contractions are pure evil. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 1:23pm
|
I am really surprised at how many people have epis...at my antenatal classes we were told pretty much that we had to try every other pain relief before epi and that they would not just give it to us. Suited me as I didn't want one anyway, was planning on the tens machine but boo never got to try it tho got 7cm dilated before being whisked away for c sect. Now that was weirdo.
Interesting about the use of epi with syntocin...I was wondering if that was one reason but to me it seems that using the epi would slow things down again...random. ------------- 
 Oct 11
|
Posted By: Happy lady
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 2:39pm
AGREED!!!!! Synto contractions.... are from the devil. haha They wouldnt give me an epi until I was 4cm.... and I had been labouring with contractions every minuite for 7.5 hours to get to 4cm. I was begging for that epi by then.... it was heaven..... ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 3:03pm
That said, it is doable :) I managed them with gas but was glad it only took an hour for Ben to appear! ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 7:09pm
|
I had epis with both mine but they were quite different. With the first the epi wore off near the end and was topped up....actually I dont think it wore off, I think the tube came off or soemthing. Anyway, I never felt pain but could feel sensation...like I could feel the probe they put on bubs head...it tickled. I could feel contractions but just pressure.
The epi must have worn off as soon as I birthed because it definitely wasnt working when I passed a massive clot..OUCHIES! 2nd time I had one that needed to be topped up and there was no aneasthetist around at the time and the MW could only do so much. Right on bloody transition. But then we went to an emergency CS so it got topped up
I was terrified of the thought of an epi but THEY ROCK!!!! They DONT hurt going in. They are NOT scary. Talk to your MW and aneasthetist about what you wan from an epi as I think there are options. |
Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 7:20pm
|
Everyone is different - but the thought of a needle in my spine actually scared me more than the pain of pushing a baby out!
The pain even though quite intense is actually a productive pain. At least you know you are going to get a reward at the end for your hard work. Am so glad I didn't need an eipidual as otherwise wouldn't have been able to have a waterbirth. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 7:24pm
|
^^ hah, SNAP!
If an epidural was avaliable in pill form i would snap that bad boy up but the idea of a giant needle getting in my spine gives me the creeps though i believe everyone that says its not that bad. |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 7:50pm
|
My birth plan had "I want to do everything I can to avoid an epi" along with a list of what I would do to avoid it, and a list of things my birth support people had to say to me before "letting" me have an epi. I didn't need it and I'm glad I didn't but if the synto hadn't worked as quickly as it did, I don't know how much longer I would have kept going with gas.
That said, I'm a big fan of keeping options open - don't say yes to anything till you need it; but also don't go in saying "no, never" to options that you may need. You never know how it will go - it might go great and you feel confident coping with the pain or it might not. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Whateversville
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 8:48pm
Totally agree. I was much the same with my birth plan, I said try all I can not to have an Epi but in the end I got one..I had Synto too but I got my epi first so I never experienced the evil pain that come with them - altho my contractions B4 synto were bad enough lol I'm very happy with my Epi experience and don't regret it one bit. Tho next time I'd like to go without it.. I too was terrified of the giant needle in my back but if you get it in while having contractions too, the needle doesn't even cross your mind. Mine just felt like clicking. |
Posted By: Lillybetts
Date Posted: 19 December 2010 at 9:23pm
|
I agree ^^ I was having quite painful 4 minute apart contractions when I had my epi and you're just so ready for the pain of contractions to stop (if you wait as long as I did), that you're not really thinking about the needle. Make sure you have supportive people/person there to hold you while you have it and to encourage you.
All the best :) ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
|
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 20 December 2010 at 12:18pm
Thats how I felt too, however after labouring for hours I would have inserted that needle in myself if I could. (didn't end up with one either time, but not for lack of begging/yelling/threatening ) -------------
http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 22 December 2010 at 5:03pm
|
Did any of you have complications with your Epis? I know the risks but im not really worried about them. Like to me there are more benefits than risks in my eyes. Like al lthe REALLY bad stuff that can happen is very very rare
I just watched a video of a woman giving birth with an epi and she was so amazing. Like while she was pushing she was actually smiling. No noise came from her at all and in between contractions she was talking to the docs about random things and even told her LMC that she had nice earrings haha. And after the baby came out she was like just so content and everything I WANT A BIRTH LIKE THAT THANKS! haha -------------
|
Posted By: Lillybetts
Date Posted: 22 December 2010 at 5:37pm
Haha that sounds ideal!! My midwife let it wear off before pushing! I was a bit dopey from all the drugs, But no complications! Epi's are a god send! ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">
|
Posted By: Bobchannz
Date Posted: 22 December 2010 at 10:35pm
|
Your LMC is the best person to work through your concerns about pain. You can also get a referral to the anaesthetic pre-assessment clinic to discuss different pain options. ------------- www.makedomum.blogspot.co.nz |
Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 22 December 2010 at 11:39pm
|
Ha, I was induced, but never got the chance to get an epidural as I only had gel and then everything went naturally in 2h50 mins flat!
Who knows you might end up with an easy super quick labour. I found that those lovely natural endorphins can make you feel pretty high with no drugs involved lol. ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: AuntieSarah
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 7:26am
Lol that's how I felt as well! But getting it done didn't take long and afterwards, such relief! I didn't have any major complications, I got the shakes quite badly at one stage and my blood pressure dropped a lot but that's all. Although I don't even know if that was from the epi or the syntocin? I definitely wasn't smiling while I was pushing, it didn't hurt but it was bloody hard work (might have had something to do with the fact that my baby was 9lb 10). But before the pushing I was just chilling out on the bed, chatting to dh... |
Posted By: kellie
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 7:42am
I got the shakes as well. MW said it was from my body going into shock. Might have been the epi though. -------------
|
Posted By: Angs1982
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 8:20am
|
I only read the last four posts... don't mind me jumping in.
I got the shakes without an epi, I thought it was transition related or maybe the syntocon?? Do you think its true what the hosptial MW said - that I couldn't have an epi because it was night time????? |
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 8:48am
I have NEVER in all my life heard you cant have an epidural cause of the time of day it is! My mum had one with me and she was in labour for nearly 30 hours and she got hers at around 8 or 9pm roughly -------------
|
Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 9:02am
Lol so was my "little" girl! ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
|
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 12:06pm
My friend did....her blood clot was caused by the epidural, I hate saying that,cos I don't like to scare people, but it was very very rare, I haven't heard of it happening to many others -------------
http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Happy lady
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 10:43pm
|
My epi didnt work, and i could still feel everything when I needed to go for a c-section. Spinal block didnt work either.... so went under G.A ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 23 December 2010 at 10:50pm
|
I didn't have any problems with my epi, I have had back pain and my feet do occasionally go numb but I'm not sure if it's all related or not... My epi had worn off for me to feel pushing, though I suspect it was slightly duller than it should be (judging by how everyone else describes it but I do have a very high pain threshold) but I was walking around 30-60mins after the birth (showering) was shaky but I was very tired!
They warn you beforehand of all the risks to make double sure that you are aware etc, and as far as I know the risks are very low unless you've reacted to other certain things before if that makes sense. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Whateversville
Date Posted: 24 December 2010 at 7:42am
|
I had no complications. When it first put in my BP dropped from 120/85 to 90/50 but didn't take long to come back up..If it didn't come up in X amount of time I'd of bad a c-section.
I know if you have high BP they give you an Epi to help bring it down coz my notes say 'if BP raises re asses for Epidural' As for afterwards it took me about 3hrs to get up and shower I could feel my legs etc but my body went in to shock after carrying the weight of the baby then suddenly not. I was exhausted. So yeah took me a wee while and even then I was shuffling around the ward til the morning i left..I also had an episiotomy so maybe thats why lol. Then for 12w after birth I could feel pain in my Epi site but not now. |
Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 24 December 2010 at 10:56am
|
I do know a few of people who have had bad epi experiences hence me being very wary of them. And also having had clients in the past with on going back problems after having them.
At the time it is easy to just say "give me the drugs"! But make sure if you do have one you are fully informed about any problems. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: xcitdmum2b
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 7:00pm
| Not sure if this is still an active thread but was with my midwife today to disucss birthing plan.She and her trainee MW are both very much against Epi's (I am quite keen on having one available as am petrified of labour). They said that 70% of 1st time mums will need assisted deliveries (suction or forceps) if they have an epi and that only 13% of women have an epi. when I asked about weaning it off towards the end so I could feel the sensation to push she said she does not do that as it is too much of a shock to the system to feel that level of pain after being nump to it. But after reading your posts I feel quite confident that weaning it off it a good option. She also said that an Epi makes for a long, drawn out labour (which is fine by me if it is painless but probably quite inconvenient for the MW).Wish I had a different MW that was supportive of my decisions but too late to change now. One month to go... |
Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 7:16pm
|
weaning it off was the worst thing ever IMO... It went from nothing to far too intense in a very short time! I ended up having to have it topped up again cos it sent me into a panic, and I also had to have something to calm me down... I pushed both my girls out unassisted with epis - so guess I'm one of the lucky ones.... my labours actually sped up once I got the epis (I had been in labour for quite awhile before I had them) so I guess I go against all the norms LOL ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 7:59pm
Aww thats no good that she doesnt support you! I havent had a chance to talk to my midwife yet (as im only 18 weeks, 2 days) about a birth plan, but I really hope she supports my decision to have one. I like you am so petrified of labour. The thought of labour is getting better for me, but stil scares the crap outta me! I dont mind if its long...most first labours are long regardless of having an epi or not. I dont want it to wear off! lol I understand why it would be a big shock. To go from no pain to full-blown contractions would be difficult for the body to adjust to I think. -------------
|
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 8:28pm
|
Even if your MW doesn't support you,stay strong to what YOU want to do,and insist on it, if you want the option of drugs in order to make you feel better,that is your choice,not the MWs...YOU are the one who has to go through the birth,not her....and while what she said about assisted deliveries etc may be true,again,its you who has to do it. -------------
http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: rachelsea
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 8:56pm
|
I agree you should be "allowed" to have an epi if you want to, regardless of what your MW thinks you should do.
Before I went into labour I'd written in my birth plan that I'd rather not have an epi because my cousin had had one a few months before and couldn't feel to push and ended up with an emergency c-section, which put me off lol. But labour hurts and I started asking for one after 3hrs. But lucky for me I started having the urge to push right after I said "I want the drugs!" and DD was born soon after so I didn't end up needing one. But I would have got one if there was longer to go!------------- DD 4yrs DS 2yrs http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 06 January 2011 at 9:20pm
|
I agree, at the end of the day it's YOUR birth not theirs. Although they 'know' what you are doing it is your body and your baby and if you feel something isn't right, say it until you are heard and remember it's YOUR BIRTH!
Re the epi wearing off, mine wore off for pushing and tbh I didn't find it a shock, but that's just me. I found it useful for pushing and I'd actually forgotten how to top it up!  Anyway, epi sped things up for me and I also got to deliver without assistance. But things did get a little 'haywire' towards the end and I was told I had X mins to get DD out (she pooped) or it'd be off to theater. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Stephi
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 3:45pm
|
Is the option to top up your epi by yourself quite common now? -------------
|
Posted By: Whateversville
Date Posted: 07 January 2011 at 10:48pm
|
I couldn't do it myself My midwife turned mine down once I was fully dilated then I started to feel the pressure so it was at such a low dose while giving birth it hardly counted BUT kept me numbish.
Another thing epis do is make you FART uncontrollabley!!!! LOL you have no idea it's you either. You just hear this ripper then apparently it was you lol. Pretty sure I only let rip once or twice HAHA OH and I had a sooooore weehole after the catheter (sp) it was like razors to pee!! But maybe my MW was rough at putting it in lol |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 08 January 2011 at 11:45am
|
I didn't have any problems with my catheter that I noticed although sometimes if I relax it sometimes comes out but not sure if that's from pregnancy or the catheter or what!
I don't know if I farted (probably did because pushing is like pushing a poo out imo) but I did poo! And I had no idea until mw swiped it off the table (even then I didn't know I just wondered what she was doing and she said don't worry keep pushing and I was like 'OMG DID I JUST POO?!' dp giggled... ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|