No epidural
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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=38654
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Topic: No epidural
Posted By: JessDub
Subject: No epidural
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 7:23am
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If all goes to plan and I have a natural birth with B2 I am quite firm in not wanting an epidural. Gas, maybe pethidine ok.
I had an epidural for DS1 because I was induced and the syntocin contractions were unbearable. The epi wasn't a great experience for me for a number of reasons though it served its purpose. As to 'natural' contractions, how did you work through them mentally without resorting to an epidural. I'm not interested in a tens machine, nor taking a hypnobirthing course, just preparing myself mentally I guess. Thanks. ------------- 
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Replies:
Posted By: rachelsea
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 8:18am
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I hadn't prepared at all as DD came at 36.5wks before I'd even discussed a birth plan with my LMC (who incidentally was on holiday when DD was born!). I told the hospital midwives early on I didn't want an epidural though (after my cousin's horror story birth a few months beforehand put me off epidurals!) so every time I said I was sore or tired and wanted drugs they just gently told me I was doing a great job and every pain was one step closer to meeting my baby. That really helped, so I really recommend a support person/people to tell you stuff like that. It helped keep me focused on what I was doing and that there was a goal in sight. The pain wasn't just for no reason.
Hope that helps! ------------- DD 4yrs DS 2yrs http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Jaune
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 8:33am
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I didn't do the hypnobirthing course, but I did buy and read the book - it has some great ideas in there for focussing your breathing, visualisations (which I don't recall using at all!) and things for your support person to do (he didn't read it, and didn't do them!). I found the book quite helpful, but I did practice the breathing in the months leading up to the birth.
Anyway, I was induced and had a completely drug-free birth (and a posterior/back labour!) by focussing on my breathing. I had a relatively short labour though, about 10-12hrs in total so I'm not really sure how I would have got on if it was a lot longer... ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 8:41am
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How fit are you? I found that cause I kept fairly active with both my pregnancy's I managed quite well. Yes was exhausted with my boy's labour cause it was really hard, fast and painful.
I asked for drugs both times but my DH said no, plus by the time I asked it was too late. I also kept very active in labour, didn't lie on a bed and just wait for it all to happen. Look up how to push when you are allowed to push. Don't scream out your mouth as that is releasing the pressure in the wrong place. Also realise that between every contraction it doesn't hurt, so I counted & knew that ever contraction that went past meant I was one closer to meeting the baby. A's contractions had an ebb & flow to them so I knew by the time I got to a certain number it would start easing off. C's didn't do that but least I could count the length. Hope that helps? ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 8:49am
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I pretended it wasnt happening right up until i was induced and contractions hit so i didnt 'prepare' as such but two things helped me:
Told my midwife i wasnt into the drugs and to put me off for at least 20min if i asked - which she did, i asked for gas at one point and she dithered around with the machine for so long it gave me time to mentally recoup and decide against it. Every time i contraction hit i'd keep reminding myself i'd survived the last one, so whats one more? Breathing (which i didnt practice but it might help to) helped too. As mine had a definate peak i'd squirm my way up to the peak then breath out while it eased away. Like Mealz i was induced and had an even shorter labour (5hrs from waters broken/contractions starting - baby completely out though i was pushing for 2 of those hours) so if it went on for days i might have weakened. Oh i lie, i did prepare: i sat and had a think about how i'd like the birth to go, ruled out the drugs then just kept telling myself i WAS having a drug free birth and stopped the 'i'd like to have..' and 'if i can i'm going to try to have..' statements. From that day it was 'I AM having..' so i went into it determined as hell. ETA: oh and i had an incredibly active labour, i walked right around the hospital, i bathed, i swiss balled, i paced, i crouched in a corner and i attempted to climb the walls. I only lay on the bed because i was determinded to nap and my (lying!) midwife told me babys heartrate didnt like me lying down so i shot up and started pacing again. |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 8:59am
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Also A was a 22 hour labour so it is doable. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Jaune
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 9:05am
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Just wanted to add - I asked for an epidural when I was 1cm dilated and the midwife practically laughed at me! Then managed to get to 8cm, at that point I thought, I only have 2cm to go, "I can do it!"
DS and I were also monitored the whole time so I was practically pinned to the bed for the whole 10-12hrs so it was good to have places to go in my head... I think it's important to think about the birth and all the possible scenarios that could happen so you're able to face whatever happens. I like Bowie's idea of telling your midwife to delay drugs for 20mins if you ask for them...that's a good one! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: _Deb_
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 9:11am
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I had an epidural with my first and just gas with my second. I was actually induced both times due to labour not progressing after my waters broke.
With #1 they didn't offer me any other pain relief except for the epidural and the doctor was quite pushy saying it would help reduce the chances of a c-section. I'm quite annoyed about the whole thing now actually. But i was already exhausted and the contractions came on really strong and close together so i gave in and had the epi. He was born 12 hours after the drip was turned on. It was 7 hours established labour and 1hr 45mins pushing. I had complications, tearing, bleeding etc. With #2 i was determined not to have an epidural. It was a much quicker labour and birth this time. 5 hours from when the drip was turned on to her being out. 3.5 hours established labour and only 15mins pushing. I started off by just concentrating on my breathing then when it got too much i used the gas. The hour (i think) before she was born was a bit tough as there was a 1cm lip of cervix in the way and there was only around 1 minute between contractions at that stage i think. So i just had to lie there using the gas to get through til it moved.The contractions were really painful too and at that stage i was wishing i'd had other pain relief. lol. But i got through it and was so pleased after that i only had the gas. I felt so much better than with my first. I think if i had been able to move around it would have been better, but i couldn't since i was hooked up the drip and monitor. I'm hoping to have a completely natural birth next time, so hopefully i won't need to be induced. Edited to add more about managing with no epi. When i felt a contraction coming on i would close my eyes and out zone out, and really focus on my breathing, taking big long breaths in then breathing out slowly. I did the same with the gas too. ------------- 
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Posted By: JessDub
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 9:30am
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Thanks ladies, some good positive stories. I like the I AM statements and knowing others can do it is fantastic. I've already discussed the no epi with my MW so I know she'll be good at helping there.
fyi my inducement was 26 hours from first gel to DS being born. About 16 hours of high dose synto which they kept up while I was pushing (2 hours) but had turned the epidural off for pushing - heinous. -------------
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Posted By: sweetknights
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 9:44am
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Hi I was induced this time too and I managed a drug free labour but I progressed incredibly quick and when my contractions started boy did they start I had no build up in intensity like with my last labour they just came full on plus the pushing stage ended up being less than 5 minutes but I just breathed though them and told my husband with ever contraction I need drugs then when the contraction faded I said no I don't need drugs lol and carried on like that. But my established Labour was 1 hour and 25 mins and I had no pains before this..Also I gave birth Standing up (not intentional as I thought I had much longer to go)Will know better if there is a next time lol ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:08am
I've done 3 labours without an epi. Jareds was the worst contractions wise because he was 22w so my body wasn't ready. Breathing deep is great.. especially if your sucking on gas hehe. I looooove gas if you breathe in and OUT properly. Most people don't breathe out very deeply and they end up feeling sick. With Alex I was sucking it in so hard that I was like falling asleep between contractions at 9-10cm dilated 
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Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:14am
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I managed a drug free birth, I did yoga which I think prob helped and also alot of positive visualation in the months leading up and I think also being in the water helped as well. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:31am
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I coped by telling myself that this was necessary, that the muscles in my uterus are doing what they are made to do, and its not a bad/hurt pain its just a muscle working really hard (try punching air hard out for a few minutes you will see what I mean!) and I relaxed into every contraction, and kept telling myself it will fade (apparently I muttered this to myself while breathing...)
And I snoozed/phased out, between contractions and never looked at a clock. My labour was pretty quick (which I think was partly cause of the relaxing and letting my body do the work its made to do) 3 hours all up :D As for pushing, just do as you feel right to do, try the most upright position you can for pushing as that gravity REALLY helps. And as others have said try to stay active during your pregnancy, even if it is only walking round the block every couple of days, another thing is gently pulling your tummy in to strengthen those muscles gently (this is also good for your back!) it certainly helps. ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: sarasal
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 2:27pm
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Good for you for planning to skip the drugs. I used a birthing pool from H2OHbaby - really deep and comfy. That worked pretty well. Hypnobirthing courses are really expensive but you can get the relaxation and affirmation cds for pretty cheap. I have one I got on TM for $3 and I listen to it heaps. It would be really useful to be able to teach yourself to quickly relax on cue.
My other tips are get as fit as you can, do lots of exercise and stretching. Also make sure your iron levels are good because if you're anaemic, your contractions might not be efficient. Drink lots of water in labour. Listening to music, dancing, singing all helps. Experiment with different positions. Get your partner to learn how to do pressure points on your back - that's amazing. Hot water bottles. Also, if you're going to be in hospital, make sure your midwife and partner are ready to stand up for you because hospital staff can be quite pushy with the drugs. If you really don't want it, tell them straight out not to offer it to you. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: maysie
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 2:32pm
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I was induced with syntocinon drip and managed to get through without any pain relief. Was fortunate to have a quick labour though and from drip going in to DD coming out was 3.5 hours (pushing for 1 hr). Like someone else said, it only really hurts during the contraction so I concentrated on getting through each one and DH would hug me firmly and rub my back. I had originally told my midwife I was happy for all and any drugs available but I'm glad that my body was obviously ready to birth - I hadn't realised that even with the drip an induction could go for ages. I am hoping for a similar labour this time (hopefully without need for induction) and have specifically noted no epi unless mw thinks absolutely necessary. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: millymollymandy
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 5:52pm
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I had a mostly drug free birth, but I had a protracted 2nd stage (2 hours of DD's head slipping in and out) so had a shot of oxytocin.
I just forced myself to relax and breathe deeply between contractions and told myself that each on was one less to go. |
Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 7:14pm
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I had an epi with my first- resulted in a prolonged labour, assisted delivery and 3rd tear....so while I didn't consider my first birth experience a negative experience, 2nd time around I was determined to try and do it without any pain relief (gas just makes me throw up). I didn't really do anything mentally to prepare myself.....just told me MW that I would really prefer not to have a epi (she was quite pro natural anyway) and really wanted to have a water birth. When I got to hospital I was already 8cm dilated and then when I was nearly 10cm I hoped in the pool. i guess because I had mentally decided that I didn't want an epi and really wanted to give birth in water, I didn't even consider asking for a epi. ------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Posted By: kakapo
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:16pm
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These tips might sound a bit bizzare, but they really did help me to get through contractions naturally * Keep your mouth slightly open during contractions, and try to keep your jaw relaxed as much as possible (meant to help open cervix at the same time). * Whenever you feel like making noise, use low pitched sounds instead of high pitched screamy-type sounds (also meant to stop things clenching up). That gets harder to do as contractions intensify, particularly around transition. So it's useful to ask your support people to remind you to moan in a deep voice lol * Do you know that sound/action a horse makes when blowing out between its lips? Try doing that during a contraction - it helped me a bit. I read those tips in the book 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth' by Ina May Gaskin. This was the only book I read during my first pregnancy, and it definitely helped me to mentally prepare myself for the event. In fact the book managed to completely change my view on labour and birth and helped me to learn to trust my body and let it do its job. At my first midwife appt I'd begged her for an elective C-section as I was so terrified of everything (poor woman, I had no idea that was probably the most offensive thing I could have said to an independent midwife who specialised in homebirth Oh yeah, I also specifically asked for dimmed lights and very little talking during labour, and actually kept my eyes closed while in the birthing pool as I didn't really like my last midwife much and wanted to pretend she wasn't there most of the time I've had two natural, drug-free births, including a home birth for my second, so can't compare natural contractions to those when using gas, epidural etc. But I will say that I'd rather experience natural contractions a million times over, than experiencing the excrutiating agony of trying to breastfeed with severely infected (untreated), lacerated nipples! That is the type of pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. |
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).Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:47pm
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I did end up with the epi but I laboured for 40 hours(20 of that active labour) with no pain meds at all and I used really steady controlled breathing, and really focused on that.
I had to be transfused to the hospital so I then used gas and that was awesome for keeping my breathing steady, the breathing really helped me stay calm, and stopped me from flipping out and panicking. I did have the epi a few hours before DS's birth, but in my situation I really needed it by then. ------------- |
Posted By: crafty1
Date Posted: 06 April 2011 at 1:22pm
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I had both labours without drugs.
#1 i just kept positive throughout my pregnancy that i wasn't going down that route and had a list of affirmations which i read regularly. Things like, that this is what my body is capable of and to listen to my body and the process, and that women do this all the time without drugs, it is possible and i can do it too. I told my midwife how strongly i felt about it and so when during transition i started to freak out that i couldn't do that intensity for much longer she just said, no way you are doing so well, you don't need that, you're almost there. Things like that. Worked really well for me. #2 i went to Birthcare so pain relief was not an option. And not needed. A much faster more intense labour so didn't really have time to think about it, just worked through each contraction and used the breaks to keep focused. I also wrote down for my (communicationally challenged) husband some of those things that the midwife had said first time around so he knew how to coach me. I just wanted someone to say how well i was doing, that i was almost there, and that i could do this. I actually enjoyed both labours, not that it wasn't hard and didn't hurt like hell, it is still childbirth, but i felt in control and was really chuffed with myself for doing it. It's a real achievement to work through the process just listening to your body and birthing your baby out as nature intended. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: _Soda_
Date Posted: 06 April 2011 at 3:52pm
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good on you for wanting a drug free birth!
I am THE biggest wuss in the world haha but managed a drug-free water birth with my DD. i just told myself i was going to breathe through every contraction and even from the early on ones that wernet too bad i still did it quietly to myself(kinda to get in the habit i guess hehe) I made sure i was active through the whole labour, rocking on my swissball etc while watching a movie/listening to music for distraction. when it got really intense i was in the birthing pool at the hospital by then, and it was silent and i just breathed in at the beginning of the contraction then breathed out slowly and forcefully as it peaked, the whole time in my head telling myself "this will finish soon" and trying to totally relax my whole body between contractions (the water REALLY helped with this!) yes i yelled my head off when the pushing started lol more out of fright than anything and the sheer intensity and physical exertion you cant really help what comes out your mouth haha! and held my breath or hyperventilated- out of instinct or fear i guess, and that made it hurt WAY worse, but the second my DH and the MW coached me to breathe slowly it helped the pain heaps as i pushed. i told the MW beforehand i didnt want to be offered drugs, and she didnt offer them until right at the end and even then i said no (coz i wasnt about to give up my lovely warm pool haha) and her and DH were amazing telling me i was doing great and could do this the whole time. before i knew it my 8lb 9 bub was born without drugs, not even gas! i officially had a 9 hour labour according to the MW but the full length (from first ouchie contraction to birth) was 24 hours. just believe in yourself you can do it! GL hun youll do fine im sure  x x------------- My little miracle 6/1/2011 My angel in Heaven 9/5/14 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 07 April 2011 at 10:52am
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For me the thought of having a needle inserted into my spine actually scared me more than the pain of child birth! So thankfully had a straight forward delivery. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 07 April 2011 at 8:17pm
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Well, I stacked the deck by having Jacob at a birthing centre - I couldn't have had an epidural there, so would only have had one if I'd been transferred to hospital for some reason.
I was really (really!) keen on a drug-free labour, but on the other hand, I had never had a baby before, and didn't want to base my expectations around that and then feel bad if I caved and demanded every kind of pain relief possible! So for that reason, while I know it's not recommended as a way to achieve your goals, I kind of downplayed how keen I was on no drugs, even to the midwife and DH. That way if I caved, I was the only one who knew I'd been determined to do it without. I think that's a bit weird of me, though?! In any case, thanks to my spectacularly not-on-the-ball midwife, I had Jacob 15 mins after getting to the birthing centre (after driving there in transition) so drugs weren't an option. The weirdest thing is, I never thought about wanting them. The pain was the craziest pain I've ever experienced, yet for some weird reason I never though 'I want some painkillers to stop this'. I did have one moment in the car when I thought that if this was to go on for the rest of the day, I could understand wanting an epidural (at that point I thought I was going to be sent home as I hadn't progressed enough, not that I'd be having a baby 20 mins later!), but that was literally the only time I thought about painkillers. Don't ask me why! I think the main thing is that the pain's all for a good reason. That was a thought I constantly had in mind. -------------   
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Posted By: myonlineself
Date Posted: 08 April 2011 at 9:44pm
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The thought of a needle in my spine scared me more than the labour too - so I was totally against it. I ended up having gas, and I sucked on it in and out the entire time. It made me puke heaps though.... and I was totally out of it.
The one thing I plan on trying to do differently this time is breath through my contractions more. I didn't want the gas but my midwife was getting annoyed at me for holding my breath (wasn't a huge fan of my midwife - getting annoyed with me wasn't really hugely helpful).... so wanted me to use the gas to make me breath properly.... so yeah I will hopefully do a bit of reading/planning around the breathing thing! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 09 April 2011 at 7:11am
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Yea... your midwife getting annoyed at you just wouldn't be that helpful!!!! -------------
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 09 April 2011 at 5:15pm
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I had a bad first experience with an intervention cascade from an induction, including epidural. 2nd birth, I wanted a really different experience.
Things I did: - lots of debriefing about my 1st birth with my (new) MW, talking about all the things that had happened and how she would manage it if it occurred again - lots of reading about natural birth. I didn't do hypnobirthing.I got the pink kit out but didn't read it. Ina May Gaskin's books with stories of natural childbirth were really good - a 4 page birth wish-list (I kid you not!). This was primarily for me - it made me think about why I wanted/didn't want things and how I would like the challenges to be managed - informed support people - my DH and a really good friend. I'd been at her birth and I knew we were on a similar page - clear instructions about what they should do to help me keep active, how I thought pain could be managed (hot water, hot water, hot water) and what to do if I wanted an epi (ask me why, get me moving, remind me of the 3 reasons I didn't want one, make me ask again) - I used the bath and had the shower on my back the whole labour. I also had gas for the last hour after they started me on synto - I also checked in with myself after each contraction. Yes it hurt like hell but after each one I'd say to myself "am I coping? Do I need anything more?" It wasn't till I had the synto that I needed the gas. It only took an hour of that for DS2 to be born and if it had gone on longer, I don't know how long I would have coped, but I was managing - I also didn't rule out an epi completely, and I had complete faith in my MW and support people that they would help me through and if I insisted, they wouldn't stop me having one. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 09 April 2011 at 10:24pm
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I hate labour,hate pain (am sure noone likes it that much) and didn't prepare at all for any of them,yet I still managed three epidural free births,the first 2 were completely drug free ,the last I did have pethidine,didn't feel like it made any difference at all,and in hindsight I could have coped with out it.
I didn't prepare,I didn't have any techniques,with both my eldest daughter's and my son's (which was the most painful birth out of the 3) I just ...lived through the contraction,and wished for death or a baby to hurry up and come out of me,with my daughter I wimpered in pain and fear and with my son I cried and got panicky,not the best way to do it,but its a distant memory now and it doesn't hurt anymore. My last baby,I breathed,every contraction I breathed deeply in and out ,long deep breaths,not cos I wanted to get in control but because it was what my body wanted to do and I was just going with that. Only my son was a planned drug free birth,and I was screaming for the epidural,but by the time we got from the birthing centre to the hospital,he would have been born in the ambulance. With my last I was so adamant at first that I wanted an epidural,am glad I didn't but would have had no qualms about getting one if Id needed,however I had a very quick labor (less than 2hours from start to finish) and I think the breathing did help a bit,cos despite me not caring if it made me feel more in control,to an extent it did ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 09 April 2011 at 10:28pm
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oh and my daughter went into distress,(my youngest) so once I figured out why they were all getting concerned and asked if she was ok,and heard she was getting a bit "stressed in there " I thought " get through the contractions,just get her out safe " and I took all the contractions that came after that and each time I would think "one step closer"
Sounds feathery strokery,and Im so not into that stuff but its what I did -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Littlechop
Date Posted: 12 April 2011 at 6:39pm
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Positive affirmations really helped me. All the way up to the birth I told myself I was having a drug free birth - my body was made for birthng and I knew I could get through without pain relief.
During labour, my DH said stuff like "wow that was a strong contraction, awesome!" "one more step closer to meeting baby" "you will never need to go through that one again" etc. He actually peed me off when he reverted back to Mr Sympathy "Are you ok Sugar??" ("do i LOOK ok??"). I spent from about 7cms dilated in an H2OBaby pool. I loooved the water!!! And I found myself bouncing against the side of the pool during contractions. I had a good little visualisation going on my head - I was in a rubber dinghy out at sea and the boat had sprung a leak and was taking in water and sinking. My little girl Molly (we didn't know our baby was a girl until she was born) was in the dinghy with me saying "hurry mummy hurry" and I breathed hard into the "dinghy" to blow it up and pushed against the sides to push the water out. Bit crazy and dramatic but it worked for me  .
I never once wanted drugs (except I did take paracetamol). I think it was due to a combination of all of these things, plus breathing right is really important. Good luck! You will do awesome. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 12 April 2011 at 8:35pm
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I liked being able to stand lean over the bed, gave gravity time to help with contractions, easy access for back rubs and when I say back rub I wanted nothing less than pure force as I was contracting to also give me something else to focus on and not the pain. My first birth is too much of a nightmare to relive, but managed a vbac and nvd without drugs 2nd and 3rd time. It can be done althou both times I started asking for drugs at 9cm dilated and got positive feedback which got me thru the pushing. Pushing standing is so EASY BTW if you can do it go for it. Best of luck ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
