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Pilgrim
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| Posted: Feb 05 2014 at 2:24pm | IP Logged
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Wondering if anyone has good reasons not to use an epidural? I usually have natural births, for natural reasons, but also believing that God said "in pain will you bear your children". I have never liked the idea of epidurals, and feel they are used far too much, like many medical interventions nowadays. However, I'm not totally against them. Had one with the twins, to be ready for c-section if needed, had a c-section last time due to breech presentation that couldn't be changed, so obviously not a natural birth.
Anyway, all that aside, just wanted to hear from those on either side, reasons for or against epidurals. Don't want to start a heated topic, just need some info and thoughts. I do know that after the epidural with the twins, or maybe it was the pitocin(?) I had very bad swelling in my feet for a week or two, and don't really want that again.
I'm feeling quite overwhelmed at the thought of the upcoming birth, in 4 weeks or so. One moment I think "I can do this, I've done it naturally 3 other times!" Then other times I feel like there's no way I can make it through the pain this time. Since the c-section I've had varying amounts of pain when my intestines are doing their job(sorry if it's TMI). Most days lately it is almost unbearable pain, just like transition, and when actually pushing baby out, literally. All I can do is pray through it each time. This has me worried that this labor may be worse throughout the labor than other labors. Also, this has been a very busy and weary year, with so much on our plates, I just feel like I need to be open to the possibility of having an epidural if it would help make the birth more positive and returning to home not overly worn down.
Thanks dear friends for any and all input! 
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JodieLyn
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If you need it, you need it. The best part about having to have a c-section with my youngest was not going through labor again (the 2nd to youngest was a hard labor).
Find out when you'd be able to get it.. depending on your labors you may consider that you'd only get it just about the time you're done.
Reasons not to.
It can inhibit your ability to push.
It can retard the process of labor.
It opens you to other interventions.. check with your doc/hospital but things you may not have to have that you may have to have if you get it are IV, confinement to bed, augmentation of labor (because the epidural retards labor), blood pressure issues (and so potentially blood pressure meds) and things I'm probably forgetting.
But when pain that isn't labor pain is inhibiting labor.. well, better to get the lower intervention that wait and end up with a c-section etc.
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millermom1110
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| Posted: Feb 05 2014 at 2:56pm | IP Logged
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I think JodieLyn listed everything.
My first reason not to get an epidural with any of my 4 was an intense hatred of needles. I don't know if that counts as a "good" reason though. lol! Honestly between the rhogam and constant blood draws, I am just over needles by the time delivery comes. My last one I showed up too late to even get an IV going. It was marvelous. 
However, as stated above, if I were struggling to focus through the pain and ended up actually inhibiting labor, I'd go for an epi any day of the week before letting it get too far and end up with a c-section (assuming I had a choice/control in the matter).
What helped me focus through INTENSE back labor with #3 was saying a Hail Mary through each contraction, offering up my pain for babies lost through abortion. I actually relaxed so much that I drifted off to sleep a couple of times during transition. It was the craziest experience. I honestly believe that the Blessed Mother was hearing my prayers and helping me get through it.
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mamaslearning
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It can also drug the baby which can lead to a harder time establishing breastfeeding.
Chance of low respiratory in baby.
My first was a nightmare-induced-drugged-assisted birth. My next two were homebirths - loved my homebirths!!!!
My fourth was hospital with epidural. I waited and waited to go to the hospital (I knew not to go too early to avoid all the protocol), so by the time I got there I was deep into labor. They hooked the IV, got my epi and had the baby within two hours of walking in the door. Which was about the same time track as my natural births. The drugs didn't slow down my labor much at all, but I also was pretty far along before I received them.
I have heard (not confirmed by medical people) that being able to feel the labor during a VBAC can help monitor if there are any uterine problems with the previous scar. You are more apt to notice if something doesn't feel right than if you are drugged.
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 05 2014 at 5:14pm | IP Logged
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My first I delivered naturally with no epi. The second was a complicated and high risk C-section. The last four have been successful VBACs - all with an epidural. All of my post-epidural deliveries were very alert and aware, and all nursed within minutes of being born.
In general, I'm not a huge fan of the epidural - I don't like big shots and sitting still for one in the middle of intense transition isn't easy. I probably *could* try to deliver naturally, but the post-birth internal exam (because of the nature and location of my C section scar) would be painful enough that it would inhibit any bonding or nursing and I decided that is most important to me. Also, contractions are just *different* for me after my C-section. (Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Am I crazy here?)
A birth is a complicated, ALWAYS personal matter. I'm so grateful for home births and lo/no intervention deliveries even though I'm not a candidate!! I LOVE how they're right for some moms!! And I am truly grateful for medical technology and medication - including epidurals!! I accept that my goal is a safe delivery and healthy baby and that each delivery gets to be all its own. I GUARD-GUARD-GUARD my thoughts right before delivery. I don't think too much about it (!!!), unless I can do so in a detached, almost clinical way (and I only do this if I have to because of some new complication)! I trust my doctor and his understanding of our views, and I always trust God. That leaves me very much at peace with the path each delivery takes. I deliver each time with a better than average chance of a repeat C-section, something I would not care to repeat, but if I had to, if it were necessary, you bet I would and be totally at peace with it!!
I know that doesn't give you a lot of practical matter to weigh an epidural against, but I guess I hoped to be the voice that says, "Sure - acknowledging the statistics and facts re. epidurals - you can ABSOLUTELY have a glowing, positive delivery AND have an epidural!" I've done it 4 times now!
I always have to work so hard to guard my thoughts at about the point you are. Get a little notecard, jot down your two FAVORITE prayers, and tuck it in your pocket every morning between now and delivery - and pull it out every time you start wondering what it will be like..what you'll do...can you do it...how painful will it be? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. That's pretty much the bottom line. Epidural or no.
and
 as you come into the home stretch, Pilgrim!
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3ringcircus
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| Posted: Feb 05 2014 at 5:26pm | IP Logged
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I had an epidural with my first and didn't want it again. It was not a good experience. It wore off on one side and I was exhausted from non-productive pushing. They also over-did the pitocin (as they do when they think you can't feel it), which didn't help.
Since then I've had 2 pitocin deliveries w/o the epi. and they were much better experiences. My recovery was faster and my labor was also much faster.
That being said, my suggestion would be to guard your thoughts before labor as Jen said. Practice relaxing your uterine/abdominal muscles, breathing deeply, and trusting God. Stress and fear make labor a lot harder. The epidural is always an option, and you know that. There's no reason not to ask for it if things get too intense, but you may find yourself able to avoid it, or put it off to a later stage, and it's nice to avoid the intervention if you don't need it.
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Pilgrim
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| Posted: Feb 08 2014 at 12:08pm | IP Logged
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Thank you ALL so much for your responses, all very helpful and giving me just what I need to think about. I feel better now, and am at peace with whatever the outcome of things. Not only is each birth a personal thing, I have found each birth to be a very different experience.
I am thankful to have you all to come to for thoughts, advice, etc.
Things are so incredibly, overwhelmingly busy right now, I hadn't had time to respond , but know that I SOOO appreciate you each taking the time to weigh in on the pros and cons. I think being open to the epidural if it would help is best here, and going without it if possible certainly is great if I can.
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JodieLyn
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And just on a positive note.. my #7 was by far my easiest birth, as in I hardly realized I was in pushing stage when she was crowning and dh and I delivered her before the midwife got here. When I'd talked to my midwife I thought I had at least another couple of hours and she was on the way. I apparently only had 20 minutes  So it is entirely possible for a birth not to follow how the others have gone. 
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Erica Sanchez
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Oh Pilgrim, you sound tired in your post. :)
I have delivered all ways including an emergency C-section and an all-natural birth (my sixth child). After the natural birth, I was sure that is what I would do again because I loved it and loved the recovery, but it didn't work out that way. Numbers seven and eight came close to number six and I think I was just very tired. I wanted to share with you that although I was somewhat disappointed that I went ahead with an epidural, our eighth delivery was in the middle of the night and incredibly peaceful which is what I remember most. You will know when the times comes.
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SuzanneG
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Just seeing your post and this thread, Pilgrim....and don't have anything new to add....just that four weeks away from birth is PRIME TIME for all those thoughts about the birth process to surface.
I had an especially hard time guarding my thoughts this time around. Just keep praying! And, maybe your overwhelmingly-busy-life is a blessing right now....keep focused on all those other things instead of labor, which we have absolutely no control over.
Praying for your peace of mind and for the safe delivery of your sweet little baby!
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Pilgrim
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Thank you Erica and Suzanne. I appreciate all the support and encouragement! I think it's so hard to not get worried more than ever, as this is my first delivery after the c-section, and the unknown of how the pain etc. may be different is a worry for me. Top that off with how each birth you have more little ones to miss you, and the emotions are hard. Last time I was in the hospital much longer than I usually am, and it was very hard on the little ones, and I guess the emotions are just hard for me.
I need to guard my thoughts and worries, and pray, as you dear friends have reminded me.
Yes, I'm tired, some days are harder than others, ready for Spring! We're working like crazy to get the house done so we can move upstairs, which we can't wait for, but some days the final stages take a lot more planning, choices, etc. thank I'd like and when ones busier than one would like your emotions can take a hit, too.
Thank you friends, for any and ALL prayers, they are absolutely treasured, cherished, and appreciated!!!
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Donna Marie
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{{{hugs}}] you can do this!! I just had my 3rd VBAC and it was amazing!! We welcomed our little Elizabeth into the world 8 weeks ago and she was the biggest baby...10lbs 15oz and I did it without any epidural or drugs. This was baby#10, pregnancy #9 and labor #8...got that?
I tried and imagine that the whole birth process was a way for me to welcome her and I tried to envision that with each contraction I wanted to open the way for her to come through so I tried to relax and even get into a better position as the contrax were on the way down so I could be better prepared for the next one. The way to the hospital was WILD but that is a long story involving morning traffic and eventually needed to call 911 so we didn't have her on the way in!
I had an epidural with 2 of my births...#3 and #4. With #4 I was being induced (found out later that I should have refused it because she just needed more time) and with the epi, my dd came out grey and unmoving. It took them a few minutes to get her breathing and she had problems with breathing for the rest of that day. It scared me. I didn't have another epi until I was scheduled for my (unnecessary! I found out later..and only) Csection. That was because I had to. I can understand there are reasons that this is a good thing, but I didn't use it again because of Mary's birth. anyway... for the next child, I had a GREAT midwife for my 1st VBAC that was SO amazing she helped me understand what a wonderful GIFT God gave us mothers when it came to labor and delivery.
This last time, I kept praying in labor and trying to stay positive and would only tolerate people being positive around me when i was in labor. I let them know this beforehand and the midwife team was totally on board for that. I know there are reasons to fear being of advanced maternal age or a VBAC or whatever. The fact is, the baby is here and she needs to be welcomed with love as the gift she is. God gave me strength to do this and I had to believe in that. He took care of me. He orchestrated EVERYTHING for her birth. Even her birthdate which was the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose intercession I prayed for in each of my last 5 births! How is THAT for a consolation?! 
You have a lot on you. You are tired. Try and rest as much as you can. I made it a priority with this last pregnancy and even now. It makes a HUGE difference. Most everything else can work around that. Eat well. I made sure I had cod liver oil, extra magnesium(many of us grand multiparas are deficient in mg), liquid iron and nettle every day!
We will pray hard for you and pray you right over that finish line!! I am SO happy for you!!
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asplendidtime
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I really like epidurals. I find and there's some data that shows it can help the mother relax, lowers stress hormones, and can shorten labour. I have also had all natural births in hospital. Both of my biggest babies (nearly 10lbs) were drug free, I had one homebirth, but six labours without. I didn't have trouble establishing breastfeeding, no troubles bonding, I enjoyed being very relaxed, and my dh really did too!  I enjoyed the whole experience with an epidural.
Just wanted to mention, the agony I was experiencing, just anticipating the pain last time. My dh said that I wouldn't have my dh or children go through pain like dental work, or other procedures without, and I finally felt that it's really okay to get pain relief.
Also in a situation where labour is long it can be a blessed relief to get a nap and get ready for pushing.
Anyway just two cents. Prayers for your upcoming birth.
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Pilgrim
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Thank you, Rebecca! I needed that, especially as I'm now past my due date, so labor is very imminent. I have decided to be open to an epidural, and just see how things go. Some days I've felt like maybe I will have one, and others I feel it's maybe best not to. I am concerned about the possible effects on baby, such as decreased respirations or jaundice, as I want to leave the hospital ASAP, and don't want anything like those symptoms to delay that. Anybody experience these symptoms with their Little Ones after epidurals?
But, I also agree that the way it helps relax things, and helps dh to be more at peace due to my being more at peace are a big help. Dh gets anxious over birth, which has gotten a little better with time and more births, but I think me being in less pain helps him, as well as me.
ETA; And thank you so very much for the prayers! I cherish any and all prayers for labor and delivery!
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Mackfam
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With all my VBAC epidurals (4), the baby has been healthy with no respiration issues, and all breastfed well. In fact, all my epi babies latched on well within minutes of birth and all were awake and very alert. We have been discharged right at the 24 hour mark after delivery, which is earlier than is typical.
Many prayers for you, Pilgrim!
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asplendidtime
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We always have a bit of jaundice but never enough for bili-lights. It was the same whether we had an epi or not. It's my understanding that it is all about elimination, so while breastfed, it takes a bit longer to eliminate.
And we have never had problems with decreased respirations. I have had ten of my eleven in hospital.
Definitely praying for you.
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DominaCaeli
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Pilgrim wrote:
| I am concerned about the possible effects on baby, such as decreased respirations or jaundice, as I want to leave the hospital ASAP, and don't want anything like those symptoms to delay that. Anybody experience these symptoms with their Little Ones after epidurals? |
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Just want to add my experience--I have had epidurals for all of my births and my babies have had no issues with jaundice, respiration or anything else, really. We have always left the hospital at the 24-hour mark.
Pilgrim wrote:
| But, I also agree that the way it helps relax things, and helps dh to be more at peace due to my being more at peace are a big help. Dh gets anxious over birth, which has gotten a little better with time and more births, but I think me being in less pain helps him, as well as me. |
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This is one of the big reasons I get an epidural--my husband practically begs me to, as he cannot stand seeing me in pain. He is an excellent labor partner, completely supportive, and I definitely take his opinion into account. And I think he's right in my case--my labors always stall *until* I get the epidural, and then they move very smoothly and quickly.
Praying for you as you decide, Pilgrim!
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Aingeal
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I had one with my first, and it was fine...basically, I didn't know what I was getting myself into and it hurt way more than I thought it might and I wanted it to stop. Epi allowed me to sleep, I woke up when the Epi wore off and I felt the urge to push, and 30 mins later, there was my girl. She was quite jaundiced, and I was nauseous from the meds, for sure. But she was alert and ready to nurse!
With my second, I knew I wanted a natural labor. We hired a doula, I labored at home, got to the hospital just in time, and I was committed to not having an epi. Labor was fast, smooth, no issues, and though the pain was intense, I felt in control, and I let my body take over. Baby was alert, no jaundice, great start to nursing.
If I were to have any others, I'd opt for no epidural. I just prefer to do things more naturally, baby-wise, and I'm bothered by the fact that so many women end up with c-sections because of stalled labor...and epi's often do stall labor. Also, I was very committed to breast feeding and I knew if I had a c-section, we would get off to a tenuous start. I wouldn't want to risk that.
So, those are my thoughts! Hope you are able to find some piece of mind. If you've done it before, you can do it again
I'll be praying for you!
Angela
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Topic: Epidural?
