Epidural- why are people so against it?

[Feronia]

[
Totally and utterly agree. Everyone feels pain differently and you can't know how somebody else feels labour. Plus it's not just birth pain that is there for a purpose, all pain is - whether it's telling you that you have an injury or telling you a baby is on the way.
I had an epidural after 76 hours of contractions coming every 3 minutes. It was by far the best decision and one the midwives and dr's recommended to me as the best option. They were right. I hadn't slept in all those hours neither eaten. I needed the rest. Go on natural birthers tell me I should have soldiered through the next 13 hours that occurred without one.

I'm not sure where all of the hostility against natural birthers came from all of a sudden! I haven't seen ANY natural birther/ parent tell other people what to do or begrudge others for their choices.

Everyone is different and nobody will tell you that you should have done something you didn't want to do. I got through 2 weeks of pre-labour (1-3 cms) of regular contractions and 56 hours of active labour and hardly any sleep at all, and I still didn't want an epidural. I'm not sure why you didn't eat! I would have taken labour a LOT worse if I was tired and hungry, but I ate and drank throughout. A long labour doesn't necessarily mean that an epidural is a good solution, but for some people it is, and that's totally fine. Ultimately what is important is doing what you feel comfortable doing and not being pressured into anything you don't want to do. Freedom of choice is what I value the most when it comes to birth. All too often (obviously not always and it depends on the location) doctors put intense pressure on women to take pitocin to get things started, get a c-section, use other forms of interventions because it's convenient for THEM. If a woman chooses these things for herself, fine! No problem!

 

[heyluu]

I understand the desire to go natural, as I really prefer things to be as natural as possible. And I actually have a really high threshold for pain and have had a natural labor with no interventions at all. So yes, our bodies are designed to birth....HOWEVER.....don't be so quick to judge. Especially those of you who have only been through child birth once or twice or never yet at all. Every birth experience has the potential to be completely different and women can encounter situations in which an epidural can really be helpful. Until you've faced every possible situation how can you say you would do this or that?

While I do think its great to advocate for natural child birth and how empowering that can be, let's not be insensitive. Not everyone has the same situation and what's ideal for you may pose a big problem for another woman. Every woman has a right to have a great childbirth experience. Even if it means she needs a little help.

 

[MrS. MaBrEy]

I wouldn't take a tablet if I had a headache. My head is hurting for a reason. Instead, I would search out the cause of the headache. Typically I find that after 3 or 4 glasses of water my headache goes away. I see childbirth the same way. That pain has a cause and a reason. It will eventually end on it's own. I feel that my son should not be subjected to drugs that are not intended for infants either and injecting myself=injecting him until our connection is severed via cord cutting.
All that being said...this is my personal choice. If someone wants an epidural they should have one. I just personally won't be getting one under any circumstances. Who am I to tell anyone else how to be a parent? It makes me furious to be talked to like an idiot because I have chosen natural birth and natural parenting methods so it is not my place to put my opinion out there unless they are specifically asked for. You should do what is best for you and your baby and not worry about everyone else's opinions.

 

[BabyB2]

I always said that I didn't want one with my first, but then I had to be induced by drip and my contractions came on so thick and fast that I really started to feel out of control. The midwife suggested I have one and I went with it, but I really wish I hadn't! I wanted to experience the birth fully and I feel disappointed with myself for having it. Also, it didn't work well for me, only numbing my left side. They topped it up so much in an attempt to knock out the right side too (without success) that for 4 hours after the birth I was unable to get off the bed and out of my messy nightdress etc and get cleaned up. It also gave me the shakes...my teeth were literally chattering. They also had to catheterize me (another unpleasant experience) because I lost the ability to empty my bladder or even feel like I needed to do so. It turned out to be my full bladder that held me at 4cm dilated for several hours by preventing baby's head from coming down properly.
I'm sure plenty of people have a lovely birthing experience with an epi, but this time around I really plan to avoid it. I hope to have an active birth this time using hypnobirthing at my local midwife lead unit where they don't do epis.
That said, since having my first baby I have also undergone major foot surgery with just a spinal block. Other than the anaesthetist struggling to get the needle in first time I didn't suffer the same side effects as with the epi, although I was sedated too, so maybe that had something to do with it!

Each to their own!

 

[nevernormal]

Feronia -- idk where Thurinius is from, but I know in the U.S. there are hospitals/some areas of the country where the policy is outdated. We aren't "allowed" to eat and drink during labor. The area I live happens to be one of those. At all of the hospitals in my area (there are no birthing centers or midwives) it's routine to have an IV for hydration and you're only given ice chips for the duration of your labor while in the hospital.

I've discussed this with my OB, and I WILL be allowed to go without an IV and drink clear fluids during labor (if things are normal) as that is the current recommendation of the American Association of Anesthesiologists. This includes juice, water, etc. At this point I'm not fighting the food restriction simply because my headaches always do turn into something that I throw up from, and I'm not sure if it's from the pain or another cause that is related to the headache. However, I'll be packing some simple crackers & stuff in my bag and if I feel like I need them at the time, I'll eat some.

But anyway, she might not've eaten because that's what she was told to do/what is best. As much as I want to avoid an epidural, I can see myself giving in out of exhaustion as well, if I'm also hungry & thirsty!

 

[heyluu]

Feronia -- idk where Thurinius is from, but I know in the U.S. there are hospitals/some areas of the country where the policy is outdated. We aren't "allowed" to eat and drink during labor. The area I live happens to be one of those. At all of the hospitals in my area (there are no birthing centers or midwives) it's routine to have an IV for hydration and you're only given ice chips for the duration of your labor while in the hospital.

I've discussed this with my OB, and I WILL be allowed to go without an IV and drink clear fluids during labor (if things are normal) as that is the current recommendation of the American Association of Anesthesiologists. This includes juice, water, etc. At this point I'm not fighting the food restriction simply because my headaches always do turn into something that I throw up from, and I'm not sure if it's from the pain or another cause that is related to the headache. However, I'll be packing some simple crackers & stuff in my bag and if I feel like I need them at the time, I'll eat some.

But anyway, she might not've eaten because that's what she was told to do/what is best. As much as I want to avoid an epidural, I can see myself giving in out of exhaustion as well, if I'm also hungry & thirsty!

This is what happened to me was in labor for 2.5 days in the hospital and they wouldn't let me eat. I had no family support, problems with my hubby at the time, and they wouldn't let me eat. My body was exhausted, and I was so tense I couldn't relax. I wish I could have an epidural but I didn't get one. My daughters head was huge!!!! I'm talking enormous. So the combination of all the factors really made labor unbearable. I am still afraid to give birth again to this day. I hope and pray I can work passed my fear before my baby comes this time so I can have a natural birth bc that's what I prefer. But, if I can't work through that, I'm prepared to do what I need to do to be able to relax enough to allow my body to work. I need to add that I never take an aspirin or anything for headaches, I muscle through infections without antibiotics, etc. unbearable pain can happen even for a person with high pain tolerance. I really hope I can go natural as I have in the past, but I won't beat myself up if I need help.

 

[nevernormal]

Definitely don't beat yourself up heyluu! As I said in my first post -- I usually take medication for headaches simply because NOTHING else helps mine. Caffeine doesn't touch it. If I sleep, I wake up with it worse. Drinking tons of water usually makes me feel woozy (and I drink plenty of water normally, so it's not dehydration anyway). Yes I can wait until it eventually culminates, I throw up, and then finally get relief, but that's a situation when the pain isn't worth it to me. I'm a huge believer in the fact that our bodies were designed to send pain signals, and even have fevers and stuff as a way of fighting infections, telling us to take it easy, etc. But at the same time, I think modern medicine has its place. Fevers can be really dangerous in pregnancy, so when DH brought some sickness home from work and I had a fever for 2 days, I treated it. Typically I'd say it was my body's way of fighting the infection, but in that case I had to change my outlook. I've never given birth, and I want to go all natural, but I can't possibly say with 100% certainty that no situation will arise in which an epidural will end up being the better choice for me. I've asked the the medical staff not even offer me medical pain relief, as I definitely don't want it pushed on me or presented as an easy option, but the fact is it IS an option, and there's nothing wrong with choosing it!

 

[heyluu]

That's smart! As much as I am for the all natural approach, I know from my experience that you have to go in with an open mind. (Emergency c section, natural labor, induced labor, epi) I've been through all of them. And I wanted all natural for every single one! I always tell new mommas to be prepared for whatever.

 

[aliss]

Unfortunately, a pitocin drip WILL push your body past what it can handle, it really does, it's awful. I had 2 labours - the pitocin one, and then the 100% natural (home birth) back to back one. The back to back without even a tylenol was far easier than the pitocin drip one. Honestly, 4cm with pitocin felt like 10cm without!! It forces unnaturally strong contractions. I couldn't "work through" pitocin contractions like I could with my normal ones. I remember laughing at 10cm (in between!!! contractions) saying, really?!?!?!?! This is real labour???

 

[Guppy051708]

I just feel this needs to be stated, as a person who has had 2 unmedicated, all natural, intervention free water births...I dont look down on ANYONE that gets an epi, does this, does that, or has a planned c-section. Whatever they choose, as long as it is made from an educated decision and the ultimate choice on your part (not the doctor, not your partners, not your mother or anyone else), but a decision that you learned all that you could, you were well informed, listened to the advice off the ppl around you, but as long as you decided that is what you wanted, then there is no shame in that! an educated decision is all i am after. Yes, i am a firm believer for the all natural birth. Its what i do, it is what i believe in but i do agree that there is a time and place for ALL intervention-that includes epis. I dont look down on anyone or think less of them or view them as failures just bc they get some pain relief and i dont it is crazy hard reproducing and being pregnant-let alone giving birth! All moms everywhere, no matter how they brought their LO into this world rock!

I just felt i needed to say that, bc as a natural birther it almost seems like some ppl get offended by someone who believes in the natural birth. As if going natural somehow means something negative for those who chose medicine. I dont want that to be the case at all. Or at least from my heart that isn't the case! We all deal with things differently. All moms are heros in my book, epi or not!

 

[Sarahrei]

^^ Well said!

I hate the reactions that I get when I tell people I plan on going all natural. I've actually been asked if I felt like I had "something to prove."

Um no, based off of my research, I'd rather go natural, thank you.

 

[Feronia]

Well said, Guppy. I totally agree!

Wow, holy crap, it would be INSANE to go 2 or 3 days in labour without eating! I can't believe some places in the US still force that on people. I'm sorry. I don't know what I would have done in that circumstance, but I'm sure I would have been much more tempted to get an epidural if I was forced to go through that long of a labour without eating. My husband cooked meals and made me smoothies throughout my labour, and it really helped keep my energy up to focus through contractions.

 

[summer rain]

But this is exactly my point, it hurts because we believe it will hurt, because everyone tells us it will hurt, because all the TV shows, show us it hurts, and then they tell us drugs are the answer....

No one (unless you go looking) will tell you that its actually one of the most amazing feelings on earth knowing you are feeling every bit of delivering your baby. No one tells you, that it will never be more then your body can handle, becaues its your body thats doing it, your body will NEVER put itself through more then it can handle. Yes, it hurts, but so does running a marathon, you're pushing your body to its limits, and I can't think of a better medal then a baby at the end of that thats not affected by the side effects of drugs in its system as it takes its first breath.

From all that I've read an epidural doesn't mean the baby will be born with drugs in it's system, infact, I plan to avoid any drugs and go straight to the epidural, as it will numb by pain but have no effect on baby? Am I wrong?

The Epidural does contain drugs how on earth do you think it works? It contains pain killing drugs, opoid drugs similar to pethidine, and blood pressure lowering drugs as the nature of the beast is that it can dramatically raise your blood pressure otherwise. The problem is in some cases women react badly to any one of the drugs in the cocktail and yes this can affect them and affect the baby. This information should all be in the consent form when you sign for the epidural but often at that stage women are not in the right frame of mind to read it calmly and clearly.

Thankfully in my old area a consent form for an epidural was in the maternity notes and it put me off for life. The potential risks just didnt seem worth it at all. Labour pain affects everyone in different ways and for me it wasn't so much the pain but the incredible feeling of pressure which wasn't nice but it could easily be handled with gas and air. I did have one of mine without gas and air and it was what is known as a precipitous labour, 1 hour 45 mins from start to finish. It was manageable but not an experience I would choose to repeat. My youngest I had with just gas and air again and it wasn't unpleasant at all. When I was pushing him out I was daydreaming I was trying to score a basketball into a slightly too small hoop, and after he came out I wasn't in any pain at all I just felt normal xx

 

[heyluu]

Well said, Guppy. I totally agree!

Wow, holy crap, it would be INSANE to go 2 or 3 days in labour without eating! I can't believe some places in the US still force that on people. I'm sorry. I don't know what I would have done in that circumstance, but I'm sure I would have been much more tempted to get an epidural if I was forced to go through that long of a labour without eating. My husband cooked meals and made me smoothies throughout my labour, and it really helped keep my energy up to focus through contractions.

I'm sneaking food into my room this time around just in case they try to starve me again!

 

[lomelly]

I loved my epidural I have a low pain tolerance (I cried from a tooth ache, it was pretty sad really!) so I knew going into it I would have one. I dealt with contractions, I got to 8cm, got offered an epidural and took it. I had to be cut and scraped (placenta would not come out) so I'm glad I did. You should do whatever you want to do!

 

[Thurinius]

just to clear up why I didn't eat during labour, I just couldn't. It made me sick. I tried to drink but that was a struggle too and I was very dehydrated and had to go on a drip.

 

[yoshy]

Haven't read all the responses, but to the OP, I just wanna say, don't make your decision re epidural or no without doing a bit of research (try and find objective research if you can). If it's what you want, go for it, and enjoy the (hopefully) lessened pain
If you want alternatives, there are alternatives that can help give you an alternative to pain. I'm in the process of taking a hypnobirthing course (see: https://www.hypnobirthing.com/), and having had recommendations from around 5 different friends who had births with hypnobirthing and without, they all agreed that the births with hypnobirthing were far less stressful, more relaxed, and generally better than the ones without.
Also, it's not necessarily instead of an epi. Many women use hypnobirthing alongside an epidural.

Good luck with whatever you do, and hope you have an easy birth with as little pain as possible!

 

[minnie83]

I had an epi when I had my daughter and I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. I was in absolute agony during labour, and I'm not ashamed to admit I needed help.

I wasn't paralysed, I could move my legs and feet perfectly fine. I could have got up and walked around if I wanted to....... I just didn't want to! When it was time to push they lowered the dosage so I could feel the contractions (the tightening feeling, not the pain) so I didn't need anyone to tell me when to push. I felt very much in control of my body and the labour. And as for the giant needle in my back, I would have let them stab me with a pick-axe if it took the pain away!! That was the least of my worries at the time. I had zero headaches and my baby was absolutely fine afterwards.

I did experience problems after the birth (which is why I'm having a c-section this time) but they were not related to the epi in ANY WAY and would have happened regardless

I think everyone should go into labour with an open mind. If you can do it with little or no pain relief then well done, I envy you. But if you feel you need an epi just go for it and don't feel ashamed! That's what they're there for at the end of the day.

 

[sparkles86]

I am going for a natural birth as my hospital doesn't have epi's, all the specialist stuff is moved to another hospital about 15 mins away.

Prefer to have my baby born at my chosen hospital, although I would probably have every drug underneath the sun otherwise!

 

[yin2173]

But this is exactly my point, it hurts because we believe it will hurt, because everyone tells us it will hurt, because all the TV shows, show us it hurts, and then they tell us drugs are the answer....

No one (unless you go looking) will tell you that its actually one of the most amazing feelings on earth knowing you are feeling every bit of delivering your baby. No one tells you, that it will never be more then your body can handle, becaues its your body thats doing it, your body will NEVER put itself through more then it can handle. Yes, it hurts, but so does running a marathon, you're pushing your body to its limits, and I can't think of a better medal then a baby at the end of that thats not affected by the side effects of drugs in its system as it takes its first breath.

From all that I've read an epidural doesn't mean the baby will be born with drugs in it's system, infact, I plan to avoid any drugs and go straight to the epidural, as it will numb by pain but have no effect on baby? Am I wrong?

The Epidural does contain drugs how on earth do you think it works? It contains pain killing drugs, opoid drugs similar to pethidine, and blood pressure lowering drugs as the nature of the beast is that it can dramatically raise your blood pressure otherwise. The problem is in some cases women react badly to any one of the drugs in the cocktail and yes this can affect them and affect the baby. This information should all be in the consent form when you sign for the epidural but often at that stage women are not in the right frame of mind to read it calmly and clearly.

Thankfully in my old area a consent form for an epidural was in the maternity notes and it put me off for life. The potential risks just didnt seem worth it at all. Labour pain affects everyone in different ways and for me it wasn't so much the pain but the incredible feeling of pressure which wasn't nice but it could easily be handled with gas and air. I did have one of mine without gas and air and it was what is known as a precipitous labour, 1 hour 45 mins from start to finish. It was manageable but not an experience I would choose to repeat. My youngest I had with just gas and air again and it wasn't unpleasant at all. When I was pushing him out I was daydreaming I was trying to score a basketball into a slightly too small hoop, and after he came out I wasn't in any pain at all I just felt normal xx

'How in earth' do I think it works? Of course it contains drugs, However from what I have read, these are delivered straight to the epidural space and it is not proven to enter the bloodstream of the baby or have any affect on them. Everything I've read states there is no evidence to suggest this, unlike when diamorhphine/pethidine is administered. It is statistically the most common form of pain relief used in childbirth, so I'll take from that that it is, in the vast majority of cases, very safe.
I'm very glad your labour was easily handled and not unpleasant at all, you're extremely lucky.