epidural question

[Anonymous]

I got mine at 9 cm. All of the nurses said that since I made it to that point I should go all natural but I;m so glad I didn't. I ended up pushing for over 2 hours, tearing and needing an episiotomy. The epi was a lifesaver. As for how long it took, I'd say I had releif less than 30 min after requesting it

[Anonymous]

OP - you've received some great feedback. However, epidurals aren't the only pain management tool.

Please consider taking a birthing class b/c the nurse(s) explain the different options for pain management associated with L&D. Some women incorporate yoga, hypnobirthing, soothing CDs, water births, hiring a doula, having a person to "talk" you through/breathe with you, etc.
Also, it sounds like you are basing your fears on myths and a few horror stories you've heard through the grapevine. True, there are epidural experiences that may have been ineffective, but most are helpful else they would not be so popular

There are also different types of epidurals and also various points at which they can be administered - not only physically, but during different phases of labor.

[Anonymous]

I had an epidural three weeks ago at Sibley. I asked for one once I could no longer talk through my contractions. I was about 5 cms dilated and on Pitocin. The anethesiologist arrived within 5 minutes, it took about 15 minutes for him to talk me through it, numb the area, and administer the epidural. He waited for my contractions to stop before inserting the needle. I had two more painful contractions (about 2 minutes apart) before I had total relief. I did not hit the button to administer any more meds, but after about 90 minutes of hard pushing the doctor came back to top off the epidural as it had mostly worn off. My labor lasted another 90 minutes with very tough pushing, second degree tear etc. I would not labor again without the epidural. Best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

I've given birth twice, both times with an epidural. Here are my thoughts...if you know you want pain relief from the beginning, there is really no good reason not to request an epidural once you get to the hospital. The only reason people ever give is that they think it slows down your contractions. That may be true a bit, but it is unlikely that an epidural will slow down your contractions in any significant manner. With my second (a spontaneous vaginal delivery), the epidural probably slowed things down an hour or so. But the epidural also wore off and I needed additional relief and it didn't come until AFTER I pushed the baby out. Pushing for 45 minutes without pain relief was horrible. Truly. More power to the women who do it, but I hated every second. Compare this with my first delivery, where the epidural was in and working the entire time (5 hours of labor and 10 minutes of pushing) - my first experience was awesome. And both babies were able to breastfeed immediately and did great.

So, I'd go ahead and ask for the epidural in the beginning. That's what I will do for baby #3.

[Anonymous]

I had an epi with my first. My labor was progressing very well, and I was about 5 cm after 5 hours of labor when I asked for it. It took an hour to get it, and by the time the anesthesiologist arrived I had popped open to 9 cms. I got the epi even though I was so close to delivering. It knocked my BP down, slowed my labor and long story short I ended up passed out and with a vaccuum delivery. Baby was fine, as was I, but it was scary for everyone.

For my second and third babies I went with a midwife and no drugs. My labor and deliveries for #2 and #3 were sooooo much better. Less scary and less painful (believe it or not). (BTW, our first was 8 lbs, our 2nd was 10, and our 3rd was 10.5).

There is no doubt in my mind that I had a bad reaction to the epidural, and I wish that someone had encouraged me to labor on and deliver without it. But we didn't have a doula or midwife there, and we sure as heck didn't know what we were doing.

I know plenty of people who have had no problems with epidurals, and swear by them. Just be sure you know all the possible side effects and down sides to any intervention you consider.

[Anonymous]

"Why did I have an epi at 10cm?"
I was in tremendous pain when I arrived at the hospital. Prior to my water breaking I was having minor contractions. Once my water broke things progressed quite rapidly. I was quite miserable and could barely think straight by the time I received the epidural. It slowed down the birth somewhat, but only slightly. When it came time to push, I pushed for 15 minutes. Overall, I felt that I had a great labor experience due to the epidural.

[Anonymous]

Whether or not you want an epidural you should definitely take a class and read some books. Being informed will help you make the right decision for yourself and hopefully eliminate some of the fear. Childbirth should not be scary. It's a lot of work and painful, but in general not something to fear. You can do it!!