Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

epidural?

Re: Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

Well, I wanted one and they tried to give it to me but the needle wasn't inserting properly and it didn't work for me. So, I had to have my labor and push out my little guy with nothing! I can say, that after a while your body goes numb "down" there, I had to have a full episiotomy, very uncomfortable.

If I am able to have my babies vaginally this time I would really want the epidural.

Re: Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

I did not have an epidural...and It was not by choice... I went way too quick. It was very painful and for me it was very quick...I Only pushed for 10 min I could not imagine how it would be if I had to push for an hour of more. The only thing that got me through the pain is knowing it was not going to last forever and I would have the worlds greatest outcome

Message edited 6/28/2005 4:14:52 PM.

Re: Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

Mine didn't work due to Emergency C-sections that were occuring while I was in Labor.

I was given a 1/2 dose of Staydol prior @7cm since the Anestiologist was BZ.
Then they tried to start my epidural and gave me one push at 8cm when they broke my water since I stalled at 7cm.
I pushed for three hours and felt everything. I ended up having to get some help from my OB with suction and since I had a slight tear, and had to still do the Afterbirth and was beat from the whole experience I was offered Staydol again since she had to fix me up and didn't want me in pain. I again only took a 1/2 dose because I had heard of too many women on this board complain of being too out of it. I was fully aware and just felt no pain for the next 30-40 minutes.

I was up in 30 minutes to go the bathroom and shower.

What I learned was that you can't figure on having no pain due to the epidural. I was totally ready for mine at 4cms but had to wait till 8cm (which sucked because I figured once I reached 4 -5cms I was safe and it would be easier and maybe I could get some sleep.. but that never happened) The only thing I didn't get from the epidural was I got super itchy.

IMO I don't think I would go for an epidural again. I made it through this experience without it.

As soon as I held my son I forgot about all the pain. The only dissapointment I have is that my epidural failed me which isn't a huge deal but I wouldn't want to get my hopes up again and not have it work. Also I was able to control my pushes and feel my contractions very well and I think that led to me only getting 5 stitches.

Message edited 6/28/2005 5:27:59 PM.

Re: Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

I didnt have one but my labor went quick too. The contractions hurt but when they were really bad I would have been too late for an epidural anyway. Plus I heard they trun it down for the delivery so you can push and that is the most painful part anway. Other people swear by it but IMO the less risks the better. Once that baby is out your not thinking about the pain anymore.

Re: Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

They didn't turn mine off when I was pushing. And I only pushed for about 20 minutes.

Re: Did anyone who has given birth NOT have an

I was not able to get an epidural due to my blood platlet count being too low. They did give me stadol, which did help a little bit. I know some people have had bad experiences with stadol- but i do not think i would have made it without it! I was also induced, so my contractions were terrible. Hopefully next time i will be able to have the epidural !