https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 07 May 2026 23:58:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural/page/2#post-405776 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:02:52 +0000 mrs. wagon 405776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So for my first birth I went into labor on my own (on my due date), dilated 2.5 cm when they checked me, pitocin and epi from the minute I got to the hospital (with pretty strong contractions 5 mins apart at that point). 24 hours, 3 failed epis later I finally dilated to 10 cm, pushed for 3 hours and he NEVER crowned, almost ended up in a c-section (I had a fever, baby's head was angled awkwardly) but after 3 hrs of pushing they used the vacuum extractor and got him out in 3 pushes (his head was 99th percentile, I just needed help getting him past my hips!). I had a horrible epi experience and was convinced that if I could go as long as I could before getting pitocin and an epi next time (maybe even go natural) then my labor would be shorter and quicker.</p> <p>Second birth I was induced at 39 weeks (I had gestational diabetes and baby was measuring pretty big), I was 2.5 cm dilated for weeks so no reason to ripen the cervix. I got pitocin first thing in the morning, they broke my water a few hours later, and I was able to handle contractions until 6cm. I think at that point my pit was turned up to 12. I was panicking and thought I was going to pass out from the pain or just spontaneously die. They got the epi in quickly (turned into a spinal actually) and an hour later I was fully dilated! Pushed 9 times total for 15 mins and baby girl slipped right out. I didn't feel a thing. </p> <p>I think if the pit was decreased somewhat I might have been able to go longer... but that would have probably stalled or lengthened my labor... I decided I'd go with the epi at whatever point I couldn't handle the pain anymore so that's what we did. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-405762 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:49:24 +0000 kml636 405762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A friend of mine had an induction at 42 weeks and NO epidural. - she was committed to the Bradley Method. She claims pitocin didn't work for her and that' s the only reason why. Her labor didn't begin until they broke her water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-401046 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:21:00 +0000 Arden 401046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: I don't hate epidurals, I hate that they often lead to more pitocin which causes other issues, leading to higher chances of c-section, etc.<br /> If you can get an epidural but then stand your ground on no pitocin, then go for it! Just know that you might be there for awhile, because they can slow down labor and if you don't have pitocin to speed it back up, you could be in for a long process.<br /> I've had mama's get the epidural, take a five hour nap and gather their strength, then have their epidural turned down and start labor up again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400995 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:08:56 +0000 phdmommy 400995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My water broke, but I never started having contractions so I was given Pitocin...essentially induced. I ended up with an epidural because I didn't progress and lost heart after 7 hours. But I don't regret a thing, had a great labor! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400980 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:06:23 +0000 sarac 400980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: I have heard that too, that for some women it can help them to relax and rest and get things going again, along with the few people that have side effects. Mine failed, so I hated it, but I also despised the way that it made me feel. I hated the numbness and the tingling legs and all of it. I didn't feel her coming out at all, I even asked 'is that it?' because she hadn't cried. I feel really cheated, honestly. </p> <p>I'm a pretty big natural birther, but my plan going in was always that if I'd needed pit I'd have an epidural. I also had a foley induction, which I had read about being hideously painful, and I wasn't interested in that after a day of laboring without pain meds. I'd make the same choice again, in the same circumstances. I really wanted to do it med free, but I wasn't a martyr - I didn't need to suffer just for the sake of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400818 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:35:35 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 400818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: I feel like going through labor without the epidural was worth it for me. I was already bummed about not going into labor "naturally" and I wanted to avoid adding more interventions if I could help it. When my midwife suggested interventions, I trusted her expertise but I didn't want to ask for anything that I didn't "need". Also, an epi is added cost &amp; I'm cheap - I didn't want to pay for it!</p> <p>But yeah, there's a certain level of personal satisfaction. I did/do feel proud of myself (but in no way think no-epi is better than getting one). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400711 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:12:28 +0000 bpcmarj 400711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: for me, a lot of it was feeling like I was in control somewhat. I also was terrified of a csection and didn't want my labor to stall. Honestly, I did not think that pitocin contractions were as bad as I had made them out to be in my head. I mean, I knew it was going to hurt but I had also told my husband that I would be way better off with a quick intense labor than a long drawn out one. I was also worried about effects on the baby. She was as alert as can be at birth and nursed right away. Do I think this would have happened with an epi? I honestly don't know. </p> <p>And, yes on some level, bragging rights and self satisfaction! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400682 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:06:07 +0000 lovehoneybee 400682@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: It was definitely a consideration I had when I opted for the epi...but he was posterior and I couldn't handle the back labor...I was in so much pain I was throwing up, and they were coming so hard and fast I couldn't get on top of it. I decided it was worth the risk of potentially slowing labor down (but I'd be able to relax!) and maybe having trouble with early nursing. They are very real possibilities that should be considered! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400674 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:04:55 +0000 sarac 400674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced first with cervadil, which put me into labor, and I labored for 12 hours pain med free on that. Then I had pitocin and a failed epidural, which I really, really do not suggest. Pitocin contractions are (reportedly) so much more intense than natural labor. Mine were hell, honestly. </p> <p>I'm all gung ho to try delivering naturally the next time, but I wouldn't even bother trying pitocin without pain meds. That was awful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400647 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:15 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 400647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FutureMrsMcK: totally! I should have added "can potentially" to that list - I guess it's different for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400576 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:30:38 +0000 lovehoneybee 400576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: FWIW--I wasn't induced, and my epi ultimately failed, but while it was working it did not stall out or slow down my labor at all. I progressed an average of 1cm an hour. When it failed at 9cm it took 2 hours to get to 10cm. </p> <p>We also had zero problems with breastfeeding--excellent latch right out of the gate and my milk was in within a day. </p> <p>I mean it very well might slow down your labor and potentially impact BFing, but not necessarily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400522 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:04:40 +0000 immabeetoo 400522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm following this thread because I am curious too! </p> <p>@mrstricycle I am *NOT* experienced, but have read of side effects post-birth with back pain and chronic numbness from epidurals. There is also the chance of a spinal headache. With that being said, I've also heard a few people say once they got an epidural, their labor sped way up because they relaxed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400510 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:57:30 +0000 mamimami 400510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: thanks! I know an epi can slow labor -- definitely did with my first. But I wasn't sure if it could overpower pitocin. May well be! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400502 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:54:02 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 400502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sloaneandpuffy: from what I understand, there would still be a few reasons to avoid an epi after induction<br /> - the epi can slow down labor and increase risk of a c-section<br /> - the epi can impact early nursing efforts </p> <p>Experienced mamas - am I on the right track here? Why else would I want to avoid an epi after induction? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400426 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:26:18 +0000 mamimami 400426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hada natural birth with my second child - not induced though. If I had been induced, I'm pretty sure I would have gotten the epi. I guess I don't really understand the benefit of not getting one under those circumstances, except personal satisfaction. I feel like once you're monkeying around with the natural process of things, some of the benefits of an otherwise natural birth are also going to be affected. I mean, it's pretty non-natural at that point. Major props to the moms who have done this though! My questions would be, was it worth it? What is the main motivation? I hope no one will be offended. I am really wondering.</p> <p>PS From what I know the norm is not to allow you to go past 42 weeks. My doctor goes in at 41 weeks although that was a moot point in my case!</p> <p>Good luck! You've still got lots of time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400342 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:06:06 +0000 bpcmarj 400342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 42 weeks, and ended up having her without pain meds (as I intended). I went in for an overnight 12 hour dose of cervidil, then had misoprostyl to continue to soften my cervix. I wasn't dilated at all when I got to the hospital. They started pitocin at noon, and I was in active labor by 3. I was in the tub from 4-7ish and that really helped make my contractions bearable. Once out of the tub my contractions were harder, but I started pushing around 8 and she was born at 8:53. </p> <p>I thought it would be much worse than it was to be honest. I wrote a more detailed birth story that's on my blog (the link is in my profile). I really just went into a zone and told myself I could do it. The tub was the biggest help. I think it would have been MUCH harder out of the tub since the hour that I was out (although likely transition) was excruciating. Luckilty, she was my first and I didn't have a non-pitocin labor ti compare it to! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400294 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:50:41 +0000 Mrs. Pen 400294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@zippylef: ditto on feeling like I was going to die! </p> <p>However- I made it through without an epi or any type of pain meds. It is POSSIBLE!!!! But you have to have the resolve that you will do it. If I wasn't 100% positive that there was NO FREAKIN' WAY I was getting meds then I would not have made it. I will not lie- it was torture. Excruciating. I felt like I was going to die and even wished I would. </p> <p>The contractions were SO hard and I really had to savor the time in-between them to make it. I had a huge support team too - my midwife, doctor, husband, mom and two nurses!! </p> <p>Also - my mom did an induction without an epi too! She birthed six children naturally. She was my inspiration!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400253 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:42:25 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 400253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with pitocin and my contractions were 45 seconds apart at the most, sometimes on top of each other. At 8 cm I asked.for an episode and it failed. An hour later they tried again and it failed as well. Although it did help with some of my back labor.<br /> Honestly it was horrible but.mow that Lo is here I can hardly remember it!</p> <p>Honestly I wouldn't want to go past 42 weeks<br /> ...induction is hard but my baby is here safe and sound because of it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400234 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:36:02 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 400234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: I will make sure we discuss and try all these things! Thanks for the list. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400114 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:04:05 +0000 rachiecakes 400114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mewtill: similar thing happened to me - because DS was stuck in an awkward position, I was given the epi in hopes that it would relax things so that they could turn him. They had luck turning his face so that they could use the vacuum but he was stuck so awkwardly posterior that it required an episiotomy. </p> <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: also, no matter where your labor journey takes you, the destination is worth it, I promise. :)<br /> my best friend that went 42 weeks, didn't want to try any medication for induction, she took hypnobirthing classes and hired a doula, ended up having a csection. these little ones are full of surprises.<br /> hoping you have a quick and easy delivery - can't wait to hear your birth story! &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400083 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:57:35 +0000 SugarplumsMom 400083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My story's similar to @zippylef. I was induced with a failed epidural. I thought I was going to die. My active labor was a lot faster than 15 hrs, thank goodness but I never want to experience that again! I literally thought my heart would stop. All I had was laughing gas and that doesn't block the pain at all. I was also sick with the cold to begin with so yeh ... </p> <p>My reason for induction was heavy meconium in my amniotic fluid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400075 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:55:49 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 400075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JessicaMcB: my midwife told me the same thing! In long labors that aren't progressing, she will sometimes recommend an epidural because it can relax the mother &amp; things may start moving along. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400071 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:55:41 +0000 twinmama 400071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with pit and had an epi. Like mewtil, the contractions didn't get crazy until they broke my water. I was open to an epi if I needed it, so I hadn't really prepared with too many labor techniques. I got my epi at 4 cm because my contractions were like those of transition - super close and super intense - and I was unable to stay relaxed through them. So the epi helped me relax and progress super fast. BUT if you are able to use labor techniques to keep you relaxed and dialating, I think the pain side of it was actually relatively manageable even with the pit. From the first drop of pit to delivery was about 11 hours for me, so again definitely tolerable if you are prepared! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400063 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:52:27 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 400063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@prettylizy: @mewtill: @pointybird: thanks!! Should I get there, this is encouraging! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400062 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:52:21 +0000 JessicaMcB 400062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced by cervical ripening balloon (IMO the worst part), then pitocin and finally I had AROM. They had my pitocin jacked all the way up for 16 hours before I broke and got the epidural- and I really only broke because I had made NO progress in that time and was way too mentally distressed to continue like that. A lot of labour is mental from my experience.</p> <p>I wish you so much luck and success in avoiding the epidural if you have an induction! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400056 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:49:19 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 400056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with pitocin and had no epidural. My cervix was "ripe" and i was at 41 weeks. It was my first labor, but I didn't feel like the pain was intolerable or like I was dying. </p> <p>The contractions started slowly (the nurse upped the dose in small increments over time) &amp; the pain wasn't bad until they broke my water. I do remember thinking "I might ask for an epidural if I have to go much longer." However, the dilating part went quickly enough for me to keep me from asking (7 hours from admittance to pushing). Also, i remember at one point, they turned the pitocin down a bit when te contractions were right on top of each other.</p> <p>I did end up pushing for 4 hours and that was rough. I was so tired that I did accept fentanyl &amp; oxygen when they offered it. Although I do believe that interventions increase risk of c-sections, I think induction by pitocin isn't always the horrible experience it's made out to be. Try not to worry too much about it :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400049 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:47:39 +0000 prettylizy 400049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: I ruptured first, and contractions were non-exixtant when I wasn't doing natural induction methods for over 36 hours. I finally caved and allowed pitocin and antibiotics. I didn't get the epi or any other pain meds and delivered her vaginally about 7 hours after the Pit was started. It is totally possible (my doula assured me, I was terrified!). Just keep in mind that the first two contractions after they up your Pit are the worst, your body hasn't had a chance to created endorphins to 'cover' the pain. Also, don't let them arbitrarily increase the Pit unless you find labour is stalling out. At the end when I was fully dialated my labour slowed down and they waned to increase it one more time but I refused. My body was just taking a break for the fog to lift after transition before pushing. If you have any questions, let me know :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400036 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:44:31 +0000 plaidpants 400036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced because my water broke and I did not go into labor within 24 hours. I did not have an epidural. So its possible! I was in labor for maybe 5 or 6 hours and then I pushed for an hour or so. It was definitely painful, but I don't know how it compares to non-induced labor. It was pretty intense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400021 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:41:48 +0000 Arden 400021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've seen placentas from babies born at 38 weeks that look awful, and ones from 43 that were beautiful and healthy, so it's not something that can really be counted on. Yes, the risk goes up as time goes forward, but I would wait for a sign of a problem before I induced. Every day you go, the more likely you are to go into labor naturally and have a healthy delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-induction-and-no-epidural#post-400019 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:41:28 +0000 rachiecakes 400019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: my best friend just gave birth at 42 weeks, she tried everything, had her membranes stripped twice... her midwife suggested a castor oil cocktail and that did the trick to send her into labor.<br /> I think when you go past 42 weeks, most doctors believe that the risks of inducing outweigh the benefits of hoping for spontaneous labor. </p>