https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 15:58:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339992 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 17:52:54 +0000 mlm2934 1339992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nana87: seriously getting so much to think about with this thread! Glad it's helpful to you too!</p> <p>@anandam: that's a great point </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339978 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 17:41:34 +0000 anandam 1339978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: I think your game plan makes sense, and I think your experience with perseverance through pain/exhaustion will help you avoid the meds. </p> <p>Only counterargument I'd offer is that some women, for various reasons, don't find it so natural to relax and let go during labor, and aren't nearly as calm/controlled/composed as the women in the natural birth videos. For them, if relaxation and support techniques fail, I think sometimes the tension/fear/panic can be just as bad or worse for labor progress and bonding as medications would be. It's all a balancing act of what's actually happening in that moment for that mother and that baby. The theories can fly out the window! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339641 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 14:03:24 +0000 googly-eyes 1339641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Glitter: I didn't read through the responses all the way so sorry if someone has already said this but there isn't necessarily a straight cutoff. I got my epi at eight cm and @sorrycharlie was already at a 10! It just depends.</p> <p>As for me I did worry about an epi stalling labor but I just wanted to hold off on the epi. If I somehow had been able to do it naturally, I would have. But I didn't have a strong will and was pro-epidural going into it! Now that I know I got to eight cm last time I *might* end up doing it naturally for the next kid, but I won't really seriously think about it again til I get pregnant again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339605 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 13:35:41 +0000 nana87 1339605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't given birth yet, but I just want to say this is so, so helpful! I'm just starting to think about this-- I need to decide if I want to give birth in the hospital's birthing center (more comfortable but no meds given for induction or epi) or the traditional labor and delivery floor, and I'm feeling totally torn. It's really helpful to read about real people's experiences! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339550 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 12:56:51 +0000 deerylou 1339550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was very enthusiastic about a totally natural birth, but I ended up having to be induced at 41+6. From what I hear, induction is a totally different beast, and I believe it. Contractions came hard and heavy from the get-go. I finally threw in the towel at 7cms, and requested a low dose epi. Sweet relief!</p> <p>Next time, I will again try to go without, especially if I go into labor, on my own. However, I won't hesitate to get another epidural, despite the complications I experienced from the first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339540 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 12:51:29 +0000 artsyfartsy 1339540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Confetti: that's good to hear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339461 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 11:58:59 +0000 marionberry 1339461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recommend just going in to the hospital with an open mindset. My birth plan originally said I planned to go natural until I asked for anything more. I figured I'd just see what pain I could handle. Due to a breech baby I ended up with a c-section and a spinal and honestly it was no big deal! Pain free was the way to be with that! Best of luck in your decision. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339363 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 11:08:48 +0000 MrsSCB 1339363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with @erinpye. When something has a clear agenda (as I think BofBB does) they're trying to get you to think in a certain way. This is not to say that there aren't helpful things in it, but I wouldn't take any of the points as the absolute truth without trying to figure out what the counter point would be. Fwiw, I haven't given birth yet, but I also waver in my thinking of epi vs. natural. My mom, on the other hand is like, "if they HAVE pain relief meds to give you, why on earth wouldn't you take them?!" Lol, I definitely still need to do more research though, this is all so complicated! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339303 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 10:27:50 +0000 illumina 1339303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went back and forth on whether I was going to get it prior to labour. My only reason against getting it was that I was terrified of the thought of the needle and having something sticking out of my back...so nothing to do with wanting a med free birth! After almost 24hrs of back labour, I ended up getting the epi at 7cm. If anything it sped things up and made pushing so much easier than I think it would if I hadn't had it. I would definitely get it next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339294 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 10:22:25 +0000 Greentea 1339294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@photojane: @MamaMoose: yes! If everything is going well epi might help you relax before pushing so you can get that baby out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339233 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 09:42:58 +0000 MamaMoose 1339233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My epidural was a god send. It let me rest up enough to be able to push, it SPED UP my labor, I had zero other interventions, I felt no pain but felt the pressure of every contraction (I kept telling the nurse when they were coming and she didn't believe me because it would be another ten seconds before it showed on the monitor), I was able to move my legs no problem, and I was up and walking around an hour after delivery.</p> <p>I think some people just get the idea that epidurals are terrible without really researching their options. I'm always so shocked when I hear someone who is so proud they didn't get an epidural but they got IV narcotics instead. IV pain meds get to your baby, the epidural doesn't. I would NEVER get IV pain meds during pregnancy or labor/delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339200 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 09:13:33 +0000 photojane 1339200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just my experience, but my epidural didn't do any of those things! I had a wonderful epidural and had lots of control over my labor and pushing. In fact, I only pushed a 4 or 5 times, and from first push to Sadie's birth was only like 10 minutes total. And, I felt nothing but pressure! It was lovely. The few hours without the epidural though... HELL. I will always elect for an epidural in the future! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339137 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 08:34:59 +0000 ElbieKay 1339137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Glitter: "isn't there a time frame for when you can receive the epidural though? What if you finally decide you want the drugs and it's too late."</p> <p>According to my birth class instructor, this is no longer true. It's dated information. However, it takes about half an hour to administer an epidural (partly because they need to give you IV fluids first), plus the lead time to get the anesthesiologist to show up. So, if you ask for one during transition you may just wind up pushing out the baby naturally due to time constraints as opposed to medical restrictions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339049 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 06:36:08 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1339049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Danizaur: don't let the idea of pitocin get into your head. I had a pitocin induced med free birth that was totally manageable. So much of surviving a med free birth is mental so it is ideal to go in with an "I can handle anything" attitude (and a doula :wink: ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1339041 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 05:58:43 +0000 erinpye 1339041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Take "The Business of Being Born" with a grain of salt- while interesting and with some great info, it's extremely one-sided. Also, there was a study done showing that epis don't necessarily slow labor, so maybe search for that.</p> <p>With my first, I had a lax birth plan and just decided I'd see how it goes. I ended up having to be induced with pitocin a week overdue, due to low fluid. I labored nearly the whole time med-free. But, pitocin makes contractions longer, stronger, and closer together. I also had back labor. 3 hours after they broke my water, I asked for the epi, and within an hour, I was at a 10. I was able to feel that I was ready to push, feel each contraction during pushing, and get up and walk myself to the bathroom after delivery, so my epi was rather light. I'm extremely glad I got it because it didn't touch the back labor, but it was easier to get through that without the abdominal pain being so extreme. </p> <p>This time I have the same plan- "see how it goes." :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338940 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 23:50:48 +0000 lemondrop 1338940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went in with the plan of trying natural birth, but being open to whatever to get a healthy baby out of it. I made it to 7cm, and requested a lower dose epidural. </p> <p>From the time my water broke to baby out was just under 8 hours. It was overwhelming and I felt like I was on a runaway train- the first time I actually felt like I had some control was once I got the epidural. Yes, it slowed things down a bit, but just enough so I could get a 30 minute rest and labor down a little since I was already so close. I would hate to see how I would have torn had I not taken that break and labored down!</p> <p>By the time I started pushing I asked them to turn the epidural off so I could feel what I was doing better. I felt like I had complete control over the situation as far as asking for meds and asking for meds to be stopped. I still felt that incredible rush at the end- relief at that last push when he came out. Best feeling in the world. I was up and walking around within about 30-40 minutes after he was born. </p> <p>I am completely happy with how my delivery went, I hope my second will go just as well. I'll try natural again, but will have no hesitation getting that epi again if I feel like it. </p> <p>One thing to remember- just because it is a documentary, does not mean it gives you a complete picture of a situation. I found The Business of Being Born to be incredibly biased and not representative of my labor experience at all. It covers one side of the story very well, but does not give the other side a fair representation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338865 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:35:29 +0000 jetsa 1338865@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: I'm sure everyone's different. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338820 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:18:05 +0000 lovehoneybee 1338820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I assumed I'd end up with an epidural but had wanted to labor without it as long as possible...I figured I'd want to be able to walk around, bounce on the ball, etc. </p> <p>I was admitted at 5cm and asked for it right away. After laboring at home for almost 24 hours with very slow progression, back labor, and throwing up a ton I *needed* to rest. </p> <p>The hardest part was sitting still throw 3 back contractions, but, luckily for me, bending over my belly was the only way I was ever able to manage them. I didn't feel the catheter, and the only side effect I had from the epidural was that I had the shakes and was very cold for a while. </p> <p>My labor didn't stall, it actually sped up (around 1cm an hour). I needed no other interventions because of it. </p> <p>That said, mine did fail twice, once during transition and a second time half an hour into two hours of pushing. And by fail I mean it moved completely into one leg, from the thigh down. I wasn't able to be up and moving around for a very long time after the delivery (like 6 hours), and when I did I had to have two people helping me because that leg was just dead. And they also didn't want me getting out of bed because of blood loss from a hemorrhage. </p> <p>I can't say anything about the after-birth high. I was really out of it from the blood loss, and the lack of sleep (31 hours). Immediately after delivery they gave me Pitocin and a third epidural. But tired as I was I had zero interest in sleeping. </p> <p>It didn't impact my milk supply at all...my milk came in within 24 hours. </p> <p>Overall, I'm very glad I got it. I wasn't able to sleep, but it stopped the vomiting (which came back when it wore off), and I could at least lie still and rest, which I desperately needed for the two hours of pushing. I'm really not sure I would have had the energy to get through that without it. </p> <p>I'd get it again with a second LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338813 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:13:39 +0000 Silva 1338813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: I think this just depends on the person and the birth? I had an epi, and walked to the bathroom within 45 minutes of delivery. I had a very easy recovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338800 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:08:41 +0000 jetsa 1338800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: I approached birth with an open mind but wanted to be med-free as far as I could. I was then induced due to pih and thought I'd never make it wo an epi, I ended up asking for it 2 during labor the first time the pit was too high and I wasn't getting a break between contractions the second time I was in transition and was too far along to get it. Looking back I loved my birth experience and would undoubtedly go without meds again. My recovery was a breeze and I believe a large part of this was that I never had the epi. The nurses couldn't believe tgat I was up and moving so soon after birth (they don't see many med free births). Any questions I'd be glad to answer.<br /> One other thing, I went into birth thinking it was just a long distance race and I still feel that's the best anslogy, you've pushed your body to run 26.2 miles you can go without an epi. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338765 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:58:07 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 1338765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: that's almost exactly how it worked for me. I got my epi at 4cm at midnight (after puking twice), slept all night and woke up at 8cm shocked. I never doubted my decision and am happy about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338751 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:50:25 +0000 sslm 1338751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: just wanted to pipe in to say that I had no epidural and didn't feel the stitches (and there were lots!!!). I believe my midwife used a local anesthetic. :)</p> <p>I always thought I'd have the epidural but then I got pregnant and all of the sudden I felt strongly about not getting one. So I guess I can't really answer your question, but I just wanted to pipe in with the above comment in case that scared you off of going natural!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why/page/2#post-1338736 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:44:24 +0000 mlm2934 1338736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: I agree, I love my doctor and think she will be great, and I was researching the hospital website , and all the info said that they encourage the labor experience you want, so I don't think they are gonna just cram medicine in my system the second I walk though the door </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338690 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:25:51 +0000 raintreebee 1338690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second talking to your doctor as @hummusgirl said. There are medical studies that contradict the info in the movie that your doc can probably discuss with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338685 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:23:18 +0000 matador84 1338685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The pain was so excruciating with DS, it make me want one, but since I had a med-free birth and recovered really well it makes me want to skip out on it this time around. Especially knowing I've done it once, I think I can do it again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338677 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:21:03 +0000 hummusgirl 1338677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Business of Being Born freaked me out too but my experience turned out to be nothing like that. My doctor encouraged me to labor outside the hospital as long as possible but after 40 hours I'd had enough, went in, got an epi and delivered 6 hours later, with a little pitocin and 20 mins of pushing at the end. It was a dream! I am in love with anesthesiologists now. ;-) </p> <p>If I were you I'd bring up your concerns with your doc and see what they say. I hated how that movie was so disparaging toward OBGYNs and modern medicine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338628 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:06:20 +0000 Pepper 1338628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was 100% certain I wanted an epidural. Got one, and it didn't work. It numbed me from the bikini line down, but I could still feel all of my contractions. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, though. Next time, I'll probably ask for one again (might as well try, and I couldn't feel anything tear, which was my biggest concern), but I won't be surprised if it doesn't work again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338612 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:02:46 +0000 Silva 1338612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure what I'll do for my second. With my first I was totally against an epi, and got one after 50 hours of back labor (along with low dose pit). It was the absolute right choice, and may have helped prevent a c section. Babe was really struggling after such a long labor, and I had to get her out fast. If I hadn't been able to rest, I'm not sure I would have had the ability to push her out.<br /> It was awesome. Labor f-zing hurts. It's a tool, and there are lots of really good reasons to use it. I worry about it stalling labor, but I've read some recent studies that show it lengthens it by 15 minutes, on average. </p> <p>For number two, I think I will be more open minded, and less scared/ judgy about intervention. And maybe I'll get lucky and have a super text book, straight forward labor and will decide against intervention. But I would make the choice I made with number one a thousand times over if the labor is similar.</p> <p>Also, the way number one went down made me so, so grateful to be giving birth in a hospital. That's a whole other discussion. But I spent a lot of time during my pregnancy worrying about how my birth would go, wanting it to be empowering, etc. on the other side? Drug me up, strap me down, do whatever you have to do to ensure I walk away with a healthy baby. Having my kid totally changed my perspective about all of it. Knowing how much I could lose....anyway<br /> I think your perspective is a good, grounded one to have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338536 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 20:34:37 +0000 heffalump 1338536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was all about epidurals. My first labor was great, I got the epi, took a nap, and still was able to control when to push which only took an hour. The second labor my epi failed me, and I didn't get it until I was ready to push. So I've experienced both and if I had my choice, I'd go epi all the way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-waiver-on-wanting-epidural-why#post-1338517 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 20:27:17 +0000 bisous 1338517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I assumed when I got pregnant that I would get an epidural. Two books and a natural birthing class labor, I was set on a natural birth with as little intervention as possible.</p> <p>So, I went in, knowing as a first time mom, things could change quickly and intervention *could* indeed be needed. I was in labor for a long time, but I did do it naturally! I feel very lucky that my labor went smoothly! It wasn't easy, but to me it was worth it. It's a beautiful thing to be able to let your body do it's thing! Just have to be realistic about it! Goal is always baby and mama's health and safety!</p> <p>Oh-and I did ask for an epi at 8.5 cm, but my sis and SO helped me through it! </p>