https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:24:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727842 Sat, 22 Apr 2017 23:56:27 +0000 misolee 2727842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My story is similar to @mrswashitape</p> <p>First was Induction, glorious epi, but ended up with csection. </p> <p>2nd. No time for one. I really wanted one. I kept begging but they wouldn't give it to me. Luckily it was fast delivery. But it hurt. Like the pain was terrible and I thought I had a high tolerance. And delivering placenta hurt too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727841 Sat, 22 Apr 2017 22:41:18 +0000 DesertDreams88 2727841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: I might be allowed an epi, it depends how low my platelets are and how well they respond to steroid treatment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727803 Sat, 22 Apr 2017 19:08:09 +0000 Mrs. Washi Tape 2727803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know everyone labor is different but I just wanted to throw in an alternate view since most comments are very pro - epi. I was induced with my first, had an epi and ended up having to have a c-section. I do think the epi probably kept me from progressing and it also didn't work great. </p> <p>With my second, there was no time for an epi. Baby was born two hours after arriving at hospital. And while it was painful, it was not unbearable and I had no ring of fire. Afterwards, I basically felt fine even though I had second degree tears. I am really hoping for a med free vaginal birth again for baby three. </p> <p>Honestly, as far as actual pain, I think every labor is different. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727766 Sat, 22 Apr 2017 15:38:58 +0000 Anagram 2727766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wrote this one the other epidural thread, so I'll copy-paste here:</p> <p>"@Mrs. Deer: Just wanted to come back and say, the epidural experience is so different from med free. The pain with med free was unreal---I only had 2-3 pushes and even so...it was so insanely intense that I didn't think I could do it. And I was hardly doing anything because LO was ready to come out whether I was ready or not. I remember actually screaming between pushes that the ring of fire was REAL.<br /> With the epidural, mine wasn't perfect in terms of erasing all pain--but it lessened the pain IMMENSELY. After having the med free birth, I actually laugh at myself having LO1 because I think I complained that the epidural wasn't working well and I was feeling "everything" on one side of my body, but after *actually* feeling everything, now I know that's not true. I would say on my right side, I was totally numb. Someone could have pinched my butt or my leg and I wouldn't have felt it. My left side probably felt 50% of the pain I might normally feel. But I wasn't screaming in pain like I was when I was unmedicated. I was more like...uncomfortable. It was at most a 5-6 on the pain scale (before they topped up the epidural) compared to the full 10 of unmedicated. The pushing part with epidural was more like immense pressure and no real pain. It's a weird sensation not being able to fully feel your body parts and push effectively. Even so, it only took me about 7 rounds of pushes (maybe 15-20 min?) to push LO1.<br /> One odd thing that happened to me was that they turned my epidural down/off (not sure medically what exactly they did) about 30 minutes before pushing so I could feel to push better. While that was a good decision and probably helped me push effectively, by the time I delivered the placenta and the doctor started stitched my tear, I could feel every single stitch and I kept telling him it hurt and I could feel it, and he said that wasn't possible (douche).<br /> The second time, I specifically and forcefully told the OB that I wanted a shot of something numbing before being stitched up. I was worried that since it was unmedicated, he would just start stitching. My 2nd OB was so nice about it and really numbed me up and said if you feel ANYTHING, tell me and I will make it go away. So ironically, the unmedicated birth had the better stitching experience. But the pushing with epidural was less painful, more controlled, and more calm than the med free."</p> <p>Other things I would add: I *do* think the epidural probably slowed my labor down. Either that, or the fact that wasn't up and moving around. But it's hard to tell when it's your first kid vs your second, which is already supposed to be faster. My first labor was 28ish hours long; 2nd labor was 2.5 hours long.</p> <p>Recovery: physically: with epi, I was able to get up and pee right after skin to skin, so within an hour. I could move my left leg throughout the epi though, so it didn't fully take on both sides. emotionally: fine, no issues. Recovery of stitches in the following weeks was normal.</p> <p>No epi: Physically it was fine. I was able to walk to change rooms right after skin to skin. Emotionally: I did *not* feel a high, or exhilaration or anything else some people talk about. Recovery: Fine, really no different from the first time around with epi. Not better or worse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727673 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 22:46:14 +0000 daniellemybelle 2727673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As others have said, I could totally feel my contractions and the urge to push! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727668 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 22:18:06 +0000 Lilbear 2727668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1st LO - 37 hr labor and I got the epi after the first 24 hours (exhausted and not dilating beyond 3 cm). I think the epi helped me finally relax and I finally started dilating more. It was an amazing wonder drug (that I originally had hoped to avoid taking). I felt very little pressure/pain but was still able to move my legs and control my muscles for pushing. I pushed for 45 minutes and had two 2nd degree tears. The only downside is that I had a spinal headache from the epidural and that made for a very rough first week postpartum. </p> <p>2nd LO - labor was way too fast (3.5 hours long) so I couldn't get the epidural, even though I actually wanted the epidural this time! It really wasn't too bad, but that's mostly because 2nd babies tend to be born more quickly. I only pushed for 7 minutes and my OB coached me through it while also minimizing any tearing. The recovery was so much better than my first birth recovery because I only needed one stitch and there was no spinal headache issues! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727662 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 21:42:38 +0000 jaguar 2727662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First was with epi - went fine, but I was frustrated because I wanted to go without (but the ridiculous long labour &amp; drip at the end really messed with me)</p> <p>Second was without epi - not that I was as opposed this time around, but because the induction was too damn fast, and I was pushing her out before we had time. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727651 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 20:42:28 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2727651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced with my water being broken and pitocin from 8 am until they turned it off at 4 am the next day to do a c-section. I had no epi, but when it came time to push, and I was pushing for just over two hours I think, I never felt the urge to push, just the contractions. It was really weird. I'm going to assume I didn't feel the urge or pressure because baby never descended low enough. They couldn't use forceps or vacuum to assist and my baby got stuck so they said I had to have a c-section. I did expect it to feel much different when it came time to push. I have heard that even with an epi you still feel the urge to push which was one of the reasons I was trying to avoid having one. Go figure!</p> <p>Doing it again I would love a vbac with no pain meds again and being able to deliver without a csection. I'm not sure if they recommend epis in case you go to an emergency csection though. I'm currently pregnant and meeting with an ob in a few weeks to get their opinion/what will happen if I do go into labour and have a TOLAC and vbac attempt. Epis scare me still (just the unknown) but I know many people who have had them and it has been great and I guess I essentially had one while being prepped for the csection. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727646 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 20:26:21 +0000 skipra 2727646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Will you be allowed an epi next time?</p> <p>My answer for which I would do again is that it depends. If I were induced 100% give me the epi asap! Going into labor spontaneously, I would want to try to go without because my epi experience with my last was not ideal (bp dropped, couldn't feel to push, took hours for it to wear off enough to even transfer to a wheelchair, and the catheter uck!). On the other hand, unmedicated labor is just plain awful. So I would just plan to make the game time decision. If I were in transition for 8 hours :shocked: no question, give me the epi!<br /> As far as knowing when to push, they monitor your contractions and can see when you're having one, even if you can't feel it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727622 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 19:23:18 +0000 mrsmacSLP 2727622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a induced labor with no epi for 10 hours which included pushing as I dialated and effaced fully. During that time I felt the absolute need to push! After 5 hours of pushing babies heart beat was dropping and contractions were coming one on top of each other so they suggested an epi to rest. While pushing with the epi, I still felt what I called the "bulge" or urge to push but without pain. The nurses also coached me through it all. </p> <p>In the end I had a c section but I felt the urge to push without the epi and with the epi! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727613 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 19:05:33 +0000 Beth24 2727613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had 2 failed epidurals. First labor there was time to take it out and re-do it in time for pushing which was awesome (well the taking it out and re-doing it actually was miserable but the pain relief was good, lol). Second time around it failed and by the time they realized it failed I was pushing. Recovery was a bit easier without the epidural but the pain was horrible and I would never choose to go through that again. I knew when to push when I had the epidural, they turned the dosage down enough to feel it without being miserable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727610 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 18:40:10 +0000 cabbagerose 2727610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had three vaginal births two all natural and the third with an epidural . The only reason I had an epidural was because my OB was planing a C-Scection. I am probably a minority I would do Natural again. I did not like they way the epidural made me feel and afterword I had severe back pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727606 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 18:28:49 +0000 bees_knees 2727606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a partially failed epi (could feel everything on the left side of my body but nothing on my right...so that was fun) for DS1. Labor was 18 hours total: pushed for 3.5. He started sunny side up and then partially turned so he was basically stuck, which is why it took so long to get him out. I still knew when to push bc, well...I could feel it. </p> <p>DS2 came so fast there was no time for an epidural. I went from 4 cm dilated to pushing in less than an hour, pushed for 4 min (vacuum assist) and he was out. It. Sucked. Anesthesiologist walked in 45 min after he was born and said "I'm here for the epidural...?" I could have throat punched him. </p> <p>I'm going to have them hook my epidural up as soon as I get a positive pregnancy test next time 😂</p> <p>ETA I tore really bad with both of them. As in, took 1.5 hours to stitch me up after DS1 (severe second degree tear) and over two hours after DS2 (third degree). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727558 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 15:05:08 +0000 Charm54 2727558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First was Epi, long labour (28 hours), long pushin (3 hours) and semi-painful, long recovery. </p> <p>For dd2 I desperately wanted an Epi but there was absolutely no time so it was med free. It was frightening because I had never considered or wanted a med free birth. It was incredibly painful and I can't imagine ever going through that level of pain and panic again. But the recovery was a breeze and super quick (I was up and walking around within 30 minutes). I felt kind of like a badass rockstar after it was all over. But given the choice again I would pick an Epi hands down haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727556 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 14:59:26 +0000 sarac 2727556@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epi with one, natural birth with the other. With the epi, I just pushed when they told me to, or when I had the energy. I hated how weird and disconnected it made me feel, but I couldn't handle the pitocin contractions without it. </p> <p>With the other one, well, I felt them. The most painful experience of my life would not even be close to describing it. Thankfully I went through transition and then delivered quickly, because holy shit, it was brutal. I can't even answer what I'd do if I did it again, because I would never do it again. But I'd at least consider an epidural, for sure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727500 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:31:25 +0000 Coral 2727500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mommy Finger: It really was awful! I was in labor for 32 hours and on a high dosage of pit (level 18) and the anesthesiologist was so so stingy. It worked for a couple of hours and then I could feel it only in my legs and thanks for the tip...i will definitely make it known next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727493 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:25:07 +0000 Mommy Finger 2727493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: Yes!!!!! Trust me, I would tell any nurse/doctor who would listen about my traumatic first epi failure so that it didn't happen again. The worst part of my 2nd birth was just getting the epidural. Otherwise I probably slept through most of the labor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727491 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:23:38 +0000 sunnyday 2727491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had an epi, then a failed epi, then no time for an epi.<br /> My first experience answers "how do you know when to push". Nurses are coaching you, they can obviously see when they're happening and helped us through each moment and told me what I should be doing and for how long. They also eased up on the drip at the end (once in transition) to allow me to feel more.</p> <p>Second time epi failed, then right at the end overworked and I was completely numb. Thankfully I knew what to do from the first time, otherwise I think I would have been completely useless.</p> <p>Third time....no time for one, lol. It all happened so fast and she pretty much came out on her own.</p> <p>All three times were so different, but I would absolutely elect to having one had my labour been as long as it was with my first. Knowing how much faster labours got each time, and how I did the second and third without the epidural for the hardest parts, I'm mixed on my thoughts! I would always say yes to one now, using my second as the better way to answer this question, I wish I got one from the moment I arrived at hospital versus "wait and see", then no anesthesiologist available. Knowing the relief it brang from the first time, it was tough mentally to get through the pain knowing the relief that comes from the epi. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727490 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:22:52 +0000 SproutBee 2727490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first, I had an Epi. I could feel the tightness in my stomach during contractions and the nurses coached me when to push/when to stop. I felt no true pain during delivery - amazing. </p> <p>With my second, I got to the hospital fully dilated and no time for an Epi. I was terrified and certainly this didn't help the situation. But pushing was the worst pain I could possibly imagine. I felt like my vagina was breaking in two. It was so painful and traumatic that I felt like I couldn't really enjoy my newborn for the first couple of hours because I was in shock. I wasn't planning on no Epi, though, which I'm sure contributed to the experience. </p> <p>I'm not planning on a third. But if it happens, I plan to rush to the hospital at my first contraction to make sure I get there in time for an epidural. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727489 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:22:09 +0000 Coral 2727489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mommy Finger: That makes me hopeful that I can have a failed epi for one birth and an effective one for another! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727487 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:19:21 +0000 Mommy Finger 2727487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a failed epi with my first so I sort of had an epi free birth. With my second one, my epi worked beautifully. I could still feel the pressure when it was time to push so that wasn't an issue. Plus, the nurses tell you when to push as they monitor your contractions. Plus, they sort of turn the epi off when it's time so I wasn't completely without feeling in legs. I think I was up and walking around pretty quickly after giving birth to DS2 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727486 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:19:19 +0000 RonjaL7 2727486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epi with my first and there was no time with my second because it went so fast. I found no issue pushing with the epi. I actually didn't find it to be that strong. I could still feel a lot, but it took the edge off for sure. I knew when I was having a contraction still without the monitor. </p> <p>With my second there was no time between contractions and I just pushed a few times hard and he was out. I remember letting out a big grunt and definitely feeling the stretch of something expanding the vajayjay but it wasn't that bad because it was quick.</p> <p>If I was ever in a situation that involved long labor I say epi all the way! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727484 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:13:27 +0000 KT326 2727484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I can't answer your other questions because I had an epi with both of my deliveries. But I can answer on how do you know when to push. </p> <p>With my first I knew when to push by placing my hand on my stomach and feeling when I had a contraction. The nurses also helped out since I was hooked up to a monitor. This one was a little different because I needed a forceps assist, he had the cord around his neck and two knots so he wasn't descending. </p> <p>With my second, I couldn't feel the contractions (they were one right on top of the other so it was like one long contraction) but the pressure was so intense they told me to just keep pushing. He was out in just a few pushes. </p> <p>The epi with my first was stronger, I couldn't move my legs at all. With my second, it was perfect. Took the pain away but I could still move my legs and feel the pressure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-epi-births-compared-to-epi-births#post-2727472 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 12:43:24 +0000 DesertDreams88 2727472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Weird title but I couldn't figure out how to make it shorter!</p> <p>Basically, if you've had an "epidural birth" and a "non-epidural birth" , both vaginal, how do you compare the experience in your mind? Pros, cons? Definite preference? If you were to do it again, what would you do?</p> <p>My experience: Horrible 24-hr induced labor, about 8 hours spent in transition (yes, a nightmare), wasn't allowed to get an epidural, DRs &amp; I wanted to avoid a CS bc I was only allowed gen. anesthesia. So I really want an epi next time but I wonder how I'll "push" without feeling the contractions...? </p>