https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:27:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like/page/2#post-892362 Fri, 28 Jun 2013 01:58:18 +0000 SAHM0811 892362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Completely uneventful for #1... Didn't need it for #2 though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892320 Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:55:24 +0000 sylvie_b 892320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: we basically had the same epidural experience. When I arrived at the hospital I was only 4cm dilated....after they gave me the epidural, 1 1/2 hrs later, they checked me and said, "oh no wonder you were in so much pain...you're fully dilated!" Wtf! 30 minutes of pushing later, our little man arrived! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892260 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 23:35:39 +0000 MrsF 892260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine had to be placed prior to my induction because my platelets were dropping but they kept the dose very low until I needed it. It needed a minor adjustment because I could feel one side but after that it was perfect! I apparently pushed very effectively even with it so the dose must have been just right. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892175 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:45:00 +0000 Boogs 892175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When it worked it was great. When it didn't, it reeeally didn't work. Overall, didn't have the best experience with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892160 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:39:01 +0000 Ree723 892160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Amazing! The anesthesiologist said I was the ideal patient for an epi and it went in no dramas, and worked brilliantly. They didn't turn it down for pushing but brought a mirror in instead, which was immensely helpful. LO was born with less than an hour of pushing, about five contractions worth (not that I could feel them). I had no after effects either and hope my next epi experience is as good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892147 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:30:49 +0000 lemondrop 892147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great experience once I got it around 9 cm (asked for it at 7cm, anesthesia got delayed) I asked for a much smaller dose, got half the usual bolus so it took care of the pain, but I could still control my legs and push. It slowed down my super fast labor and gave me a break. It wore off during pushing (on purpose), so I was up and walking within an hour. The only thing that sucked was the catheter, it was just uncomfortable and they took it out after a short while. I'd totally do it again the same way- I went in with no expectations and an open mind to get whatever I felt I needed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892135 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:27:03 +0000 sera_87 892135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awesome. The nurse called it a textbook epidural. I even managed to doze off from 6-10cm &amp; could walk to attempt to go to the bathroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892090 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:16:37 +0000 blackbird 892090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fantastic. I only wish I hadn't asked for it at shift change. That was stupid of me. I was told I am very easy to place and it was fabulous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892068 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:10:22 +0000 aprk 892068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good and bad, I guess. I got it at 9 3/4 cm purely out of exhaustion from 12 hours of back labor. I tried pushing with my midwife "helping" to complete me, but the searing hip pain was tortuous. I truly thought I would pass out. Getting the epidural itself was a breeze and it took effect immediately. I was able to move my legs a bit. </p> <p>It wore off juuuust as I was ready to push, so the 2.5 hours pushing with back/hip labor while lying down was hellacious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-892039 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:03:17 +0000 LittleFox 892039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine worked great when I first got it, and the relief and ability to rest was wonderful. Then it mostly stopped working. I say "mostly" because, while I could feel all of my horrible back labor, I could neither feel nor move my legs. That lasted for several hours (the worst!) until I ended up needing a c-section, which I also found quite painful (they said I'd feel pressure and pulling sensations and I did, but they hurt so badly I can't even describe it). I had to be pretty much knocked out once we were done. I'd love to do a natural birth next time (my original plan), as the experience left me feeling like kind of a failure (and a wimp). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-891289 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 19:35:29 +0000 GrapeCrush 891289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Once I got it, after an hour and a half of waiting, it was amazing! Then I needed a csection and shook so bad from it because I believe I got a much stronger dose, or another anesthesia, for the surgery. That part I wasn't a fan of </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889542 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:19:26 +0000 Honeybee 889542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural with both births, and both experiences were good. The epidural was placed quickly and gave me the relief I needed to relax and prepare for pushing. My only complaint is that my nurses turned my epidural off too soon, bothe times. With my first it wasn't so bad. I think they turned it off at about 10 cms, and then I labored down for about 1/2 hour and then pushed 1/2 hour; so I did feel some pain, but it was mangeable. With my second, they turned the epidural off when I hit 9 cms, thinking I would progress more quickly this time around. Except DS had a giant head, and it took 1 hour for me to dilate completely, and then I had to wait another 1/2 hour to push. By the time I started pushing I could feel everything. I thought the delivery itself was painful but the doctor had to manually remove the placenta thanks to a cord disconnect, I almost passed out from the pain! It was so, so bad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889516 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:15:35 +0000 Mommy Finger 889516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At first it was awesome and then it wore off. I had to get redosed twice. The last time got me to 10 cm but then it wore off and I pushed for 2.5 hrs with nothing and on no sleep. So, it was a rough 2.5 hours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889502 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:12:24 +0000 LuLu Mom 889502@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was fine once it was in! The doctor took awhile trying to administer it (around 5 cm) he claimed I had a slight case of scoliosis...but I think he was just struggling. Once it was in it worked perfect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889496 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:11:10 +0000 Smurfette 889496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine was the best money I ever spent. I felt nothing and after delivery, it wore off like it was suppose too. I don't think it took anything from my delivery experience </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889494 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:10:23 +0000 immabeetoo 889494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great experience. I got it around 5 CM and it was not fun having it put in, afterwards I was able to fall asleep, wake up at 10 and push with zero pain. Minimal soreness afterwards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889467 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:07:33 +0000 skibobrown 889467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine was very positive. I did not want an epidural originally, but after 3 days of labor I finally made it to a 7 (with the help of pitocin eventually)... then my doctor told me that she wasn't going to check on me for another 2 full hours!! So I asked for the epidural. Of course, in the end I was already pushing the baby out only 30 minutes after getting my epidural, so I probably could have done just fine without it. </p> <p>My epidural was at just the perfect level for me. They gave me enough that the pain mostly subsided (although not entirely). I could still feel very strong pressure with every contraction, which was really handy b/c I could tell when to push, and I could feel everything associated with pushing. (I did feel the ring of fire through the epidural, so I can't imagine how horrible it must feel without!) My legs didn't turn to jello or anything, and I was really annoyed when they wouldn't let me walk around for hours afterwards b/c I'm quite sure I was fine to walk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889443 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:02:12 +0000 SleepyMonkey 889443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Magical. That's all I can say to describe it. No side effects or anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889436 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:00:58 +0000 Raindrop 889436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's hard to figure out what you will experience based on stories.</p> <p>I prepared for the worst after reading so many epidural experiences... I thought I was going to have one too... might as well mentally prepare.</p> <p>BUT I actually had a pretty good experience... I did try to hold off as much as I could but I was 6cm and didn't progress for 3 hours, so they broke my water and man were the contractions so painful after that! I couldn't hold out any longer... someone came in 3 contractions later so about 15 minutes but it felt like she took 2 hours.</p> <p>She put it in saying it will feel like a bee sting for a moment and then it should be over. DH was with me holding my hands when the put it in, it worked right away.</p> <p>I think what was interesting about mine was that I couldn't feel anything anymore... when it was time for me to push they did not lessen the dose to make me feel the contractions, they just told me when to push and I pushed... I had no idea if I was doing it right but I guess I was because 30 minutes later ... out comes LO.</p> <p>They took me off of it and about 5 hours later they moved us to the recovery room... they asked if I could walk... I said I could... but I was having trouble so they just decided to move my whole bed with me in it to the recovery room. :) I was able to walk and feel things a few hours later. I experience no side effects. Hopefully this will be the same for my next kids! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889421 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:58:58 +0000 cascademom 889421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had GBS too. I got an epidural within a couple hours of being admitted. I wanted one right away, so it was a no brainer for me. I had my worst contraction when it wore off slightly during the night. After they made it stronger, my labor and delivery was great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889370 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:50:47 +0000 swurlygurl 889370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pretty much perfect. Couldn't feel it going in, took away all pain but I could still move my legs and feel the pressure of the contractions.<br /> No side effects and I was able to walk around very quickly </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889337 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:45:39 +0000 heffalump 889337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Awesome. I knew I wanted one and asked for it right away. The only bad part was sitting up through a contraction while they put it in. He said I'll feel 3 more contractions before it kicked in, but I didn't feel any. Pushing was fine for me..... I could easily feel when to push and I was actually the one begging the nurse to push. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889324 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:42:54 +0000 hilsy85 889324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pretty great! I got the epi at 5 cm, and although it took 2 tries to get it in/to work, when they did get it right I had zero pain but could still move my legs somewhat. It didn't slow down labor at all (I think it helped it move faster actually) and I had no side effects. I will definitely get one next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889294 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:35:22 +0000 sorrycharlie 889294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: that was my biggest fear, too - that I would miss my epi window, lol. i hope you get one next time too! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889288 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:33:56 +0000 Mrs. Bee 889288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>positive both times! no issues.... just sweet sweet relief! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889283 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:33:16 +0000 mediagirl 889283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was AWESOME. I was ready for it like you wouldn't believe and once it took effect, ahhhhh sweet relief. I called my Mom and said, "I got my drugs! I feel great!" Hahahha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889278 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:32:31 +0000 Adira 889278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: Phew! Sounds like you got yours just in time!!! Glad to hear it all worked out for you! I'm hoping next time I can get an epidural, though at least now I know I CAN do it without, even though I don't want to, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889264 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:29:05 +0000 sorrycharlie 889264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: haha they tried to talk me into just pushing and I would not even speak to the doctor! lol. I had been tortured in triage though so they felt bad and gave it to me. they didn't believe that my labor was moving as fast as it was (triage nurse) and just kind of left me in there while they slowly did paperwork, etc. so it was all their fault to begin with, lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889259 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:27:45 +0000 sorrycharlie 889259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>in one word, heaven.</p> <p>that may have been because I got it at 10 cm though, and +3 station. I was trying not to bear down. so it wasn't like it had time to wear off..I started pushing about 30 minutes later, and she was born within 20 minutes of that (I think). It started to wear off right before I had to transfer to a gurney to go to postpartum, and I was able to get up and go to the bathroom by the time I got to my room. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-your-epidural-experience-like#post-889244 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:23:36 +0000 lovehoneybee 889244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm pretty neutral about mine. I got it at 5cm, it took effect immediately and was awesome for a few hours so I could rest (I'd been pushing 24 hrs awake by the time I was admitted--I was desperate for rest). It wore off twice, though, which sucked. The second time it all moved into one leg from mid-thigh down. It was dead weight when I was pushing and I couldn't walk on it by myself for about 12 hrs after--nurses had to help me pee. </p> <p>But I was really grateful for the short rest it let me have. I don't know that I would have been able to find the energy to push for 2 hrs without it. </p>