Question about labor...

[opaloctober]

Let me first start by saying I don't like pain. At ALL. BUT, I do want to try and give birth without and epidural, if possible...i'd like to labor and be able to push in different positions, etc. Is there anything that relieves pain that I can be given, say interveinously that will help with the pain but still allow me to be mobile and be in

Comments

[thejoysofjess]

There's no such thing as a walking epidural. It's just an epidural that's not working, really. If your legs can move, it hasn't done its job. (Speaking from experience here).

If you want to give birth without an epidural, do not half ass it. Don't go "Oh, what a great idea." PREPARE. You are getting your body ready for a marathon and you need the proper training.

[ias]

A walking epidural is the name for a low dose epidural/spinal combination. It doesn't usually allow you to walk unsupported but does give some sensation in the legs.

[lovetokate]

There are narcotics that can be given through IV but they are very temporary...just "taking the edge off" for about 30 or so minutes per dose. I, personally, did not have good luck with these. I had one dose of Stadol with my second child and she came out with respiratory troubles. It was never anything very severe but the nursing staff insisted she had to be kept in the nursery (and away from me) for 4 hours before she finally began to regulate her breathing on her own.

The walking epidural is just a different type of epidural that numbs your abdominal region only instead of everything from your chest down.

I am was a person who did not think she could handle pain AT ALL. But they got around to coming with my epidural too late in my first labor and I'm SO thankful I wasn't able to get it. If I had, I might not know what an incredible experience natural birth can be. I planned a natural hospital birth with my second (though they would not stop badgering me about that damn Stadol) and this time I'm planning a homebirth! Good luck

[opaloctober]

I've seen (and saved) a lot of homebirths from youtube, and those mothers make it look like it's something I could handle...natural birth, that is...whether it be in a hospital, or home...I just don't know what will happen when it actually comes to ME DOING it...

[lovetokate]

In my mind, birth does not = pain. Instead it's a combination of emotions, sensations, and intensity that is unique only to birth! The idea that this is what my body was built to do is very comforting to me. My advice is to do a LOT of research and soul searching and decide what's best for you. :)

[thiscantbesoy]

Only curious, but if birth isn't painful to you, why did you have the Stadol? :)

[eicnan]

You can have other painkillers but a lot of hospitals for liability reasons will not let you walk around once you've had them.

[inanna31]

Just my opinion... labor, hurts. I don't care. But really, it's not for long. I know people say it, but it's true... the moment you see your baby, you don't even remember the pain it took to get him/her in this world.

I myself had an epi with my first two, but not with my 3rd. I went natural because I went so fast and I think it hurt more only because I wasn't prepared. I really think if you do your research, take some classes, get PREPARED that it'll be a lot easier for you. Know what to expect, you know?

With this next baby I'm planning on going without an epi, but maybe something like nubain just to take the edge off the transition contractions. But that's it, I think.

Good luck hun!

[inanna31]

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/

This is an awesome website I found. The video clips are so helpful, and there's a ton of information that has helped me. I hope it helps you too!

[opaloctober]

I checked it out and it seems like it's worth looking into. I'm just now reading into it but it seems like i'll like it!