Hello all :) I don't want to start a debate over natural birth vs. epidurals. I believe in natural birth for many reasons, I just have some questions for those who have gotten epidurals, c-sections, etc. As I'm reading through my natural birth books for review (because I'm pregnant again! Yeay!!!) I'm just wondering if some of what they say is really true. First of all, if you have had an epidural, were you able to hold your baby right after delivery? How much were you allowed to room in? Did you have to put the baby in the nursery? Did you notice anything about your baby that would lead you to believe he/she was drugged? Anything from your experience I would love to hear. Thanks alot for all of your input!

Hi! I have two babies, one delivery I had an epidural and the other was natural. Personally, I did notice a big difference. I was able to hold ds (the epidural) right after he was born and he nursed well and seemed very alert. I didn't notice a difference inthat regard. With dd (natural) the same thing happened. The differences occured later. For example, with dd I was able to get up about 15 minutes after delivery and use the bathroom. I was also able to go with her to the nursery in the wheelchair. With ds I couldn't do that because I was still numb and therefore needed to be on a stretcher. The biggest difference in my opinion was the healing. I tore the same with both kids but with my son I was in a lot of pain after the delivery. I was numb and passed out in the bathroom about 2 hours after delivery. I had pp bleeding for over 2 months. This time around I came home from the hospital the very next day, was up and moving the following day, had minimal bleeding and felt a million times better in general. Hopefully that will help you! Both of my birth stories are on my blog...feel free to check them out!

Thanks Jill! I just watched an episode of A Baby Story on YouTube and the woman had an epidural and she seemed to be in more pain than I was when I had Nathan (naturally). Did you feel anything with your epidural?

I have two daughters. I had my first natural, and my second with an epidural. With my first daughter I barely remember the process. I was in labor about 12 hours, I passed out between contractions, and the delivery was excrutiating. She was born at 12:00 pm and I didn't wake up and actually see her or try to nurse her untill 5:00 that afternoon.

Second daughter, I had an epidural. I was completely awake, I was in labor about 4 hours, I did feel the contractions, and a major urge to push, but with minimal pain. When my daughter was born I was able to hold her immediately, I nursed her on the delivery table, we bonded all afternoon. For me it was a much better experience with the epidural. My daughter was not drowsy or drugged acting. She ate voraciously all afternoon and all evening.

I do love thinking about the days they were born! They are 9 and 12 now :)

Had an epidural with my first...as I was pushing, so it didn't kick in until after delivery...but no affect on the baby, held him immediatly, he never left my room ever.....
With my second delivery there was no time for anything!
I never do IV/oral drugs except antibiotics if they would be needed for the affect on the baby.
Congrats and good luck!

With the epidural I didn't feel anything but I did push ds out in 2 pushes! It was a very easy labor...#2 was super quick...

I have issues that prevent me from having a natural birth so I had an epidural & emergency vacuum delivery with both. They NEVER left the room. I was able to hold my DD less than 2 minutes after she was born (after they cleaned her up a bit.) For my second they offered me the option of putting him on my chest immediately after delivery so I could hold him (you can still use your arms -- and my DH was there to help) but he needed emergency care because the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around his neck and he was blue, so I didn't get to do that, but had he not had the cord problem the doctor was OK with that.

They stayed in my room 24/7 and I even co-slept with my first in the hospital....

DD didn't seem drugged from the epidural at all. Can't really tell with DS because he had other issues at the time.

The epidural was a real relief because both times I had been in labor 33 hours and the baby just wasn't coming. And I was able to focus more because I wasn't in pain. I did "feel" stuff, going on down there, but I didn't feel any pain. I did feel the baby come out but it didn't hurt at all. So, i was happy with that.

I was also able to breastfeed immediately after delivery (even w/ the epidural) they just propped me up in bed and it all worked out...

I've had 3...first was an emergency c-section with epideral, second completely natural, third c-section with a spinal.

I was up and out of bed within 2 hours with all three. All three I nursed within an hour of them being delievered. I was not able to have access to my middle child any sooner than I was the two that were delivered by c-section. None of my three ever left mine or dad's side.

Neither of the two c-section babies acted "drugged".

My first 3 were natural, very painful deliveries, fairly quick (1hr-4 hr labors). By number 4 when offered an epidural, (he was my second induction baby) I accepted and truthfully I wish I had done it with my other babies as well. It was the most wonderful delivery of all my boys, not that the others were not special but I truely enjoyed my epi delivery. With the epi delivery I was even able to help pull him out(with dr's help), touch him during birth, and he laid right on my stomach afterwards. It was wonderful! He was just as alert as his brothers at birth with naturals. Gosh nothing to do with the epi but he is my best kiddo, and was my best baby.

#5 girl was a emergency c-section, because she was a 30 weeker.

So that was my epi experience. All were hospital births.

I had 4 births and each time I had an epidurals. I loved them and wouldn't have changed a thing. I held all but one as they came out and straight up onto my chest (baby #3 was 2 week over due and had had a bowel movement before birth- she was suctioned and then given to me). I roomed in completely and enjoyed every minute with them that I could. The babies were always alert and never seemed druged or had any ill effects. They all scored a 9 or 10 on the apgar test. I think alot of times they just want to scare you into natural birth (yes I know not a popular view round here) just like breast feeding (yes I know I am a bottle feeder too! But at least I homeschool so there is some hope for me yet ;) ).

I was induced at 36 weeks because of preeclampsia. I was induced for a 5 days, yes I did say 5 days. By the time pretty good labor was going on, on day 5 I was ready for my epi. It allowed me to get some much needed sleep. In the end I did end up with a C because I wouldn't progress past 4. During my 5 day induction I was also on Magnesium and I was warned my son might not want to breath and would be lethargic. Well when they pulled him out he was screaming up a storm. He did sleep a lot and didn't want to nurse, but I think thats because of the Mag I was on more so then the epi. my son roomed in with dh and I (our hospital/birth center doesn't even have a nursery so it isn't even an option) and ds even co-slept with us, We were encouraged to do this since he was a little bit premature. Because of the C I didn't get to hold my son until I was out of recovery about 45 min later, but my dh stayed with ds from birth until I was out of recovery. I would much rather have a natural birth and plan on trying again for one, but I do feel each birth is individual, and moms should make the right decision for what they are going through and feels needs to be done. sorry I rambled.

I have not had an epi... however one thing to keep in mind is to find out what options your hospital provide. Our rather draconian, backwoods hospital says: once you have epi, no turning it down, no walking epi, no stopping- it's full on until approx 2 hours after birth.
Moms and babes react differently to the effects.

I thought most women here were not in favor about epidural... I had taken courage and thought... "I won't have an epidural" ... I am now kind of confused... it seems it's kind of better to have an epidural....

[whatwacko]

well... we will see...

I thought most women here were not in favor about epidural... I had taken courage and thought... "I won't have an epidural" ... I am now kind of confused... it seems it's kind of better to have an epidural....

[whatwacko]

well... we will see...
If you don't want to have an epi DON"T! Choose what you feel is best for YOU! There are compications that can happen with an epi just as with anything they "offer" What could help you out, is in your mind imagine what type of birth YOU want. Do you want to not feel anything? Do you want to not have drugs? Imagine what that looks like and then make a plan, a birth plan on what YOU want. Then take that idea with you to the hospital and hold onto it with all you have but at the same time ride out whatever comes your way with the best knowlege you feel is right. When I went in for my induction I went in with the mindset I was going all natural. But God had other plans, and they had to get my baby out via a C. I will enter into my next pregnancy with the same mindset of going natural dispite that the OB's and midwives have told me my pelvis is too small and I will need another C. I want that natural birth and I will fight for it until I feel it is enough or my baby tells us it needs to come out now. Stand firm in what you want...every birth is diferent and what was good for one of your births might not be for the next.

thanks 4hisGlory... You have said wise words! I will keep praying for God's strength !!! I really want a natural birth too!

:)

I will pray for you too!

Becky, I totally agree with every word you just wrote. :mrgreen:

Paloma, the reason why you were only hearing from the epi gals was because this thread was directed toward them. [thumbsupgrin]

Hello all :) I don't want to start a debate over natural birth vs. epidurals. I believe in natural birth for many reasons, I just have some questions for those who have gotten epidurals, c-sections, etc.

As for the negative side from those who've had epi's; well, there's still time for a negative experience story. LOL!

I've had four C's, so I obviously had meds with each. I had three epi's and a spinal block. My kids weren't groggy acting, and I was able to hold each of them immediately after each birth, even while I was being sewn up. :mrgreen: I co-slept in the hospital with each, and was up and going for walks, pushing the bassinet, two hours after surgery. Easy as pie. [cheerful]

Now, my spinal block was pretty bad. I would never recommend one to anyone. The anesthesiologist talked me into it (for what reason, I don't know), and failed to tell me that you aren't supposed to sit up for a specific amount of time (?) after surgery because you can leak spinal fluid before you clot. Well, I was up and doing my thing in a couple of hours and ended with a migraine that lasted for days. They didn't figure out what happened until just before I was discharged and the headache was going away. The anesthesiologist came in and apologized profusely for being remiss and offered to give me a spinal patch. I turned it down because my headache was almost gone by then. That was a tad frustrating, but, to be honest, I was always so excited when popping out babies, even a migraine didn't dull the experience for me. I can't even remember which baby it was. I think it was number three, but not sure. lol!

Anyway, natural is generally healthiest, unless medical intervention is necessary, but, as Becky said, you need to follow your heart (and the leading of the Holy Spirit).

[lovesign]

Joy [welcomewave]

Thanks Joy! He he he... I was aware that the thread was directed toward those who got the epidurals.... but... LOL... I guess I was expecting to "hear" terrible stories about it all! he he he (my fault) ....

Thanks for sharing your stories... it's amazing how wonderful moms are! there is ONE thing all of you agree.... which is the love and happiness you reflect when talking about giving birth... either c'section, with meds or completely natural you all talk about it with as a great experience... (I know some of you have gone through bad experiences but at the same time you then say it was all worth it) ....

:D

So encouraging!

Hugs for all of you!

Paloma.

I also believe in having a natural birth if possible. My second child was a wonderfully natural home birth and that was a fantastic experience.

However, my first child was born after a very long labor and I was really grateful for the option of having an epidural under those circumstances. I did not regret having the epidural at all. I would not recommend having an epidural unless you feel that it is really necessary. As with all drugs there are some risks. My sil recently had some issues with an epidural that was not inserted in the right place - but she recovered fine. I think that a mother knows when they are reaching the limits of their physical endurance and is the best person to decide what to do (in fact my midwife - who was very keen on natural birth - later said that she was surprised that I went so long without asking for the epidural). I experienced an amazing decrease in pain after the epidural (I could once again have a proper conversation with my support people lol) - however the effects do wear off after a while without top ups. For me it was useful to give my body a rest from the constant intense pain that was showing no sign of progressing. Maybe with the woman you saw the effects were wearing off. My son was wonderfully alert and responsive - showing no effects from the epidural. I held him immediately and breastfed him. I also roomed with him. The biggest problem for me was that I couldn't feel enough to push properly when required (this probably depends on the timing and frequency - ideally the effects of the epidural should be wearing off enough by this point to actively push). And I was also completely exhausted by this point with severe back pain so it would have been difficult anyway. My son was eventually born with the assistance of the ventouse suction.

I think that I ended up requiring an epidural because after many hours of labor I had been given some other drugs to speed up dilation (and hence the intensity of the labour). With the benefit of hindsight, if I was to change anything that I did I would have resisted this for longer to see if I could avoid it. It is true that once you introduce drugs it is more likely that more will be needed to assist further down the track. That said, maybe I would have had the same issues anyway. I did not feel upset or disappointed about how the labor had progressed after my son was born - I accepted it for what it was and those first moments and days with my son were as special as those with my second child.

A birth plan is great. However, each birth is so unique that you really can't set anything in stone. You need to be prepared to go with God's leading in the moment whether it is what you envisioned or not.

[QUOTE=newmom;121046]
Thanks for sharing your stories... it's amazing how wonderful moms are! there is ONE thing all of you agree.... which is the love and happiness you reflect when talking about giving birth... either c'section, with meds or completely natural you all talk about it with as a great experience... (I know some of you have gone through bad experiences but at the same time you then say it was all worth it) ....
[QUOTE]

I think that you have hit the nail on the head Paloma. Once you hold that baby in your arms many of details of how you got to that point fade into insignificance in the face of the incredible miracle in front of you.

Thanks Jill! I just watched an episode of A Baby Story on YouTube and the woman had an epidural and she seemed to be in more pain than I was when I had Nathan (naturally). Did you feel anything with your epidural?


It is possible her epidural failed. Sometimes they seem to fail for no reason, or they weren't put in right, or some people they just do not affect at all. I think that's relatively rare though, although I don't have statistics or anything, but I have heard of that happening.

[QUOTE=newmom;121046]
Thanks for sharing your stories... it's amazing how wonderful moms are! there is ONE thing all of you agree.... which is the love and happiness you reflect when talking about giving birth... either c'section, with meds or completely natural you all talk about it with as a great experience... (I know some of you have gone through bad experiences but at the same time you then say it was all worth it) ....
[QUOTE]

I think that you have hit the nail on the head Paloma. Once you hold that baby in your arms many of details of how you got to that point fade into insignificance in the face of the incredible miracle in front of you.

Amen, girlies! [lovesmile]

[loveflag]

Joy [welcomewave]

Just to give the negative side to epi's...although like Cheese said, this is rare and it didn't affect the baby, just me ;)

The epi didn't work for me. I had my c-section with no local anesthetic. After labor for over 2 days I refused to let them put me under. The epi kinked when they moved me onto the operating table, which was why I choose the spinal block the second time. And just an FYI, some hospitals still have bite sticks in them :D They let me keep the one they gave me during Rae's birth.

Now, since the spinal block worked, I liked it much better :D

There are as many different birth stories as there are babies. At any given moment, things happen and decisions have to be made quickly. You can spend 9 months trying to play every possible senario, but in the end you might be faced with something you never thought of.

Honestly, the best thing you can do, I seek the Lord and know He is in control.

Well I had a spinal with my last baby, I was told by my dr that there was NO way I could birth him naturaly(I had Placenta previa which is placenta covering all of the cervix). Infact I had the worst kind a grade 4 they called it, which just mean't it was smack bang in the middle covering everything.
So back to the spinal the dr said he did not think they would be willing to give me a spinal as there were all kinds of problems that could arise in this kind of c-secion. He keept telling me that the placenta was on top of my tummy starting from my belly button. So the dr would have to work very quick to get baby out because he had to cut though the placenta and that would cause lots of blood loss.
So I finally I track down the the anaesthetist that was willing to let me have the spinal and therefore be awake at the birth of our sixth child.
And then of course I had a reaction to it infact it nearly sent me mad I got a maddening itch all over my cheast and breasts I will never forget it was terrible, but that was just the start of a very horrible recovery that I wont go into. Now after saying all that I think that they can work wonders for some people. I was my friends birth partner 5yrs ago and she had one after her very long and painful birth. It was great and NO side effects just a happy mum and happy baby. I must be just one of those people whose body said no don't like that drug.
It' just trial and error.
As is most things when you become a parent.
Just hold on to Jesus and keep praying about the birth and he will lead you.
God bless Andrea

I had an epi with both of my labors; I was still able to hold and nurse both my boys right away. They were both taken to the nursery briefly after nursing and then brought to me in the recovery room and stayed in there with me until we were ready to leave the hospital.
Neither seemed drugged after birth - they were alert and screaming until I nursed them, but both my boys experienced drops in blood pressure / heart rate during labor which can be caused by epidurals and / or pitocin (which I also had with my 2nd) - if I had known that those kind of drug interventions could cause blood pressure / heart rate issues during labor I would have tried alot harder to avoid them and will try to avoid medical intervention with my 3rd for those reasons and others, too.