I need a refresher course in pain relief options

[SilentBoob]

My last antenatal class was 6 years ago.

I've had 2 babies since then, and am about to have a third. Outside of UK this time and I'd appreciate running my understanding of the options past some Mumsnetters.

My Dr says that most people have Pethadin injections here. I seem to remember specifically NOT wanting Pethadin the last twice, even writing on my notes not to offer it - but I can't remember why. Something about drowsy babies not feeding and inevitable heroine addiction???

I will hire a tens machine.

Apparently G&A will be offered towards the end of labour for the last bit. Different from UK then where I was hoovering it throughout - but it did make me very vomitous so maybe it's for the best.

Epidural will be available, but apparently it's not a common choice here at all and the anaesthetist may not be available. My last epidural was very traumatic so I'm happy to avoid if poss.

Thing is, that seems to leave me with nothing but a tens machine... and my last two labours were long drawn out inductions (both 24+ hrs) hooked up to monitors throughout and OP (ie spine to spine). I'm not sure I have the strength to labour back-to-back for more than 24 hours with nothing but a tens machine to dull the pain. Then there's the manual water breaking... the 3rd degree tear...

Umm...

Have you thought about hypnosis? Can be very effective

I had pethadin with DD. No major problems with sleepiness afterwards. Plus my mum had Pethadin with both me and my brother - neither of us ever tried heroine! (It's a bit early to tell with DD as she's only 3yrs, but I'm crossing my fingers)!

TBH, I had back to back with DD and the Pethadin didn't even touch the sides of the pain relief - only an epidural would do.

TENs are fab. I only had Tens Machine for 16 hours of labour until I was taken into theatre for a forcep delivery (baby was stuck) and had a spinal. I would do it all again just on Tens machine. Also, I found the breathing techniques really useful and the contractions are far less painful when you breathe proberly through them!