Has anyone used Remifentanyl in labour?

[Nuttypops]

When DD was born 2 years ago I ended up having an epidural as I was hooked up to the induction drip after 2 days of labour and couldn't cope with the pain. I am having DC2 at a different hospital and have been told that Remifentanyl may be a useful alternative to an epidural as I hated the epidural and want to avoid another if possible.

Has anyone used it in labour? What was your experience?

I did, it was glorious. It also rendered me completely incapable of proper decision making.

I like the glorious description, thanks! I was really out of it last time so am not too bothered about that aspect.

I had this. I couldn't have an epidural because they thought I had an infection, so this was given as an alternative. It's self administered, but I found it really hard to judge when to press the button. I think you are supposed to press it just when you think a contraction is coming as it takes 30 secs or so to kick in. When I got it right it was great and made me very sleepy between contractions. But the sleepy meant I often forgot to press it on time for the next one, and then woke back up with a huge shock!
I don't think I would bother with it again and would prefer an epidural

I did. It was awesome! Haven't had an epidural during childbirth but have had one for other reasons and I much preferred the control and sensation of Remifentanil.

Not had an epidural so can't compare it
It did take 15-30 secs or so to hit so the first bit of every contraction was felt but I used gas and air until the remifentanil worked
I was able to use it throughout incl pushing
It is very short acting and didn't affect my ability to walk about. No need for a catheter either

It works well once you get the hang of pressing the button at the right time. I was induced so was on it for hours, I was mostly lucid but would occasionally drift off mid-conversation and couldn't manage to sleep on it (I think you could with an epidural which would help to rest up more in a long labour). The only downside is that they take it off you for pushing stage, which was a shock as it was like being suddenly woken up/coming up from underwater is the best analogy.
I was up and about right away after being stitched and cleaned up.