Walking Epidural? Have you had it??

[VogueVe]

I'm considering a walking epidural as pain relief - although ideally I want to be all natural.

I just want to know my options and understand what will happen if I choose to have a walking epidural.

Has anyone had it? What was it like? Was it still easy to feel contractions and push?

No advice but if you haven't already check your hospital offer it, mine didn't

I don't know if mine was a walking one, they didn't say, but it was not like how I expected it to be. When it first went in, utter bliss and I was able to nap a bit which I desperately needed. But I controlled the amount that went in, so if it hurt too much I pressed a button and it upped and the pain went away. That meant that once I had dilated (you then wait one hour before pushing if you've had an epidural) the midwife encouraged me to not use it so that by the time I was ready to push I could feel it and was in control etc. so yes I felt dd being born (can still vividly recall crowning her 9lb 11oz head!) but I was pleased as felt less of a risk of instrumental as could push effectively.
As it happened things went wrong after that with a pph so was pleased to have epidural sited and some degree of pain relief in place until they got me in theatre and under a GA. I say go for it if your hospital do them!

I had one. Although as I controlled it not much walking was done. I initially used it to get some rest but with a back to back brow presentation I kept clicking that button and numbed myself as much as possible.

Im in Sweden and that seems to just be how epidurals are done here. It was very light, no chance of sleeping and I was able to walk around unaided until i gave birth. I didnt have control of it but it was turned off / disconected when i went into transition. After that it was only 30min total to having the baby in my arms so im not sure how bad the last bit would be if it lasted longer. I def felt contractions and pushing but less than with dc2 who was too fast for me to get an epi.

I had just regular epidurals twice but each time, I could feel when a contraction was beginning but in a completely painless way. It was wonderful. I also was able to push just fine - my first was a ventouse delivery as he had the cord wrapped in multiple loops around his neck and he was in distress. My second was born in three contractions (about ten pushes), so I dare say I was pushing pretty effectively.

I would say that it you are thinking of going naturally and only getting an epidural if you reach a point where it is too painful for you, then I imagine your instinct will be to get every ounce of pain relief possible from that epidural, as by definition, you will previously have been in intolerable pain. Just based on my experience as I had the same mindset as you on my first - once you want an epidural, you really REALLY want one. I adored my epidural and on my second pregnancy, I told my doctor at my first appointment at six weeks that I would be wanting one!

Beautiful thing those epidurals. Had a regular with my first and a walking with my second. Only pushed for 15 min with the second. Zero pain. Didn't tear at all. Only regret was not asking for it sooner.

Yes I had one and it was great. I controlled it by pushing a button and it meant I could still move around when it got to the pushing stage. Would definitely do it again!

What's a walking epidural please?

I had one cited for 4 days post c section to provide pain relief. I had my DD privately at St Mary's. They didn't offer the same service in the NHS side for c section mums. I have only heard of them being used in private obstetrics within the UK.