Why is an epidural a big deal

[Muddytoes1]

Currently 30 weeks with my second and spoke to midwife today about the possibility of having an epidural this time round and she was all “well lots of options to consider before that” and started talking about the nice lighting etc in birthing room and aromatherapy etc. Didn’t want to be rude and point out that nice lighting isn’t the most effective pain relief option out there - she is really lovely and only trying to help. I didn't have any pain relief other than gas and air last time because NCT and midwives had made out that was the best option and yes I got through it but it wasn’t some amazing experience where I had a huge sense of achievement it was horrid. It hurt like hell and I don’t see why if there are better pain relief options out there I can’t use them? The main downside I can see to an epidural is not being able to feel pushing so increased likelihood of intervention but I never felt a pushing sensation anyway just lots and lots of pain which I think if anything was hindering the process not helping as I was fighting against it at every contraction rather than pushing. Anyway not really looking for any advice, just wanted someone to vent to and maybe reassure me that it’s ok to ask for pain relief in labour if I want it. Thank you x

I had an epidural and gas and air (the gas and air did nothing, except maybe get me a bit high?)

The epidural got rid of the pain, but the could still feel pressure to push. Pushed for 35 minutes before delivering.

But everyone is different! If you want it,make sure it's in your birth plan!

I would ask at your next appointment why it hasn't been recorded and make sure it is, although I'm not sure how much birth plans are really taken into account at the time.

I had an epi with my first, no problems, no pain, no fuss.

I thought I would try to manage without for my second (no real reason and I could kick myself now) but ended up with a crash section under GA, so i missed the birth completely. If I had had epi sited already they could have performed the cs without knocking me out.

I LOVED my epidural. I’d have another in a heartbeat. Had one where I could still walk around. Birthed my 10lb 2oz daughter with no intervention or complications at all.

I did hypnobirth and think this helped me to listen to and trust my body so knew when to push etc.

Yes, essential to get it recorded. I would be unwilling to trust that it was a genuine mistake given what she said.

I wish I'd had an epidural. I was induced on the drip and found it the most painful thing EVER. I did have pethidine and it was horrible- I was still in pain but went all weird/woozy/couldn't talk properly or even sit up. Ended up pushing on my back with legs in stirrups and it had worn off by the time baby was crowing so that hurt like hell too. Whole thing was a nightmare.

I went in very up front about wanting an epidural and I got one as soon as I was able, it was a lovely labour and really quick. My first (which I had wanted to be all natural!) was a very long back labour which ended in forceps and a baby born with head trauma. I honestly think my anxiety over another very painful labour would have slowed things down more than an epidural.

I could definitely feel the pushing stage, I felt a lot of pressure and was telling the midwives I thought I needed to push earlier than they expected me to. I could feel nyself pushing very hard and could definitely feel the friction of DD's head sliding out. I just couldn't feel any pain.

As I said it was a lovely labour, we were so happy with our new baby whereas my first was so traumatic and full of pain and panic. Would definitely aim for the same again if I had a 3rd.

My baby is 8 days old. I tried w/o an epidural but decided to have one after 38 hours of labour. It was beautiful for 4 hours and then the epidural failed for the last 2 hours of full dilation, episiotomy and pushing and the next 1.5 hours of being stitched up. It was horrendous and really traumatic. I would have one again in a heartbeat with the desperate hope it doesn't fail again (15% fail rate).

First baby only had gas and air, it was a long second stage and pushed for almost 2 hours. Had a second degree tear and recovery was fairly long. Although I felt I’d done it the ‘right’ way at the time but that’s probably due to NCT to be honest!!

Second baby, terrible pregnancy and under consultant care the whole time. Still thought I wanted a ‘natural’ labour but due to extreme tiredness, terrible ante natal anxiety and failure to progress I asked for an epidural. Best thing I ever did, baby born in 4 hours afterwards with little stress to her or me. DH said I pretty much slept through the whole thing!!! No tears, left hospital 12 hours later and felt almost recovered in less than a week. I wouldn’t even consider another birth without having an epidural.

I really feel women should t be denied access to pain relief, my midwife had to go and get her boss to agree that I would be allowed one, had I been in a better state I would have seriously questioned that. Saying that they agreed with no issue and the anaesthetic team turned up within the hour.

Much higher chance of intervention (and therefore C-section which is a major surgery) and it confines your movement. The best way to give birth is to squat or stand and it lets gravity help and widens the pelvis. If you have an epidural you're confined to a bed. That's probably the midwives concern. But each to their own. Pick what is right for you