Last minute switch to epidural? Epi-no knocked confidence

[annapom85]

I’m 38 weeks + 5 days and throughout my pregnancy I’d been committed to a natural birth on the ML birthing unit. However, I’ve been getting increasingly anxious about birth and I’m thinking about scrapping my birth plan and requesting an epidural. Has anyone else done this? I feel stressed that I’m changing plans so late in the day.

The main reason for my change of heart is my difficulties with the epi-no which I’m really struggling with. I figure If I can’t ‘birth’ a balloon without significant pain, how will I birth a baby! It’s stressed me out beyond belief and I’m still not where near the 10cm it suggests!

There are other forms of pain relief before you get to epidural stage, gas and air, pethadine, while it will still hurt with just these two it will kind of numb the intensity of it. Having an epidural scares me more than giving birth does. Is this your first birth ? Honestly it's much more scary the first time, I'm due to give birth to my second in november and I'm honest so excited about the birth and feeling it all over again. Perhaps talk to your mid wife about your fears, obviously if you want a pain free birth epidural is the way forward. But by the time it comes to the crowning ring of fire part, it's nearly over and while in that moment it's horrible it's nearly done then the pain goes and you'll be in wonderment with your baby. Good luck

A pump operated fanny stretcher?! What fresh hell is this?!

I think it’s sensible to tell the nurse you would like an epidural so the right people are available, but definitely see how things go before you go ahead. You can always say no to something!

For my 2nd dc my birthing plan was simply 'get baby out safely'. I had an awful first delivery so was prepared to try everything - from TENS to full GA if I needed an EMCS.

Open mind op, and hopefully a birth-hormone-filled opening foof

You are not going to have the same emotional commitment to pushing out a rubber balloon as you will when you birth your child. Get rid of the dystopian device and think of your birth plan as "I would like to see how my labour progresses and make my choices at the time". You can request an epidural if you feel like having one or you can see how you get on with gas and air. My first labour I had every pain relief going, and an EMCS. Second I had no pain relief at all - and no birth plan!