Pain Relief Theory

[karlahine]

Although I would describe giving birth as a near death experience I have to say I feel like I tried all sorts! My 1st was 20 days late and I was forced to have an epidural and I have to say in comparison to natural birth pain relief was a massive hindrance and delayed the entire process! Also recovery speed is reduced too. Natural birth allows the endorphins of love to be released whereas pain relief delays everything. If possible try and do it naturally. I would love to have another and I'm getting broody at the thought! Good luck to those expecting at the mo xxx

Hmmmmmmmmm.

That is all.

How do you know it "delayed the entire process" if that's your only birth experience?

And why were you "forced" to have an epidural?

Endorphins of love?????????????? Didn't feel much like it at the time.

I feel complelled to ask OP - What are you on? Endorphins of some sort?

I wasn't going to validate this with a proper reply but I think I have to ...

Posts / opinions like this make me so angry. It's the whole "natural is best" promotion that can lead to women feeling inadequate and suffering from pnd because they chose to accept pain relief... and then having people tell them if they hadn't had that pain relief then they might have had an "easier" birth. (Also nonsense, plenty of natural pain free births still end up with interventions and emcs with epidurals and spinals being given at the very last minute!)

Seriously, what a load of bollocks.

I had an epidural with dd. I also had an epidural that didn't work, so I was in agony the whole time - incidentally 70 hours from beginning to end in established labour I might add.

I had a midwife who tried to talk me out of pain relief by saying that women in Africa give birth by hanging on to trees (really helpful, thanks for that) and that I should embrace the pain as a way of bringing dd closer to me...

Hmmm. I think childbirth is the only time in a human's life where we are fed the line that "pain is good". If you are in pain at home, you see if you can manage without and if you can't you have a painkiller. You don't feel bad for having a paracetamol. Why should women in labour be made to feel bad for having pain relief if they need it or want it?

I'm sorry you felt forced to have an epidural (how???? most women have to beg and plead for one!!) but to have one DENIED (which is more often the case) is just as upsetting - it's the same issue - feeling out of control and dictated to.

Right, I'll get back off my box now.

It would be great to think, as many do that the body is such a wonderful machine that it provides it's own pain relief - which I suppose it must do. I honestly believe that if it were men that gave birth, there would not be this idea that birth pain is somehow a good pain. I had an epidural with my first, as I wanted it. The second she was born I had overwhelming feelings of love - and from start to finish from being induced took 6hrs, so I was very lucky and the drug process didn't slow me down, or hinder any love feelings. I also recovered very fast and was out 12hrs later (after I got my legs back and was checked). I have a pal who is very natural in all areas of life - it took her 2 weeks to get out of the house after having her natural birth - It all depends on the individual.

I'm going to give the whole natural thing a go this time (as I'm 37w), and have taken hypnobirthing quite serioulsy (some of it makes real sense). BUT, if i want some pain relief, I shall ask for it - why not? It's not inadequate or in any way bad - women can't bloody win, natural vs drugs, BF vs bottle - each to their own:)

Karlahine, good luck if you are feeling broody:) HOpe you have a better, epidural free birth next time

Hanging from a tree

and how many women in Africa die in childbirth because they're "hanging from a tree" with no access to clean and safe medical facilities. yes I'm sure the tree option is their preference

My friend was very pro "natural" birth with her first, did her research and took the classes, listened to the CDs etc. Ended up with an epidural which was, in her words "fucking amazing".

What Loony Bun said!

endorphins of love
Are you still high OP?

I say each to their own: if you want all the pain relief you can get go for it; if you want a CS see if you can get one, if you want a natural birth go for it. Be aware of the pros/cons of all your options.

It's fine for us ladies to share OUR experiences but that's just it, everyone's experiences/expectations will be different so whatever is right for you. No guilt, no recriminations, do what you feel is right, not what others think is right, and you won't go far wrong - in my humble opinion anyway :)

Quite, Lois, well said!

We had a lovely doula for the birth of DD2, who is very pro-natural birth and possibly weaves her own lentils. She is very well versed in the downsides of any pain relief method. However, after watching me in agony for several hours, begging for another CS, my tens machine no longer helping, it was her suggestion to "try a bit of pethidine". I still ended up with another EMCS, but I liked her all the more for the fact that her principles, beliefs and advice were open to flexibility, and not something she felt should be imposed on others, or used to judge their choices.

Firstly, completely agree with each to their own on how they wish to give birth. Each birth & birthing lady is individual, so just because one didn't have pain relief, doesn't mean another should feel she should go without.

Also the Africa thing. This annoys me so much when people say such things! As previously said, so many more women & babies die as a result of childbirth in Africa. Also babies come out a lot smaller, due to lack of parental nutrition disease etc. I'm sure if an African woman in labour was offered something for the pain, she would take it, she just doesn't have the option!

Ok rant over!

Urgh, you've ruined my Thursday evening OP.

Don't presume to comment on the birth experience of others when you've only got yours to compare with.

My epidural at 27 hours labour saved my life. I wouldn't have managed the further 17 HOURS without it.

Please stop preaching.