This is my fourth baby, my third was 7 years ago. With the last two I said yes to the epidural even though I really wanted to see how I would go without it. I was induced with my first and third babies. This time I am adamant I am not having one but I just don’t know how I will handle the pain. My labours are usually about 12 hours but that’s with an epidural and I really don’t know if that stalled things because I couldn’t move around. I am due in December and I’m terrified of how I will handle it.
5 Replies
If things move along quickly it's a lot easier! I had to be induced with my 3rd and 4th, I opted just to have my waters broken with my 4th baby, he was here within the hour! My 3rd had to be induced as well but with oxytocin and labour would not start properly, I had small contractions that kept me awake all night and I was exhausted by the next day when contractions really did start. I was determined to skip all that and told my Dr how I wanted it done instead of the other way around. Still exhausting but much easier to have a drug free/epidural free labour when it's quick. Don't beat yourself up if things don't go to plan though, baby arriving safely is the most important thing!
I was induced with both of my children - luckily for me both births where only 5-6 hrs. The first time I screamed like a banshee and begged for an epidural which was too late at the time and I missed out hehe the second time I managed on gas and was calm and coped and felt empowered. Labor is such a lottery don’t put too much pressure on yourself, see how you feel let your support know your wishes but leave room for a change of mind! The best birth is a healthy baby at the end 🤗 good luck momma!
Ive done 4 labours without an epidural, however I labour and dilate really fast.
(Longest being about 4 hrs average 3. Last birth I was 5cm then an hr later was pushing). I also had gas except 1. If i had longer labours I wouldnt rule out having an epidural if fact id probably have one. Have a look into other pain relief, water birth, breathing, but your safety and the safety of bub is priority.
Home birth
Be open to change of mind , if you rule options out you will have let frighten yourself .
Trust your body !! Your body has amazing strength !! It’s already birthed your other babes YOU already birthed your other babes !!!! You have totally got this ! Read up on hypnobirthing not necessarily as something that you will follow 100% if you don’t want to but more to give yourself some techniques to try and hopfully calm your mind !
I was induced with my first and had a concoction of meds but no epi I kinda wish I tried it with his birth 😬 my
Other two were all natural with a little bit of gas right at the end but that was more for helping me focus on my breathing to be Honest but it was the most empowering feeling !
My second labour I stood most of the time and did lots of rocking of my hips through contractions which eased the intensity and My third baby was born in the water and that was awsome! CHeck if yiour hospital has a bath available in the birthing suite and use it !! Hot hot hot was so nice and def took some of the edge off !
Ultimately every birth is different and your body is amazing !! Good luck mumma ! And don’t forget if you end up opting for another epi it’s all good !! As long as ur baby gets here safely and you feel your Calling your own shots for your own labour !!