Moms! What knid of meds or techniques did you use for labor?

Question

And would you do it the same way or different next time?

Answer 1

I think it hilarious that someone that has never given birth before feels like an expert on the subject - believe me, you don't have a clue until you are in the situation.

I had Demerol and an epidural with my first and frankly, I loved every second of it.
My second was too fast so there was zero medication. Very painful back labor - but I lived and actually felt better after than I did with the epidural.

I would suggest that you just research all your options so you don't feel clueless. What you plan now may not be what happens once in the moment.

Answer 2

I tried to deliver my daughter, my first child, without any meds. After 10 hours, I gave in and had an epidural. It was nice to no longer feel the pain, but after about 3 hours the pain came back, worse than before. When I delivered her,I felt everything. and then I passed out. I don't remember the first 48 hours of her life. I am told that it is a normal response to an epidural. But it still sucks. I look at pictures and think, "When did they come visit?" I really don't remember!! I am now 30 weeks pregnant with number 2 and I will NOT have any medication. I want to remember everything about my baby. It is terrible not to remember!

This is just my experience. I know tons of people who have done it both ways and claim that epidurals are the way to go. But, at the same time, I know tons of people who have had terrible experiences like mine.

Good luck with your decision. It is a hard one to make!

Answer 3

I did nothing, no drugs, no weird breathing. Both of my labors were quick. The first was 2 hours 45 minutes and my second was 1 hour and 30 minutes. I think an epidural can slow labor and the breathing just annoyed me.

Answer 4

Epidural!!! Yeah!!! Why should it be horrible for you? I had an epidural for both and on my second child they put it in the wrong spot. It never worked at it was the most painful miserable experience of my life. I love having him but I think only crazy people have natural childbirth willingly. Its not like you get a trophy or anything for doing it without the meds. I never saw one anyway LOL. Get the epidural and enjoy the experience.

Answer 5

No meds, no techniques. I wasn't really given the chance as my kids, once they decided to make an appearance, they didn't want to wait. LOL

Would I do it differently if i was given the chance? I don't think so. I'm afraid of needles, so the epidural just isn't working for me. I do walk everyday, so that helps in the long run.

Answer 6

I haven't given birth yet. But, my plan is to use no meds, and to use the Bradley Method of natural birth.... which uses breathing and relaxation for pain management. To me, the risks of the epidural are not at all worth it for pain relief when women have been having babies without epidurals since time began. (You can go here to see what I mean - it's not biased against epidurals, it's just straight info.: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html). I have a mom and four sisters who have given birth to a combined total of 12 babies with no drugs whatsoever. I'm comfortable with my decision and do not think I will regret it.

Answer 7

I used breathing until the pain was too bad, then I got and Epidural. I would do it again, but I would try to last a little longer before I got the Epidural.

Answer 8

i'm with MaryRose, i haven't given birth yet, but i'm taking Bradley classes and using no drugs. epidurals sound WAY too risky for me! (many people don't even know the risks, because doctors don't tell them). instead, i'm planning a waterbirth (aka "aquadural") it's much safer: A large-scale study of waterbirth in the UK (1994-1996) showed a decrease in perinatal mortality (1.2 per 1,000 for waterbirth vs. 4 per 1,000 for conventional birth during the same period)

i've read that women who have had both an epidural and a waterbirth say that the waterbirth was more comfortable & would to it that way again. it is a form of hydrothereapy which, in studies, has been shown to be an effective form of pain management.

Answer 9

First time - back labour. Ugh...horrible. Tried demerol (did nothing but make me feel a bit dopey), used the shower (worked for a while until the pain was too much)...finally got the epidural...thank goodness. Back labour was insanely painful. Kiddo wound up being a forcep delivery - head was fully engaged, but he was looking up over my left hip.

Second one...no time for anything but laughing gas - distracts you more than anything...that kid meant business. 9 lbs, 6 oz...he was out after 5 hours of labour, start to finish.

Third one - we'll see...probably natural again, but nothing is written in stone, that's for sure!


LMAO - I find it hilarious when someone who's never given birth tries to talk you out of an epidural...I was blacking out from the pain with that back labour...you don't know what you'll need to do until you're in the middle of it.

Go in with a general plan, and be flexible.

Answer 10

Epidural is my friend and it should be your friend too. I plan on getting an epidural next time too but not as much pain meds so late in labor because I had a hard time pushing because I couldn't feel anything at all.