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Pain Medication & delivery
I've been thinking about trying to have the baby 100% natural with no pain meds, but I'm a very tiny girl (5 foot) - DH is a very large man (6'3) and we were already told the baby's going to be large, so I'm thinking pain medication would be a good option if I do have a vaginal delivery, but I'm worried about what it would do to me & the baby, as I've heard some pretty bad things about medication. Any experiences??
i think this is a personal choice. and, personally, i swear by epidurals. had one labour without an epidural and it was ridiculously painful, and my biggest baby at 8lbs 13ozs. i'll be havin an epidural this time for sure, tried to get one with that labour but by the time i caved it was too late
I had minimal drugs with my first three.. just something to "relax" me (haha). Honestly, I felt very little effect and was definitely NOT too drugged up to immediately hold and feed my babies. Nor were my babies effected.
I am still hoping for a drug-free birth with this, my 4th, just because I think that is how it was meant to be. I have learned (i think) how to deal w/the pain and work w/my body, so I am hopeful!
I would caution you, though, not to be so dead-set on a certain type of delivery that you will be disapointed with anything else. Nothing is as unpredictable as childbirth! But as long as the result is a healthy babe, that's all that really matters.
I am still hoping for a drug-free birth with this, my 4th, just because I think that is how it was meant to be. I have learned (i think) how to deal w/the pain and work w/my body, so I am hopeful!
I would caution you, though, not to be so dead-set on a certain type of delivery that you will be disapointed with anything else. Nothing is as unpredictable as childbirth! But as long as the result is a healthy babe, that's all that really matters.
Choosing your birth place, birth method, etc is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong.
AND ....sometimes what you decide to do or want to do, just cant happen anways.
So do what you think is best for you and your baby and be open to change if something comes up along the way :) ....
AND ....sometimes what you decide to do or want to do, just cant happen anways.
So do what you think is best for you and your baby and be open to change if something comes up along the way :) ....
I am 5'2'', 110 lbs .... and my husband is 6'3'' and around 190lbs. Not that I think it matters, but just for comparison sake since you mentioned your size is of concern. My daughter (7lb 4 oz) was born naturally - no meds, no epidural, just a little acupuncture - in a birth center with a midwife. (and I am not a tree hugger but a chemical engineer who normally likes taking medicine when I am sick - but I feel pregnancy is not a sickness, but something natural that women have been doing for centuries and I wanted to give me daughter the best start possible.) It wasn't easy, but it was manageable and very special. I went home 3 hours after the birth and it was great!
I just hope I can deliver my twins naturally too!
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
I just hope I can deliver my twins naturally too!
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
LOL prayerful wife...you always make me laugh! =)
I delivered my first baby, Jeremiah, naturally. (was in active labor for about 13 hours) It was an awesome experience! I am looking forward to doing it again with this baby. Up until the last few hours, I hardly felt any pain, and I mean that. I didn't even think I was in labor at 6cm. (I'm nuts!!!)
His head was coming down crooked causing me to have this isolated pain in the middle of my belly. I almost had to go to the hospital (I was a birthcenter), and let me tell you, if I had gone, I would have taken that epidural!! Thankfully though, I pushed him out in 1 hour and 20 min. and everything was fine. =) Everyone's labor is different though, and I realize that of course. Just educate yourself and be prepared that, even though you choose your birth plan, things don't always go as planned. You'll do great with whatever you choose!! =)
I delivered my first baby, Jeremiah, naturally. (was in active labor for about 13 hours) It was an awesome experience! I am looking forward to doing it again with this baby. Up until the last few hours, I hardly felt any pain, and I mean that. I didn't even think I was in labor at 6cm. (I'm nuts!!!)
His head was coming down crooked causing me to have this isolated pain in the middle of my belly. I almost had to go to the hospital (I was a birthcenter), and let me tell you, if I had gone, I would have taken that epidural!! Thankfully though, I pushed him out in 1 hour and 20 min. and everything was fine. =) Everyone's labor is different though, and I realize that of course. Just educate yourself and be prepared that, even though you choose your birth plan, things don't always go as planned. You'll do great with whatever you choose!! =)
That's true, I really didn't have time, but still even if my labors were longer, i'd still do it naturally.
Prayerful wife - You crack me up! =) Hahaha
Anyones, like I said before. Just let everyone know your wishes, if you want even type up a paper on your wishes about pain meds, and print copies and hand it to every nurse you see come in your room, so they KNOW!! =)
You can also tell them, you don't want them to ask if you want it, to not mention it until you start asking for it! That's what my doctor always told me, and a few others I know! =)
Prayerful wife - You crack me up! =) Hahaha
Anyones, like I said before. Just let everyone know your wishes, if you want even type up a paper on your wishes about pain meds, and print copies and hand it to every nurse you see come in your room, so they KNOW!! =)
You can also tell them, you don't want them to ask if you want it, to not mention it until you start asking for it! That's what my doctor always told me, and a few others I know! =)
You ladies are my heros! LOL
D*mn all that! I walked in the delivery room put my socks on my feet told them to bring my epi, some ice chips, a Dr. Pepper, some Gram crackers and told them lets get this show on the road! LOL
Just kidding....
I say go into it with your coach/partner/staff all aware that your plans are to go natural if you need IV meds make sure they mix them w/ phernergan to reduce nausea, the only draw back is that they tend to make you sleepy and a bit out of it, but they are perfectly safe for the little one. Trust me they're not going to give mommy anything that could put baby in harms-way; you two are the most important people in the room.
Just research your options and if you do have to give in and opt for meds or an Epi dont feel like you've failed at anything...sh*t after all its called LABOR not LOUNGING. You do what ever you need to do to enjoy your birthing experience and make it pleasent. I'll tell any mother to film it and watch it when you get home (lots of laughs).
Personally, I wouldn't give birth anyother way put with an epidural, a foot massage, and a ton of guilt for my hubby. I did all three times (smile)
D*mn all that! I walked in the delivery room put my socks on my feet told them to bring my epi, some ice chips, a Dr. Pepper, some Gram crackers and told them lets get this show on the road! LOL
Just kidding....
I say go into it with your coach/partner/staff all aware that your plans are to go natural if you need IV meds make sure they mix them w/ phernergan to reduce nausea, the only draw back is that they tend to make you sleepy and a bit out of it, but they are perfectly safe for the little one. Trust me they're not going to give mommy anything that could put baby in harms-way; you two are the most important people in the room.
Just research your options and if you do have to give in and opt for meds or an Epi dont feel like you've failed at anything...sh*t after all its called LABOR not LOUNGING. You do what ever you need to do to enjoy your birthing experience and make it pleasent. I'll tell any mother to film it and watch it when you get home (lots of laughs).
Personally, I wouldn't give birth anyother way put with an epidural, a foot massage, and a ton of guilt for my hubby. I did all three times (smile)
I think I'm going to try having no medication unless I really have to. I'm worried he's going to be way too big then they'll have to do a c-section, but as long as he comes out healthy I don't care! :]
I didnt have any meds at all (man it hurt LOL) and was cut... the dr did numb the area with a needle before he cut.... so after the birth i did not feel ANY stitching or anything.... so if you chose not to get meds and are able to deliver naturally and do have to get cut or tear they will numb the area before they stitch you up! I would say just do alot of research on the different kinds of meds available to you... and try natural but if you cant take the pain HELL get an epidural or take some pain meds.... just go in it with an open mind! I plan on tryin to do this one natural but if i cant take the pain then I will definitely be asking for some meds!!
Ashie- You didn't have meds because all your babies came out within a 1/2 hour, there wasn't time for meds. lol just kidding :) You are right though, lots of women do great with no meds and nothing is impossible.
I've had 3 kids all natural, no meds what so ever. It's fairly easy if you have your mind set to it, and have all the nurses and the doctors know what you wish! I always use the bring in through your nose and out through your mouth, you tend to concentrate more on trying to do that in labor! Plus if you get your hubby/bf/df to help you focus on that, and maybe something else to to help calm you it can be done!
I didn't read the other posts, but I just want to let you know, that nothing is impossible! And there are different kinds of epiderals, so i've heard. You can talk to your doctor about all of them, and figure out back up plans if you choose the epideral! Good Luck!
I didn't read the other posts, but I just want to let you know, that nothing is impossible! And there are different kinds of epiderals, so i've heard. You can talk to your doctor about all of them, and figure out back up plans if you choose the epideral! Good Luck!
Yeahhh - that is the one thing that I've feared the most so far, is being cut! I can't imagine being able to feel it, I'd probably lose it!
That's another thing, I was cut pretty badly in order to get Noah out, his head just kept going back in. He was only 7lbs 7oz and I had a pretty good amount of damage, they were stitching me up for about 45 minutes, I can't imagine having to feel them stitch me or even cut me for that matter, all I felt was a release of pressure when cut the two times and then tugging when being stitched up. If I didn't have the epi I would have been in horrible pain for 45 minutes while being stitched.
Not trying to gross you out or convince you to go for meds but I just want you to be aware of the pros and cons of it.
Not trying to gross you out or convince you to go for meds but I just want you to be aware of the pros and cons of it.
I had wanted to deliver naturally as well, but I ended up getting an epidural. My birth experience was truly better than I could have asked for, even if it wasn't what I planned. I had been induced the night before and I have heard the Pitocin increases the intensity of contractions, but I tried my hardest to get thru them. The second that epidural started to take effect tho ... OMG, heaven! lol
I was not able to move my legs much ... they were very, very numb. But I could still feel pressure associated with my contractions, so I knew when I was having one and could push accordingly. Like GRose, I did start to feel nauseous when I was pushing (I actively pushed for about an hour and a half before I had Jaiden), but I never threw up until *after* he was born. I think all my organs having a free-for-all once they had more room really upset my tummy.
I was completely lucid when Jaiden was born and was able to hold him once my doctor finished wiping him off some and my DH cut his cord. Like I said, I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience.
On a final note, I am not a tiny woman like you, but both DH and I are tall (6' and 5'10" respectively). I pushed Jaiden out and only required a small episiotomy. He weighed 9lbs 4.8oz ...his head circumference was 37cm. I know all women's bodies are built differently, but I got my little monster out a 10cm hole ...lol. I'm sure whatever you choose, your little one will make it out too!!
I was not able to move my legs much ... they were very, very numb. But I could still feel pressure associated with my contractions, so I knew when I was having one and could push accordingly. Like GRose, I did start to feel nauseous when I was pushing (I actively pushed for about an hour and a half before I had Jaiden), but I never threw up until *after* he was born. I think all my organs having a free-for-all once they had more room really upset my tummy.
I was completely lucid when Jaiden was born and was able to hold him once my doctor finished wiping him off some and my DH cut his cord. Like I said, I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience.
On a final note, I am not a tiny woman like you, but both DH and I are tall (6' and 5'10" respectively). I pushed Jaiden out and only required a small episiotomy. He weighed 9lbs 4.8oz ...his head circumference was 37cm. I know all women's bodies are built differently, but I got my little monster out a 10cm hole ...lol. I'm sure whatever you choose, your little one will make it out too!!
Kimberlee, I'm in the same spot as you my husband is 6'5" and I am 5'6" and skinny and I know its going to be a big baby :( But I am going to try to hold off as much as I can on the pain meds unless I really need them. But deffinitely don't want to be indiced, I think that is worse than the pain meds.
I still have a long time to decide but its good to start now reading up on whats available.
I still have a long time to decide but its good to start now reading up on whats available.
Thank you ladies! :] I heard it drugs the baby up and everything - nothing I want, but if it doesn't I'm probably going to get some sort of pain meds so I can push him out faster! :]
I really wanted to deliver Noah naturally but my labor lasted 51 hours so I had enough and finally gave into an epidural. I was so exhausted for the three hours of pushing since I hadn't eaten or slept in over 24 hours so I can't imagine how I would have done if I had to feel everything. The only bad side effect I had was that I was throwing up while I was pushing but I think that was due to not eating for so long and then being on pain meds, my tummy is very sensitive to that. Also, it was hard to move around in different positions for pushing but thank God I had my mom, sister ad Joe in the room to help with moving me. I was fine to hold Noah when he was born, the only thing I couldn't do was walk to the bathroom on my own in case my legs were too week.
If you want to plan on a natural delivery that is awesome but just understand that sometimes things change and that is ok too.
If you want to plan on a natural delivery that is awesome but just understand that sometimes things change and that is ok too.
I've heard of women who opted for IV drugs and it left them feeling really sick. I was going to go natural, but then opted for the epidural when things got really bad. It didn't hurt at the time, but my back was a little sore for a few days after. No side effects for the baby at all. Your best bet is to educate yourself about all the pain relief options and go into with an understanding of each one. Sometimes it can be a little depressing if things don't go the way you had planned so be sure to keep an open mind.
Not really. I was kinda a little out of it on the Operating table, but after that I was fine. I saw my baby right after she was cleaned up. They took her to the nursery to be checked by doctors and then 2hrs later or so they dropped her off with me and that was that. Ive had her ever since.
Were you out of it at all after you had her? My aunt had her baby natural, but she took pain meds and she was so out of it they wouldn't let her hold the baby for like 3 hours. I was leaning towards pain meds at first but I was told some pretty bad stories haha.
Well I had a c section so obviously i had pain meds and from what i understand a nice coctail of them. My daughter I both did just fine, no side effects whatsoever except i didn't feel ANY pain for 18hrs after I had her.
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