epidural?

[smorph]

I would love like some feed back on epidurals... Igave birth to my daughter at 19 without one but i had pethidine and gas, but it was given to me near delivery and it affected my daughter. Her apgar was 1 and 5 she was taken away for a bit and I was told me he drugs affected her. Also they made me feel sick. I don't think now at 35 I can go through child birth again, drug free! I'm not feeling so young and fearless! My doc tells me that epidural s don't pass through to the baby, but I'm nervous to have it with a catheter, and iv. How long after birth can you get up and have these thing removed?  I've got 3 weeks to go so I can't stop thinking about the up and coming birth. Thanks in advance for your input.

[chriru79]

I loved my epidural! It numbed everything waste down but they told me when I was having a contraction & to push. Once my pain was relieved, I felt I was able to focus on my baby & birthing him & I could regain that exciting anticipation of soon meeting my baby as opposed to working through the pain & contractions, putting my focus on the pain. I regained my feeling & sensation within a couple of hours and was up going to the bathroom on my own. No headache or adverse side effects. Mine was a wonderful experience! Every mom is different, rather you do it natural or with an epirdural doesnt make you a better or stronger person. I know a lot of moms who go the natural way think they have an extra jewel in their crown but it's really a personal choice. Best of luck to you!!

[katieglee]

I had an epidural 2 1/2 years ago. I didn't know what to expect, but absolutely loved my experience. I could feel and move my legs. I could even feel my tummy tightening with contractions. There was just no pain. I was calm, my husband therefore was calm and my daughter was born with no drug effects. I even showered less than an hour after delivery. I'm due again in May and although I don't have a specific birth plan, an epidural is something I was do again. Good luck in your choices. X

[jennig85]

With my first, i was 16 and it was so strong that i didnt even know it was time to push. The dr had to tell me. I couldn't walk for a day after. But with that epidural, it made ne itch really bad. To the point that i have scars on my legs because i couldnt feel them. The itching was on the inside i guess.
With my second i was a lot better. I forgot that i was allergic to that kind of epidural medication and they used it again. (That time i was 22) but it wasnt as strong. I was able to feel when it was time to push.i was afraid that i wouldnt know because of the first experiance. But i knew and i didnt feel any pain. Just the urge to push. I was a little weak afterwords but was able to get up and gp to the bathroom a few hours after.
Im 30 now with my first boy. And fully plan on getting it again.

[moonchild98]

I had a "walking" epidural 3 yrs ago with my daughter.  Best thing ever.  I was able to feel to push but not enough to be in pain (beyond the pushing of a giant baby out of a tiny hole).  I was up moving around fairly quickly after birth and was able to pee during labor without a cath.  I am hoping for the procedure this time around.

[TinaRosa]

I got it with my baby and it did not work one bit for me i felt everything. They even gave it to me 3 times and still never worked

[smorph]

Thanks ladies it gives me something to think about. :)

[jkbull]

I forgot I did shake pretty bad with mine too.

[hersheyma]

I've had 3 epidural and plan on a fourth with this one they were a lifesaver for me, i wanted to die before receiving it, it did make me shiver as if i was cold, and i had to lye on bed awhile for it to wear off, i had no back problems or any problems with pushing or anything

[jkbull]

I couldn't. They told be when I was having a contraction and to push. My babies came out with like 2 or 3 pushes though. I didn't mind not feeling anything. Some women do. I didn't feel it took away from the experience at all.

[smorph]

Jkbull, could you till feel to push?

[jkbull]

With my epidural I pushed a button on my own to realize how much I felt I needed. I was up and walking a few hours after giving birth. I couldn't have done without it. Everybody is different though.

[smorph]

Have you had other births with alternative pain relief? What would you do now?

[smorph]

Wow! Not a good experience at all! Sounds like you had too much, that's what I was worried about, they tell me that the dose can be reduced near delivery but I'm nor so sure.

[Dragonwings]

I had one with my son 19 years ago. I was 17. It was so strong that I couldn't move my legs at all. They were like jello and cold. When it was time to push, my muscle where so weak from the epidural that I was unable to push him out and the Dr used forceps on me. Because of the forceps I had a large episotomy done too. After delivery, I was unable to bear weight on my low extremities until the next morning. I delivered at 6:06 PM. After leaving the hospital, I had a headache for a month straight from the time I woke up until bed time. I had back pain until my son was 10 years old off and on in the exact spot were my epidural was placed.

I know everyone is different and I'm not trying to scare you, but that was  my experience. I do not plan on getting it again, but you never know what will happen when labor starts.