Epidural

Women have done without epidurals for millions of years, so yes, of course you can do without it. The question is, do you wish to deny yourself the choice of an epidural should it prove helpful? This is your first baby, yes?


If it is a control issue, then put yourself in control of when/if an epidural is needed.


If it is a matter of being in control of your "faculties" - an epidural removes pain, not consciousness.

Best to keep the birth plan flexible. You can mention that you prefer not to and the midwives can guide you through. As long as it is not too late in the labour you can request an epidural. A very personal choice.


Lynne - 2849 0328

Matilda International Hospital

Hong Kong

http://www.matilda.org

Had incredibly long labor (36 hours) 18 which were excruciating, but did it without epidural. I am happy that I made that choice. My husband was a complete angel massaging my back, using accupressure on my hands, and all in all trying to make me as comfortable as possible. I would do it again without epidural. I recommend gauging your own ability to withstand pain. and your own mindset. And allowing yourself the flexibility to ask for it if you really need to. I also recommend trying some prental exercises to help you prepare your body for what some call the marathon of labor." I also think you should try and have your husband learn some techniques to help you manage your pain (namely - he has to learn how to massage you.)


The GREAT thing about no epidural for me was the RUSH I got after delivering. There is no comparison. Right after my daughter came out, I turned to my hsuband, and said "I can have another one RIGHT NOW. Bring on the labor!!" It felt so good - the endorphins, the euporhia - the sheer joy and pleasure of finishing the longest run of your life - amazing and wonderful. Totally worth it. i'm planning to have my next one also with it. There are also lots of websites available to help you learn how to go through labor without epidural. Check them out.


Good Luck.

There is some very good advice above. Try not to lock yourself into a 'package deal' approach to Labor, consider all the options and be ready to react appropriatly. One of the things that I have found interesting is that mothers who do NOT have an epidural tell me afterwards that the knowledge that they COULD have had an epidural at any time kept them relaxed and in a strange way helped them not have an epidural.

Best attitude--- I hope that I don't need an epidural and if I need it,I'll have it.

I just had a baby a couple weeks ago and didn't think I would use an epidural. Thank God I changed my mind! It got rid of the pain so I could actually enjoy having my baby. By the time I was pushing, some of the meds wore off and I could feel everything I was doing. Some of the pain came back but nothing compared to pre-epi. If you're interested, I had a great anesthisiologist. Ernest Yau - didn't even feel a thing. Good Luck