[Submitted Question]

Everyone says that it is better to have a natural birth. However, I am a bit of a wimp and the idea of an epidural is quite tempting. I am a bit worried about the risks though. Would it be so bad if I decided to have one?

[WombToBloom]

I would really encourage you to talk to your prenatal caregiver about this issue. You definitely need to know the risks of any medical treatment or procedure before making an educated decision about proceeding with it. Get your questions about risks answered before you're in the position to have to make a quick decision. Lots of people have very strong opinions on this subject.

Before my first child was born, I had a similar conversation with my obstetrician. She told me that she would never let me do anything that she believed would hurt me or the baby. She believed that epidurals, performed by anesthesia professionals she worked with and trusted, were safe – as experienced by thousands and thousands of women every year. She told me that it was my choice, that she would support either choice I made and do everything in her power to help me through labor and delivery regardless of which way I went. And then she told me to not put so much pressure on myself, reminding me that no one gives out a special award to moms who deliver without anesthesia. You get a baby either way – that’s your prize.

[BrookeKellyPhoto]

As a mother who has experienced both a natural childbirth and one using an epidural, I say educate yourself. That is the key! My first I used an epidural and hated that I was stuck in the bed with a catheder. Not being able to feel my legs also completely freaked me out. I was still numb when it was time to push and it took 2 hours of pushing to get my son out. I also had to be lifted from one bed to the next to be transferred to my next room because my legs were still numb. With my daughter, I went completely unmedicated, had her out in 5 pushes, and got up immediately afterward to walk to my room, shower, and go to the restroom. It was so wonderful to be able to change positions during labor and feel like I was in complete control. Now, don't get me wrong--it was extremely painful--but the best experience of my life.

Choose what you feel is right for you. Talk to your doctor, fellow moms, and read, read, read. Good luck!

[Chelziee]

NO! Many nurses and Doc.s tell you its better for you as a mom. its the truth, you are less stressed, and more alert for your baby. I would say if that is what you want go for it! Child birth can be very scary, and its important that you feel as safe and as comfortable as you would like.

[nicchilton]

I can tell you from my own experience, I was so greatful to receive my epidural with my first delivery. However, my labor was very unusual in that it was extremely fast for a first pregnancy...seriously, dialated 4 to 8 cm while being moved from triage to a L and D room, about 10 minutes. I had one long, painful contraction and never got a break. I only had my epidural for 10 minutes before it was time to push. Pushed through 3 contractions and she was here. With my second delivery I never felt one contraction because my epidural was placed early because of PIH. They didn't want my B/P higher than it already was because of pain. With him I pushed 3 times and out he came. Both times my recovery was uneventful. I was up and walking about 2 hours after delivery.

Everyone here can tell you different stories and opinions about epidurals and labor....the good, the bad, and the downright horrific! The bottom line is, it's YOUR choice. Educate yourself so that you can make the best decisions for YOU. In the end, there will still be a baby and the great epidural debate will be a moot point.

[Kadi]

You need to listen to your own body and decide what is best for you when the time comes. I had epidurals with all 7 of my deliveries and they were wonderful, but it was my choice. I did not feel pressure to do the popular thing or the natural thing. I did what was best in my situation. I cannot handle pain very well, so I opted for it every time. That is just me. You do what is best for you.

[originsdoula]

First of all, I think you need to address your fears surrounding birth. Why do you see yourself as "wimpy?"

Secondly, I recommend that you look at hiring a doula. Doulas are wonderful for helping keep you calm and relaxed during labor. They are also wonderful for helping moms make informed choices about their births.

The issue with the epidural isn't so much the safety. Yes, you can get epidural headaches and infections and have damage to your spine and nerves but that is fairly rare. What the problem with the epidurals are is that they limit your mobility and can slow your labor significantly. When that happens you are given Pitocin, the drug that makes contractions longer, stronger, and closer together. Sometimes this drug creates contractions that are so strong and long that your baby starts to get stressed. Or, you start to feel contractions again so they up your epidural and have to up your Pitocin again. So now you have a hefty dose of Pitocin and you may not feel it but your baby does. So if your baby is stressed it is showing up on the monitor and now you are at risk for a c-section. So, let's say that you don't have a c-section but now you are unable to feel in order to push. And you can't move much because you are numb from the waist down. So you try to push and are fairly ineffective. Not only that but you are now stuck in the least productive position to push in...flat on your back. Your pelvis is the smallest and you are working hard against gravity. Needless to say an inpatient doctor may not feel like standing there 2 hours while you push and may suggest a c-section.

Now this scenario sounds extreme, but this is the reality of epidurals. Not for everyone and every birth, but this is a very typical scene in a hospital where one intervention starts a chain reaction of interventions that lead to a c-section. I say this not to scare you, but to make you aware of the risks of having a epidural and the chain reaction it can cause.

Have you considered any alternate ways of dealing with contractions, such as hydrotherapy, visualizations, hypnotherapy, or massage? I suggest reading "Your Best Birth" or "Ina May's Guide To Childbirth." Best of luck!

[Steph]

I had an epidural with my first. It was heavenly. But I am also jealous of those who got through labor and delivery without one. You can't go wrong doing what you feel is best for you. Just educate yourself, and make the decision based on what you feel, and not what others tell you.

[originsdoula]

Originally Posted by Chelziee

NO! Many nurses and Doc.s tell you its better for you as a mom. its the truth, you are less stressed, and more alert for your baby. I would say if that is what you want go for it! Child birth can be very scary, and its important that you feel as safe and as comfortable as you would like.

Why do you think childbirth is scary?

Epidurals have side effects and cause issues that can interfere with the birthing process. Epidurals also block the natural release of oxytocin right after birth, which is the natural hormone that helps mom and baby bond. I also mentioned above that it can cause a chain reaction of events are more likely to lead up to a c-section. Doctors and nurses like it because it keeps the woman in the bed, on the monitors, and needing less attention from the medical staff. There is an article here that describes the effects of an epidural that I think you will find infromative:

Do Epidurals affect Babies? While some medical professionals claim that epidurals have no affect on babies, others say that epidurals do reach babies. What do we know about the way babies are affected by epidural analgesia? | Suite101.com

Now I'm not saying that an epidural is bad. I have had one and it is a good tool for moms who are too tense to progress effectively or too exhausted to go on. I support a woman's right to chose what she wants for her own birth. However, I want to make sure women have the right information about the choices they have. I believe that natural birth is best in a healthy, normal pregnancy and birth because it creates a natural flow of hormones that help with bonding and recovery. I realize that not every mother feels she can do this but I think the sense of fear and anxiety that our culture has about childbirth create unnecessary fear. Every woman deserves to believe that they are strong people who are capable of birthing.

When I gave birth naturally I had a natural rush of hormones both times that was wonderful! With my epidural birth I didn't have it. Having had both experiences I wouldn't chose an epidural again. I went into my darkest hour, doubted myself, cried, wanted rescued, and finally surrendered to the process, found it within myself to go on, and came out of the birth triumphantly. It was truly magical. With my epidural I was a spectator and a vessel for the baby and I wasn't an important part of the birth. I didn't want a medal or bragging rights and I am not a macho woman, but I wanted to experience that thrill of giving birth and I did. It's something I will always look back on and draw my strength from.

My post here isn't meant to be judgemental, but rather offer information and insight from a different point of view. Please take from it what will help you make your own choice and leave what you don't need.

[Kadi]

In the end, both arguments for and against are legitimate. It just simply comes down to a personal choice.
No, you are not bad for wanting an Epidural. No, you are not stupid for wanting to do it without.
Nobody should be offended by the sharing of valuable information. Originsdoula is helping to educate women on a very important matter and we should be thankful for that.
Information sharing and support is what this site is all about.

BTW...I'm a totaly pain wuss. I cut my finger once and the ER had to give me a shot of Demerol to even stitch me up. I'm such a spaz.