Epidural vs. nature births

Published

Is epidural encouraged on your L&D unit? I feel like it is where I work. It's almost frowned upson if any expecting moms wants a nature birth. Some nurses will try to convince the mom to get it... "You dont get any extra credit point going natural" As a new RN, I have to admit though, when a mother decides to get an epidural, it does make our job easier... I think.

I'm just wondering how epidural is viewed at other hospital... After watching the documentary, "The business of being born", it has changed my views on a lot of things, but I feel like I may stand alone in that view where I work.

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
And those that got an epidural, what are the side effects you experienced?

I must have been really really fortunate, or I had a fantastic CRNA who managed it, or both. My epidural hurt no worse than a mosquito bite going in, and when it came out, I had no residual side effects. I was able to get up and go to the bathroom (with a little help but not much) almost immediately. I had no back pain or anything afterward. So many women I take care of complain of back pain at the insertion site that bothers them as much as if not more than their uterine cramps.

I did mention in my previous post that my legs were so dead I couldn't get into a great position for pushing. They did dial back the meds which helped me feel when/where to push, but it would have been nice to be in a better position than I was in.

So...in a few weeks when #2 makes her grand entrance I would like to go without one, to see what I am capable of. I know a little more and have a little more support than last time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
But those of you that had kids without an epidural, was the pain that bearable? If it was, why do people make it seem like labor is this journey to hell that only a few brave ones come through unscathed? And those that got an epidural, what are the side effects you experienced?

I had all three of my children without any pain medication. Yeah, it sucked. Yeah, it hurt. But to *me* getting an epidural was simply never an option. When you take the option off the table, mentally, then you just figure out a way to deal with it. Having good labor support (a doula and/or a really good midwife or labor nurse) is key.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

By the time the pain was "unbearable" my babies were crowning. I have thought about it, and maybe I am wrong, but maybe I didn't feel the need for something so drastic as an epidural because my largest baby was 6 lbs, 13 ounces. Perhaps if I was having 10 pound babies I would have felt differently.

The only pain meds I received was demoral (last time I had it I had an allergic reaction) and stadol. I have been induced twice and I personally didn't find those contractions anymore painful. I think I probably would not have needed that had I had family/friend support during labor.

I think when you have family/friend support and have done a lot of studying about labor and delivery you are less likely to have a labor from hell.

All the times I had pain meds my children suffered jaundice to the point of needing the billi-lights. I am not saying that as scientific fact, but that is what happened to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I ROMed at home and was 1cm dilated. Thanks to prolonged early labor, it took 8 hours to get from 1 to 2 with contractions that made me think I was going to die. And then they wanted to start Pit. There was no way I wanted to have stronger contractions without some kind of pain relief. I'd go back and do things differently now, knowing what I know now, but that was the best I could do then.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
By the time the pain was "unbearable" my babies were crowning. I have thought about it, and maybe I am wrong, but maybe I didn't feel the need for something so drastic as an epidural because my largest baby was 6 lbs, 13 ounces. Perhaps if I was having 10 pound babies I would have felt differently.

IMO, no, that doesn't matter. The only time that the size of the baby comes into play with regards to how it makes labor feel is at the very end when you're pushing the baby out.

If how difficult labor is was dependent upon the size of the baby, then no woman in labor with a 22-week fetal demise should need pain meds, right? But you will find that their labors are just as painful as fullterm labors.

IMO, by far more significant in how labor feels is the positioning of the baby and the mindset of the mother, as well as the level of emotional/psychological support she's receiving.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you all for the different opinions. I've always thought to myself that when I'd be pregnant I'd ask for the epidural as soon as I get admitted. Wimpy me! My rationale was that I didn't want to embarrass myself screaming bloody murder through labor pain, (I couldn't live with myself if I screamed uncontrollably). I just haven't thought about or researched risks/benefits of getting an epidural. I think it's beneficial for a woman to know that waaay before labor starts.

But those of you that had kids without an epidural, was the pain that bearable? If it was, why do people make it seem like labor is this journey to hell that only a few brave ones come through unscathed? And those that got an epidural, what are the side effects you experienced?

I attempted a home birth, had 26 hours of labor. I was completely dilated and effaced (??) My daughter was breech with one foot up by her cheek and the other foot tucked under her butt. I went to hospital had c-section. Honestly, just prepare for labor. Read about it, know what is happening at every stage, and have a partner/family member/or doula with you. I didn't scream at all. I just became very quiet and focused. Sometimes I hummed. I imagined the contractions like a giant wave washing over me, and I would just "ride the wave" so to speak. I didn't focus on the pain, I stayed very calm and kept telling myself how awesome my body was doing, and soon I would see my daughter! The movies are WAY exaggerated. No screaming, no "my water broke! I'm in labor!" because most times you are in labor for quite some time before water breaks.

I had a spinal block for my c-section. My back hurt for months afterwards, like a stabbing pain. I am going for a VBAC next time (which won't be for a few years haha!) and I do not plan on having an epidural. I think women fear the pain/fear the unknown much more than it deserves to be feared. Soooo many millions of women did labor with no pain pills at all, since the beginning of the human race. We've got it made ;) lol. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
All the times I had pain meds my children suffered jaundice to the point of needing the billi-lights. I am not saying that as scientific fact, but that is what happened to me.

I would say that the jaundice is not directly related to receiving the pain meds, but due to having a hard labor that would REQUIRE you to need pain meds. Labors where the contracts are extremely forceful, and labors with Pitocin, can cause more bruising in the newborn. More bruising means higher jaundice levels.

OTOH, if the infant's immature liver is trying to process pain medication that it received in utero, it would have fewer resources available to process the red blood cells. So you may be onto something.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had all five without epidurals (my first I had the epidural for all of 5 minutes before the tubing came out and the drugs were seeping into my sheets under my back)...

Yes, the pain is intense. Yes, it hurts and can be very scary. But the thing is, if you know more about labor and delivery than what is taught in "what to expect" type books, and if you prepare yourself mentally- you can live through it!

I found that moving around helped a lot- being stagnant in a bed just seems to increase the pain tremendously. When I got to the point where I couldn't walk around comfortably I would sit on the edge of the bed holding onto my labor nurse's hips and we would just kind of rock together. That is one of many benefits of going to the smaller hospital for L&D- the nurses there typically have 2 laboring patients at most and give a lot of individual attention. With my last child (she was a hard back labor) the nurse stayed in the room rubbing my back for over an hour with the head of the bed up and me kneeling on the bed with my arms and head draped over the upright part of the bed. Amazing support can really help.

If you think the hospital you are going to won't have that ability to give undivided attention, or if your birthing partner isn't going to be that much help, I really encourage you to find a doula, they can help you to focus and can help support you through the worst of the pain.

I have so much more I could share about my deliveries, if you want to chat more feel free to email me via trishiag (!at) gmail

What it comes down to is this: if you think you can, you can :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
IMO, no, that doesn't matter. The only time that the size of the baby comes into play with regards to how it makes labor feel is at the very end when you're pushing the baby out.

If how difficult labor is was dependent upon the size of the baby, then no woman in labor with a 22-week fetal demise should need pain meds, right? But you will find that their labors are just as painful as fullterm labors.

IMO, by far more significant in how labor feels is the positioning of the baby and the mindset of the mother, as well as the level of emotional/psychological support she's receiving.

I agree, and you are especially right in your last paragraph. I just wasn't sure if the size of the baby had anything to do with pain at all. I knew it wasn't the only determining factor. The only time I screamed is when pushing the baby out, and I tried very hard not to then.

Thank you; your answer was very well put.:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I would say that the jaundice is not directly related to receiving the pain meds, but due to having a hard labor that would REQUIRE you to need pain meds. Labors where the contracts are extremely forceful, and labors with Pitocin, can cause more bruising in the newborn. More bruising means higher jaundice levels.

OTOH, if the infant's immature liver is trying to process pain medication that it received in utero, it would have fewer resources available to process the red blood cells. So you may be onto something.

Thank you for your explanation. It is certainly something to consider.:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Acute care.
I must have been really really fortunate, or I had a fantastic CRNA who managed it, or both. My epidural hurt no worse than a mosquito bite going in, and when it came out, I had no residual side effects. I was able to get up and go to the bathroom (with a little help but not much) almost immediately. I had no back pain or anything afterward. So many women I take care of complain of back pain at the insertion site that bothers them as much as if not more than their uterine cramps.

I did mention in my previous post that my legs were so dead I couldn't get into a great position for pushing. They did dial back the meds which helped me feel when/where to push, but it would have been nice to be in a better position than I was in.

So...in a few weeks when #2 makes her grand entrance I would like to go without one, to see what I am capable of. I know a little more and have a little more support than last time.

Thanks for your answer. Congrats on #2!! So excited for you!:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Acute care.

Thanks Klone, Patient1977 and Devie06 for your answers. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion