May be stupid, but

[nekhismom]

I just wanted to know if any of you have an opinion on this. If a woman uses pain meds during labor, does she feel worse during the pp stages? I know I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck the day after the birth of my son. I was just wondering if this was due to the pain meds in the epidural (have no idea what they were) and the stadol. Do women who have a med-free childbirth experience less of a "crash"? Just wanted to know for personal use. Thanks!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I think it is completely individual. I felt like I had been run over by a truck regardless of whether I used pain meds or not and I've had four children and one cesarean.

My own sense in using the epidural is that, for me, it eased the pain, I was able to rest and I recuperated easier.

But who knows what would have happened the next time. I don't think you can make a general statement and make it fit everyone.

I'm in favor of pain relief if you so wish. And I had three without.

Giving birth is a huge deal . . .lots of body systems effected.

It hurts, you are tired.

But the joy of that little child in your arms makes it easier.

steph

[kids]

Originally posted by stevielynn

I think it is completely individual. I felt like I had been run over by a truck regardless of whether I used pain meds or not

Same here except 1 caudal (old type of epidural) and 2 drug free.

I felt great for about the first 24 hours after birth then crashed, you can only ride the endorphins for so long.

[Kim44]

It must depend on the individual. I had a c/s 8 months ago and never felt drugged or anything PP.

[mother/babyRN, RN]

One twelve hour labor utilizes the energy expendiature of two marathons and THEN we expect you to push. That isn't counting all the annoying sleep depriving contractions that occurred prior to hard labor settling in...I think the fatigue has less to do with the amounts of drugs than it does the amount of sleep deprivation and energy expenditure...I had a 24 hour hard labor pain med free labor and delivery and I felt as though a fleet of trucks and a few trains ran me over...Felt MUCH more fatigued and sore than I ever did with any of my csections...

[nekhismom]

I can see how all of these are true. Labor is a huge process in itself, uses too much energy, I guess you are bound to crash some no matter which way you choose. I was considering pain-med free childbirth next go round, so I just wanted to know your experiences. Thanks!