Epi-curious
So I went to the Epidural class yesterday, which is mandatory if you wish to have the epidural as a pain-relief option during labor. Basically, one must sign an informed consent that states you have been made aware of the benefits (localized pain relief that allows you to stay aware) and risks (could make labor longer and slow baby's heart rate, e.g.). I don't really want to have one, but I want to have it as an option just in case. It's not the prospect of the big needle being inserted near my spine that concerns me; it's the prospect of not being able to get up and walk around for hours afterward (during the labor and post-partum, while the drug effect wears off).
I don't want to become a victim of hubris, so I won't ask "How bad can it hurt, anyway?" I'm sure that labor pain is quite intense, and I'm also sure it's different for everyone. I'd like to go as far as I can without relying on drugs. Maybe I'll be the ultimate weenie and ask for an epidural before I'm even far enough along to be eligible for one. Maybe I will make it through without one. Who knows? It's all part of this nine-month baby waiting game.
I don't want to become a victim of hubris, so I won't ask "How bad can it hurt, anyway?" I'm sure that labor pain is quite intense, and I'm also sure it's different for everyone. I'd like to go as far as I can without relying on drugs. Maybe I'll be the ultimate weenie and ask for an epidural before I'm even far enough along to be eligible for one. Maybe I will make it through without one. Who knows? It's all part of this nine-month baby waiting game.
posted by webhamstress at 1:30 PM
4 Comments:
With the epidural I was able to get up and walk (cautiously) within an 2 hours the with my first child and right at 1 hour with the second child. I had the same Doctor you do and he is wonderful! If I have any more children I will go to him again and will have the epidural again! Good Luck!
With my epidural I was able to get up and walk around right after they cleaned me up. Most of the women I know that have had one were all the same way.
I've had three spinals and one epidural. With all of them, I was up and around within hours after birth. With my epidural, I was up within two hours after. The first hour flew by with clean up, visiting, etc. By the time they wheeled me up to my room and wanted me to get into bed, I could hobble from the chair up to the bed. Trust me, it's not so bad. I went as long as I could before I got mine, but my dad had to leave the l&d room b/c I was screaming a bit too loud. Yes, it's different for everyone, but I have a rather high tolerance for pain (I wanted to nap during my last tattoo). Just my 2 cents... :)
I have no personal war stories about the epidural, but I have one thing to say -- get the stinkin' thing! Having been in on several deliveries I can say it'll make you labor a little longer, but you likely won't care!
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