Have you ever gone to the dentist to have a procedure done, only to find out you can't get numb? What about the numbing wears off before they get done? Ever woke up from surgery while they were still operating? Have you ever hard a hard time controlling pain with medication? You might be one of the lucky ones, or should I say unlucky.
There are a handful of people that metabolize pain medication quicker than the average person. If any of the questions that were mentioned above have happened to you, then you are one of these people. Once the dentist or doctor knows this about you, they can affectively treat you. Unfortunately, this is a trial process. You get treated like the average person until they find out otherwise. So I am sure you are asking what does this have to do with getting an epidural. Much!
Just like at the dentist, you will metabolize the medication used to keep you comfortable during labor. This same thing will happen with an epidural, spinal or under general anesthesia. Knowing this ahead of time will save you time and pain during labor. With an epidural, you should be comfortable within 10-20 minutes. If your provider does not know you metabolize medication quickly then you will continue to have break thru pain and they will have to adjust your epidural level. It is frustrating when you want relief and your not getting it. You would not want to have a caesarean and start feeling surgery before they were done or wake up during the surgery if they put you under general anesthesia. Let the anesthesia provider know that you have a hard time getting numb at the dentist and they can adjust accordingly with the amount and type of medication they give you from the beginning. Be sure to let your nurse know as well so she can remind anesthesia if you are not able to speak or think clearly during this time.
If you don't have this problem at the dentist, please don't tell them you do. (I know some of you were thinking this because you are scared and want to feel nothing😉) If they dose you as if you do, then you will be too numb and not be able to push properly which can lead to other problems.
Getting the epidural allows your body to relax and make the changes necessary to birth your baby (you can still do this without an epidural😉), maybe even get some sleep before the big performance. Epidurals are not for everyone. If you are not handling pain well then the labor process will slow and make for a frustrating time for you as you are still feeling the contractions painfully. In this case, get the epidural! If you can focus enough and relax during labor then you should do it without the epidural. This is not to say that you will not feel anything with the epidural, cause believe me, pressure is REAL! As your baby makes it's way into the birth canal you will feel rectal pressure and the urge to push. This is a good thing! It's time to meet your baby!
If you liked this post, then you will love my post about all things epidurals! Click Here!
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What does a doula do anyway? They know about birth but so does my labor nurse. They only are used for natural births, and since I want an epidural, I do not need one. Doula’s help with positioning and charge me for it, I do not need that extra expense with a baby on the way, especially since the hospital has nurses for free. I have heard and believed these things for years so I wanted to make sure others knew when they should not use a doula.
- If you do not mind having a cesarean section. Doula’s help women to increase their chances of having a vaginal birth. They know positions to help baby to engage in the pelvis quicker, relax mother so they can dilate quicker and encourage the mother when they are ready to give up. Some people are fine with a cesarean section and may opt for it from the start. If this is you, then maybe a doula is not for you.
- If you feel 100% comfortable with labor and confident in the process. Doula’s help to decrease the negative feelings that surround childbirth. Birth is meant to be positive and they help you answer any questions you might have before birth, during and after. Basically, it is like having your best friend with you during labor, doing everything to make you at ease. If you already know everything or enjoy flying by the seat of your pants, then maybe you do not need a doula.
- If you enjoy having metal or suction instruments applied to your baby’s head to get baby out, chancing you tearing more and injuring your baby. Many times, at delivery your baby will need to be assisted out with forceps or a vacuum. Having a doula decreases the chances of needing to have these used. If this does not bother you at all, then maybe you do not need a doula.
- If you like to labor for days before meeting your baby. Having a doula can shorten the time you are in labor. The nurse many times has other patients and can not devote all their time to you. Having a doula allows that one on one time. If you like having strong contractions for longer then you need to, then maybe you do not need a doula.
- If you like suffering from postpartum depression. Doula’s can help you have the labor that you desire, help with breastfeeding and be a sounding board after delivery. These things decrease your chances of having postpartum depression. Doula’s love helping women birth and seeing that bond that comes from delivery. They will be there after delivery as well. If you enjoy being sad and not connecting with your baby, then maybe you do not need a doula.
There is NO evidence that having continuous support in labor has any negative outcomes 
NONE!
NONE!Please hear my heart... this must be said, heard and repeated....
DOULAS DO NOT EXPECT YOU TO HAVE A NATURAL OR UNMEDICATED BIRTH!
Doulas want you to be informed, know the ins and out of birth, your options and to be completely supported throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. You, your baby, and your pregnancy are unique. It is not supposed to look like anything but what you need it to.
Doulas support ALL Births....Will they support your birth?
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So many women decide even before getting pregnant that they want an epidural. Most reasons are because they do not want to feel pain. I totally understand this as I am that woman who asked for an epidural before labor even started, lol. I am a total wimp when it comes to pain.
Many women will try to go as long as possible without an epidural, but remember that once you are tightening up, or out of control, your body can not dilate any longer. This is when you need to get the epidural, so you can relax.
Almost every labor patient that I have had or heard about has the same perception about epidurals. “I will get an epidural, then feel nothing during labor and delivery.” Wrong! An epidural helps to take the pain away from contractions, but many still feel pressure and discomfort as you near the finish line. This is a good thing! You want to know when it is time to push and feel to push correctly.
Do not worry though, they will make sure you are comfortable, and the epidural is working once you get it. Most people can sleep for a while during labor and some wake up ready to push. At the same time, do not try to be superwoman. If you are in pain, tell your nurse because maybe your bladder needs emptied, your epidural pump turned up or you are ready to deliver.
Ways to keep yourself comfortable with an epidural are to continue to rotate positions in bed as it helps to keep the epidural even and you will have a button to push if you need a little bit more medication. Epidurals also work by gravity, so if you are sitting up in bed, lay back so that the medication can spread as it is supposed to. You always want to be able to move your legs if you cannot the epidural will need to be turned down.
Do not fear labor and delivery because of the pain. There are many pain management things that can be done to help your pain, including positioning, medications, essential oils, and relaxation techniques. Once it is over you will forget all the discomfort as you hold your baby in your arms.
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Here is a guide to help you jump start labor on your journey to a heathy mom and healthy baby. Click Here!
