Weddingbee boards

The plan was to go all natural, but then I was induced with Pitocin and I couldn't take it - I asked for an epidural after 6 hours, being dilated only at 3.5...

For my sons birth (he is now 3) I had ALL the medications. It was a complicated labor and I don't think I would have gotten threw it without the meds. I almost had a C section but was able to get him out on my own. With that said I really wish I could have done it without the meds. My son now has Sensory Intigration Disorder and possibly has ADHD but still to young to be diagnosed. I really feel like it is my fault for taking the meds. I feel guilty about it. For my next one (we are ttc now) I plan to do it natural. I don't want any meds at all not even pitocin.

I took a pill (not sure which one) earlier in the labor, when the contractions were super uncomfortable but not enough to warrant hardcore meds. Once my contractions were hard and I couldn't handle the pain well anymore, I was able to get the epidural. FWIW, my labors were induced (baby's were big and full term but not wanting to come out :) so there were more meds involved than in a natural labor to begin with.

My first labour I had a Morphine injection during the contractions and after the birth I had to have stitches, so they put me on gas which made me as high as a kite.

Second time around I only had gas on a very low setting for the period where the contractions get really strong just before starting to push.  They more gave it to me to help me concentrate on my breathing, which is why it was on a super low setting.  I didnt get the feeling of being high and dizzy though, thats how low it was.

And wow, 8 out of 10 get an epidural?  I think the stats here in Aus are a lot lower then that.  The hospital where I had both my children only use epidural in urgent situations.  And the other two local hospitals in my area do not even have epidural as an option.  If you birth there and get complications they have to transfer you to the hospital I went to for one.

Interestingly enough with a little research apparently the Epidural Rate in Aus varies depending on Hospitals and Doctors.

The hospital where I gave birth has an epidural rate of 30% which has been falling over recent years.

i had an epidural and honestly...so glad i did. after hours of really intense back-to-back contractions, it was like heaven. i was able to rest, get some much needed sleep, and enjoy my labor with hubby by my side. i felt like i was laying on the beach :) my labor progressed quickly (i went from 3cm to fully dilated in 6 hours) and my son was born with no health issues for either of us. i know things work out differently for everyone, but i will definitely be getting one for future babies :)