I can’t get an epidural–what are my other options?
ByI have spinal problems that prevent me from being able to receive an epidural. What are some other options for pain relief during labor? I don’t want to take meds that will make me too out of it or woozy. I’m also open to alternative suggestions, because I’m not too familiar with Lamaze or anything like that.
Thanks!
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9 Comments
April 24th, 2010 at 9:26 am
My friend has metal rods in her back the only thing they could do for her was a spinal tap.
Good luck
April 24th, 2010 at 10:04 am
since you cant have the epidural they will give you other pain medications through your IV. they will not be as strong at the epidural but they will still provide some relief.
April 24th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I’d investigate the Bradley method. My whole labor situation went a little awry and I ended up with a c-section, but I had done a lot of reading about the Bradley method and I have a friend who swears by it.
April 24th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I would definitely go to Lamaze classes.. I am planning on going at this delivery with no pain medication… I believe our bodies really do know what to do and labor pain IS manageable pain if you know the right techniques.
There are some drugs they can give you but I think most of them will make you feel out of it.
Make a birth plan. The hospital I am delivering at has this crazy policy that once you’re there you have to stay in bed even if you don’t get an epidural because theyw ant to keep the monitors on the baby… but I am not down with that.. if you are going to go through labor without an epidural, laying down is not the way to go.. I have already discussed with my doctor that I wish to be able to walk around if I so desire.
Do your research for sure!
April 24th, 2010 at 11:08 am
If you don’t want to be ‘drugged’ then your best option would be non-medical pain management — Bradley, Lamaze, laboring in water, hiring a doula for support.
(Even if you do opt for IV pain meds, you’ll only be able to have them during the early part of labor — too close to delivery and they’ll make baby sleepy. So you’ll definitely want to focus on ‘natural’ methods.)
April 24th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Hire a doula and also you might look into hypnobirthing. I took classes and had a doula who was wonderful. They are trained to help you through medication free labors of all kinds. Mine had tricks to speed up labor without medications, make back labor easier, turn a posterior baby, and she was just there to offer ideas and support. When my husband needed a short break she was there to help me.
http://www.hypnobirthing.com/
http://www.dona.org/
April 24th, 2010 at 11:41 am
First of all, take the Lamaze idea and throw it out the window. I have studied multiple different childbirth methods (and now actually have my own system) and Lamaze is, by far, the worst “designed” system available to women. They leave out many of the important lessons about labor and birth, and overall are teaching you how to hyperventilate (I’m being funny, but in a serious manner).
I do VERY highly recommend the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth, also known as Husband Coached Childbirth (though, you can attend the classes with a friend, a sibling, a parent….any support person). Also, if you preferred a home study approach, Hypo Babies is just wonderful.
Both of these methods have extremely high success rates and most couples or individuals who take the class, continue to apply the techniques learned in subsequent births. In other words – one naturally born baby after another.
If natural pain management techniques aren’t for you, ask your Doctor what other pain options you have. There are IV medications you can receive (like Stadol) which can take the edge off.
http://www.bradleybirth.com
http://www.hynobabies.com
April 24th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
keeping yourself busy throughout labor helps a lot. walking and rocking. gas and air. breathing thorugh contractions. when you sream or hold your breath it tends to make pain worse
April 24th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I have had four Bradley births. The Bradley method works great. Look for the book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. Ninety percent of women who use it do not need pain medication.