Should you get an epidural or not?

As a mom of almost 7 children ( baby number 7 is due in just 30 days!!), I have been able to experience both medicated and non-medicated childbirth. My first two children I opted for an epidural. Honestly, I chose the epidural out of fear. I was afraid of the pain and didn't want to feel anything. My third baby threw my birthplace out the window and I had a non-medicated birth ha! I went in asking for an epidural but was too far along and close to delivering to wait, so I opted to have her non-medicated! I definitely felt that ring of fire, BUT I felt so unbelievably good afterward! I was also amazed at my body and its ability to birth my baby without meds! My fourth baby was a medicated birth because, again, I allowed the fear of pain to lead my experience. My next two babies I remembered how great I felt after birth with no medication, so I followed my desire to have non-medicated births and succeeded! So with baby #7, I am preparing to have a non-medicated birth as well.

Childbirth is such a miraculous event that brings in all the emotions, especially immense joy. However, the process of childbirth can be quite challenging. As the labor progresses and the pains intensify, it is easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. Fortunately for us, there are various pain relief options available to help you during labor, the most common being epidurals. Or you can opt for a non-medicated birth. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two options to help you decide which option is best for you. Most importantly, remember that there is no "right way" to experience childbirth. Each is unique and beautiful in their own way.

So, What is an Epidural? According to AmericanPregnancy.org, Epidural anesthesia is regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body. The goal of an epidural is to provide analgesia, or pain relief, rather than anesthesia, which leads to a total lack of feeling. Epidurals block the nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments. This results in decreased sensation in the lower half of the body.

Here are some of the Pros of epidurals:

1. Highly effective in reducing or eliminating the labor pain .

2. Improved birth experience: By reducing pain, epidurals can make the birth experience more pleasant for the mother.

3. Epidurals are considered safe when administered by a qualified anesthesiologist.

4. They can be tailored to your personal preference, ie: increased or decreased as needed.

5. If you are experiencing a lot of pain and tensing up, the epidurals ability to help you relax can help labor progress.

And here are the Cons of epidurals:

1. Can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and itchiness. In rare cases, epidurals can cause more serious complications such as a drop in blood pressure, fever, or headache.

2. Limited mobility: Epidurals can make it difficult for you to move around or change positions during labor. No walking.

3. Prolonged labor: Epidurals can also slow down labor, which can lead to the need for interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

4. Pushing might be difficult if the numbness is too much.

5. Possible need for a urinary catheter.

6. Baby may be a bit groggy from the epidural

What is a non-medicated birth?

Now that we have talked about births with epidurals, let's discuss non-medicated option. This type of birth is also known as a "natural birth", but honestly, I view all birth as natural. It can involve using natural pain management techniques to manage pain during labor. These techniques can include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, hypnobirthing, bathtubs/ showers and massage. Pros of non-medicated births:

1. No side effects: Unlike epidurals, non-medicated births do not cause any side effects or complications.

2. Increased mobility: Without the use of an epidural, you are able to move around and change positions during labor, which can help facilitate the birth process.

3. Shorter recovery time: Because there are no medications involved, recovery time after a non-medicated birth is often shorter.

4. Ability to get out of bed right after birth, if you so desire.

5. Less risk for interventions

6. No loss of alertness during labor.

7. Can use a shower or tub to help with pain management

Cons of non-medicated births:

1. Painful: Non-medicated births can be very painful and challenging, especially for first-time mothers.

2. Limited effectiveness: Some women find that natural pain management techniques are not effective enough to manage the pain of labor.

3. The physical pain might take away from your birthing experience.

4. May not be possible for high-risk pregnancies.

5. May become fatigued if the labor is prolonged.

6. Experiencing the labor pains may deter you from non-medicated births in the future.

Which ever option you choose, both epidurals and non-medicated births have their pros and cons. The choice of pain relief during labor is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of each option and choose the one that is right for YOU and YOUR baby. Ultimately, the goal of childbirth is that both you and baby are healthy. That's it. And again, there is no right or wrong way to achieve that goal.

A special thank you to my friend, Ashley Kemmer, for allowing me to use her beautiful birth photography in this blog. She is a certified birth photographer that specializes in capturing your precious memories in motherhood. From that cute pregnancy bump to birth and beyond! If you are interested in birth photography, she has a great article about how to choose a birth photographer. You can visit her website by clicking here.