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Alternatives to the epidural

post #1 of 5
8/21/01 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
First of all, thank you and welcome. I have read the previous posts, all of which have been very helpful. But, I now have a question of my own.

With my first child, 6 yrs ago, I was given an epidural 15 min. after arriving at the hospital. In all honesty, I think I got one b/c I thought it was "the thing to do". Now, I am expecting baby #2 in 10 wks and have looked at other options. My husband and I are taking private meditation/hypnosis classes plus my dear friend, who is a massage therapist, is coming in to massage me. I am hoping to have a calm, safe labour. However, I am not a hero. There is the chance that the pain may become more than I can tolerate. So, my question to you is this: What other means of pain relief are offered other than the epidural? ie: gas. And, what are the advantages/disadvantages of them? My husband and I don't want to use gas or demerol b/c it directly affects the baby.

Any words of advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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post #2 of 5
8/22/01 at 11:35pm

aLTERNATIVES

Hi Stacy,

Thanks for the warm welcome! Narcotics are usually the alternative to the epidural. I have never seen gas used in labor which makes me wonder where you are from. I know gas is used in Europe, but I have never seen it used in the hospitals where I have worked.

Any narcotic you take usually affects the baby because they are usually administered through the IV line, which goes directly into your blood stream, thus circulating to baby. They also alter your state of mind. Your reaction to narcotics can range from feeling sleepy, euphoric, hating it, disoriented, sick, stc. It can also make you feel out of control. The side effects for baby are: hard to arouse baby because they are sleepier, and respiratory depression. Narcan is a medication given to baby to counteract the narcotic if needed.

The steps you have already taken are good ones. Hypnosis works! I have seen evidence of this, and having your friend there with you doing massage is also very good.

Touch, massage, pressure, heat, cold, changing positions - these are all physical sensations that actually travel to the brain for interpretation QUICKER than pain sensation! Doing any of these with your breathing techniques with decrease your perception of discomfort during a contraction and make your laboe more managable.

Having your friend and partner with you will provide you with tremendous emotional and physical support, so much so, that the use of medications may never be needed. And, if you do need them, it's alright.

I hope this helps,
My best
Lesly
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post #3 of 5
8/23/01 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 
Thanks, Lesly

Your input was very helpful. I don't want to do anything to alter my state or that of my baby. So, here's hoping for a totally drug-free delivery....

By the way, I am from Canada. My sister in law had a baby Boxing Day '99 and I was in videotaping. They kept giving her a mask, which they told her not to use too much b/c it contained gas. Said it would go directly to the baby if she held it up for too long. Sound right????

Thanks again and it's really great to know that you are here to help answer any questions I may have.

Stacey
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post #4 of 5
8/23/01 at 4:47pm

Alternatives

Hi Stacy.

Glad to help! I don't know everything, and I am glad my responces have helped.

I thought you might be from another country! I had gas once when I had some teeth pulled years ago. It made me very sick, and altered my state of mind. I'm sure it still does the same thing. It sounds right. I'll have to look into that.

Have faith in yourself. Try not to fear the discomfort you may have during your labor. Everyone experiences pain differently. The good news is labor is temporary. Contractions are temporary. They come and go. Do your hypnosis homework! PRACTICE, PRACTICE,PRACTICE. Take one minute, one contraction at a time.

I'm here.

My best,
Lesly
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post #5 of 5
8/27/01 at 12:41am
I had gas when I had my wisdom teeth cut out. I slept through the whole thing. That is certainly not something I would want to go through with labor.
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