I kind of wish you touched on how a spinal headache is NOT a normal feeling headache. I got a spinal headache with my last baby. The anesthesiologist knew what happened as soon as it occurred (not blaming him, same man did a perfect epidural with my first) and said I might get a headache. No one told me that this wasn’t a normal headache. Not only did it last a week and a half, but it was really horrible. Every time I sat up or stood up the headache would smack me in the face all over again. I my eyes were also sensitive to bright light. They brushed me off when I was complaining about it in the hospital so I pretty much had no choice but to wait it out. 😫
Same, the anesthesiologist knew as soon as it happened and said it was a “wet tap” and that I will probably get a spinal headache when they pull the epidural. I ended up needing a blood patch which was the WORST experience of my entire life.
I was in labor for over 36 hours after being induced. I wasn’t progressing due to how bad my contractions were and my body wouldn’t relax enough. I had pitocin for 12 hours, I then got misoprostol for a few more, they broke my water, and nothing. I went to sleep that night and still nothing after walking laps around the ward. I got fentanyl and passed out for 10 minutes then it became too much, I was sobbing in my hospital bed unable to move from the pain. I texted my dad that I wanted to just die and I couldn’t take it anymore, he called me and told me to just get the epidural. I was told so many times “the body can do this!” And was so scared I wasn’t good enough for my baby if I gave in, and I finally took it. I fell asleep for an hour or so, woke up and pushed for 45 minutes and had my baby. This was almost 2 weeks ago and that epidural saved me.
I hardly felt anything when I got the epidural. It was really smooth and I was very grateful to the amazing team at Cedars-Sinai. Hope it goes well for all the moms who read this and chose to get the epidural!
Can you talk about ripping? The degrees of tears and what usually happens. Im not scared of labor.. im scared of ripping to my butt! Lol! Im due feb 26th with a boy!
Yes yes yes!!! I tore, but in the moment when my midwife was telling me about it and what she needed to do, I had no idea what she was talking about really!
Yess I'm definitely worried about tearing too. This will be my 3rd baby and I didn't tear with my other 2, but it's always been a fear of mine. I used Evening Primrose Oil with both of them and also used coconut oil all around down there every day and also did perineum massages starting around 33-34 weeks in hopes of preventing tearing. I also brought some coconut oil with me to the hospital and used it too. I'm due Feb 5th with a boy and I'm hoping not to tear this time around either.
I just found you on RUclips and I'm so happy I did! I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby and a lot of the information online can seem scary. You talk so calmly and are so informative! Can't wait to watch the rest of your videos leading up to my due date!!
Good luck mamma! I was induced Friday morning. With my first. The contractions were bare able up until they broke my water. That was horrible. An hour later they gave me an epidural.
My epidural actually ended up failing the first time. The contractions ended up being localized to one area in my hip and the pain was so excruciating that I was banging on the bed and crying every time a contraction came along. I almost begged for a C Section. But we got the anesthesiologist back and he found out the catheter slipped and we redid the whole thing, I felt immediate relief and passed out from exhaustion and slept for a good couple of hours. Woke up and I felt refreshed, only feeling slight pressure from each contraction. I will definitely get another one next baby.
I’m not a mom and don’t have plans to be any time soon (20 y/o college student😂) but I love your videos so much! Your personality seems so sweet and you seem so caring and loving.😍❤️
I got married at 19 and had my first baby as a 21 y/o college student. Now I'm 25 and pregnant with my third. (I was just always weirdly mature for my age and nobody who knew me was shocked or thought I wasn't ready.) I appreciate comments like this because they help bring me back to reality and remind me that to most 20 y/o, starting a family is a long way off. It helps me keep some perspective.
Elizabeth, thank you SO much for your videos. I gave birth one month ago to my first baby. I watched your videos along with Bridget (a birth doula) every week during my pregnancy. I only wish this one was up before I went in. But I have to say that I did end up getting an epidural. I did not get a patient control button but everything else was 100% true. I cried when you said point number ten. I definitely needed to hear that.
I completely understand why you feel that way! I'm 31 weeks pregnant with my son/ first child. I am so terrified it's unreal. I can't wait to meet him, but I'm scared. 😣😭
@@Nurse_zabe I definitely will it's like it came out of NOWHERE this week and isn't subsiding. Thanks for your advice! It's like the "what ifs" and all the things that could go wrong are just running through my mind all day. I was not like this with my other two. I'm very "go with the flow" "whatever happens, happens" type of person. But right now I'm exactly the opposite!
@@Emily-nr2xd aw! That is exactly how i feel. I'm super excited and my kids are so excited too. I'm just super nervous something will go wrong. And then how would I explain that to them? I'm overthinking everything and nothing is even happening yet
I was so terrified to get an epidural, but it ended up being do much less scary than I thought and honestly I wish I had gotten one maybe an hour or two before I did (got it 21hrs into my induction)
Loved this video! I'm 33 Weeks with my first child and I'm planning on having an epidural. Your video gave me a better idea of what to expect!! And thank you for adding that it's okay to have an epidural!! I've noticed more and more that there is more of a negative stigma around getting an epidural, like you aren't as strong of a woman or as good of a mother if you get one. So THANK YOU! Could you do a video of what to expect if you're going to be induced??
Jordan Argyle my opinion is that no one would chastise you for having numbing to have a dental procedure, so judgmental ppl can go pound salt!! Good luck with your delivery!
Yes momma! My first I was young I went to midwives did all the classes but then I was induced lol so yeah it all went out the window! I couldn’t deal with the pain being so early! After that I have no issue asking for an epidural! I never regretted it!
Thank you!! I love your videos. I am 35 weeks tomorrow with my first, and preparing mentally and physically for labor. I really appreciate this video, and you clarifying how everything works. This was really helpful!
I wish I would have seen this video before I had my baby! I was way more scared of getting an epidural than the birth, but I ended up needing it(had crazy back labor that went down my legs because baby had a hard time getting into position), so I got one. I was extremely nervous for it, but it was the best experience. The anesthesiologist was amazing, talked me through the whole thing and was just so sweet. I didn’t even feel the pain of getting it because I was in so much labor pain. I also only ended up having a really small tear and had 3 stitches after pushing for an hour and a half which was shocking to me because I’ve always heard that epidurals make you tear worse
So glad you talked about wonky epidurals. Once I was fully dilated they tried to lower it and the left side of my epidural almost immediately went out two different times during 3-4 hrs pushing. When they went to do a c section, my first words were to fix my epidural!!! 😣
My best friend was set on a water birth. She was so terrified of needles that she said no epidural, knowing she had a high pain tolerance. Then she experienced back labour. By 2am (after labouring for like almost 12 hours if not more), she started to become hysterical in pain and was asking for an epidural or anything to make it stop. But because she had previously told her midwife she didn’t want one, the midwife didn’t call for the anesthesiologist, and do the transfer of care for over 2 more hours. At that point she was mindless in her pain, flailing uncontrollably, getting her from the tub to the bed took about a half an hour. Her contractions were only 1-2 minutes apart when they gave her the epidural. BUT before the medication had even started working, the anesthesiologist got really close to her face and said, “if you knew you were going to get an epidural you should have called for one long before now.” She was so out of it in pain she didn’t even hear him, I however nearly lost my shit. The doctor checked her and right as the epidural had started working she was at 10cm, but the epidural stopped her labour so they let her get 2 hours of sleep until 7:30am (she was passed out long before the doctor even said we’ll let you get some rest), before upping the pitocin and her having her baby at 9:06 am. I actually was the only one who didn’t sleep for like 36 hours 😂
Thank you so much for your videos. I’ve been reading the baby books but your calm, accepting, and detailed explanations are so very helpful and reassuring. Keep up the great work!!!
I am DONE having babes, but you are so lovely!!! You are such a solid, loving person! You just popped up on my RUclips one day, and I'm subscribed for no reason other than your genuineness.
I had an epidural with my first. I wanted one with my second but they couldn’t find the epidural space in my back? How does that happen? So I ended up with an unmedicated birth the second time around. In the long run it ended up still being a great birth and made me realize I could do it without one. So with my third and fourth babies I just didn’t ask for one and did unmedicated births with those babies.
I hope that doesn’t happen to me, this is my second baby and I’m nervous about whether I should give birth naturally or get an epidural? I had one last time but I feel like it gave me terrible back pain that continues to this day but it could also be something else I did to tear up my back. My nurse told me you heal faster with a natural birth so I’m thinking just deal with it for those few hours and be good in the long run? I’m terrified of the pain of giving birth! What if I die while doing it? Lol. You are certainly a warrior!
@@monikaa4716 im having my 2nd baby in 4 months.. I had the epidural with my first but I get lower back pain too and was never sure if it was because of all the weight while being pregnant or because of the epidural. Its been 3 years since i gave birth and I still get lower back pain. Even though I got the epidural the first time in scared to get it again and I'm going to TRY to go natural this time. I was 2 weeks over due with my first so I had to get induced I was in labor for two whole days so in that case I was glad I got the epidural. I hope I go into labor naturally and fast this time.
Melissa Casillas Wow! 2 weeks? The baby really didn’t want to come out of there lol. I’m no doctor but since this is your second baby, I would assume labor would start on it’s own. Or at least that’s what I’ve heard from nurses when I had my last baby, they would mention how first babies usually stick in there for a while. I hope this one is fast for you. The back pain is no joke! I’ve had mine for almost 7 years now. The only thing that has helped me is a chiropractor which I highly recommend going after and during pregnancy! They will give you a belt for back pain and one for pregnancy that lifts the weight off your back and pelvis. I might give natural a try this time too, we are built to handle it. I’m sure our backs would thank us! I’m really hoping you have a smooth and safe labor and delivery
I am 30 weeks and have been watching your videos from the moment I found out I was expecting. They have alleviated a lot of my anxiety about giving birth and what to expect. Thank you for all of the great information. 😘
I had an epidural and it was lovely. I was induced at 41 weeks, and went 24 hours with heavy pitocin. I just got worn out. I had the epidural at 6cm and took a 4 hour nap. I woke up and talked to my husband for about 15 minutes before asking my labor nurse to help me turn on my side (I was just tired on being on my back, and was feeling pressure) she asked to check me before we turned and I was at a 10. She helped me turn on my left side, just because I really wanted to. She said we could try a push. Well, pushing made all the pressure go away. Then she said, you know if you want this to be over you just need to push really hard and you can be done. Enough said, I really wanted to be done. 7 minutes late I was holding my little one. She was delivered by a midwife (against hospital policy, but the OB was in the middle of an other birth). Poor midwife only had 1 glove on because she walked in as the baby was coming out. I was never told I needed to stop pushing because the doctor was busy, thank goodness, I hear a lot of women are told that. So the epidural really didn't slow down pushing for me! I guess I was very lucky.
honestly, i hope i have a nurse like you. my OB is a little rough around the edges so having someone with your gentle, educational, energy would be so helpful!
I had an amazing epidural. They said it was a walking epidural and i was able to move my legs around and even get on my hands and knees. It was great. I did get nausea and throw up but it was worth it.
The first thing you said really helped. I had a lot of pain when my baby got very low, and had to call the anesthesiologist for an extra shot in my epidural. I did not know this was something that happens often, and my team didn't explain it to me as such! This makes me feel much better:) Thank you!
Thanks for the video! Baby boy is due tomorrow and induction is scheduled for the first of next week. This was a nice refresher from my first baby. I loved my epidural!
LEXI GRAVES for me it didn’t, and I just got one two weeks ago. I was also in so so much pain, it was my last resort after fentanyl. I was induced over 36 hours before getting the epidural, and My baby was in my arms two hours later.
I got an epidural for an ECV and my blood pressure dropped VERY low, even with the IV in. I started to feel...very sick and far away, and was reporting my symptoms to the anesthesiologist as best I could. All of a sudden I was surrounded by people. I ended up getting two epinephrine shots and they flipped me a bunch. The baby's heart rate had dropped, too. Anyway, they stabilized both of us and long story short I had an unplanned C-section that night and me and baby are healthy. I'm very glad I was at a hospital that responds so quickly to rare cases like me.
You do SUCH A GOOD JOB with all your videos! Thank you for making all these. They are so helpful and the clear way you present the information (higher level info than just personal experience of course lol) has given me so much reassurance and peace of mind.
While I know that spinal headaches are generally rare, I do wish I could see a video for once where someone touched on how horrible it is. It’s definitely not a regular headache and the anesthesiologist knee immediately during placement that it was a “wet tap” and that I would have a spinal headache when they pulled the epidural out later. Sure enough when they removed it later it happened. My options were to rest and lay flat as much as possible or get a blood patch. The pain was horrible and I had a toddler and a newborn so I got the blood patch which I hardly ever see people talk about. After 2 c-sections (and a mild ileus after my first one!), the blood patch was still the worst pain I’ve ever experienced especially because they had to try several times. I wouldn’t want to scare anyone because it is pretty uncommon but it’s still never really talked about.
Oh mama, I am so sorry I breezed over it in this video. Trying to do a voiceover with two kiddos made me rush. I pinned a comment about spinal headaches and will do an update in my next video. I certainly don’t want to minimize how horrible they are. 💗
Can you do a video about other pain management options just in case. I'm due August of this year and I'm extremely scared. I want to know about all my options. Thank you love your videos
The horror stories definitely make me feel nervous getting it again. My first experience was so good. I waited until the last possible moment to get it ( 8cm per the hospital's policy) , I dont even remember them giving me anesthesia before the epidural, i thought they just went for it. It felt a little icky when they went in there, but definitely didnt care, whatever it was gonna take to make the pain of contractions stop. I was numb instantly, couldn't feel my legs, had no side effects, i could still tell that i was contracting but it didnt hurt at all. It took 15 minutes to push the baby out when it was time. I already put in my birth plan that im likely going to do it again, and i still want to wait to the last possible moment... mostly because I want to be back in that mental state where im not nervous at all, nothing could be as bad as the contractions lol
I’m pregnant with my second kid and tbh I wish I would have watched your channel when I was having my first. Lol. I went in blind as heck and now I’m so happy to have discovered your channel now while I’m having my second baby. At least now I have some good info
When you said “your epidural can’t run out” I had to laugh at myself, because I honestly thought my epidural was running out when I started feeling tons of pressure. Little did I know, I had gone from a 4 to a 10 in 2 hours and my sons head was RIGHT there. They didn’t even want me practice pushing 😆 I exact words to my nurse were “Kathy, I think I need another dose of my epidural. It’s running out”.
LOVE your videos! They are so full of information, and your voice and personality are so soothing! A perfect combination of knowledge, skill and personality for a labor nurse - you definitely chose your profession very well. Labor would be so much easier if all nurses were like that. One question: how often (if ever) do you see moms who say (before labor) that they will want an epidural, but end up NOT asking for it in the end (those who don't get it because they ask too late don't count)? I know most people who say they don't want an epidural, do get one in the end. I am just wondering how many women think they will need one, but end up not needing one in the end. Thanks!
I remember back when I was getting induced in October of last year I put up with 10 hrs of really bad contraction pains because no one told me that the epidural didn’t run out but rather I could control when I would need more myself 😅 honestly I made such a scene because I couldn’t handle it and after I got the epidural I was living my best life lol
I’ve had 2 epidurals with my first 2. Planning for another for baby 3 in 4-5 weeks. I’m glad to hear more about them. I didn’t learn a lot before my other two...
My hospital only has 1 anesthesiologist. He was at an emergency c section so I couldn't get my epidural. They thought I had more time but I went from 4cm dilated to 10cm in 35min. Lol
@@Nurse_zabe thank you. At first I was tramatized because it wasnt my plan to go unmedicated. And nobody believed me that i was in so much pain and pushing already. But my husband keeps telling my how strong I was so hes making me feel way better.
I dilated and delivered that fast too! 5cm in triage then 10cm in 30 minutes, then my water broke immediately once we got into the delivery room. I still begged for the epidural which they gave me but it was in my system for less than 10 minutes before I delivered. 4 pushes and it was over, but I still wish I was fully medicated! I was so scared and tried not to push to buy time, but that didn't work lol
Im 37 weeks pregnant with my first boy and my anxiety is through the roof !!! Lol. I’m so glad you made this video. I’ve always known I’ve wanted to get an epidural but I had so many questions. One thing that’s giving me more anxiety is tearing. Please please make a video about that lol
I recently gave birth and the nurse asked me if I wanted a narcotic while waiting on my epidural because my contractions were back to back and strong due to being induced, and I personally would never ever get a narcotic through my IV. I saw stuff I thought I would never see. It was a crazy experience so I suggest just get the oxygen mask while waiting on your epidural.
Thank you for the helpful information! I. 37 weeks today, being induced at 38+5. I don’t want an epidural but I’m keeping an open mind and your video really helped. Also meeting with the anesthetist this coming week to get more information.
My little guy was born 12/26 and i waited until i was 6 cm to get an epidural. I got it and immediately felt very weak and cold . I then see tons of ppl come in . My blood pressure was very low . The anesthesiologist tells me normally they would give me a med to help bring it up but my heart rate was accelerated and this med could bring that up as well. So we opted to remove the drip. I had my little guy 7 lbs 15 oz 14 inch head without an epidural. Worst pain of my life . Im so glad im done having babies . I could never do that again lol.
I am 32 weeks, 2 days and this is my 4th baby. I am older now and more thoughtful on how I want to give birth. I am adamant on no pain medication whatsoever. I want to experience the whole thing 100%! I am excited and already have all our bags packed lol - PS: I loved my epidurals in the past, but not enough to not be able to experience the full effect since this is my last one. 💕
I have no idea why my anesthesiologist didn’t add more numbing medication then. I know for a fact he did once but he didn’t do it again and I was in more pain than I was when I was having my contractions. I was shaking and crying so bad while he was getting it put in. And then I wish my nurse would have listened to me when I delivered. I had been pushing for 4hours and we weren’t making progress so I wanted her to call my doctor because I was exhausted and wanted to see about a csection but she wouldn’t listen and at this point I needed the anesthesiologist to come back up and give me more medication so I was in a lot of pain but THANK god for the nurse on the next shift coming in and actually listening to me and calling my doctor!🙌🏻
This is my first pregnancy. Still have a ways to go only 14 weeks but I am not quite sure if I want an epidural or not. I will probably decide the day of but I like to be informed. Thank you for your videos!
I gave birth to my first, a baby girl, 2 days ago. I was induced and got an epidural, the first one was too far to the right so I could feel everything on my left including contractions, I already felt guilty for getting it so I didn't want to complain but DON'T FEEL BAD! Once I said something, they redid it and I was in heaven till it was time to push. You definitely can't feel your lower abdomen when you're pushing but trust that you are. Lastly, the worst part of recieving epidural for me was the feeling of rubbing hands being snapped against my thigh when they were pushing the tubing in. ALSO if you have scoliosis, make sure to say so. I didn't even think about it and that's why the first one was a little off. Good luck all future mamas! You are so much stronger than you think!
Can you do a video on 10 things your labor nurse wants you to know about spinals? I had my baby December 5th via emergency c section due to my pelvis being too small and failure to progress. I had both an epidural and a spinal block. I’m going to school for nursing and love your videos!
Oh my! Hope you don’t have back labor! All mine I had it and it’s a b***h! Start your Eason baths now stretch! I’m 22 weeks almost and my back is already acting up this baby is pushed back I’m carrying small! But we can do it momma!
My third baby was born 11-6-19. I had a total of 4 epidurals. Three failed and the fourth finally took when i was dilated to a 8 THANK GOD! i experienced a spinal headaches for about a week after giving birth. Every pregnancy and baby is different...no issues with my first two.
It can be an incredible experience. I really suggest reading the book birth skills or hypnobirthing. Look up some birth affirmations too. you got this mama!
My experience 4 weeks ago was wonderful! And I think its because I didnt prepare and I went in with good intentions! Its such a wonderful experience and trust me it's all worth it!!
I had epidurals with both of my kids and one was fantastic, absolutely perfect, and the second failed a little bit and wasn't the greatest experience. With the first I didn't feel the contractions at all but I could still feel my feet and could even shift my body a bit if I tried really hard. I could feel my baby descend into the birth canal and knew each time it was time to push, but nothing was painful. The second time was too much. I was scarily numb, like I couldn't move my legs for a few hours after the epidural was removed and the nurses were mildly concerned. Also, the needle was slightly to the right so I had a huge hot spot on the left side of my belly and continued to feel every contraction. The nurses rolled me so I was lying on my left side and that helped gravity drag the medicine to the hot spot. It would have all been fine, except the cord was around my baby's neck and it just so happened that that only bothered him when I was on my left side. So his vitals would start to drop and the nurses would come roll me onto my right side. My baby's vitals would go back up but soon the medicine would drain out of my left side and I would be in pain again. So the nurses would come roll me to my left side until the baby's vitals started dropping again. This process repeated for several hours and I felt so bad for the nurses. I'm pregnant with my third now and still planning on getting an epidural again. I was induced with my first after my water broke and then I didn't naturally go into labor so I didn't really have to experience laboring without an epidural. So when I had to deal with painful contractions for a few hours before the hospital would admit me with my second (my cervix wasn't progressing that time) I was angry and hadn't really learned how to deal with contractions on my own. This time I'm a lot more relaxed and more prepared to labor without an epidural for a while. But seriously, contractions hurt. I don't care if the epidural isn't perfect, I'm not pushing a baby out without one.
With my first son I got an epidural at 9/10cm and they had to place it FOUR times 🤦♀️ could you do a video on the difference between a spinal block and an epidural? I'm having a planned c section in June and heard they use a spinal block for scheduled c sections.
It is typically easier to do a spinal than an epidural, and particularly in your case, when you were quite far along in your labour, it can be challenging due to the limited time between contractions that we have! Your scheduled c section will mean the team will have a lot more time to find the right space. A spinal uses a much smaller needle and involves just a single injection of medications to numb you; no catheter is left in. The numbness tends to come on much quicker and is also denser. Best of luck to you
I had really conflicting decisions about getting an epidural. I was 100% against getting one going into labor, but I was having panic attacks and it wasn’t safe for me or the baby. I ended up having to get an epidural because I had to get Pitocin because my water broke and it has been over 12 hours with no contractions. I was in labor for 35 hours so I needed an epidural to get some sleep. I ended up having all those side effects, it was really scary when baby’s heart rate dropped. I did turn my epidural off at the end so I could feel pushing. I ended up pushing for 3 hours. In the end even though I still blame myself for getting an epidural, it was probably for the best.
Ugh the positioning was AWFUL😅😅 I had IV pain meds at that point, so I was able to sit still thankfully. BUT, I have metal on my spine and could JUST get the epidural. It was complex to get that lower back out, but my anesthesiologist was amazing. Nerve damage makes it hard for my back to be touched, and they had to do it twice, but he was amazing🙌🏼
Your videos are so helpful and educational! Would you be able to do a video on leaving the hospital after the birth? I'm thinking of the factors of making sure mom is healthy to go home, baby is good to go home and this car seat test I have heard about? Thanks you are great!
I have 6 kids... 3 boys/3 girls... during baby #4’s labor I opted for an epidural (as I had with all my previous deliveries). For whatever reason I had sharp, shooting pain down one leg and that same side had the “hot spot”. It was misery!!! Fast forward 22 months to baby #5 and I was terrified! (I forgot to mention that a friend of mine was an L&D nurse at the hospital I delivered at and acted as my doula/coach for all of my babies) She gave my anesthesiologist the stink eye, explaining what had happened with my previous baby, and held me in the bent over position and whispered into my ear to distract me... I was a blubbering mess! However it was a breeze! I had larger than average babies, from 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz. And I’d do it all over again!!! Also, I’ve never gone into labor on my own! My 1st was 3 wks late, while everyone else was one week overdue and I was scheduled for inductions!
My body is really weird where when I feel pain, I want to pass out. I don't know if there's a diagnosis or word for it. When I get blood taken or get a shot, I need to wait for my body to calm down so I don't pass out. At first I was thinking about whether or not I should take an epidural due to the initial pain from the injection, but I didn't think about how contractions are even more painful. For example, I nearly passed out when my kidney was in pain due to a kidney infection. Thank you for this video because that will be something that I'll be asking the doctor about! If you know anything about my situation then I'd love to know from you as well of course!
Hi! This isn’t related to epidurals, but I need some advice about it. I am going to be induced in a couple weeks and I was wondering if I can ask my doctor to try another way besides pitocin? I’ve had it twice now and it is not fun lol
I have two videos all about induction. There are other methods, although I do not know what is offered at your hospital. Definitely a great conversation for one of your OB appointments!
Please know that you can ALWAYS ask your doctor for something else, a different method or medicine and you also have the right to refuse anything that is offered to you. This is your body and your baby...you never have to say yes just because your doctor or medical provider said "let's do 'x' ". Do your research, know your options, get second, third, and forth opinions, etc. Just know that YOU are in control of your body and your medical care, and "no thank you" is always an option!
Mommybug 326 great question! I’ll have to look up the videos too! Being induced isn’t fun and I’ve had to be induced every pregnancy! So yeah I need options!
Nurse Zabe thank you! I will rewatch those! I watched them a while back haha. I will definitely speak with my doctor at my next appointment about my options
I waited until the half way point to get an epidural with my second. The nurse described it as a walking epidural and said that I would still feel some discomfort but not as intensely. I’d say about two hours or less later it was painfully obvious that it wasn’t working and I was feeling very intense contractions. My doctor and nurse even made a comment about how I shouldn’t be feeling pain like this. Turns out whoever was doing the epidurals at that time was screwing up because there were other women having the same issues. He or maybe someone else was called back into my room to do whatever, I’m not sure what because I was in so much pain that I really could hardly focus on what was going on around me. I could hear conversations but I didn’t care to give any of it much thought. I just wanted some relief. Whatever it was did not work. I realized that I would have to deliver naturally and I was very upset but I couldn’t even focus on how mad I was because everything was moving along so fast. Those contractions were so awful. Thankfully my labor didn’t last much longer and I had to only push for 5-10 minutes but that pain was the worst! Despite things going wrong for me, my labor really wasn’t horrific but I would rather not go through unmedicated birth again. I’m due with my third in 6 weeks and I hope the epidural works this time.
I had an epidural with my son because I was stuck at 5cm, I delivered him an hour later. I just found out I'm pregnant with my second child and an epidural and C-section scare me more than anything. I feel so afraid to deliver this time. Your videos really help.
Love your videos, wish I had found them before I had my last three kiddos. I'm now pregnant with number four... Two c sections (1st an emergency at 34weeks 2nd full term) my last lo I had a VBAC labor was long but wasn't horrible Dr actually came in at 8cm and said if I was getting an epidural I needed too then... said sure why not lol young guy came in to do it --mind you I was mentally prepared with having two spinal blocks for a csections previously...wasnt to mad hit a nerve and just kinda sucked in a breathe, nurse asked if I was ok said uh huh breathed through it... As they laid me back my pain went from a 5 to I was in the fetal position crying and wanting to pass out.... Guy had hit a nerve I guess... Old guy came in to fix it and ended up puncturing the spinal fluid causing a leak... Pain instantly went away but he did tell me the second I delivered I needed to chug caffeine (my coffee drinking self was happy lol until the headache hit. Ended up having to do a spinal patch as it was severe enough I couldn't vtend to my daughter..... As I sit here at almost 30weeks now and labor and delivery is getting closer and closer all this is on my mind again. I will play it all by ear again and will probably have another epidural if I'm able to have another VBAC like planned. My youngest daughter's labor and delivery story (all of it, not just this part) may be crazy funny and scary but doing it again I wouldn't change how it was done especially with the amazing nurses!!!!
I wish I had got the epidural sooner than I did in my induction process. I could still move my legs/knees after the epidural, which was helpful for all of the flipping I needed to do to maintain baby’s heart rate during labor. I took a nap and woke up feeling pressure in my butt 😭 It was awful but it didn’t feel like I had to push yet. Dr checked me and I was only 9cm. 5mins later I felt like I was about to explode down there and the baby’s head was visible with a quick check. The epidural was definitely helpful. I got her out in 15mins.
With my very last baby i was sitting at 7 cm for what seemed like forever so i decided to get the epidural. I sat up to get it, everything went fine then as i laid down i could feel her head trying to come out. Not even 10 minutes later she was born. The epidural had no time to work. But hey i did it naturally i guess because i felt everything and the numbness came about 45 minutes after she was out lol
can you get a different strength of epidural?i feel like you have much stronger epidural in the US. i never heard anyone beinh unable to move after an epidural in sweden. because i got mine in sweden and i was up walking after i got mine and i think i got.mine at 9 cm dialated. after some time longer then it was like i hadn't gotten it at all. i have no idea how long but probably for 40 min -3 hours. mine never took the pain away, it was more like they took the last edge of pain and my panic away. then it returned when it was timw to push. it took me 2 hours to push and i kept fainting constantly. i did however have that epidural headache the day after. and i also felt that love towards the anestisiologist immidiatley. for me the epidural took away some pain first but then nothing. and i absolutely coudlnt feel the baby going down or some pressure. i only felt the pain.
Could you please do a recovery video about c secs? I'm due my first elective in may ish and I'm petrified. Been told this is my only option to avoid doing more damage to myself after my first natural birth ( 3rd degree tear and extra small perineum)
I was in that first stage of labour for almost 30 hours. My contractions were 4 minutes apart and a minute long after four of those hours... I never got a break and they were very painful. When I got to the hospital I was devastated that I was still a a 2. It never occurred to me that I would have to be in pain for so long if I was going to be getting an epidural and so when I showed up and they still didn't want to give me one because I wasn't technically in active labour it almost broke me. The idea of having to go an unknown amount of time in that amount of pain was almost unbearable to me. I was definitely not prepared. I definitely wish that I had understood just how painful and long the first stage of Labor could be. I always thought you would wait until your contractions were 3 or 4 minutes apart lasting a minute for an hour and you would go to the hospital and that is active labour but that just wasn't the case for me. I ended up having to be induced after 36 hours because baby wasn't tolerating the contractions well
Yes, those early stages can still be painful and uncomfortable, and for a first time mama, can a while to change her cervix. I’m sorry you had to go so long!
Brittany 2H I am 38+3 and I am reallllly scared of everything. For a good 4 hours now I’ve got a lower abdomen pain and my whole belly is really hard. I just can’t wait for everything to start as I hate everything which is unknown or never happened to me. Reading your comment now about those 30 hours, OMG!!!!!
@@krisztakirchmaier8649 I would just say embrace the unknown and lean into it because it's not really a process you have much control over. Sorry, I don't know if that is helpful or the complete opposite. I went into it with so much planning, and nothing went to plan. I wish I had just got into it with the plan to have a baby and nothing else. For me, I was studying Hypno birthing and a big portion of that focuses on the fact that childbirth isn't going to be painful if you relax. I think, at least for me, those messages got into my head to the point where I didn't know how to cope when pain did come because I had convinced myself that I would be able to relax my way out of pain and that just wasn't possible for me. In the end, I ended up getting an epidural which wasn't part of my original birth plan. For me, it was something that I needed, and I am very grateful that I got one. My beautiful baby girl is 2 months old now and I would do it all again if that makes you feel any better
I got an epidural on the last moment doctor said i could get it...the machine that was supposed to Pump did not work i had 3 machines changed and i felt my whole contractions until it was fully fixed i didnt want it but the doctors said that its most recommend at the moment bcuz I got preclymsia and it would have been an emergency c section so I ended up getting it but thank God I got it bcuz from what i was getting adviced I needed it...now I am just dealing with back spinal pain because of the cold and mild headaches something that I try to avoid by taking extra care of my baby boy. He is now going to be 2 months on the 15 of January, and now im enjoying every second♡
I love watching your videos! We’re due with our first soon and I was wondering if you could talk about circumcision in a video? I’d love to get more information about it from your perspective!
I wish I had had this video before I got my spinal block for my tubal ligation after I had my son. It's different, but similar, and the positioning info you gave would have been so useful to prepare with. Editing to add, perhaps a spinal vs epidural tidbit would be good to share?
Yes, same exact positioning for a spinal and epidural. The anesthesiologists goes in a slightly different space and you get numb wayyy faster and a bit more intensely (can’t move you legs, feet for a couple of hours). It’s also not a continuous infusion like an epidural.
Please can you make a video on breathing technics, that would be very helpful..my due date is 10th feb...and i would like to learn from you.I love to watch all your videos.
I defiantly love your videos, I have a question though I heard that if I use some sort of olive oil or coconut oil down there to keep it moisturized in the last couple months will help not tearing while pushing .. is that true ? If yes, what kind of oil I should be using ( that will be my first child and I am sooooo confused) thank you so much 💕💕 much love
They did have to reposition the epidural in my spine after a day and a half of labor. Increasing meds was not working. After the removal and reinsertion, the epidural worked fine.
Could you address if it's true that epidurals can give you chronic back pain? I went to a prenatal class and was told this by the instructor who use to be a nurse and a doula.
There is no evidence that this occurs. Having a baby can give you back pain. Epidurals do not - they would be more likely to cause symptoms in your buttocks or legs, but even this is extremely unlikely. You may, however, have some back pain over the site of the epidural for a few days after it’s insertion due to localised bruising.
I had a perfect experience the first 2 times I gave birth! The 3rd time was not so much the same... It didn't take and SHEESH... The longest 9 hours of my life!! The scary part for me was that I now had no choice. Morphine may as well have been lemonade 😩😂 2.5 years later and I remember every second of that long night! Worth it, of course❤
Sometimes our spines are just not straight. I needed to get my epidural replaced twice so three installations! Third time was the charm so LADIES EVEN IF ONE REPLACEMENT DOESNT WORK TRY AGAIN. What I will say is my back did hurt for a week or two after birth but that was worth not feeling those labor pains by a long shot!
Hey love your videos. Just one question tho, how come some hospitals are like happy c section people. ?Like they really push for it. No complications labor moving along slowly but surely pt not in danger or baby but they keep pushing to get a c section .why is that?happened to me with baby 2, 3. Had normal delivery but they kept pushing for it. Never went back to that hospital.
Are you American? Maybe they can charge more for c sections. Or maybe they just specialise in c sections. Or maybe they have a lot of patients so they try to rush them thro it. Either way I'm glad you decided not to go back.
I wish I would have done more research or watched a video like this before getting an epidural with my first baby! I had no idea a catheter had to be placed in the bladder 😖 I felt it the whole time, almost felt like a UTI feeling and it really distracted me from focusing on delivering my baby. Should I feel that much discomfort or was something not right? My second baby is due in March and I’m honestly dreading that part a lot and considering not getting an epidural because of that reason 😞
Honestly, I wouldn’t think that you should be able to feel it that much, and I almost wonder (without more information) if it was a hotspot. I’ve never had anyone complain that it felt like a UTI when they had an epidural. But I have had patients complain about the catheter feeling uncomfortable and they still feel uncomfortable in the same spot when we take it out (during labor). So for those patients, it probably wasn’t the catheter causing the pain. Definitely a good idea to bring this up with your OB to discuss your concerns. 💗
Nurse Zabe thank you so much for your input! My epidural wasn’t fully effective anyway so that may have been the case. Hoping it goes more smoothly this time around 😰
I have a planned section for the 20th. I have screws down to L4 and a spinal is done at L3. They said the can try but it may not work and I may get a headache. If it doesn’t work then I have to be put to sleep. Would you say being awake for the Birth is worth the pain on the headache. I had to be put asleep with my 1st and it was so traumatic I still have PTSD.
Epidurals cannot run out but can be misplaced however! Mine was misplaced with each of my kids and then re-done because I was still feeling everything except my toes. 😂 It made the most MASSIVE difference when finally in the right position.
Can you do a video on the differences between an epidural and a spinal block? When each are used most frequently? I had 29 hours of natural labor with #1 only to end up with an emergency c-section. I'm scheduled for a planned c-section for my #2 (9 years later)... and while I learned SO MUCH on baby #1 on both natural labor and c-sections, I am more aware of the options for baby #2 - but I find it hard to find information about this, and forget when in appts (with worrying about my mask and my partner sitting out in the parking lot because he can't come in)
I am having twins in a few months and the one thing I am not looking forward to is the epidural. I have bulging/herniated discs and I just dread it so bad. I don't have a choice in the matter though in this scenario, and I will do whatever is necessary to take care of my babies. Just super nervous about it. I thank you for your knowledge and informative sharing.
I understand being nervous! Have you considered doing an outpatient visit with anesthesia beforehand so that they can look at your back and figure out the best way to place it?
@@Nurse_zabe Yes! They are supposed to have me do that here soon I believe. I am 24 weeks in 2 days. I am hoping that will ease my mind a little more. It's the placement and me moving I'm scared most about....and it not even working. They said if I didn't get one that they may have to put me to sleep for a csection. I'm all about whatever they say is best.
Hi there, I have a question that isn’t related to epidurals but I’m almost 36 weeks and my last appointment (which was last week) I found out baby was breeched. Now even tho my maternity doctor always exams my belly she never caught that. The tech who did the ultrasound told me there wasn’t much I could do to get my baby to turn and I would most likely have a c-section. When I spoke with the doctor she stated that I would most likely get a c-section at 38 weeks. I’m terrified to get a c-section and I’m honestly nervous about my doctor being the one to do it! I’ve noticed a lot of mishaps with her. For ex: when I asked to get an ultrasound at 32 weeks cuz I was told by another doc to do so she brushed it off and said to wait until 35 weeks. Once she booked the appt, I went in and was told that there was no ultrasound and that it was just a consultation. I argued with them stating that the only reason I came was for my ultrasound so because of my complaints they said they could squeeze me in the following day. Another incident happened when I went to the emergency due to some pains and when I arrived I asked if I could get testing for preeclampsia since my cousin and aunts had it before and I know that African women tend to have a higher risk. They did some blood work and took my urine and said I was fine. I went home feeling relieved. The next morning I received a call from my doctor stating that it wasn’t clear and they did find some protein which is a sign of preeclampsia. A couple days after that I went in for my appointment and she said it might be a false positive and would like to do a follow up test the following week...to which she did not do. The following day was my ultrasound appt and where they realized my baby is breeched. My doctor called me and said oh I should have caught that during my examinations with u..just so nonchalant about it. Now she is rushing to have me either try to flip the baby herself or have a c-section. I still don’t know if I have preeclampsia or not! And also I was suppose to be tested for thyroids cuz she noticed my levels were higher ( whatever that means) I was sent to the lab for all this blood work 2 weeks ago, only for her to tell me about a week ago that I did not end up getting tested for thyroids what so ever! Anyways this is my 2nd pregnancy, my first was a stillbirth at 25 weeks so u can imagine the nerves. She told me they would monitor me extra due to that. She’s a friendly doctor but I feel like there is a lack of professionalism when it comes to my needs and making sure everything is being checked and done correctly and properly. Now this is the same doctor I’m suppose to trust and feel comfortable to do my c-section?!! I’m a nervous wreck and don’t know if I should or can even get a new doctor so late in the game. I also have a gynaecologist she referred me to (as extra monitoring) so I dunno if I should mention it to her since it seems like they work together as a team of sorts. I dunno what to do! Im still trying to keep positive that baby will engage even tho they r tellin me not to bother and that there’s nothing I can do. But from videos I’ve watched and my friends and family are callin BS on that. And saying I still have time for my baby to turn. Anyways I’ve been really disappointed with my doctor and wish I just got a midwife. I really want a natural birth but I know sometimes it’s out of ur hands. But I def don’t trust her hands cutting me up with all these other mistakes she has made 😣
Hi! If you could please talk about tubal ligation? I thought I knew everything but now I see I know nothing and I’m doubting getting one. Ex: I thought you could get one with vaginal birth... wrong
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I kind of wish you touched on how a spinal headache is NOT a normal feeling headache. I got a spinal headache with my last baby. The anesthesiologist knew what happened as soon as it occurred (not blaming him, same man did a perfect epidural with my first) and said I might get a headache. No one told me that this wasn’t a normal headache. Not only did it last a week and a half, but it was really horrible. Every time I sat up or stood up the headache would smack me in the face all over again. I my eyes were also sensitive to bright light. They brushed me off when I was complaining about it in the hospital so I pretty much had no choice but to wait it out. 😫
Did you take anything for it? Did it work?
That is a really good point. I’ll try and add an annotation and pin this comment. I’m really sorry you went through that and no one listened. 💗
Same, the anesthesiologist knew as soon as it happened and said it was a “wet tap” and that I will probably get a spinal headache when they pull the epidural. I ended up needing a blood patch which was the WORST experience of my entire life.
Same thing here! I ended up having to get a blood patch almost a week postpartum because I couldn’t even sit up without throwing up from the pain.
Brooke Adams the exact same thing happened to me except no one told me I might get a headache
I was in labor for over 36 hours after being induced. I wasn’t progressing due to how bad my contractions were and my body wouldn’t relax enough. I had pitocin for 12 hours, I then got misoprostol for a few more, they broke my water, and nothing. I went to sleep that night and still nothing after walking laps around the ward. I got fentanyl and passed out for 10 minutes then it became too much, I was sobbing in my hospital bed unable to move from the pain. I texted my dad that I wanted to just die and I couldn’t take it anymore, he called me and told me to just get the epidural. I was told so many times “the body can do this!” And was so scared I wasn’t good enough for my baby if I gave in, and I finally took it. I fell asleep for an hour or so, woke up and pushed for 45 minutes and had my baby. This was almost 2 weeks ago and that epidural saved me.
I hardly felt anything when I got the epidural. It was really smooth and I was very grateful to the amazing team at Cedars-Sinai. Hope it goes well for all the moms who read this and chose to get the epidural!
Can you talk about ripping? The degrees of tears and what usually happens. Im not scared of labor.. im scared of ripping to my butt! Lol! Im due feb 26th with a boy!
Yes yes yes!!! I tore, but in the moment when my midwife was telling me about it and what she needed to do, I had no idea what she was talking about really!
a friend of mine tore from up instead of down. she tore all the way up to her clitoris
I'm terrified of tearing too! Birth doesn't scare me, tearing does... I'm due 30th of January with a miracle boy.
@@AnnaPeirce
That is terrifying !
Yess I'm definitely worried about tearing too. This will be my 3rd baby and I didn't tear with my other 2, but it's always been a fear of mine. I used Evening Primrose Oil with both of them and also used coconut oil all around down there every day and also did perineum massages starting around 33-34 weeks in hopes of preventing tearing. I also brought some coconut oil with me to the hospital and used it too. I'm due Feb 5th with a boy and I'm hoping not to tear this time around either.
i’m 16 and NOT planning on children until after medical school. but i love this channel. she’s so sweet and helpful and informative.
Every time I watch one of your videos I can’t get over how much you look like Drew Barrymore!!
Yes! She even speaks like her!
I just found you on RUclips and I'm so happy I did! I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby and a lot of the information online can seem scary. You talk so calmly and are so informative! Can't wait to watch the rest of your videos leading up to my due date!!
I am literally going in for a medical induction tomorrow morning! I'm so glad you posted this
Aww yay congratulations, i hope it's a great experience! 💗
Congrats 🍾🎉
Good luck mamma! I was induced Friday morning. With my first. The contractions were bare able up until they broke my water. That was horrible. An hour later they gave me an epidural.
My epidural actually ended up failing the first time. The contractions ended up being localized to one area in my hip and the pain was so excruciating that I was banging on the bed and crying every time a contraction came along. I almost begged for a C Section. But we got the anesthesiologist back and he found out the catheter slipped and we redid the whole thing, I felt immediate relief and passed out from exhaustion and slept for a good couple of hours. Woke up and I felt refreshed, only feeling slight pressure from each contraction. I will definitely get another one next baby.
I’m not a mom and don’t have plans to be any time soon (20 y/o college student😂) but I love your videos so much! Your personality seems so sweet and you seem so caring and loving.😍❤️
Awww, thanks so much! And thank you for watching!
I got married at 19 and had my first baby as a 21 y/o college student. Now I'm 25 and pregnant with my third. (I was just always weirdly mature for my age and nobody who knew me was shocked or thought I wasn't ready.) I appreciate comments like this because they help bring me back to reality and remind me that to most 20 y/o, starting a family is a long way off. It helps me keep some perspective.
@@wiseoneedarra593 it can also come off as douchy though.
Elizabeth, thank you SO much for your videos. I gave birth one month ago to my first baby. I watched your videos along with Bridget (a birth doula) every week during my pregnancy. I only wish this one was up before I went in. But I have to say that I did end up getting an epidural. I did not get a patient control button but everything else was 100% true. I cried when you said point number ten. I definitely needed to hear that.
Can you talk about pre birth anxiety? It's my third baby and I have myself convinced something will go wrong 😭
Yes, mama. I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. Definitely something to chat with your OB about. Sending love your way! 💗💗
I completely understand why you feel that way! I'm 31 weeks pregnant with my son/ first child. I am so terrified it's unreal. I can't wait to meet him, but I'm scared. 😣😭
@@Nurse_zabe I definitely will it's like it came out of NOWHERE this week and isn't subsiding. Thanks for your advice!
It's like the "what ifs" and all the things that could go wrong are just running through my mind all day. I was not like this with my other two. I'm very "go with the flow" "whatever happens, happens" type of person. But right now I'm exactly the opposite!
@@Emily-nr2xd aw! That is exactly how i feel. I'm super excited and my kids are so excited too. I'm just super nervous something will go wrong. And then how would I explain that to them? I'm overthinking everything and nothing is even happening yet
@@Emily-nr2xd congratulations btw! Your life is about to take such a beautiful turn ❤️
I was so terrified to get an epidural, but it ended up being do much less scary than I thought and honestly I wish I had gotten one maybe an hour or two before I did (got it 21hrs into my induction)
Yes! They really aren’t that bad! Especially compared to labor. So happy to hear you had a good experience. 💗
Loved this video! I'm 33 Weeks with my first child and I'm planning on having an epidural. Your video gave me a better idea of what to expect!! And thank you for adding that it's okay to have an epidural!! I've noticed more and more that there is more of a negative stigma around getting an epidural, like you aren't as strong of a woman or as good of a mother if you get one. So THANK YOU! Could you do a video of what to expect if you're going to be induced??
Jordan Argyle my opinion is that no one would chastise you for having numbing to have a dental procedure, so judgmental ppl can go pound salt!! Good luck with your delivery!
Yes momma! My first I was young I went to midwives did all the classes but then I was induced lol so yeah it all went out the window! I couldn’t deal with the pain being so early! After that I have no issue asking for an epidural! I never regretted it!
I’m 38 weeks tomorrow and a FTM. I’m nervous, but you absolutely made me feel more confident going into labor!
Thank you!! I love your videos. I am 35 weeks tomorrow with my first, and preparing mentally and physically for labor. I really appreciate this video, and you clarifying how everything works. This was really helpful!
Good luck, mama. You got this! 💗💗
I'm 35 weeks tmr too with my first! Having a baby girl 💕 wish you the best twinsie, you got this!
Hannah Tindall me too!!! I’m due February 13! Getting excited for her to come and just trying to stay calm!
First mom-to-be. I love watching your videos. You make everything feel little less scary
I wish I would have seen this video before I had my baby! I was way more scared of getting an epidural than the birth, but I ended up needing it(had crazy back labor that went down my legs because baby had a hard time getting into position), so I got one. I was extremely nervous for it, but it was the best experience. The anesthesiologist was amazing, talked me through the whole thing and was just so sweet. I didn’t even feel the pain of getting it because I was in so much labor pain. I also only ended up having a really small tear and had 3 stitches after pushing for an hour and a half which was shocking to me because I’ve always heard that epidurals make you tear worse
So glad you talked about wonky epidurals. Once I was fully dilated they tried to lower it and the left side of my epidural almost immediately went out two different times during 3-4 hrs pushing. When they went to do a c section, my first words were to fix my epidural!!! 😣
My best friend was set on a water birth. She was so terrified of needles that she said no epidural, knowing she had a high pain tolerance. Then she experienced back labour. By 2am (after labouring for like almost 12 hours if not more), she started to become hysterical in pain and was asking for an epidural or anything to make it stop. But because she had previously told her midwife she didn’t want one, the midwife didn’t call for the anesthesiologist, and do the transfer of care for over 2 more hours. At that point she was mindless in her pain, flailing uncontrollably, getting her from the tub to the bed took about a half an hour. Her contractions were only 1-2 minutes apart when they gave her the epidural. BUT before the medication had even started working, the anesthesiologist got really close to her face and said, “if you knew you were going to get an epidural you should have called for one long before now.” She was so out of it in pain she didn’t even hear him, I however nearly lost my shit. The doctor checked her and right as the epidural had started working she was at 10cm, but the epidural stopped her labour so they let her get 2 hours of sleep until 7:30am (she was passed out long before the doctor even said we’ll let you get some rest), before upping the pitocin and her having her baby at 9:06 am. I actually was the only one who didn’t sleep for like 36 hours 😂
Currently 32 weeks and 5 days, your videos have been so helpful and educational. Thank you so much!! This helped ease my mind so much.
Thank you so much for watching! Wishing you a happy and healthy end of your pregnancy and delivery! 💗💗
Thank you so much for your videos. I’ve been reading the baby books but your calm, accepting, and detailed explanations are so very helpful and reassuring. Keep up the great work!!!
I am DONE having babes, but you are so lovely!!! You are such a solid, loving person! You just popped up on my RUclips one day, and I'm subscribed for no reason other than your genuineness.
I had an epidural with my first. I wanted one with my second but they couldn’t find the epidural space in my back? How does that happen? So I ended up with an unmedicated birth the second time around. In the long run it ended up still being a great birth and made me realize I could do it without one. So with my third and fourth babies I just didn’t ask for one and did unmedicated births with those babies.
I hope that doesn’t happen to me, this is my second baby and I’m nervous about whether I should give birth naturally or get an epidural? I had one last time but I feel like it gave me terrible back pain that continues to this day but it could also be something else I did to tear up my back. My nurse told me you heal faster with a natural birth so I’m thinking just deal with it for those few hours and be good in the long run? I’m terrified of the pain of giving birth! What if I die while doing it? Lol. You are certainly a warrior!
@@monikaa4716 im having my 2nd baby in 4 months.. I had the epidural with my first but I get lower back pain too and was never sure if it was because of all the weight while being pregnant or because of the epidural. Its been 3 years since i gave birth and I still get lower back pain. Even though I got the epidural the first time in scared to get it again and I'm going to TRY to go natural this time. I was 2 weeks over due with my first so I had to get induced I was in labor for two whole days so in that case I was glad I got the epidural. I hope I go into labor naturally and fast this time.
Melissa Casillas Wow! 2 weeks? The baby really didn’t want to come out of there lol. I’m no doctor but since this is your second baby, I would assume labor would start on it’s own. Or at least that’s what I’ve heard from nurses when I had my last baby, they would mention how first babies usually stick in there for a while. I hope this one is fast for you. The back pain is no joke! I’ve had mine for almost 7 years now. The only thing that has helped me is a chiropractor which I highly recommend going after and during pregnancy! They will give you a belt for back pain and one for pregnancy that lifts the weight off your back and pelvis. I might give natural a try this time too, we are built to handle it. I’m sure our backs would thank us! I’m really hoping you have a smooth and safe labor and delivery
I am 30 weeks and have been watching your videos from the moment I found out I was expecting. They have alleviated a lot of my anxiety about giving birth and what to expect. Thank you for all of the great information. 😘
I had an epidural and it was lovely. I was induced at 41 weeks, and went 24 hours with heavy pitocin. I just got worn out. I had the epidural at 6cm and took a 4 hour nap. I woke up and talked to my husband for about 15 minutes before asking my labor nurse to help me turn on my side (I was just tired on being on my back, and was feeling pressure) she asked to check me before we turned and I was at a 10. She helped me turn on my left side, just because I really wanted to. She said we could try a push. Well, pushing made all the pressure go away. Then she said, you know if you want this to be over you just need to push really hard and you can be done. Enough said, I really wanted to be done. 7 minutes late I was holding my little one. She was delivered by a midwife (against hospital policy, but the OB was in the middle of an other birth). Poor midwife only had 1 glove on because she walked in as the baby was coming out. I was never told I needed to stop pushing because the doctor was busy, thank goodness, I hear a lot of women are told that. So the epidural really didn't slow down pushing for me! I guess I was very lucky.
I love all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, but I could watch your videos all day! Thank you!
honestly, i hope i have a nurse like you. my OB is a little rough around the edges so having someone with your gentle, educational, energy would be so helpful!
I had an amazing epidural. They said it was a walking epidural and i was able to move my legs around and even get on my hands and knees. It was great. I did get nausea and throw up but it was worth it.
Never heard of this
SO thankful for this video ! I'm 27 weeks and a total wuss with pain so I'm pretty set on getting an epidural
Can you talk about postpartum anxiety
The first thing you said really helped. I had a lot of pain when my baby got very low, and had to call the anesthesiologist for an extra shot in my epidural. I did not know this was something that happens often, and my team didn't explain it to me as such! This makes me feel much better:) Thank you!
As a first time mom (and grad student) I loveeee your videos! Thank you so much for making these!!!
Only 11 weeks... not a momma yet.
Thanks for the video! Baby boy is due tomorrow and induction is scheduled for the first of next week. This was a nice refresher from my first baby. I loved my epidural!
the worst part of an epidural is staying completely still through a contraction while it is happening lol. It was magic though, highly recommend
LEXI GRAVES for me it didn’t, and I just got one two weeks ago. I was also in so so much pain, it was my last resort after fentanyl. I was induced over 36 hours before getting the epidural, and My baby was in my arms two hours later.
I got an epidural for an ECV and my blood pressure dropped VERY low, even with the IV in. I started to feel...very sick and far away, and was reporting my symptoms to the anesthesiologist as best I could. All of a sudden I was surrounded by people. I ended up getting two epinephrine shots and they flipped me a bunch. The baby's heart rate had dropped, too. Anyway, they stabilized both of us and long story short I had an unplanned C-section that night and me and baby are healthy. I'm very glad I was at a hospital that responds so quickly to rare cases like me.
You do SUCH A GOOD JOB with all your videos! Thank you for making all these. They are so helpful and the clear way you present the information (higher level info than just personal experience of course lol) has given me so much reassurance and peace of mind.
I seriously love your teaching. You are just great!
While I know that spinal headaches are generally rare, I do wish I could see a video for once where someone touched on how horrible it is. It’s definitely not a regular headache and the anesthesiologist knee immediately during placement that it was a “wet tap” and that I would have a spinal headache when they pulled the epidural out later. Sure enough when they removed it later it happened. My options were to rest and lay flat as much as possible or get a blood patch. The pain was horrible and I had a toddler and a newborn so I got the blood patch which I hardly ever see people talk about. After 2 c-sections (and a mild ileus after my first one!), the blood patch was still the worst pain I’ve ever experienced especially because they had to try several times. I wouldn’t want to scare anyone because it is pretty uncommon but it’s still never really talked about.
Oh mama, I am so sorry I breezed over it in this video. Trying to do a voiceover with two kiddos made me rush. I pinned a comment about spinal headaches and will do an update in my next video. I certainly don’t want to minimize how horrible they are. 💗
Can you do a video about other pain management options just in case. I'm due August of this year and I'm extremely scared. I want to know about all my options. Thank you love your videos
Have you had your august baby yet? I have 14 days left til my induction
The horror stories definitely make me feel nervous getting it again. My first experience was so good. I waited until the last possible moment to get it ( 8cm per the hospital's policy) , I dont even remember them giving me anesthesia before the epidural, i thought they just went for it. It felt a little icky when they went in there, but definitely didnt care, whatever it was gonna take to make the pain of contractions stop. I was numb instantly, couldn't feel my legs, had no side effects, i could still tell that i was contracting but it didnt hurt at all. It took 15 minutes to push the baby out when it was time. I already put in my birth plan that im likely going to do it again, and i still want to wait to the last possible moment... mostly because I want to be back in that mental state where im not nervous at all, nothing could be as bad as the contractions lol
I’m pregnant with my second kid and tbh I wish I would have watched your channel when I was having my first. Lol. I went in blind as heck and now I’m so happy to have discovered your channel now while I’m having my second baby. At least now I have some good info
When you said “your epidural can’t run out” I had to laugh at myself, because I honestly thought my epidural was running out when I started feeling tons of pressure. Little did I know, I had gone from a 4 to a 10 in 2 hours and my sons head was RIGHT there. They didn’t even want me practice pushing 😆
I exact words to my nurse were “Kathy, I think I need another dose of my epidural. It’s running out”.
LOVE your videos! They are so full of information, and your voice and personality are so soothing! A perfect combination of knowledge, skill and personality for a labor nurse - you definitely chose your profession very well. Labor would be so much easier if all nurses were like that.
One question: how often (if ever) do you see moms who say (before labor) that they will want an epidural, but end up NOT asking for it in the end (those who don't get it because they ask too late don't count)?
I know most people who say they don't want an epidural, do get one in the end. I am just wondering how many women think they will need one, but end up not needing one in the end.
Thanks!
I remember back when I was getting induced in October of last year I put up with 10 hrs of really bad contraction pains because no one told me that the epidural didn’t run out but rather I could control when I would need more myself 😅 honestly I made such a scene because I couldn’t handle it and after I got the epidural I was living my best life lol
I’ve had 2 epidurals with my first 2. Planning for another for baby 3 in 4-5 weeks. I’m glad to hear more about them. I didn’t learn a lot before my other two...
My hospital only has 1 anesthesiologist. He was at an emergency c section so I couldn't get my epidural. They thought I had more time but I went from 4cm dilated to 10cm in 35min. Lol
Oh goodness, while I’m thinking that wasn’t your plan, I’m impressed by how quickly you did it! Way to go, mama!! 💪💪💪
@@Nurse_zabe thank you. At first I was tramatized because it wasnt my plan to go unmedicated. And nobody believed me that i was in so much pain and pushing already. But my husband keeps telling my how strong I was so hes making me feel way better.
I dilated and delivered that fast too! 5cm in triage then 10cm in 30 minutes, then my water broke immediately once we got into the delivery room. I still begged for the epidural which they gave me but it was in my system for less than 10 minutes before I delivered. 4 pushes and it was over, but I still wish I was fully medicated! I was so scared and tried not to push to buy time, but that didn't work lol
Oh, and nobody told me about the button until he was already born!! I would've been pressing that thing every 2 sec haha
Im 37 weeks pregnant with my first boy and my anxiety is through the roof !!! Lol. I’m so glad you made this video. I’ve always known I’ve wanted to get an epidural but I had so many questions. One thing that’s giving me more anxiety is tearing. Please please make a video about that lol
I recently gave birth and the nurse asked me if I wanted a narcotic while waiting on my epidural because my contractions were back to back and strong due to being induced, and I personally would never ever get a narcotic through my IV. I saw stuff I thought I would never see. It was a crazy experience so I suggest just get the oxygen mask while waiting on your epidural.
Thank you for the helpful information! I. 37 weeks today, being induced at 38+5. I don’t want an epidural but I’m keeping an open mind and your video really helped. Also meeting with the anesthetist this coming week to get more information.
Great idea to meet with an anesthesiologist! Good luck with your delivery! 💗💗
My little guy was born 12/26 and i waited until i was 6 cm to get an epidural. I got it and immediately felt very weak and cold . I then see tons of ppl come in . My blood pressure was very low . The anesthesiologist tells me normally they would give me a med to help bring it up but my heart rate was accelerated and this med could bring that up as well. So we opted to remove the drip. I had my little guy 7 lbs 15 oz 14 inch head without an epidural. Worst pain of my life . Im so glad im done having babies . I could never do that again lol.
I am 32 weeks, 2 days and this is my 4th baby. I am older now and more thoughtful on how I want to give birth. I am adamant on no pain medication whatsoever. I want to experience the whole thing 100%! I am excited and already have all our bags packed lol - PS: I loved my epidurals in the past, but not enough to not be able to experience the full effect since this is my last one. 💕
I’ve done both and there are definitely benefits to both ways. Good luck, mama! You got this! 💪🏼💗
I have no idea why my anesthesiologist didn’t add more numbing medication then. I know for a fact he did once but he didn’t do it again and I was in more pain than I was when I was having my contractions. I was shaking and crying so bad while he was getting it put in. And then I wish my nurse would have listened to me when I delivered. I had been pushing for 4hours and we weren’t making progress so I wanted her to call my doctor because I was exhausted and wanted to see about a csection but she wouldn’t listen and at this point I needed the anesthesiologist to come back up and give me more medication so I was in a lot of pain but THANK god for the nurse on the next shift coming in and actually listening to me and calling my doctor!🙌🏻
This is my first pregnancy. Still have a ways to go only 14 weeks but I am not quite sure if I want an epidural or not. I will probably decide the day of but I like to be informed. Thank you for your videos!
I gave birth to my first, a baby girl, 2 days ago. I was induced and got an epidural, the first one was too far to the right so I could feel everything on my left including contractions, I already felt guilty for getting it so I didn't want to complain but DON'T FEEL BAD! Once I said something, they redid it and I was in heaven till it was time to push. You definitely can't feel your lower abdomen when you're pushing but trust that you are. Lastly, the worst part of recieving epidural for me was the feeling of rubbing hands being snapped against my thigh when they were pushing the tubing in. ALSO if you have scoliosis, make sure to say so. I didn't even think about it and that's why the first one was a little off. Good luck all future mamas! You are so much stronger than you think!
Can you do a video on 10 things your labor nurse wants you to know about spinals? I had my baby December 5th via emergency c section due to my pelvis being too small and failure to progress. I had both an epidural and a spinal block. I’m going to school for nursing and love your videos!
Only 26 weeks with my first with crazy back pain. Already wanting that epidural 😂😭
😢 aw...
Sending hugs your way!
Oh my! Hope you don’t have back labor! All mine I had it and it’s a b***h! Start your Eason baths now stretch! I’m 22 weeks almost and my back is already acting up this baby is pushed back I’m carrying small! But we can do it momma!
Would you be able to do a video on water births? I’m currently 24 weeks and was wanting to do a Waterbirth but I don’t know much on the subject.
My third baby was born 11-6-19. I had a total of 4 epidurals. Three failed and the fourth finally took when i was dilated to a 8 THANK GOD! i experienced a spinal headaches for about a week after giving birth. Every pregnancy and baby is different...no issues with my first two.
Im 34 weeks and at this point giving birth seems miserable in general. With or without epidural ughhh im scared
Iggy Pink don’t be scared your body knows what to do! Just go with how you feel as soon as baby is out it’s like you forget everything else!
@@SheayWithLove thank you!
It can be an incredible experience. I really suggest reading the book birth skills or hypnobirthing. Look up some birth affirmations too. you got this mama!
My experience 4 weeks ago was wonderful! And I think its because I didnt prepare and I went in with good intentions! Its such a wonderful experience and trust me it's all worth it!!
I had epidurals with both of my kids and one was fantastic, absolutely perfect, and the second failed a little bit and wasn't the greatest experience. With the first I didn't feel the contractions at all but I could still feel my feet and could even shift my body a bit if I tried really hard. I could feel my baby descend into the birth canal and knew each time it was time to push, but nothing was painful. The second time was too much. I was scarily numb, like I couldn't move my legs for a few hours after the epidural was removed and the nurses were mildly concerned. Also, the needle was slightly to the right so I had a huge hot spot on the left side of my belly and continued to feel every contraction. The nurses rolled me so I was lying on my left side and that helped gravity drag the medicine to the hot spot. It would have all been fine, except the cord was around my baby's neck and it just so happened that that only bothered him when I was on my left side. So his vitals would start to drop and the nurses would come roll me onto my right side. My baby's vitals would go back up but soon the medicine would drain out of my left side and I would be in pain again. So the nurses would come roll me to my left side until the baby's vitals started dropping again. This process repeated for several hours and I felt so bad for the nurses.
I'm pregnant with my third now and still planning on getting an epidural again. I was induced with my first after my water broke and then I didn't naturally go into labor so I didn't really have to experience laboring without an epidural. So when I had to deal with painful contractions for a few hours before the hospital would admit me with my second (my cervix wasn't progressing that time) I was angry and hadn't really learned how to deal with contractions on my own. This time I'm a lot more relaxed and more prepared to labor without an epidural for a while. But seriously, contractions hurt. I don't care if the epidural isn't perfect, I'm not pushing a baby out without one.
I love your videos they’re so informative !
With my first son I got an epidural at 9/10cm and they had to place it FOUR times 🤦♀️ could you do a video on the difference between a spinal block and an epidural? I'm having a planned c section in June and heard they use a spinal block for scheduled c sections.
It is typically easier to do a spinal than an epidural, and particularly in your case, when you were quite far along in your labour, it can be challenging due to the limited time between contractions that we have! Your scheduled c section will mean the team will have a lot more time to find the right space. A spinal uses a much smaller needle and involves just a single injection of medications to numb you; no catheter is left in. The numbness tends to come on much quicker and is also denser. Best of luck to you
@@jenjensi thank you!!!
I had really conflicting decisions about getting an epidural. I was 100% against getting one going into labor, but I was having panic attacks and it wasn’t safe for me or the baby. I ended up having to get an epidural because I had to get Pitocin because my water broke and it has been over 12 hours with no contractions. I was in labor for 35 hours so I needed an epidural to get some sleep. I ended up having all those side effects, it was really scary when baby’s heart rate dropped. I did turn my epidural off at the end so I could feel pushing. I ended up pushing for 3 hours. In the end even though I still blame myself for getting an epidural, it was probably for the best.
You did a wonderful job mama
Ugh the positioning was AWFUL😅😅 I had IV pain meds at that point, so I was able to sit still thankfully. BUT, I have metal on my spine and could JUST get the epidural. It was complex to get that lower back out, but my anesthesiologist was amazing. Nerve damage makes it hard for my back to be touched, and they had to do it twice, but he was amazing🙌🏼
Your videos are so helpful and educational! Would you be able to do a video on leaving the hospital after the birth? I'm thinking of the factors of making sure mom is healthy to go home, baby is good to go home and this car seat test I have heard about? Thanks you are great!
I have 6 kids... 3 boys/3 girls... during baby #4’s labor I opted for an epidural (as I had with all my previous deliveries). For whatever reason I had sharp, shooting pain down one leg and that same side had the “hot spot”. It was misery!!! Fast forward 22 months to baby #5 and I was terrified! (I forgot to mention that a friend of mine was an L&D nurse at the hospital I delivered at and acted as my doula/coach for all of my babies) She gave my anesthesiologist the stink eye, explaining what had happened with my previous baby, and held me in the bent over position and whispered into my ear to distract me... I was a blubbering mess! However it was a breeze! I had larger than average babies, from 8lbs to 8lbs 15oz. And I’d do it all over again!!!
Also, I’ve never gone into labor on my own! My 1st was 3 wks late, while everyone else was one week overdue and I was scheduled for inductions!
My body is really weird where when I feel pain, I want to pass out. I don't know if there's a diagnosis or word for it. When I get blood taken or get a shot, I need to wait for my body to calm down so I don't pass out. At first I was thinking about whether or not I should take an epidural due to the initial pain from the injection, but I didn't think about how contractions are even more painful. For example, I nearly passed out when my kidney was in pain due to a kidney infection. Thank you for this video because that will be something that I'll be asking the doctor about! If you know anything about my situation then I'd love to know from you as well of course!
Hi! This isn’t related to epidurals, but I need some advice about it. I am going to be induced in a couple weeks and I was wondering if I can ask my doctor to try another way besides pitocin? I’ve had it twice now and it is not fun lol
I have two videos all about induction. There are other methods, although I do not know what is offered at your hospital. Definitely a great conversation for one of your OB appointments!
Please know that you can ALWAYS ask your doctor for something else, a different method or medicine and you also have the right to refuse anything that is offered to you. This is your body and your baby...you never have to say yes just because your doctor or medical provider said "let's do 'x' ". Do your research, know your options, get second, third, and forth opinions, etc. Just know that YOU are in control of your body and your medical care, and "no thank you" is always an option!
Mommybug 326 great question! I’ll have to look up the videos too! Being induced isn’t fun and I’ve had to be induced every pregnancy! So yeah I need options!
Nurse Zabe thank you! I will rewatch those! I watched them a while back haha. I will definitely speak with my doctor at my next appointment about my options
I waited until the half way point to get an epidural with my second. The nurse described it as a walking epidural and said that I would still feel some discomfort but not as intensely. I’d say about two hours or less later it was painfully obvious that it wasn’t working and I was feeling very intense contractions. My doctor and nurse even made a comment about how I shouldn’t be feeling pain like this. Turns out whoever was doing the epidurals at that time was screwing up because there were other women having the same issues. He or maybe someone else was called back into my room to do whatever, I’m not sure what because I was in so much pain that I really could hardly focus on what was going on around me. I could hear conversations but I didn’t care to give any of it much thought. I just wanted some relief. Whatever it was did not work. I realized that I would have to deliver naturally and I was very upset but I couldn’t even focus on how mad I was because everything was moving along so fast. Those contractions were so awful. Thankfully my labor didn’t last much longer and I had to only push for 5-10 minutes but that pain was the worst! Despite things going wrong for me, my labor really wasn’t horrific but I would rather not go through unmedicated birth again. I’m due with my third in 6 weeks and I hope the epidural works this time.
I had an epidural with my son because I was stuck at 5cm, I delivered him an hour later. I just found out I'm pregnant with my second child and an epidural and C-section scare me more than anything. I feel so afraid to deliver this time. Your videos really help.
Love your videos, wish I had found them before I had my last three kiddos. I'm now pregnant with number four... Two c sections (1st an emergency at 34weeks 2nd full term) my last lo I had a VBAC labor was long but wasn't horrible Dr actually came in at 8cm and said if I was getting an epidural I needed too then... said sure why not lol young guy came in to do it --mind you I was mentally prepared with having two spinal blocks for a csections previously...wasnt to mad hit a nerve and just kinda sucked in a breathe, nurse asked if I was ok said uh huh breathed through it... As they laid me back my pain went from a 5 to I was in the fetal position crying and wanting to pass out.... Guy had hit a nerve I guess... Old guy came in to fix it and ended up puncturing the spinal fluid causing a leak... Pain instantly went away but he did tell me the second I delivered I needed to chug caffeine (my coffee drinking self was happy lol until the headache hit. Ended up having to do a spinal patch as it was severe enough I couldn't vtend to my daughter..... As I sit here at almost 30weeks now and labor and delivery is getting closer and closer all this is on my mind again. I will play it all by ear again and will probably have another epidural if I'm able to have another VBAC like planned. My youngest daughter's labor and delivery story (all of it, not just this part) may be crazy funny and scary but doing it again I wouldn't change how it was done especially with the amazing nurses!!!!
Do you think you could make a video on cholestasis?... I’m feeling so lost
I wish I had got the epidural sooner than I did in my induction process. I could still move my legs/knees after the epidural, which was helpful for all of the flipping I needed to do to maintain baby’s heart rate during labor. I took a nap and woke up feeling pressure in my butt 😭 It was awful but it didn’t feel like I had to push yet. Dr checked me and I was only 9cm. 5mins later I felt like I was about to explode down there and the baby’s head was visible with a quick check. The epidural was definitely helpful. I got her out in 15mins.
With my very last baby i was sitting at 7 cm for what seemed like forever so i decided to get the epidural. I sat up to get it, everything went fine then as i laid down i could feel her head trying to come out. Not even 10 minutes later she was born. The epidural had no time to work. But hey i did it naturally i guess because i felt everything and the numbness came about 45 minutes after she was out lol
can you get a different strength of epidural?i feel like you have much stronger epidural in the US. i never heard anyone beinh unable to move after an epidural in sweden. because i got mine in sweden and i was up walking after i got mine and i think i got.mine at 9 cm dialated. after some time longer then it was like i hadn't gotten it at all. i have no idea how long but probably for 40 min -3 hours. mine never took the pain away, it was more like they took the last edge of pain and my panic away. then it returned when it was timw to push. it took me 2 hours to push and i kept fainting constantly. i did however have that epidural headache the day after. and i also felt that love towards the anestisiologist immidiatley. for me the epidural took away some pain first but then nothing. and i absolutely coudlnt feel the baby going down or some pressure. i only felt the pain.
Could you please do a recovery video about c secs? I'm due my first elective in may ish and I'm petrified. Been told this is my only option to avoid doing more damage to myself after my first natural birth ( 3rd degree tear and extra small perineum)
I was in that first stage of labour for almost 30 hours. My contractions were 4 minutes apart and a minute long after four of those hours... I never got a break and they were very painful. When I got to the hospital I was devastated that I was still a a 2. It never occurred to me that I would have to be in pain for so long if I was going to be getting an epidural and so when I showed up and they still didn't want to give me one because I wasn't technically in active labour it almost broke me. The idea of having to go an unknown amount of time in that amount of pain was almost unbearable to me. I was definitely not prepared. I definitely wish that I had understood just how painful and long the first stage of Labor could be. I always thought you would wait until your contractions were 3 or 4 minutes apart lasting a minute for an hour and you would go to the hospital and that is active labour but that just wasn't the case for me. I ended up having to be induced after 36 hours because baby wasn't tolerating the contractions well
Yes, those early stages can still be painful and uncomfortable, and for a first time mama, can a while to change her cervix. I’m sorry you had to go so long!
Brittany 2H I am 38+3 and I am reallllly scared of everything. For a good 4 hours now I’ve got a lower abdomen pain and my whole belly is really hard. I just can’t wait for everything to start as I hate everything which is unknown or never happened to me. Reading your comment now about those 30 hours, OMG!!!!!
@@krisztakirchmaier8649 I would just say embrace the unknown and lean into it because it's not really a process you have much control over. Sorry, I don't know if that is helpful or the complete opposite. I went into it with so much planning, and nothing went to plan. I wish I had just got into it with the plan to have a baby and nothing else. For me, I was studying Hypno birthing and a big portion of that focuses on the fact that childbirth isn't going to be painful if you relax. I think, at least for me, those messages got into my head to the point where I didn't know how to cope when pain did come because I had convinced myself that I would be able to relax my way out of pain and that just wasn't possible for me. In the end, I ended up getting an epidural which wasn't part of my original birth plan. For me, it was something that I needed, and I am very grateful that I got one. My beautiful baby girl is 2 months old now and I would do it all again if that makes you feel any better
@@krisztakirchmaier8649 oh, and sleep while you can, and eat something! I didn't eat and I definitely regretted it 36 hours later
Brittany 2H thank you! :)
I agree about the lidocaine pain being nothing compared to the pain of active labor I don’t even remember feeling it
I got an epidural on the last moment doctor said i could get it...the machine that was supposed to Pump did not work i had 3 machines changed and i felt my whole contractions until it was fully fixed i didnt want it but the doctors said that its most recommend at the moment bcuz I got preclymsia and it would have been an emergency c section so I ended up getting it but thank God I got it bcuz from what i was getting adviced I needed it...now I am just dealing with back spinal pain because of the cold and mild headaches something that I try to avoid by taking extra care of my baby boy. He is now going to be 2 months on the 15 of January, and now im enjoying every second♡
I love watching your videos! We’re due with our first soon and I was wondering if you could talk about circumcision in a video? I’d love to get more information about it from your perspective!
I talk about it briefly in my Q&A with a labor nurse video.
Nurse Zabe Thank you! 😊
Does herniated discs affect epidurals? I have 3 in my lower back.
Can you get other pain medications in addition to the epidural?
Yes, check out my "labor pain management options" video! (although these other options are given before or in lieu of the epidural)
I wish I had had this video before I got my spinal block for my tubal ligation after I had my son. It's different, but similar, and the positioning info you gave would have been so useful to prepare with.
Editing to add, perhaps a spinal vs epidural tidbit would be good to share?
Yes, same exact positioning for a spinal and epidural. The anesthesiologists goes in a slightly different space and you get numb wayyy faster and a bit more intensely (can’t move you legs, feet for a couple of hours). It’s also not a continuous infusion like an epidural.
Please can you make a video on breathing technics, that would be very helpful..my due date is 10th feb...and i would like to learn from you.I love to watch all your videos.
I defiantly love your videos, I have a question though
I heard that if I use some sort of olive oil or coconut oil down there to keep it moisturized in the last couple months will help not tearing while pushing .. is that true ? If yes, what kind of oil I should be using ( that will be my first child and I am sooooo confused) thank you so much 💕💕 much love
They did have to reposition the epidural in my spine after a day and a half of labor. Increasing meds was not working. After the removal and reinsertion, the epidural worked fine.
Could you address if it's true that epidurals can give you chronic back pain? I went to a prenatal class and was told this by the instructor who use to be a nurse and a doula.
jules short for me it worsened my already chronic back pain, but I think it’s different for everyone
There is no evidence that this occurs. Having a baby can give you back pain. Epidurals do not - they would be more likely to cause symptoms in your buttocks or legs, but even this is extremely unlikely. You may, however, have some back pain over the site of the epidural for a few days after it’s insertion due to localised bruising.
I had a perfect experience the first 2 times I gave birth! The 3rd time was not so much the same... It didn't take and SHEESH... The longest 9 hours of my life!! The scary part for me was that I now had no choice. Morphine may as well have been lemonade 😩😂 2.5 years later and I remember every second of that long night! Worth it, of course❤
Sometimes our spines are just not straight. I needed to get my epidural replaced twice so three installations! Third time was the charm so LADIES EVEN IF ONE REPLACEMENT DOESNT WORK TRY AGAIN. What I will say is my back did hurt for a week or two after birth but that was worth not feeling those labor pains by a long shot!
Idk why, but "a shrimp or a scared cat" really tickled me 😂😂😂
Hey love your videos.
Just one question tho, how come some hospitals are like happy c section people. ?Like they really push for it. No complications labor moving along slowly but surely pt not in danger or baby but they keep pushing to get a c section .why is that?happened to me with baby 2, 3. Had normal delivery but they kept pushing for it. Never went back to that hospital.
Are you American? Maybe they can charge more for c sections. Or maybe they just specialise in c sections. Or maybe they have a lot of patients so they try to rush them thro it.
Either way I'm glad you decided not to go back.
I wish I would have done more research or watched a video like this before getting an epidural with my first baby! I had no idea a catheter had to be placed in the bladder 😖 I felt it the whole time, almost felt like a UTI feeling and it really distracted me from focusing on delivering my baby. Should I feel that much discomfort or was something not right? My second baby is due in March and I’m honestly dreading that part a lot and considering not getting an epidural because of that reason 😞
Honestly, I wouldn’t think that you should be able to feel it that much, and I almost wonder (without more information) if it was a hotspot. I’ve never had anyone complain that it felt like a UTI when they had an epidural. But I have had patients complain about the catheter feeling uncomfortable and they still feel uncomfortable in the same spot when we take it out (during labor). So for those patients, it probably wasn’t the catheter causing the pain. Definitely a good idea to bring this up with your OB to discuss your concerns. 💗
Nurse Zabe thank you so much for your input! My epidural wasn’t fully effective anyway so that may have been the case. Hoping it goes more smoothly this time around 😰
I have a planned section for the 20th. I have screws down to L4 and a spinal is done at L3. They said the can try but it may not work and I may get a headache. If it doesn’t work then I have to be put to sleep. Would you say being awake for the Birth is worth the pain on the headache. I had to be put asleep with my 1st and it was so traumatic I still have PTSD.
Epidurals cannot run out but can be misplaced however! Mine was misplaced with each of my kids and then re-done because I was still feeling everything except my toes. 😂 It made the most MASSIVE difference when finally in the right position.
Can you do a video on the differences between an epidural and a spinal block? When each are used most frequently? I had 29 hours of natural labor with #1 only to end up with an emergency c-section. I'm scheduled for a planned c-section for my #2 (9 years later)... and while I learned SO MUCH on baby #1 on both natural labor and c-sections, I am more aware of the options for baby #2 - but I find it hard to find information about this, and forget when in appts (with worrying about my mask and my partner sitting out in the parking lot because he can't come in)
I am having twins in a few months and the one thing I am not looking forward to is the epidural. I have bulging/herniated discs and I just dread it so bad. I don't have a choice in the matter though in this scenario, and I will do whatever is necessary to take care of my babies. Just super nervous about it. I thank you for your knowledge and informative sharing.
I understand being nervous! Have you considered doing an outpatient visit with anesthesia beforehand so that they can look at your back and figure out the best way to place it?
@@Nurse_zabe Yes! They are supposed to have me do that here soon I believe. I am 24 weeks in 2 days. I am hoping that will ease my mind a little more. It's the placement and me moving I'm scared most about....and it not even working. They said if I didn't get one that they may have to put me to sleep for a csection. I'm all about whatever they say is best.
Hi there, I have a question that isn’t related to epidurals but I’m almost 36 weeks and my last appointment (which was last week) I found out baby was breeched. Now even tho my maternity doctor always exams my belly she never caught that. The tech who did the ultrasound told me there wasn’t much I could do to get my baby to turn and I would most likely have a c-section. When I spoke with the doctor she stated that I would most likely get a c-section at 38 weeks. I’m terrified to get a c-section and I’m honestly nervous about my doctor being the one to do it! I’ve noticed a lot of mishaps with her. For ex: when I asked to get an ultrasound at 32 weeks cuz I was told by another doc to do so she brushed it off and said to wait until 35 weeks. Once she booked the appt, I went in and was told that there was no ultrasound and that it was just a consultation. I argued with them stating that the only reason I came was for my ultrasound so because of my complaints they said they could squeeze me in the following day. Another incident happened when I went to the emergency due to some pains and when I arrived I asked if I could get testing for preeclampsia since my cousin and aunts had it before and I know that African women tend to have a higher risk. They did some blood work and took my urine and said I was fine. I went home feeling relieved. The next morning I received a call from my doctor stating that it wasn’t clear and they did find some protein which is a sign of preeclampsia. A couple days after that I went in for my appointment and she said it might be a false positive and would like to do a follow up test the following week...to which she did not do. The following day was my ultrasound appt and where they realized my baby is breeched. My doctor called me and said oh I should have caught that during my examinations with u..just so nonchalant about it. Now she is rushing to have me either try to flip the baby herself or have a c-section. I still don’t know if I have preeclampsia or not! And also I was suppose to be tested for thyroids cuz she noticed my levels were higher ( whatever that means) I was sent to the lab for all this blood work 2 weeks ago, only for her to tell me about a week ago that I did not end up getting tested for thyroids what so ever! Anyways this is my 2nd pregnancy, my first was a stillbirth at 25 weeks so u can imagine the nerves. She told me they would monitor me extra due to that. She’s a friendly doctor but I feel like there is a lack of professionalism when it comes to my needs and making sure everything is being checked and done correctly and properly. Now this is the same doctor I’m suppose to trust and feel comfortable to do my c-section?!! I’m a nervous wreck and don’t know if I should or can even get a new doctor so late in the game. I also have a gynaecologist she referred me to (as extra monitoring) so I dunno if I should mention it to her since it seems like they work together as a team of sorts. I dunno what to do! Im still trying to keep positive that baby will engage even tho they r tellin me not to bother and that there’s nothing I can do. But from videos I’ve watched and my friends and family are callin BS on that. And saying I still have time for my baby to turn. Anyways I’ve been really disappointed with my doctor and wish I just got a midwife. I really want a natural birth but I know sometimes it’s out of ur hands. But I def don’t trust her hands cutting me up with all these other mistakes she has made 😣
Hi ! I hope everything went fine wth you. Please let me know !!
you described how an epidural feels exactly how i’ve been describing! it feels like your legs are asleep but you can’t wake them up.
Hi! If you could please talk about tubal ligation? I thought I knew everything but now I see I know nothing and I’m doubting getting one. Ex: I thought you could get one with vaginal birth... wrong