I have had three children, therefore, three epidurals. One of those epidurals failed, I didn’t even know that was possible. In case it happens to you one day, check out my four tips.
I essentially had pain-free labor and delivery with my firstborn. I know, I was super lucky with that one! During my second pregnancy, I pondered the thought of attempting an epidural free birthing experience. There is such a rush of adrenaline I thought I may actually be able to handle it.
I read as much as I could about coping with pain, different relaxation techniques, breathing techniques, pretty much anything that seemed like it would help me in the delivery room. The conclusion I came to was that if went into labor naturally, I’d see how I handled the pain and use all my new amazing techniques and strategies to make it through labor 100% epidural free. Yay me! This was my “birth plan”.
Then came actual labor. The labor pains were intense. I felt it radiate through every piece of my body. As the pain increased, I decided my relaxation techniques and my natural childbirth plan were heading out the window! It was time for some medical intervention. Get me the epidural…. FAST! See ya later, birth plan!
Epidurals Fail
As I was receiving the epidural. I waited for the wave of pain relief. Would you believe me if I said “it never came?” What the heck!? This magical drug was there to help me get through labor. The epidural was not working. It can’t just fail!? But it actually can and it did. Gasp!
Epidurals “fail” 9-12% of the time. Although, it is hard to really figure out an exact failure rate. Once you expect your pain to disappear and the epidural medication to kick in. You sort of freeze. You forget all the information you read on natural childbirth and you may go into some sort of panic mode. But that’s ok! I’ve got you covered! Here are 4 things to help you during your “epidural free” birth story.
4 Tips To Help With Epidural Failure
Tip 1: Change Positions
It is always important to find the most comfortable position when laboring. Many women find standing and walking helps relieve birthing pains. If you are still experiencing pain after an epidural, try changing positions.
Flipping to one side of your body may be more comfortable than the other side. Your labor and delivery nurse will surely help you do this if you need! Changing positions can often help relieve pain. Other mothers have loved a yoga ball or peanut ball. If your nurses allow you to sit on a yoga bag. Take advantage of it. It will help with pain in your back, hips and other areas.
Yoga balls are actually great for everyday sitting as well. They help build your core muscles and improve your posture! A peanut ball is an amazing tool to help relieve the pressure in certain areas. Wink, wink. When placed between your legs, it can work wonders!
Tip 2: IV Medication/Laughing Gas
If you are in the beginning stages of labor, there are other medication options available to you. You can try IV medication, which can help relieve some of the stress and pain you are feeling. IV medication is more often used in the beginning of labor. So you definitely want to see if this is an option towards the beginning of your epidural problems. The last thing you want is to be begging for medication when it is not available or unhelpful!
Laughing gas is also becoming increasingly popular in delivery rooms to help mothers during labor. Although, the thought of it gives me flashbacks of getting my wisdom teeth taken out. Laughing gas relieves the pain slightly, but is really used to get your mind off of the pain and concentrate on having a baby. Some side effects of laughing gas can be nausea or dizziness. So if you are prone to those. Stay clear of this stuff!
If the epidural is just not doing its job. Don’t be afraid to ask for these types of medication while your nurse and anesthesiologist try to get your epidural figured out. These could help while they replace or reposition the epidural catheter.
Tip 3: Change Medication
Did you know you can alter your epidural meds? NEWS TO ME TOO! I mean, I knew you could receive more medication if you were in labor for longer than expected. Which I obviously hope none of you are! But, I didn’t know I could ask for more or ask for a change in medication before that “expected time.”
The best thing about this is your epidural catheter does not need to be taken out! Getting the epidural catheter in once can be traumatic enough for some moms. No one wants to have to do it again.
Tip 4: Remember Birthing Class
Yes, remember that 12 hour course you and your significant other sat through during the week or weekend? Well, it’s about to come in handy! The birthing techniques, the breathing strategies, the relaxation ideas. All of it could help when trying to concentrate on your baby instead of the pain! If you have a doula during laboring, they are a great resource as well. They can give you even more information and ways to relax and concentrate.
If a doula just isn’t in your budget or your thing, use what you have. Your labor and delivery nurses are often AMAZING at giving you some advice and techniques as well! I mean, they have probably seen every technique/strategy under the sun. From playing heavy metal music to lighting candles, moms in labor have tried it all!
Epidurals fail. Yes, it’s true. Remember: Only 9-12%. That is still pretty low! But you do not need to freak out about what will happen if yours does. You have 4 new tips to take into the delivery room with you. Just in case! Remember: You are strong. You can achieve great things and if you make it through a failed epidural delivery. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!
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