I had an epidural for my first and second child deliveries... i thought the 3rd would be fast - so I didn't get it.
Looking back, this was the not-so-good decision I have ever made!
Labour pain is sooo intense that it is indescribable. The contractions - to me, it felt like my whole body was breaking and when the baby was in the pelvis, it felt like a huge coconut shell waiting to blow.. I wanted to push - but the more I pushed, I felt everything down there was going to fall apart. Everything was going to "pecah koyak rabak".. Pushing: it felt forever. "Sikit lagi, sikit lagi!" My husband and the nurses encouraged me.. "Sikit lagi, sikit lagii!!"
Epidural can make a lot of difference to many women. Without labour pain - women can experience a more positive labour experience. More relax, able to rest, able to eat and save the energy to bear down when the time comes. In the older teaching, the epidural is associated with prolonged labour, more intervention eg: assisted delivery (vacuum/forceps), less successful breastfeeding. To be honest, I see the opposite in my practice.
With epidural women tend to have more control of themselves. They are less tired. Most of them are able to bond with their babies and were successful in breastfeeding.
For soon-to-be moms, ask your doctor about epidural. Ask what kind of pain relief is available at the place you choose to give birth. Ask about the advantages and risks of epidural.
Have a wonderful birthing experience.
Comments