How To Have An Epidural Birth
An epidural is an amazing medicated pain management tool for laboring mothers! It can greatly improve the positive experience of childbirth for many mothers who do not wish to enter childbirth non-medicated, and can also be of the best assistance for those who need to use it for rest and relief during a long and/or difficult birth scenario.
We love attending births and educating our clients on the benefits and usefulness of this tool. With a plan for success, having an epidural on board can help create the most managed and beautiful childbirth experience - and it doesn’t HAVE to last days! Here are our tips for birthing comfortably with an epidural:
How’s It Used?
An epidural is an anesthetic pain management system; since it blocks pain in a controlled region of the body through the nervous system in the spine, it’s considered a regional anesthesia. An anesthesiologist assigned to the labor and delivery unit will prep and place a catheter to administer medication in the ‘epidural space’. After an initial large dose, or bolus, of medication, the medicine is continually fed into the space throughout the remainder of labor.
When Should I Get One?
Epidurals are great at managing discomfort. The recommendation, however, is that they be administered in active labor; or when the cervix is dilated to approximately 4 CM, if possible. While this might seem scary and frustrating for those who wish to feel little to no discomfort in labor, let’s consider why! In early labor, decreased activity/movement can lessen contractions and slow down labor significantly. If an epidural is on board, this means that additional interventions and medications may be necessary to strengthen and speed up contractions. If you’re looking to avoid these steps, managing the early stuff at home will allow you to have a smoother ride once you arrive at the hospital and receive an epidural. It will also allow labor to move forward swifter and more organically. However, the timing of an epidural is unique to each person, so make sure to discuss all factors of your labor experience and current progress when making your decisions!
Keep Simulating Movement
Once an epidural is administered, you will remain in bed for the duration of your labor until your baby is born. A urinary catheter is also placed due to the restrictions to the bed after the epidural is in place. It is important to keep moving around in the bed to simulate being upright and the natural tendencies to move and shift the pelvis during labor, which allows the baby to continue its descent, put pressure on the cervix and move into the birthing canal. Your labor doula and birth team can help continually move you, sometimes utilizing height and/or pillows and birthing peanut balls, to assist in keeping you comfortable during this laboring time.
Anticipate Pressure
While an epidural is great at taking the peak edge off of the discomfort of contractions, be aware that it is a ‘block’, not an elimination of all sensation. Most women continue to feel pressure as the baby moves lower and puts added pressure on the rectum and pelvis, which is a GREAT sign that baby is near! Awareness of the presence of this pressure will allow you to accept it as a wonderful sign of progression and keep yourself comfortable during that stage of your labor experience.
Utilize Pushing Positions
Think an epidural means flat on your back for pushing? Wrong! Many mothers have a wide range of movement with an epidural, and, with assistance, can successfully push with a squat bar, with the bed in a ‘throne’ position, or on hands and knees, in addition to side lying and pushing in the ‘traditional’ knees to chest arrangement. Waiting until the feeling of pressure increases and letting the baby continue to descend after 10 centimeters has surpassed will give you more traction with your pushing, as the lower descent of the baby allows you to push more effectively, and for a shorter period of time!
With a great plan in place and a team who is ready to assist you in knowing what to expect with your pain management tools, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth, efficient and wonderful birth! Need assistance in planning out your timing and managing labor in the early stage at home? Our 24/7 assistance in labor can greatly relieve your worries about when to go to the hospital, how to tell when labor is starting, and more!
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