When it comes to bringing your little one into the world, you're filled with excitement and anticipation. But you may also be feeling anxious about labor and childbirth, especially if this is your first baby.
You do have options to ensure you have a positive experience, and the tools you need to handle your pain.
"As labor nurses, we're here to assist, encourage and support you every step of the way, through every phase of labor," says Sheryl Parfitt, a registered nurse certified in inpatient obstetrics, and a clinical educator with HonorHealth's maternity services.
Going into labor, it's important to be as prepared as possible. Sheryl suggests that you take childbirth classes and learn breathing techniques. Regardless of your birth plan – and whether you intend to have an epidural or not – the following techniques can be very helpful, especially in the early stages of labor:
- Getting in a Jacuzzi tub
- Walking
- Using a peanut ball (a ball shaped like a peanut) or labor ball
- Acupressure
- Hypnosis
- Hospital-provided essential oils and music therapy to boost relaxation and create a peaceful atmosphere
What happens during an epidural?
Once you're in active labor, you have the option of receiving an epidural, administered in your room by an anesthesiologist. Here are the steps involved:
- Your nurse will help you get into the right position – either on your side or sitting up.
- Your skin will be numbed first, similar to when you go to the dentist. The anesthesiologist inserts a small needle between your vertebrae, not on or in the space by your spinal cord.
- Once the anesthesiologist finds the right area, they will thread a thin catheter that will remain in place until after you've given birth. The needle does not stay in place, only the catheter.
- You should know that once you've had an epidural, you'll need to remain in bed for the duration of your labor.
- You'll need to turn from side to side occasionally to ensure the medication distributes evenly.
"The procedure generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You should feel pain relief in about the same amount of time once the epidural medication is administered," Sheryl says. "You can truly have an epidural at just about any time. We just encourage you to be far enough along so that we don't slow down your labor. Even then, there are things we can do to pick labor up again. If your labor is moving so quickly that your baby will be born before you can get pain relief, an epidural won't be helpful. But your nurses will get you through it, reminding you that you'll be holding your newborn very soon."
Epidurals are safe and effective with few, if any, complications. They do not increase your likelihood of having a C-section — to the contrary, an epidural may help your body relax enough that labor progresses more readily. Residual side effects are very rare. The epidural should not have any effect on the baby's alertness and ability to breastfeed.
Stay flexible
"We want you to have a safe delivery and a very positive experience," Sheryl says. "Knowledge is power. So, talk with your partner ahead of time about your wishes once you're in labor. But stay flexible enough to realize that plans can change. Labor is a process with different pain control techniques that work at different stages. Communication is key with your partner, obstetrician and nurses."
Discuss questions and concerns with your obstetrician. If you have special needs that might require more discussion about pain control, you can also ask your obstetrician about consulting with an anesthesiologist before you go into labor.