Thank you thank you thank you for this. I'm 38 weeks in two days and have been terrified of birth since I learned about it as a girl. I've known from even before I got pregnant that I'd be opting for an epidural, but I've found it's difficult to find resources for laboring with an epidural. Preparation is important for me, but watching videos and looking at blogs tailored to natural labor only terrifies me more. Thank you for a resource that allows me to become more prepared for my upcoming labor without being needlessly triggering. You are a saint, and we appreciate you!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Yay! That was my goal, please let me know if you have any other video ideas or request before the big B-day!

I don't know if this comforts any other mommas, but with my first I had a very hard labor at 37 weeks, and I was at a 3 for almost 9 hours... i finally opted for an epidural, and I was so relieved by it I took a 30 minute nap and when I woke up it was time to push at 10cm 👍 Trust me, the pain from contractions distract you plenty haha

I was already pretty sure I was going to get an epidural. Finding out I can get some sleep with it has sold me. My dream labor is as calm and pain free as possible. I don't fear childbirth or pain. I just don't want to be in pain if it can be avoided. When I have had kidney stones, I received opioids with no questions asked. No one tried to tell me how natural kidney stones are and that I was a warrior for going without pain meds. Don't know why epidurals during labor would be any different.

@momosaku16

Жыл бұрын

I feel the same. But since watching some stuff on natural birth, the biggest selling point seems to be the amount of control you have and maybe recovery time. Nothing is a 100% but for me, I just want to avoid a traumatic experience so I decided to first try without and get one if/when "pain turns into suffering"

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

There's definitely pros and cons to both! But I do love a good nap! 💕

@beehungry6190

11 ай бұрын

Exactly

Thank you for this! 31 weeks pregnant and this is my first baby. Been trying to find helpful videos on laboring with an epidural and this is one the best ones. There’s not many others actually, most are for unmedicated birth so this was extremely helpful. Thank you!!

This is my second pregnancy and I've been looking for positions I can do with an epidural. Im very nervous that the nurses and docs will try to fight me on my wants just because laying on my back is easier for them. So, I've been trying to educate myself so that I can self advocate. My first pregnancy they had me on my back with my legs pushing for 2.5 hours, no changing positions or putting my legs down much. I couldn't feel where to push until they turned the epidural down a bit. It caused a 2nd degree tear and they almost pushed me to do a c-section. This time I want it on low but also changing positions like side laying or on my hands and knees. I really appreciate your videos and the info you have as a nurse.

Hi Nurse Zabe! I’m due for my first child in early December and I know for a fact that I might need an epidural because I have absolutely no pain tolerance and when it comes to pain in general, I’m very weak when it comes to it. I’m just very afraid of the giant needle, I keep hearing horror stories about this. But this video has definitely calmed me down! Thank you so much for this.

I was 8 cm dilated when I got it and they were convinced i was at 3-4cm because my labor was induced and I spent 12 hours with the foley balloon in and no cervical change until after the balloon came out. I went from 2-8 cm in around 4-6 hours mostly without pain meds because they told me I should stop using narcotics through my IV even though I was waiting the full recommended time in between doses. Something about how they were afraid I could gain a tolerance to them or something. I’m not sure I’m not a nurse, but I was suffering big time by the time I got it and they wouldn’t agree to give it to me until I started SCREAMING in pain and nothing they said would calm me down. I was breathing through contractions before this point but At one point it was like I stopped being able to. I had a few things I kept saying to get me through the contractions “it will peak and then it will fade” and “I’m doing this for my daughter” but at one point that dissolved into screaming. I did tell them from the start I wanted the epidural. I don’t remember feeling the needle at all. I feel bad for the epidural guy because he came into the room and at that time I was screaming my head off and couldn’t stop screaming but I managed to remain still enough for it. after it kicked in I immediately fell asleep until I felt the urge to push. The epidural worked beautifully for me. I felt all of the pressure but 99% of the pain was gone. I’m convinced It’s the best invention known to mankind. I’m not sure how I would have made it through without it

Such a fantastic resource. I’m not an epidural person but will almost certainly get one during twin labour (or at least the epidural catheter) and finding resources on how to labour effectively with one has been a challenge.

A great video! My first was born by epidural and now I'm pregnant with my second and just want to understand it all better and my options! You explained everything so well!

I am 37 weeks and 4 days and have been watching all of your videos to prepare myself! Thank you for all your help!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

You're so welcome! Good luck with your delivery! 💕

I had an epidural with my first, I can’t remember how dilated I was, but it was a long labor. I was induced at 4 cm at 10pm , labored all night on pitocin, had epidural in the morning/midday, then my some was born at 6pm. One thing I didn’t understand about my labor is that at 10cm, when I felt ready to push as well, they told me to wait one hour. After an hour of pushing, I ended up needed vaccuum delivery and episiotomy because I was so tired from a long labor.

@milkybanana5799

22 күн бұрын

Just wondering is the baby okay?

@leahleahleah7351

13 күн бұрын

They say you aren’t ready to push until two hours after 10cm dilated. We are going to try that when it is time for me to push! I had the vacuum with my first and she finally came out after exactly two hours of pushing. I just keep thinking if I had waited.. I wouldn’t have needed the vacuum.

I was actually fully dilated and ready to push when I got one. They didn't think I was that far along, which is why i asked for it. I was planning to go without it, but I ended up with an induction, and after two hours of no-break contractions, I was done. Turns out I went from 3.5cm and 40% to 10cm and 100% in just two hours! As a first time mom, that was a LOT. It was the cross over into suffering, like you said. I kind of wish I hadn't needed it, but baby was starting to show distress from the constant contractions (from the potocin), and I was getting distressed, too (transition, when you don't realize you're in transition, will do that to you!) Next time, hopefully no pitocin... and a nurse willing to check when I say things feel different. That's the single thing I regret, not pushing back when the nurse said I probably wasn't as far along as I felt, that I couldn't possibly feel "pushy" yet, for not insisting they check. The nurse did apologize after for not trusting what I said, saying it was a big learning moment for her. It all worked out though, and I had a good, calm birth of my beautiful daughter about an hour after placing the epidural 🥰

@BeautybyMaria

Жыл бұрын

That’s my biggest fear during delivery. I’m 7 months pregnant. A few months ago, I told my OB that I was having pains and they kept saying it was normal. To take Tylenol. My mom told me to tell them what I was experiencing was not normal, they took it as I’m a first time pregnancy, well it turns out that my 10cm fibroid was slowly degenerated. It finally disbursed and I had to get admitted to the hospital. Needless to say, each time I go in I’m more vocal with my concerns.

@momosaku16

Жыл бұрын

@@BeautybyMaria doctors dismissing women`s pain is a real problem :(

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

I actually have a labor nurse friend who likes to get one before pushing for the calm entrance. But I'm sorry your nurse didn't believe you. Sometime we forget how FAST things can go, even with your first baby!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

UGGGGHHH! I'm so sorry you had that experience.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately it truly is.

Thank you Nurse Zabe! Absolutely love these videos. Wish I had gotten an epidural. My birth plan with my first was to labor at home for as long as I could and then go to the hospital for an epidural. During labor I showed up to the hospital begging for an epidural and both nurses told me it was too late! I delivered unmedicated but had I known there was a time limit to getting an epidural I would have arrived sooner.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Oh goodness, I'm so sorry things didn't go as you planned. 😥

So happy to have found your content, thank you!!!

Finally a clear explanation!

Thank you for your video. I had a traumatic and scary vaginal birth 15 years ago and now I’m pregnant again at age 40. I’m definitely going to have an epidural!!

I decided to get an epidural at around 9.5 cm. Best decision I made for my only child. I hadn’t slept for over 24 hrs.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness, I bet that was the best nap of your life!

@VeroVPham

Жыл бұрын

@@Nurse_zabe it really was the best nap before the storm. We were extremely lucky because I only had to push for about 30 min before my daughter was born. She really helped wiggle her way out 😅

I’m not even pregnant but the epidural I was terrified about and this made me feel so much better when my husband and I decide to grow our family 😊

Thank you so much. I always wanted a natural birth, but i was diagnosed with epilepsy 4 years ago. Now that im actually pregnant, im really considering an epidural to reduce stress and allow me to sleep/rest if I have a long labor. All of these factors can be a huge risk for having a siezure and that would be horrific during labor. Even postpartum!

Do you have any tips for pushing if you can’t feel anything? For my first, the epidural made me so numb I didn’t even know how to push and it was so frustrating. I want to avoid that for my second one due later this year

I have severe pelvic girdle pain and have been using crutches for the last few months so mobility is an issue. I thought an epidural would help with pain and enable me to do this. Would you disagree or suggest anything else?

I have a question? Why when it was time to push they stopped the epidural? From not feeling anything i went to I feel it all.

You’re video was helpful

Wish I had known all of this before I had my little guy 2 years ago... I ended up with a csection that I did not want after pushing for 3 hours. They didn't change my birthing position during pushing at all I was on my back the whole time and I experienced a few other issues you brought up. :( I feel robbed of a vaginal delivery now! Thank you for the informative video!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry things didn't go as you planned, especially after you worked so hard pushing for 3 hours! You are an absolute rockstar working to get your baby safely earthside.

I was planning to have a natural labor, I got two membrane sweeps in an attempt to start it before my induction date; but my baby boy held on strong and ended up making it to the induction at 41w4d. I went in for my induction at 5pm and I was dilated 1.5cm with 70% effacement. I got a room at 8pm. I got the first dose of cytotec at 10pm. I didn't get to sleep at all because the heart monitor for my baby kept moving off his heart and the nurses had to fix it every 30 minutes. At 4am, I got the second dose of cytotec and was at 2cm with 70% effacement. Come 5am, something made my son flinch in the womb. He had his hand by his head and punched a hole in his water. (Looking back, I think the membranes were fragile due to the sweeps. I won't be getting them next time.) So there I was, water pouring out of me. My husband called the nurse in. She had me sit up so my cord wouldn't go out before the baby's head could settle into the hole. Up until this point I was having super mild cramping at about a pain-level 1 on a scale from 1-10... once my water broke it shot up to an 8. I tried all of the methods to manage the pain that I could remember. Because the labor and pain came on so suddenly, my husband and doula didn't know what to do to help me. I couldn't communicate hardly at all. I was throwing up, pooping, and peeing A LOT so I LIVED on that toilet. It was also the most comfortable position for labor that I could find. By the 4 hour mark, I was feeling the exhaustion. My pain level was a 9. I was working on no sleep and no food. I at least had some hydration from my IV, but it was so annoying dragging that thing along with me. I started getting long contractions about 30 seconds apart. I started telling my husband I needed the epidural, but he and my doula knew I had wanted to avoid one, if possible. They suggested I get Nitrous Oxide first to see if that could help. I got it after thirty minutes and at that point, I was violently shaking between contractions from the cold , adrenaline, and exhaustion. I tried the gas and it made me even more tired. At the 5 hour mark, my doctor was coming in to check me for the first time since my water broke. I made a deal with myself that if I was over 6cm I would keep going naturally. She checked me and after 5 hours of intense and constant pain (that I assumed was approaching transition) had gotten me from a 2 all the way to a 4! WOW! I immediately asked for the epidural. My reasoning was 1) Hopefully I could relax enough to dilate if I got it and 2) If I didn't get it, I would likely pass out soon and end up needing a C-section. I was contracting while they put the needle in so I didn't care about or notice any pain from the insertion. It started working immediately. I started crying tears of relief and said, "Why would anyone ever want to go through that when you could just... not?!" I slept for 3 hours; got to warm up a bit; and when I woke up, I stopped cussing at everyone and noticed I hated my husband a lot less. I was ready to push at the 10 hour mark and gave birth after 30 minutes of pushing. My baby is super healthy and we have no side effects from the epidural. I'm totally open to getting it again, but I want to see if I could do a natural labor when my water isn't broken right off the bat. I've heard it's not nearly as painful as water-broken labor; and if I could do that for 5 hours, maybe with sleep, food and a less painful start I could manage to do it all natural. Still, nothing will ever beat the feeling of relief I got once the epidural kicked in. Thank God for that.

@momosaku16

Жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing your story :)

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

You are a freaking rockstar!! Good work using your labor toolbox to help you cope through labor! An epidural is simply part of those tools 😊

@Nurse Zabe, could you do a video on what happens after the baby is born, specifically delivering the placenta plus abdominal massage? I've heard some women say that part is pretty bad - and more so because it's unexpected and you think you're done once the baby is there. One of my friends said she had to ask for IV painkillers to get her through the abdominal massage because the epidural had been turned off by then. When does this even happen? Does it interfere with the "golden hour" of skin to skin? Any info you can provide on what to expect in this stage of labor and tips on coping with it would be amazing, since I can't seem to find anything on this anywhere. Thank you!!

@hilldoll01

5 ай бұрын

I’d like to know this too omg

Great video.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 💕

It would be the best gift in the world to have you as my nurse! But I’m nowhere near you. I hope to get a nurse as good as you. What are some good thank you gifts you’ve received from your patients? I’m trying to get ideas and prep those this week. ❤

You are really good❤

I requested an epidural as soon as I made it to the hospital. I was at 6cm on admission and it took a while to actually get the epidural so I don't know how dilated I was but I don't think I had hit transition yet because while the contractions were intense, I felt I was coping quite well (breathing exercises for the win!) I was checked a couple hours later and was fully dilated so it didn't slow things down. My doctor advised me to dial it down to aid in pushing but had anesthesia on hand to administer a push as soon as the baby was out before he removed the catheter. Pushing was very difficult for me but I was also a primipara.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

That sounds like the perfect time to get an epidural. Pushing can certainly be tough and take a while with your first baby. You did amazing!

I had a spinal with my 5th and final child (a boy) cause he was back to back and had episiotomy the spinal was odd after 4 deliveries using gas and air but it was for the safety of the baby and myself as labor just wasn't progressing glad it was there to keep people safe as well as people who want a comfortable delivery so not in pain or are getting too exhausted. the funniest thing for me was I could see my legs in stirrups but thought they were someone else felt like my legs were in between on the bed lol strangest sensation ever lol

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Oh wow, I'm bet that was a weird feeling! I'm so glad that you had the tools you needed to help get your baby safely earthside!

2/2 with an epidural and glad for them! Not sure how dilated I was with my first but I was 4cm dilated with my second. I was fully on pitocin both times as my water breaks to signify labor has begun but my body is 2/2 on not starting contractions on its own. Hey Elizabeth, maybe some info on why this is?

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Most people will start labor within 12-24 hours after their water breaks, but rupturing before labor is a clue that baby might be OP (sunny side-up). Working on baby's position can definitely help get things going too!

Can you explain what hours of pushing means? When does it start? Edit: I have had children. I do understand the concept of pushing. I just don't understand what would cause it to last hours.

@fondantswirl2019

Жыл бұрын

Right, it doesn’t seem like it’s time if you need to push that long.

Due to a lot of different things that happened early in my labor, I could only labor on my back or my left side. Every other position either caused me extreme pain or caused my daughter's heart rate to plummet. I figured if I was going to be confined to the bed, I was going to be comfortable and got the epidural. I was very lucky to catch the anesthesiologist, there was only one in the unit at the time and he was leaving one c section and heading to another one! I got to sleep for 4 hours and in that time I went from 4cm to 9.5cm. I could still feel some pressure and lift one leg(with difficulty), but I relied on the monitor to know when to push. I only pushed for 30 minutes! My whole labor, from start to finish, was almost 12 hours exactly!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

When you can't move it makes coping so much more difficult! I'm so glad you were able to be comfortable with the epidural. And wow, only pushing for 30 mins with your first baby is impressive!!

Both times I asked for the epidural at 5cm so I actually received it around 6cm.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Fabulous!

My girl is now 2 years old. We got at the hospital around 8:30pm, got my epidural around probably 10-11pm, baby was born around 1:43am. I DID NOT feel a thing until 10am of next day 😂😂😂. I could feel a tiny little bit of my husband rubbing my legs. He and the nurse had to hold my legs up cause I couldn’t myself. I am having another baby in June and heck YES I am having an epidural if possible. I do understand that my body may not respond the same way but I will take my chances.

I am 36 weeks it is possible to go labor now an get epidural

I never have had any back issues in my life. I got a epidural and 4 years later I still feel lower back pain from time to time and it sucks. Don't even know if it was cause of the epidural or what. 🤦

@zua240

Жыл бұрын

😮

@AngelaRoseRyman

Жыл бұрын

I believe this can also be related to the hip bone movement that happens during the process of labor, might be good to talk to a physical therapist if possible

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

So the studies show that most long-term back pain is probably more due to being pregnant and giving birth. It can definitely weaken our core and pelvic floor that can affect our backs too. Crazy how its all connected. A pelvic floor physical therapist might be a good place to start to help with your back pain. I'm so sorry you're going through that.

I believe I was 9cm when I got mine. I had back labor and had started getting an uncontrollable urge to push. It made me moan a lot more than I had been and I didn't explain the sensation I was feeling. I was just worried I wouldn't be able to handle that pressure for two more hours if necessary. Come to find out after the epidural was placed I was 9cm and I only pushed for 45 minutes. The doc barely got their in time. I was aiming for an unmedicated (aside from pitocin induction) birth, but because I didn't realize I was already so far along I just went for the epidural.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

I'm impressed you were able to sit still at 9cm for the epidural! That took so much control!

@justinelimpic

Жыл бұрын

@@Nurse_zabe I have no memory of the details. 😄

I was planning to labour without an epidural but I had back pain that didn't ease between contractions so I had one at 6cm. I still had control of my legs and was able to rest which was amazing!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

That sounds like an amazing epidural! Back labor is no joke!

Got induced at 9am was 3cm at 9pm and taken to labour room 11pm I was given an epidural then I slept for 4 hours and I woke out pushed for 5 mi s and my son was born 😁 x

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

Wow, things certainly went quick after your epidural. Relaxing can definitely have that effect.

I could feel pressure through my epi (which was great! I at least could feel my contractions without mind-numbing pain after 24h of pitocin). But there were several old-school instructions the midwife gave that didn't feel good to me at the time. Just wish i didn't feel pressured into laboring and pushing by their book instead of following my instincts as a ftm. Loved the epi, hated the standardized treatment.

I don't know if maybe my anesthesiologist sucked or what but when I think back to when I was giving birth the my child, getting the epidural was as bad as the labor contractions. Especially when they are yelling at you to stay still and asking where I feel pain during intense contractions from the pitocin. Those suckers were 15 seconds apart! Lol the epidural was worth it but I wish I was warned about the process. I'm more scared about getting the epidural for this next baby vs the labor contractions lol

@krboops26

Жыл бұрын

My mom had 4 kids with an epidural each time. Only with 1 of my siblings did the epidural hurt and the anesthesiologist was being very rude to my mom after she kept saying it was hurting her so my dad made them get her a different anesthesiologist who had to step in to do her epidural which didn't hurt her at all. Sometimes it is definitely the doctor that is the problem. Only difference is that my mom had an epidural before so she knew it shouldn't have hurt as much as it did when that particular doctor was giving her one so don't be scared, just speak up and have someone there with you that can advocate for you!

@shanellecasale-chenel7754

Жыл бұрын

@@krboops26 thanks for letting me know. I'm currently expecting my second and this is the only thing I'm scared about lol that and the constant catheter removal lol I'm telling them to leave that in this round too lol

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry your anesthesiologist wasn't keeping the process as chill as it can be. Next time (if you're on Pitocin) you can also request they turn off the pitocin while they are placing your epidural if you need!

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

yes! You shouldn't have to fight for yourself while you're in labor, but please speak up if you feel like you can!

@ameliaaldridge2763

Жыл бұрын

It took 6 or 7 times for the anesthesiologist to place my epidural but once he did, it was a good one. I could still move my legs and feel when the contractions were happening but I wasn't hurting anymore.

I got an epidural at 8-9cm with baby #1. I was feeling an intense urge to push as baby was +1 station at 8cm for several hours. My cervix began to swell as I was unable to resist the urge to push. The epidural helped me to resist the urge and allow my body to fully dilate. I pushed for about an hour and delivered vaginally with no complications! I had no plans to have or not to have an epidural and feel that in this scenario it was helpful for me 😊

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

What a fabulous use for an epidural! I'm so glad that it helped you achieve your goal of a vaginal delivery!

Hi I am pregnant with my fourth baby. We have 3 girls and we are having a boy this final time. I had my first naturally and the last 2 have been csections due preeclampsia. Baby #2 was an emergency BP was crazy high and I started to have vision issues. She was born at 35 weeks. Baby #3 was at 37 weeks because of my BP. They said they are happy they did it because I had a window. It was so thin they could see all her hair through it. I am going to be monitored heavily this time around because it’s been less than 2 years but I have a lot anxiety about it. Have you seen many “windows” I have been trying to google and KZread it but there is nothing really out there.

@Nurse_zabe

Жыл бұрын

I’ve seen a few and from my experience with subsequent cesarean births we do them a bit earlier. I think 37 weeks are the few that I have seen! 💗💗