(Katie Said) Epidurals and Such

The following is actually an email my cousin Katie sent me about a year ago about a discussion that included analysis of my indecision concerning Epidurals. At the time, my good mate Heather (you will hear from her later) had a natural birth that went smoothly and Matt was pretty anti-medication (well he still is) but acknowledged that he didn't have to do the laboring so he was (and still is) open to my needs and feelings. I just didn't (and, surprise, still don't) know what those needs and feelings were. So here is what Katie sent to give me one perspective...

Hey Jen!
Just wanted to follow-up on our discussion about epidurals the other night and say that I know whatever you do will be done with much thought and care for you and your little one - and I back you totally for whatever you decide. There isn't, in my opinion, a right or wrong choice. I am a big epidural advocate, but I know a lot of very wonderful people who are just as big of advocates for au natural.
 
I wanted to share with you what just came across my Facebook feed from my most outspoken friend about being 100% natural (Facebook actually shut her down for a while because of her breastfeeding photos, but that's another story). Anyway, she's very anti epidural and c-section. But, what I respect about today's Facebook post is that she recognized the medical necessity for her safety and the safety of her baby for both an epidural and eventual c-section.
 
From Facebook: "Well after starting contractions at home at 2:30 am Saturday morning, we checked into Overland Park Regional for our second try at induction. We tried to break my water and couldn't, so we started pitocin. It took about 6 hours to get to 1 cm. Since I was a VBAC, we couldn't use cervical softening gel. At midnight, now at 2 cm, we broke my water, which was interesting since I had such an excessive amount. It's amazing how hard those contractions got when there was less water in there. At 4 am, after being up for over 24 hours with contractions, I opted for an epidural so I could rest. I was still only at 3 cm and I was able to sleep through the most intense pitocin contractions. At 9 am after checking my measurements over night (very strong contractions 2 minutes apart for 4 hours), we found out baby was engaged but I was still only 3 cm. Due to the excess fluid, she had engaged at an angle. The doctor offered to let us go a while longer, but with the issue of the fluid broken, and a baby that was in a poor position to help my cervix dilate, we decided on a c-section. I couldn't see putting her and myself through more stress, when it had taken me 9 hours to get from 2-3 and the situation looked poor. When we finally got into the Operating room, we discovered her head was tipped to the side and her cord was around her neck, so in the long run I'm glad we didn't try to deliver her under those circumstances."
 
There are a lot of moms who go natural because they feel that it is best for their baby. That is awesome. I think the most important thing is that you go into it with an understanding that ANYTHING can happen, including the necessity for an epidural and a c-section  (kind of the "best laid plans oft go awry" concept). I know you know that, I just thought her story really illustrated how difficult the decisions a women in labor has to go through sometimes. I am very blessed that my labors were simple, so it is always good for me to read what other moms have gone through - to appreciate that there are so many special case scenarious when it comes to birthing precious babies. But, in the end, the precious baby is the goal and reward!
 
And I commend you for thinking so much in advance about these things, you'll be very well-prepared when the VERY exciting time comes ;-)
 
Love you!
Katie