Walking epidural at John Hunter?

[Eternalbear]

Does anyone know if these are available at John hunter hospital?

What are others experiences with a walking or mobile epidural?
Thanks in advance

[SamanthaP]

I think they're a bit of a myth really, Eternalbear. You may only have a light dose of epidural however it will still affect your balance and make it very hard, if not impossibe, to be mobile without significant assistance.

[Eternalbear]

Oh really? Damn.......

[krysalyss]

Eternal - I am not totally sure as haven't an epidural but from the way my MIL described it (she is a midwife but we talked about it a loooong time ago so may have it totally wrong) you are given an epidural at a certain point for the dilation part but only enough so that when you get to the actual pushing part it has worn off somewhat and you can then get up and get into other positions.
I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

[krisp]

I asked my OB here in Melbourne about them too and she said they are not really a "walking" epidural. They are simply a lighter epidural and are not really an exact thing anyway. Sometimes they work and you can move around sometimes they don't and you can't feel your legs. A bit of a misnomer apparently!

[BellyBelly]

You could always plan on not needing one! Don't feel disappointed, you might be more capable than you give yourself credit for

[Eternalbear]

Actually Kelly you are probably the perfect person to ask have you had experience with someone who passes out in response to pain? If so what did you do to help the mother through it?
This is what happened in my first labour and I ended up having a c-section. My second was an elective c-section and now I have a supportive OB who suggested I try a VBAC2 which I am really keen to do.
I guess I am too scared to contemplate labour with no pain relief because of my natural response to pain. I also don't want to end up with another general anesthetic emergency c-section.
I know this sounds silly but do you think ice pacs would work? In a non-labour situation if I am in a lot of pain or I am nauseous I find chilling my body seems to help ward off the fainting. It is like my body warms up and then everything starts to go black. I have used cold showers and ice to keep my temp down and avoid passing out.
I would really welcome any and all suggestions!

Thanks in advance Melissa

[BellyBelly]

If you use ice packs to help with pain and nausea at other times, then they will probably be very useful for labour.

Calmbirth or hypnobirthing courses would be very useful too. It can help give you strategies to manage your response processes amongst other things.

Working with a practitioner with that sort of training, plus neurolinguistic processing and/or kinesiology during pregnancy would be great for you.

Would you like some contacts in Newcastle?

[Eternalbear]

Thanks Kelly yes If you have any contacts in Newcastle I'd appreciate that.
Melissa