What can you have for the pain?

[lovemybubs]

At my hospital they say no epi with a VBAC. So what can you have? I assume you can still have the gas at least?

[Beach Mama]

You can have gas and pethideine if you want it. You COULD have an epi if you really want to, however it does increase chances of a c/s (same as for non-VBAC'ers) you are on your back, catheter in and it does make it hard to push. Having said that, I've read stories of vbac and non-vbac people having one and delivering fine. With a VBAC one of the indicators of scar rupture is pain which you won't feel if you have an epi. If bubs heart rate drops while you ahve it chances are high of them rushing you off for an emergency c/s. I was one of the percentage for my first birth that ended in c/s and believe that if I had remained upright and used my positioning my chances of c/s would have been dramatically reduced.
I think one of the most important things for vbac is your support. Definitely look into having a doula with you to help you through. There are also some great books that talk about using non-medical pain relief - have lots of ideas up your sleeve. Heat packs, massage, counter pressure, visualisation, hypnobirthing, body positioning, water...etc. Good luck!

ETA- Interesting thing is too, my hospital are quite happy for me to have an epi if I want it (which I don't) but it just amazes me how different hospitals only suburbs away have such differing policies on something important like this. Go figure.

[mummy_of_3_boys]

Hopefully because it's ur 2nd bub labour will go quickly but if not, they have to let you have something if not pethadine then gas! If you want an epi, find a different hospital. I can't believe there is a hospital that has a no epi policy. HOW DUMB Every woman has the right to choose how her labour goes! If you decide to stick with your hospital just make sure you find out what they will let you have, you don't want to end up there puffing and panting to find they won't give you anything for the pain. It is gonna be one of the best days of your life and you are the one in control of how things go and what drugs you have.
Take care and let us know what you decide to do.

[Arimeh]

I'm with Tan on this one..
I would definitely not have an epi when having a vbac...

It was in my birth plan to not even be offered it, I'd rather be able to feel any different pains going on in my tummy - just in case...

I plan to have a VBA2C next time round - and won't be having the epi.

I know the peth and gas are safe to have though

[Tobily]

You can have gas and peth.

Some hospitals do allow an epidural for vbac's but you're really much more likely to actually get your vbac safely without it. If you can possibly stay upright, moving around and feeling what's going on with your baby and your body, that's always going to be more conducive to a normal birth. VBAC's in hospital often involve stricter time limits than other natural births as well - an if you find yourself on your back in bed with a stalled labour and epi in you don't have much you can do to help turn that around (ie. getting up, walking, squatting, trying different possies).

[Tobily]

Hopefully because it's ur 2nd bub labour will go quickly but if not, they have to let you have something if not pethadine then gas! If you want an epi, find a different hospital. I can't believe there is a hospital that has a no epi policy. HOW DUMB

Just wanted to say that the hospitals reason for this policy is because an epidural can mask the early symptoms of uterine rupture, which is usually localised pain. If you've had an epi you may not feel that, and so are basically dependent on monitors and observations to pick up the problem...which won't happen until the baby starts to be compromised.

[mummy_of_3_boys]

Hey don't get me wrong, I agree with all replies that have been made.

I was just trying to say, bottom line it's the mum's choice not the hospitals. If an epi is wanted and there is a doctor to support that, then the hospital shouldn't have a say. Every pregnant woman is an individual with their own individual needs and should be treated that way, each birth should be looked at differently.

As I said I agree with what everyone has said, I was just replying with my own thoughts from my own experience.

[DANNIIM]

Great point Tobily and i would agree that would be the main reason for not wanting to administer a epi. There are plenty of other ways to manage pain and i think most VBACers do alot of research into these anyway.

[lovemybubs]

Thanks for the replies ladies. I knew that the epi could cause me not to feel the pain associated with rupture but i didnt know if the peth or the gas would also mask it IYKWIM

Id be too scared to have an epi for VBAC even if it was available for that very reason.