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epidural and forceps?
I can understand why you don't want to have forceps used... my son (now 18 months old) was born via forceps & epidural. this was after 5 days of very very slow labour, so they don't jump for them at the first opportunity like they used to. ventose should be offered at every hopsital but maybe ask your midwife as she'll be the best person to know what goes on in your hospital.
I did have to have an episiotomy to help the forceps, daniel had a bit of brusing around his eye but was ok. I did lose some blood but not too much. (I did have a few problems with my stiches but that was more due to the fact that I listened to people saying put salt in your bath! which in turn dried out my stitches & made them too tight)
We found out later that the reason for my long labour was becasue of daniel's cerebral palsy so don't think that this is normal! ) (it wasn't caused by the forceps by the way, he had a stroke about 12 weeks before, very rare)
You also may find that you cope with labour alot better than you think... I am a wuss when it came to pain but coped with 4 days of labour pains before giving into an epidural and that was only because they told me too because I nearly had a c/section. so just try to go with the flow & see how things go.
take care xxx wendy xxxx
[Modified by: wenders on March 25, 2007 02:46 PM]
I did have to have an episiotomy to help the forceps, daniel had a bit of brusing around his eye but was ok. I did lose some blood but not too much. (I did have a few problems with my stiches but that was more due to the fact that I listened to people saying put salt in your bath! which in turn dried out my stitches & made them too tight)
We found out later that the reason for my long labour was becasue of daniel's cerebral palsy so don't think that this is normal! ) (it wasn't caused by the forceps by the way, he had a stroke about 12 weeks before, very rare)
You also may find that you cope with labour alot better than you think... I am a wuss when it came to pain but coped with 4 days of labour pains before giving into an epidural and that was only because they told me too because I nearly had a c/section. so just try to go with the flow & see how things go.
take care xxx wendy xxxx
[Modified by: wenders on March 25, 2007 02:46 PM]
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Replies
My mother gave birth to me 26 years ago with the aid of forceps. As a result I am severely hearing impaired and have no vision in my left eye.:x
Naturally, I don't want the use of forceps when I'm giving birth to my first child. Can I insist on no forceps?
I really want an epidural though, as I hate pain, so I'm worried that if I go for an epidural, I'll have to have forceps.
I'm not sure about the ventouse option. Do all hospitals offer ventouse? And I've seen pictures of babies immediately after ventouse delivery and it's really off putting. Hearing of your experiences would be very helpful.
Basically I don't want my baby harmed like I was.
My mum says if there are difficulties, not to have either forceps or ventouse and just request a caesarean delivery. Can I do this or will they ignore me?:
I'm all confused. \? Please advise!
I also have discussed my fear of forceps with my midwife who agrees that their use is becoming a lost skill, hence all the injuries. Have you considered alternative pain relief or even hypotherapy. You may find out that you can cope with pain better than you imagined. If it remains an issue with you could you not request an elective section? Don't think they could refuse after all you've been through. Good luck.XX
I had an epidural and no assistance- just a hell of a lot of hard work!
Just goes to show, it can be done............
however, in regards to using foreceps, Midwives know a lot more about them these days than they did 26 years ago.
Hi
I was really adamant that I didn't want an epidural as I'm scared of needles etc. But, I was also scared of the pain during labour and thought I wouldn't cope and would probably need an epidural. I used a tens machine in early labour and had a really long bath at hospital for pain relief. Then I used gas and air when labour was established until I was fully dilated. At this point I requested Pethidine as gas and air was not enough for pain of contractions. But, there was no Doctor available to give Pethidine so i didn't get it.
Once I started pushing they took gas and air away as it distracted me from pushing. I was pushing for about 2 hours without any pain relief. It's amazing how your body takes over and you become very focused. I was really suprised how I got through it as normally I'm not good with pain. But, also I think I was very fortunate that my labour went smoothly.
I know that each labour can be so different in terms of pain etc.
The midwife had told me that they would need to do a forcep delivery as I had been pushing for so long, I was exhausted and my baby was distressed. But, then his head crowned and appeared. I think I became ultra determined to push my baby out when midwife mentioned forceps!! But, I wasn't given option of ventouse. I'm glad forceps weren't needed in the end.
I think in terms of pain be open-minded. It is possible for you to deliver your baby without need of an epidural or forceps. However, during your labour you may decide you need an epidural. I also agree with previous comments that ventouse or forceps may be a better option than a c section. Stay positive and enjoy your labour!
Adele