For those with non-medicated births

[meatloafkend]

For those of you who have given birth vaginally already and done it without medication...Was pitocin used and was that extremely difficult to handle? I ask because my doctor said they will use pitocin to augment my VBAC if needed. I had pitocin during my first labor with no epidural (but only got to 4cm). It was horrible. I just want to know how bad it really gets towards the end. I need to prepare myself mentally for the pain.

[becca74]

pitocin is a scary idea for vbac....

from: http://www.homebirth.org.uk/vbacinduction.htm

<H1>VBAC and Induction or Acceleration of Labour

A number of studies have found that induction or acceleration of labour in mothers attempting a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) carries an increased risk of uterine rupture. Others have found no such link. Some of the more recent studies are summarised here. I will not summarise the older studies as these are thoroughly discussed on other sites, eg the Midwife Archives page on Pitocin and VBAC (http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/homvbac2.html#Pit)
If induction of labour in VBAC mothers does carry an increased risk of uterine rupture, this does not imply that such mothers should never be induced, or have their labours accelerated. If the alternative is an elective repeat caesarean then induction of labour may still be the best course overall. However, it does suggest that induction and acceleration of labour should be undertaken only with care, and avoided when possible.
The studies on this page consider induction with oxytocin (pitocin, syntocinon), usually given as a 'drip', or intravenous infusion, and induction generally, using oxytocin or prostaglandins. Another common method of inducing labour and ripening the cervix is using Prostaglandin E2 Gel (Prostin), or more rarely, misoprostol (Cytotec). These drugs are considered on separate pages.
Prostaglandin E2 Gel and VBAC (http://www.homebirth.org.uk/pe2.htm)
Misoprostol (Cytotec) and VBAC (http://www.homebirth.org.uk/misoprostol.htm)
For more discussion, see the Midwife Archives page on Pitocin and VBAC (http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/homvbac2.html#Pit).
Laura Brockman (http://www.homebirth.org.uk/laurastephen.htm)'s baby, Stephen, died after her uterus ruptured following induction of labour. She has asked for her story to be told to help other women avoid such tragedy.
</H1>
see also: http://www.birthrites.org/inductionRisks.html

stick to nature :thumbsup:

[nut]

Agree with Becca on pitocin and VBAC..... maybe have another chat to your care provider......

I've never had pitocin so can't answer your question, but i send you all the best birthing vibes~~~~~~:hugs: .

[DJWebb]

I have had 2 totally natural deliveries, no epi or any other pain relief! Though I was given a small amount of pitocin towards the end of labor to strengthen my contractions and I will say it is painful..the contractions get very strong! but, it is manageable. I would suggest taking some birthing classes..I took lamaze classes with my second pregnancy and learned some great breathing techniques that helped a lot! Eating healthy and staying in shape is very good for labor and delivery! I would suggest swimming, brisk walking and maybe some yoga to prepare your body for the delivery. good luck!

[meatloafkend]

Oh, believe me...I know pitocin is not the best for VBAC. As a matter of fact, I wrote about that topic on my blog. My doctor will not induce labor, but is open to using pitocin. It will be in my birth plan NOT to use pitocin, but I am afraid my labor will stall. If I am stalled for too long and the idea of pitocin or C-section is brought up, I will probably choose pitocin. However, I do know it can increase uterine rupture rates significantly. That is what makes me nervous.

I am thinking of hiring a doula to be with my in the delivery room. I think she might be able to help me fend off the annoying doctors and nurses that urge pitocin.

[flib]

My Ob and I decided we would not use pintocin or anything to help my labour along and that if all was well we would wait without any time limits.

My 1st labour was 36 hours ending in a c-section. My first VBAC with my Ob was about 16 hours but I only spent 2 hours in hospital. My 2nd VBAC was 4 hours. Both were drug free and without stitches, tears or anything.

I couldn't believe how different my 2 VBACs were. I didn't need any intervention - those babies just made their own way into the world. It's the best way!

Avoid intervention if you can!

Best wishes and good luck. I hope you have a wonderful birth!

[meatloafkend]

Thank you for all your comments. I will have a doctor appointment in about 2 weeks and will discuss my feelings towards pitocin then. Thanks for your support!