Just give me the brutal truth

Idonotknow

Ok, childbirth, give me the complete truth about it. Not pregnant, but planning on it hopefully in the near future.

Kalimah

It all comes down to attitude! If you think it'll be bad and listen to the horror stories it will be bad. I've had four and it was a doodle for the most part. Number one was a forceps delivery and it was probably worse for him than me! I was stitched up like a Christmas turkey but it was grand after a week or two. Number two I could have done ballet afterwards! Three and four were very easy even though number four was a big baby at nine and a half pounds and I'm only small. I had epidurals on all of them and I wouldn't have a baby any other way. If I could have afforded it I might have had more! I loved being pregnant and childbirth.
What did annoy me was women not telling me the full story of childbirth in case it " would put me off". I'd rather know what I'm letting myself in for.

taytobreath

my x delivered our beautiful daughter and a brown trout

firstlight

taytobreath wrote: »

my x delivered our beautiful daughter and a brown trout

I'd say the trout was bigger than the baby haha laughing me head of here

Idonotknow

taytobreath wrote: »

my x delivered our beautiful daughter and a brown trout

The brown trout is the least of my worries!

Kalimah

I had such pressure before I had my first I don't think there was anything left inside! I didn't even know I was in labour until my waters broke. Baby was nearly 3 weeks early. I was getting a pain every hour or so during the night but I thought it was the same pain when it woke me up! During the following day I spent half it in the loo thinking I had a kidney infection. After getting back into bed miserable for the tenth time the waters broke and it was like a light bulb going off!

taytobreath

firstlight wrote: »

I'd say the trout was bigger than the baby haha laughing me head of here

now i cant delete that damn u, I felt I'm disrespecting my X and daughter there.

Thats the first thing that entered my head when the op said she wants the brutal truth. But I'm a guy and I can only answer from a guys perspective.

Things that I remeber most about labour.

15 hour labour... unable to stand or walk during all of it.

My X got it into her head that the midwife hated her, so there was verbals going on and I was trying to be the mediator and that was bad judgement from me because u need to be on the mothers side when shes giving out/birth. So that started an argument between us.

Daughter was delivered by a suction cup thing that stuck to her head that made her look a bit like the coneheads for some time after it.

Stitches after it, a few of my friends I remember saying a few weeks before to say to the doctor get him to give her extra stitches. But I think if i asked that she would of been my x there and then.

All in all, its a day/night I will never forget for all my life, best day of my life.

Idonotknow

taytobreath wrote: »

now i cant delete that damn u, I felt I'm disrespecting my X and daughter there.

Thats the first thing that entered my head when the op said she wants the brutal truth. But I'm a guy and I can only answer from a guys perspective.

Things that I remeber most about labour.

15 hour labour... unable to stand or walk during all of it.

My X got it into her head that the midwife hated her, so there was verbals going on and I was trying to be the mediator and that was bad judgement from me because u need to be on the mothers side when shes giving out/birth. So that started an argument between us.

Daughter was delivered by a suction cup thing that stuck to her head that made her look a bit like the coneheads for some time after it.

Stitches after it, a few of my friends I remember saying a few weeks before to say to the doctor giving her extra stitches. But I think if i asked that she would of been my x there and then.

All in all, its a day/night I will never forget for all my life, best day of my life.

Ah I don’t think you are disrespecting her. That being said I think I’d give my guy a thump if he told people we knew about it. Anon online is grand, we all know about the extra pushed out

LegacyUser

You’ll be grand. If it was that bad the population would be much smaller, I have 3. 2 with epi, 1with no pain relief. You’ll be grand.

cornflake1

Two babies with no epidural on either. Managed on gas and air only. First labour ten hours from waters breaking to baby in my arms. Second three hours from waking with contractions to baby in my arms. First degree tear and stitches on both.

First baby was 7lb 5oz. Had the syntocinon drip at the end as contractions had slowed down. I was fairly tired at this stage and ended up giving birth on my back with coached pushing. I remember saying I can't, I can't... I remember thinking I am never doing this again! I didn't have any soreness originally but had pain sitting down for about a week from five days post partum. Managed sex again at eight weeks post partum and yes it was a bit sore but improved with time, eventually getting back to normal. The first time was really a case of just getting it done to see if everything was ok! I had one private physio session around that time too, including a pelvic floor exam.

Baby two was 9lbs 14oz and arrived in a hurry. Gave birth upright and midwife let my body decide when to push, only telling me to slow down at one point. Contractions were very intense. Although I had the same type of tear I had no pain post partum. Nine weeks later we haven't managed sex yet, mostly because we have two under two but soon. Have the same physio session in two weeks time so must fit it in before then. Very romantic!

Childbirth is different for everyone. I went private both times and my consultant said that the first time is usually the hardest. I had two spontaneous labours with no interventions so I was lucky that way. I think it is important to educate yourself about it, including all pain relief options, birthing positions and hospital policy. If your baby is in distress at then I think you have to trust the medical professionals to do what is best. I didn't have any epidural but then my labours were not long. My worst experience was the haemorrhoids. Had these in both pregnancies and didn't go away between the two.

Good luck!

catrionanic

Honestly, it's horrific. But totally worth it. I'm 32 weeks pregnant on my second and half terrified, but we all get through it!

sandra06

worst pain in the world but they can give you drugs and you wont feel much/i had a section it was awfull but there was no pain during it ,,after for 6 weeks had awfull pain and could not move much was not allowed to breast feed because of the painkillers i was on but it was the best thing i ever done

mirrorwall14

Failed induction with gels. Went myself overnight. Waters broke at some unknown time so must have trickled. Contractions started at full speed every 1.5-2 minutes, no build up. They HURT. Baby in distress. No pain relief on ward possible as a result. Moved to labour room at 0cm for gas and air still contracting every 1.5 minutes. Gas and air rubbish. Take inhaler to slow contractions (remember thinking WTF my inhaler??!) without much success. Make it to 4cm in 20 minutes. Call for epidural ( I was supposed to be getting an early one). By the time he arrives and set up he gets kicked out for me to push. I wanted to cry and I’m reasonably confident I cursed the world. Instead he came in three pushes with a failed ventouse and epidural (popped off his head). Managed to avoid an emergency C section though as his heart rate sucked. 1hr and 6 minutes from getting to the labour room to baby in arms. No idea about number 2’s but definitely had a number 1 mid contraction in the labour room. Nothing at all I could do. Was mortified and cried but midwifes has it stripped and changed in minutes. 10/10 do not recommend.

Then again I’m 32 weeks pregnant....

firebird84

Spontaneous water breaking (doesn't happen to everyone like in the films), to induction 18 hours later, to wonky epidural that left me in agony (threw up for a lot of it the pain was so bad) for 10 hours until they finally topped it up properly, got to 8 cm, they realised baby was back to back (and he was BIG) and I wasn't getting past 8 so emergency c section. Blood transfusion during recovery because I was so weak.

Real and brutal enough for you? Although I'm in the minority and it must not have been that bad because I got pregnant again but I am having an elective section this time.

shesty

Well people go back and do it second and third times, so it can't be that bad.!!!The body is amazing.However what you also gain is perspective.....for nine months on your first all you think about is labour and then it's over in a few hours/couple of days and you are REALLY into the hard work!!!!

Mindset can have a lot to do with it.If you go into labour terrified, thinking it's awful and scary, its likely that it will be.The body releases adrenaline when scared, and adrenalin slows down contractions,making the whole process longer.Presumably a throwback to our caveman days when we had to find a safe place to give birth.

I tended to take the view that it's painful but it's pain my body knows.....it's doing what it has to.It's not destructive or wrong pain, like a broken arm or something.Doing it upright with minimal interference is ideal.If you have an epidural,you can't be upright.Gas and air births on all three of mine, two upright.No interference on two, small bit of help with the midwives easing out my third as he was unexpectedly a whopper!I have had waters break first on my first,baby born in the sac on my second and waters break close to delivery on my third.Mine have all been short, 7 & 5 hours which helps.The biggest thing is that you get tired if it goes on for too long.That's kind of the biggest issue, because then you struggle to cope.

Gravity is your friend, so upright and moving is the best.But obviously it doesn't always work out that way.There's no other process like it, it just takes over you and you kind of go into yourself and you literally do not care one bit about anything else (which is why you might say anything when in labour!!!)It's sore alright, but you can get through it-your body knows what it's doing, so if you can accept that and roll with it, it makes it easier.There is also a lot more support out there nowadays, Gentle birth, hypnobirthing, yoga techniques etc to help with any worries you might have.

lazygal

I had c sections so thought I'd weigh in with my experience, because up to 30% of first time pregnant people end up having one. I found the operation absolutely fine and had a textbook recovery both times. There was some internal scarring found the second time and a small op on my bowel, but no noticeable difference in recovery. I'm having a third section next month and while I know things can and do go wrong I'm still hoping that all will be well again. I managed my pain well and was off medication by the second week.

I had never planned on having c sections, I just don't seem to grow babies that want to come out the vagina! All in all I didn't find any of it especially brutal.

bee06

You could hear 200 different stories and you still won’t know until you’re in the throes of it. It’s a very individual experience. I deliberately avoided other people’s stories for that reason.

maxsmum

Elective C section... it was pain free and stress free.. and picked the birthday!

khaldrogo

Being married to a midwife and witnessing 1 hospital delivery and 1 home birth in a pool my only advise is to do it as naturally as possible except for the gas/air.

The stories I've heard direct from my midwife wife about women having much tougher and longer labours due to being induced and having epidurals would shock you.

Also, episiotomies are not needed half as much as they are carried out. The consultant in the hospital on our first was pushing very early for it but my wife knew what's what and said no. 20 mins later out popped the baby!!!

But at the end of the day you do what you feel is right for you.

milhous

Two kids, two epidurals. In contrast to above on first kid midwife kept telling my wife she wasn't really in labour (as in not that far along) and wouldn't examine her. We insisted on examination (wife is medical field so had a fair idea!) and she was nearly too far gone for epidural. She was very happy she got it, up until then it was a very rough ride.

Anyway childbirth is long and tough but you'll never be happier, wife was two weeks over on both and was induced each time, still took 12-18hours..

We have found memories of that, it's the following sleep deprivation that gets us.. but we did it again so how bad can it be?! 😂😂

angeldelight

Every midwife I met after giving birth said “oh you poor thing” or something to that effect when they heard how it had gone (induction that took two days to get going, getting to 10 but then baby not descending, back labour due to baby facing wrong way ending in emergency C section) and honestly - I’d do it all again in the morning

jimmycrackcorm

Idonotknow wrote:

Ok, childbirth, give me the complete truth about it. Not pregnant, but planning on it hopefully in the near future.

It was great. My OH went into labour at 6 am. By lunchtime nothing much was happening so she sent me to the pub.
I got a call back at 6pm. Great day.

rainbow kirby

I've had one all natural birth centre birth and one three day induction which was a bit of a disaster (induced at 38 weeks for reduced movements). Managed both on gas and air. It's painful as hell but the result is worth it.

nazzy

I agree with the post about attitude. If you feel mentally prepared and are open to things not going to 'plan', you will get through it easier. Ante natal classes did it for me. Up until then, I wouldn't think about it.

I was 8 hours in labour at home, two baths, slept a part of it, two hours in hospital by myself, waters broke, baby came three hours later. All natural, no epidural. I went into delivery suite at 5.20pm told them I wanted no interventions. By 5.30pm, I was begging for epidural. Didn't get it, baby was born 7.49pm.

I had a deathly fear of child birth until I got pregnant. Then my perspective changed.

It's far from pleasant. But you do forget. And it is worth it all.

Every experience and story is different, do what is best for you and best of luck!!

threescompany

Everyone seems to have different experiences- some more difficult than others. Some can manage pain better. I found pregnancy v hard but others seem to love it. It’s a lottery. 3 sections - complications on all. It’s not easy in my opinion but I think the delivery is less of a an ordeal than the pregnancy. 20 weeks of puking is no fun. It’s all hard work but seriously the best thing ever when your baby is born. Worth it alk.

GreeBo

khaldrogo wrote: »

Also, episiotomies are not needed half as much as they are carried out.

Its preventative, you dont want a tear instead.

GreeBo

No one has mentioned hemorrhoids yet so I will...HEMORRHOIDS!

Also an infection if you need stitches is not fun.

Day Lewin

You can't give a "truth" because every childbirth is different. Really, truly.
I gave birth six times and each time was different.
It is broadly true that the first time takes longer and hurts more - like stretching new elastic LOL
It is very intense, in many ways: that's probably always true.
I had one birth that was almost painless :-) not the first one, though.
I always found that plenty of good information, and understanding the process, really helped to dispel anxiety and a prevailing attitude of hysteria. I never had an epidural, but would have had for the last if I'd predicted that it would such be a slow and awkward delivery - (like saggy old elastic, lol)

It is an amazing thing to experience - bringing a new child into the world - yes, it hurts but they give you stuff for that - and seeing the bright wise eyes of your own child, all damp and warm and so precious - don't be scared, it'll be fine!

khaldrogo

GreeBo wrote:

Its preventative, you dont want a tear instead.

I understand that but my point was that, if left, a high percentage won't tear. But some consultants just want to snip without allowing the woman any input from what I've seen and heard.

GreeBo

khaldrogo wrote: »

I understand that but my point was that, if left, a high percentage won't tear. But some consultants just want to snip without allowing the woman any input from what I've seen and heard.

A high percentage of diseases wont kill you, but you still treat them just in case.

In our case it was the midwife who suggested a snip when it seemed obvious that our daughter wasn't going to make it otherwise since the vaginal walls were no longer stretching. Also there had been some concern over heartbeat so the snip sped up the delivery.

khaldrogo

OK. In your case. Super. I wasn't suggesting anything specific about your case. I'm talking about my personal experiences and my wife's thousands of deliveries.

kastasia

So first of all, just to reiterate what everyone else is saying, every birth different, and I'm not sure I'd like to read all the details before. Definitely do not read the book 'this is going to hurt'. I did and regretted it!
So I was due the Tuesday morning and had appointment that day but the Saturday before I was planning on going to one last prenatal yoga class but I had some blood. Rang the hospital, told if not soaking a pad in an hour no need to come in. About 6pm contractions started (was expecting something more like period /stomach pain, but this was more in my back, but they were coming every so often so figured this must be what they were) told to come in when down to every 5 minutes. Downloaded a contractions app, put on my tens machine, checked I had everything. About 10.30 went in to hospital. They checked me, wasn't in active labour. Talk of going home, I wasn't really sure and then contractions were still regular (and no fun) so checked into the antenatal ward and my husband went home.
I didn't get any sleep, on the yoga ball all night as sitting /lying on bed too painful. Other people were snoring and had no idea how. My husband brought loads of food in the morning, all the snacks they suggest, but all day I could only manage a few jellies. About 6pm when they checked me I was finally in active labour and basically given the option of going to delivery ward (where I knew I'd kind of be on timer but also would have option of gas and air). I waited another hour, but was just so tired so decided to go. In delivery ward they had their own yoga balls so was using that. They broke my waters and since there was meconium I was put on continuous monitoring. I knew they'd check in a few hours and most likely if I hadn't progressed much further I'd be put on oxytocin so I decided to 'save' the gas and air for then and just continued with tens machine. When I was though, and it kicked in, it was just so much stronger than I was expecting and I guess I hadn't built up to this gradually. The gas and air didn't seem to do anything for me and I caved and asked for an epidural. So from then I was up on bed, felt so weird not having control of legs. But also I felt so much better and calmer, even if I felt stupidly like I failed (which is a stupid feeling, but still...) I still had one section that was painful, but that wasn't the worst as it meant later that I knew when to push. Things moved along quickly enough and in the end, shortly before 3am on the Monday morning, I only needed a few strong pushes and he was out. I had a second degree tear, but didn't feel that and it was stitched up fine. I don't think there was anything horrific about it but you can't really know how you'll feel until it's happening and then you'll deal with it.

limnam

Idonotknow wrote: »

Ok, childbirth, give me the complete truth about it. Not pregnant, but planning on it hopefully in the near future.

When they bring out your tea and toast.


Leave your hubby/partner have it.


You've no idea what we've just been through.

Molly1983

limnam wrote: »

When they bring out your tea and toast.


Leave your hubby/partner have it.


You've no idea what we've just been through.

When I had my baby the midwife brought tea/toast for himself too

mirrorwall14

Molly1983 wrote: »

When I had my baby the midwife brought tea/toast for himself too

Mine too!

Meeeee79

limnam wrote: »

When they bring out your tea and toast.


Leave your hubby/partner have it.


You've no idea what we've just been through.

Huh?? Why?

annoyedgal

There is simply no feeling in the world like bringing your first child home from hospital, it's magical. Everything that goes before is worth it.

AttentionBebe

I've had one with and one without epidural, and I'd go without if I had to do it again. The caveat is that my first was relatively quick and I was banking on progressing even quicker next time around. With a longer labour I'm not sure I'd have the stamina. When I hit the point of transition I was dry retching with the intensity of it, and if I'd been offered an epidural there and then I'd have taken it! When you hit that point of "I can't do this" it's not long left though and in the end she was born shortly afterwards. Being able to hop up and into the shower afterwards, catheter-free was amazing! Gas and air is the biz and I think it works as much as a distraction as anything else. I didn't want to let go of it :pac:

The HorsesMouth

Induction due to baby being 2 weeks over due. Body went into shock due to reaction to the gel..no sleep all night because baby was flip flopping and had to be monitored all night. Induction no.2 the next day with half the gel..fake contractions all day but no labour. Induction no. 3 that night...same story fake contractions but cervix barely dialted..another sleepless night. Just about broke my waters on day 3 but despite contractions going on all day, that evening was sent for emergency c section. Went into severe shock after baby was born, I was just so exhausted. Im not even going to get into what happened after that! ..sooo..not a good experience to say the least. Apart from the fact that baby was born healthy.
Elective section for me this time!

jelly&icecream

Just had my second today so will write this while it's fresh in my head.
Woke up from broken sleep at 7am. Got out of bed and had a sizable leak of fluid. No contractions. Kept leaking as I walked to bathroom. Had a shower and waddled round leaking fluid and organising stuff. Husband got toddler up and ready for creche at 8. Headed into hospital for just after 9. Had contractions that where like period pains, pretty mild at this stage.

Was put on trace in emergency unit to check baby was in good shape and everything checked out.moved up to ward after hour or 2. Was only 1-2cm dilated. Contractions got steadily more painful and frequent. Went out for a few walks but it got to painful to do that. Midwife gave me a birthing ball to sit on and that was most comfortable place to plonk myself. Pain really ramped up at 3ish. Asked to be examined to see what story was as I felt epidural was going to be needed. She put me off for 20 mins then did the exam... Only 4 cm I couldn't believe it! She said they'd probably move me up to the labor ward in the next hour and that she'd call them. I could get the epidural then.

Pain got worse and worse and then I felt like I needed to poop (sorry for tmi!). Midwife came in and suddenly everything kicked into action. I was put in a wheel chair and wheeled up in agony to labour ward groaning like a crazy lady. Was told I'd be having the baby in next 20 mins so no epidural and I had her about 20 mins later after a fair amount of pushing and some gas and air. Was up and about very quickly, able to have shower etc which was great. I had a small ish tear that the consultant stitched up. He missed the birth! Pretty sure I did poop in the delivery room but no one let on.


On my first I had the epidural and it was a very different experience. Was in labour over 24 hours and don't regret the epidural for a moment but they needed an episiotomy and vacuum to get her out. She had a 98 percentile head so I think there would have been an intervention no matter what. Lot of people in the room and it was all a but of a blur. I can't really remember several hours after I had her.

I had no particular birth plan other than go with the flow and that worked best for me!

shesty

Congrats jelly!Often an internal exam can speed things up.Happened on my third too.

Digs

AttentionBebe wrote: »

I've had one with and one without epidural, and I'd go without if I had to do it again. The caveat is that my first was relatively quick and I was banking on progressing even quicker next time around. With a longer labour I'm not sure I'd have the stamina. When I hit the point of transition I was dry retching with the intensity of it, and if I'd been offered an epidural there and then I'd have taken it! When you hit that point of "I can't do this" it's not long left though and in the end she was born shortly afterwards. Being able to hop up and into the shower afterwards, catheter-free was amazing! Gas and air is the biz and I think it works as much as a distraction as anything else. I didn't want to let go of it :pac:

Totally agree with all this. I’ve had two births without epidurals *but* the caveat being my labours are super quick so even if I’d wanted one I wouldn’t have time. I don’t know how I’d cope with a longer labour. My aim going in is to avoid epidural for the reasons afterwards that you’ve mentioned but I’d be open to it if I felt I needed one.

I wouldn’t describe my labours as brutal or horrific. Fast, furious and intensely painful for sure but a means to an end and I’m back for a third time. I’d ignore sweeping, one size fits all descriptions of labour. As someone else mentioned everyone has a different experience, so go in with an open mind. Some can be brutal, some can be absolutely fine. Cherry pick the stories you listen to.

jelly&icecream

shesty wrote: »

Congrats jelly!Often an internal exam can speed things up.Happened on my third too.

That could have been it... Everything moved very quickly after it anyway. Glad I didn't get the epidural in the end. Could have done with gas and air a bit earlier though!

shesty

I've actually been lucky on all mine and gone straight from Emergency rooom to delivery suite-never had to spend time on the ward in labour, thankfully!!I get treated for Group B strep, and because my waters broke first first time round, I went straight in (had been told I had to) and was taken straight to delivery for antibiotic drip.They gave me oxytocin to try and move things along but things were well underway and it wasn't necessary.
Once my first labour was about six hours, they didn't leave me hanging around on subsequent labours, the expectation being that they could be very short.Thankfully, because I need that gas and air!!

Kalimah

I was only in the hospital for about 4 or 5 hours each time so it was relatively quick. I had epidurals each time. I remember on my first ante natal visit the obstetrician asked me about pain relief. I said I might try get on without it. He laughed and said he didn't think that would be happening. I'm 5 feet 1 and small boned. When the time came I was passing out with the pain and my poor hubby was very concerned. As soon as the epidural kicked in he was let back inside the room and couldn't believe the difference. I don't think he'd have stayed in the delivery room if I hadn't had epidurals for any of the deliveries.

catrionanic

Kalimah wrote: »

I was only in the hospital for about 4 or 5 hours each time so it was relatively quick. I had epidurals each time. I remember on my first ante natal visit the obstetrician asked me about pain relief. I said I might try get on without it. He laughed and said he didn't think that would be happening. I'm 5 feet 1 and small boned. When the time came I was passing out with the pain and my poor hubby was very concerned. As soon as the epidural kicked in he was let back inside the room and couldn't believe the difference. I don't think he'd have stayed in the delivery room if I hadn't had epidurals for any of the deliveries.

My husband is NOT an emotional man (I sometimes wonder whether he has feelings at all!). The only time I've ever seen him cry in our 9 years together was when I was writhing about in agony on the hospital bed. He didn't cry when our son was born or anything, but said that watching me in labour was like watching someone you love being tortured!

I did have a very hard, fast and furious labour though.

Kalimah

Ditto with mine. Nothing fazes him but I think me saying I wanted to die threw him a bit!

Peatys

Idonotknow wrote: »

Ok, childbirth, give me the complete truth about it.

Lady in the bed next to my wife was told not to be such a drama queen, that she wasn't the first woman to give birth and to save her energy for pushing.

Myself and my wife just looked at eachother..


3 months later my wife decides she wants another so the kids can be close in age.

We now have a 5 and 4yr old. Both birthdays in Feb.

ruahead

Bad but you know it's gonna be so not a surprise! I wanted to experience the pain, to see what women have gone through forever. I did ask for epidural though but was too late ( well I was 9 cm dilated when I asked and they said it was too late), I was in labour for another 8 hours though so prob could have had it. So I did it mostly pain relief free.
They discovered that baby was back to back and did a spinal tap and forceps last minute . I experienced it all bar pushing her out..

Ina May Gaskin is the author to read for positive birth feelings and attitude. I loved her guide to childbirth.

Purple Mountain

I only have the one but the one thing that I can tell you that the pain of childbirth is the very same as bad period pain.
I was always curious if the pain was like a tummy bug pain or period pain etc. and it is 100% like the feeling of a bad period.
So if you go through that every month, you know what you're in for.
I have been plagued by bad periods all my life so I got quite far into the labour without the epidural but when I needed it, I was damn glad to have it.
I always say don't be a martyr. If you need pain relief, ask for it!

mirrorwall14

Purple Mountain wrote: »

I only have the one but the one thing that I can tell you that the pain of childbirth is the very same as bad period pain.
I was always curious if the pain was like a tummy bug pain or period pain etc. and it is 100% like the feeling of a bad period.
So if you go through that every month, you know what you're in for.
I have been plagued by bad periods all my life so I got quite far into the labour without the epidural but when I needed it, I was damn glad to have it.
I always say don't be a martyr. If you need pain relief, ask for it!

God mine was waaaaay worse than period pain and I’m on ponston for the first 48hrs for doubling over. Then again mine was just so fast I wasn’t getting a break and no time for epidural