I can't believe they let you be in labour for that long without doing something. That's terrible. Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. Women have died from being in labour that long.
I guess having a huge needle in your back was relief compared to all the other excruciating pain. Or, at least that's what my friends tell me. They tell me all sorts of horror stories.
Everyone has a horror birth-story. Those who don't tend to be ignored because they are busy talking about "the magic of childbirth" or "the beauty of new life" or some such rubbish. Nobody likes those people...not even their own families :laugh:.
I guess for me, I didn't know what was happening to me - sure, you can read about it and talk it over with other parents but until you are flat on your back in a hospital with a shortage of staff and no one telling you what's happening...yeah, I was terrified and alone and things were happening to me that had SO not been mentioned in antenatal class. I had asked for painkillers hours before but at that time was unable to swallow tablets so they said they couldn't find anyone to sign off on some liquid painkillers for me. Goodness knows why no one offered me Pethidine or Tramadol like they normally would in that situation. Eventually, 40hrs in, I got some bloke with a needle stabbing me in the spine and then I had 6 hours of no pain until Jessica was born. No idea what happened after that because I apparently passed out from blood loss and shock for however many hours it was.
Having said that, I don't know what's better - a long labour with plenty of pain relief or a short one with none. From first tiny twinge to "Hello world", Jake and Josh were 1hr 50mins and 51mins respectively. I remember with Josh asking for an epidural and the midwife just saying, "well you could but seeing as the head is already out, there is little point". If I ever have another one it would have to be by elective Caesarean - my babies are too big and I am so done with being Jabba the Hutt.
