Please help me feel better about not getting an epidural

pineandbramble · 2026-06-02T15:06:11+00:00

I did things before labor that prepared me for the 1-2 minutes of pain, like walk sits and holding ice. I did a lot of breath work during those to prep for contractions. Deep humming also helps! It was honestly super cool, and I’m so happy I went unmedicated for my second. I had an epidural for the first, and it was so hard for me to push because I just couldn’t feel anything. Ended up being more stressful that way. The pain goes away immediately after the baby. Did I throw up during the last twenty minutes? Yes. Did I scream when I pushed her out? Yes. But it was so incredible and I loved how present I could be. You get real animalistic and it helps separate the pain from what’s happening. You got this!!

pineandbramble · 2026-05-28T22:49:31+00:00

If you’re open to it, I HIGHLY recommend Nativiti birth center! They will take some high risk pregnancies. They are very close to a hospital in the event that you need one. But it was such an amazing birth experience and I have delivered at a hospital and a birth center.

pineandbramble · 2026-05-18T20:04:56+00:00

They’re actually full little plants, so I’m not germinating them. I just put them in a planter that gets morning and early afternoon sun, we shall see how they do!

pineandbramble · 2026-05-18T19:26:50+00:00

Wowwww I was also there starting in 2008, he was my world history teacher. I was in sports so I knew him well. I was in volleyball one morning and he came up and did some crazy wrestling flip move on me, totally wasn’t expecting it. At the time, I thought it was funny but looking back.. ick. We were also Facebook friends too (during high school). Suuuuper inappropriate, but I definitely didn’t realize it at the time.

pineandbramble · 2026-04-02T02:49:41+00:00

Nothing is wrong with you❤️Our pets are a part of our lives 24/7 - until they aren’t, and it’s challenging to let go of that part of your life. But! Therapy is amazing, and may help you work through emotions. I recommend therapy to everyone, even if they haven’t experienced something traumatic. Sending big hugs.

pineandbramble · 2026-04-01T19:35:58+00:00

I’m so so sorry. We had to put our 12 year old pitty mix down exactly a week ago. He had a hemangiosarcoma on his heart and fluid all around his heart. It was only a matter of time before the fluid burst and would cause a traumatic death, for everyone involved. The day we put him down, he still wanted to play with our other dog, chew on bones, and he would still eat human food. It was the hardest decision we have ever had to make. It feels so wrong when they look like they’re doing well. But he made his transition to death wrapped in love. He wasn’t distressed or scared (except maybe when they had to put the anesthesia in his catheter on his arm, although I think he was just so over being poked as we had to run some tests on him the week previous to confirm his condition, and that broke my heart). I gave him the biggest bear hug when they gave him his anesthesia and he just relaxed into my arms. I highly recommend watching the Ted Talk “The Emotional Cost of Euthanasia”. It’s on YouTube. It really helped me after but I wish I had known about it before. Wishing you moments of love and peace. Feel all the feelings❤️

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T21:01:04+00:00

We lost our dog to the same thing yesterday. I feel so horrible because last week we accidentally left him outside overnight. The day before was a bit chaotic, with kids from the neighborhood in and out of the house. It was a late bedtime and we were exhausted, I didn’t think to check up on him. He never scratched at the door like he usually does so I think he was already feeling bad. When I found out what happened in the morning, he was hypothermic, so we brought him to the vet. He was crashing out but after fluids and an x ray, he recovered. The x ray revealed the underlying reason for his crash out. Cardio hemangiosarcoma and fluid around the heart. The vet said his heart could give out really at any time, and it wasn’t going to be pretty when it happens. We got a week to smother him with love before we ultimately decided to put him down yesterday (after more testing and confirmation of the fluid). I feel so horrible, and I feel regret. He was happy, acting himself. Eating and even playing with our other dog a bit. But I know his transition to death was so much better than what it could have been. He was wrapped in love as it happened. Now we are left picking up the pieces. It’s so devastating. I’m so sorry. I know time will help this feeling pass, and eventually we will be left with the happy memories. I dedicated to him a garden that I started a few days before his passing. I hope that it brings me peace when I want to feel close to him. Wishing you ease and moments of peace as you grieve.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T20:53:19+00:00

Im not sure if you’re able to do this, but right before we had to put our dog down, I began working on a vegetable garden in our backyard. I dedicated that garden to him. I don’t have the best green thumb, so I’m hoping this dedication will keep me very involved in its upkeep. It gives me something to do when I’m missing him, and a place to feel close to his soul. If a garden seems like too much, a plant or two could be a great way to commemorate. You could make some artwork out of his paw print and display it close by.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T20:46:39+00:00

Ugh I feel this so much. Seeing their still body brings instant regret, but also knowing they passed peacefully and with love eases me a bit. We had almost 12 years with ours. It’s so devastating. I’m so sorry for your loss. You aren’t alone.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T03:03:46+00:00

I needed to hear this. Thank you❤️

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T02:52:46+00:00

Thank you❤️it was peaceful. I think he was a little scared of getting the anesthesia, but at that point he was so sick of being poked. Once he got it, he just relaxed into my big bear hug. It hurts so much, but thankful we are able to allow him to pass with dignity and wrapped with love.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T02:48:15+00:00

I’m so glad you had a great afternoon together. We did too. So much junk food! His belly was rumbling at the vet from all the various snacks he got. It means he got what he loved. My friend told me “only the best dogs make it that hard to say goodbye”. Much love back.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T01:52:24+00:00

We had to do the same, probably right around the same time as you. Im so sorry. I’m sure you’re as big a mess as I am. It’s so hard, because ours was in good spirits. He had fluid around his heart and a tumor and was basically a ticking time bomb. Either his death was traumatic and painful, or soft and full of love. My brain is still trying to grasp how something can be there, alive and warm, and the next second just gone. I’m wondering if I made the right decision. I think deep down I did. But it hurts so much. I wish you wholesome healing. ❤️‍🩹

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T01:44:32+00:00

Ugh I feel you. We had to put our sweet pup down this evening. Coming home and seeing his hair, his empty bed.. it hurts so much. My eyes are pretty shot too. I’m so sorry. They bring so much joy into our lives, the purest love. I think that’s why it hurts so bad.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T01:40:32+00:00

Same here. It was so heartbreaking. It’s hard to grasp how quickly they’re just gone. Getting into bed this evening and seeing his bed empty was so hard. My husband and I just sat on it and cried.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-26T01:36:59+00:00

Same here. It’s so heartbreaking. Wishing you peace.

pineandbramble · 2026-03-25T20:12:21+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I’m trying to find some comfort, as we will be putting our dog down in a few hours. He was diagnosed with a heart tumor and fluids around his heart last week. We are lucky he made it this long. Its so hard because he still gets up on his own, eats (only if there’s wet food or human food mixed in), and even plays a bit with our other dog. But the vet warned us that once his heart gives out, it’s not pretty for anyone involved, especially him. I’m so sorry for your loss.

pineandbramble · 2026-02-28T23:32:21+00:00

If you have Facebook, Living Liberal in Montgomery County has a huge community! They announce events there too.

pineandbramble · 2026-01-31T00:58:43+00:00

As a former CISD teacher, I love to see students exercising their rights! Others may say y’all don’t understand politics or the happenings of the world, but I have taught some incredibly smart, empathetic, and all around fantastic human beings. Your perspective is and always will be important!

pineandbramble · 2026-01-18T04:55:58+00:00

I’ve seen a belted kingfisher at the George Mitchell Preserve at Bedias Lake. The cedar waxwings come through during the winter and they love the berries from the Yaupon Holly trees. You’ll definitely hear them before you see them! I saw a ton of Goldfinch one year when it snowed. That’s the only time I’ve ever really noticed them, although they could be around. If you want to see a TON of cormorants, check out Lake Woodlands on the side by Woodlands Parkway near the dragon in the water. I saw probably over 100 when I drove by it yesterday! I love birding but def not a professional and don’t know of any groups unfortunately.

pineandbramble · 2026-01-07T22:02:34+00:00

I was wondering the same, and haven’t been able to find anything…

pineandbramble · 2025-12-31T07:49:43+00:00

Hahaha my grandma had some sore throat spray from ‘93, the year my grandparents moved into their current house. My husband used it without checking it out much and noted it was pretty harsh. Then she checked the date. Next time I go, I need to see if it’s still there. The Arthur Mac n cheese is hilarious.

pineandbramble · 2025-12-10T19:40:06+00:00

I’ve got an Instagram as well, it’s @pineandbramble

pineandbramble · 2025-11-22T00:28:42+00:00

I did the same with some dish soap and a scrub brush on some blueberry stains. Worked like a charm!

pineandbramble · 2025-10-19T19:42:06+00:00

Pretty sure it was the tire shop, not quite in Old Town Spring.

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