Epidural or not?

Alana - posted on 03/13/2009

OMG epidural all the way!

Melissa - posted on 03/13/2009

EPIDURAL. I had one with all 3 of my kids. The first one by the time that I got it it was too late she was born less than 20 minutes later so it never really got a chance to kick in. My second it was great. My third (last week)  it was a LIFE SAVOR I was in hard labor for over 14 hours before they decided that I needed to have a c-section. They had to give me doses every 1-2 hours and I can honestly say I REALLY don't think I would have made it with out the epidural.

Gerry-Offie - posted on 03/13/2009

I had epidural with my first one, signed up for the second one but waited too long, and didn't have any for the 3rd one!! I seriously think that I recovered soonest from my 3rd one...God has this mysterious way of making you forget as soon as you see your bundle of joy!!! I'd do it again if given the chance...good luck!

Tami - posted on 03/13/2009

I had an epidural with my both of my children; both children were plenty alert after birth, fed eagerly, etc. At the end of the day, it's all about 1) what you want to do as part of your 'birth plan" (deep down in your heart, what do you want to do?) and 2) whatever curves get thrown at you during your delivery. I'm sure you know you can't exactly "plan" everything that will go down. =) But- good luck, whatever you decide to do. And congratulations on your pregnancy!

Susan - posted on 03/13/2009

I am an OB nurse... It is a very personal decision. I tell my moms, if you want to do it natural that is great, but keep an open mind and if the pain gets too bad you can always ask for it. If you have a good support system (hubby, mom, friend) it helps when trying to go natural. You need people who are encouraging and can physically help you. With backrubs, cool cloths or just a kiss you can keep focused and work thru the pain.

Remember... The pain is not forever. Choose what you think is best for you and your family. The ultimate goal in the whole process is a healthy mom and baby...



On a more personal note... I had my only child natural... It sometimes comes down to mind over matter.... But if I had needed meds I would have asked for them...



Good luck with your delivery, whichever decision you make.... = )

Jolene - posted on 03/13/2009

I didn't get one and am very glad. I don't plan on anymore children but if I were to, I would go without it again.

Karen - posted on 03/13/2009

Quoting Karli:

i went all natural no drugs with my first baby and in my opinion if you cant even take an asprin while your pregnant cuz it can be bad for the baby then why can they drug you up right before you give birth....? My son was so alert and not drousy and groogy and even though it hurts i wouldnt have traded the drugs for it

I totally agree! It makes no sense to me that all drugs are major no no's until you're in labour. Once you're in labour, it's a free for all?

I'd say get educated and then get the support you need. I took prenatal classes (20 hours worth) that focused on allowing your body to birth your baby naturally, and had fantastic midwives that helped me all through the process. Without these things I don't think I would have been able to say no when offered the drugs.

Meredith - posted on 03/13/2009

i was undecided, so i started at the lower end scale of pain meds (laughing gas) and decided if it wasnt enough I could move up a step to something strong, I never went past the gas and I was so happy because it wears off so fast that by the time baby was in my arms i was totally aware, in my right mind, and able to get out of bed and walk on my own, shower lol But i was always happy and never regretted it, I didnt like the idea of losing control of one aspect of things (being confined to bed)

Shannon - posted on 03/13/2009

I wanted to try SO badly to give birth without an epidural...finally after 16 hours of labor I had one and then 8 hours after that had a C-section. My sisters both had epidurals right after their water broke and both had quick labors and were able to appreciate the experience. I think you should do what's right for you...but I say get the epidural!

Tricia - posted on 03/13/2009

My advice is to do what feels right for you.

Except for a bit of gas with my second baby, I went natural with both my babies and I am really glad I did.

I think a lot of it has to do with the frame of mind you go in with. If you're stressed and worried, you're more likely to need meds. Relax and take it easy and you might find you don't need them. Neither of my births were easy but with my first I never felt that I NEEDED meds and I think a lot had to do with my frame of mind.

Hope this made sense...lol...I have a couple of little monkeys singing behind me.

Good luck.

Karli - posted on 03/13/2009

i went all natural no drugs with my first baby and in my opinion if you cant even take an asprin while your pregnant cuz it can be bad for the baby then why can they drug you up right before you give birth....? My son was so alert and not drousy and groogy and even though it hurts i wouldnt have traded the drugs for it

Bobbie - posted on 03/13/2009

I am 54 and had 5 kids. One was natural. Girl take that epidural. I had to be induced with 4 and couldn't get  Ithe epidural until they knew that I was going to remain in labor. I was miserable. The last child i went into labor on my own and got that epidural  at 4 centimeters and it was smooth sailing, The old fashion way isn't all that

Abbie - posted on 03/13/2009

Its a personal choice for each person. I was going to go all natural too. Till they induced me and broke my water. And I had such bad back labor I thought I was dying. Well they figured out later he was face up ( cause of back labor) I think you should do what you feel you need to do when you are in labor. My doctor told me the best advice once, you can write your birth plan if you want, but labor will go how it will go whether you write it or not. So my thoughts are just go with it ( whatever it maybe) when it comes that time. Nothing wrong with the drugs though, if there was people wouldn't do it!!!!!!!

Ashley - posted on 03/13/2009

just keep an open mind because each pregancy and labour is different, as it's your second labour and delivery for most women is quicker, and easier but not for all, and you definatly dont have to make up your mind now, just wait and see how it goes, when i went into labour with my second it started quick, and from the first contraction on they were less then 5 min apart, but they weren't as strong as with my first labour, but i went to the hosptial anyways and was onyl 3 cm, so after being there for about an hour and contraction getting closer togwether but not stronger they offered my the epidual, and i took it thinking i still had many hours to go, and was very tired as i had been up for over 24 hours, they gave me my epidural, then checked me and i was 7cm, about a min later my water broke and i was fully dilated, and withing 15 min from that my daughter was born so this was a case i really didn't need it but got it anyways as i was thinking my first labour was painful and long. so when you go into labour have any open mind, and if you find you need it then go for it, but i do knwo were your coming from about wanting to do it the old fashioned way, i still wonder what it woudl be like without the epidural. good luck with your labour, delivery and new baby

Lindsay - posted on 03/13/2009

I did it all natural. Used a method called "Hypnobirth" (self-hypnosis) and relaxing in a tub for pain management. I wouldn't have it any other way! You have to do what makes you comfortable, though .

Angela - posted on 03/13/2009

Personnally I'm all for epidural! When my son was born my epidural fell out at 9cm and the pain was excruciating!!..no one realized it for an hour...except me:) But I really can't imagine having that pain continously!!

Kayla - posted on 03/13/2009

I had the epidural with my daughter.. i was in labour for 7hrs though. My son wanted to come out Asap! so i didnt have time for the epidural i was only in labour for and hour and a half. I found it hurt the same amount for both kids to tell u the truth. It just helped with the contractions.

Tammy - posted on 03/13/2009

i had a epicural with my twins and was never going too. but i am a huge promoter of it now that i went through it. couldn't have imagined doing it with out one.