epidural vs. naturally

Amy - posted on 04/16/2009

It all depends on you not what anyone else thinks. Yes there can be complications with the epidural and also child birth itselft. As for not being able move I was given the shot about an hour before I deliverd and it took seven minuts to push her out.

Amy - posted on 04/16/2009

It all depends on you not what anyone else thinks. Yes there can be complications with the epidural and also child birth itselft. As for not being able move I was given the shot about an hour before I deliverd and it took seven minuts to push her out.

Rachael - posted on 04/16/2009

i have four children and they were all born naturally not even a sniff of gas and air! but thats only because they were born quickly ranging from my first 6hrs to my last 40mins i think it depends on how well each person copes with pain and how long they are in labour for but its the best experience whichever way you go about it cant wait for the next one!!

Danielle - posted on 04/15/2009

I had an epidural for my first son as I was induced and they brought my contractions on hard and fast he weighed 7lb 4 oz and the epidural only numbed me in one leg from the top of my thigh down to the ankle (to me it wasn't worth it) my second son I had 1 pethadine shot was in Labour for 22 hours and my second son was born weighing 8lb 13oz and having him was alot easier then having my first even though he was bigger.....GOOD LUCK

Kim - posted on 04/12/2009

Wow you had a small baby. I didn't want the epidural originally being I had read that the drug could get into the baby and you could have a hard time getting them to breast feed. I had gone to 8 cm dialated and totally changed my mind. The pain for me was just too much. I was crying and shaking so I decided to do it. Waiting that long the nurse said that the drug probably didn't have time to get into his system and I had no problems with him. The epi was great. I didn't feel a thing. Even when it was time to push and I had a few stitches afterward. My son was 6 lbs 12 oz. If I had to do it again I would wait as long as I could stand it again and then do it.

Hope - posted on 04/11/2009

I had an epidural..even though I said I was going to go natural. But once I started to feel the major contractions I couldn;t take it anymore I have a low tolerance of pain..I admit I am a big chicken when it comes to pain. Once I had it it was like awwww thats much better I was at least able to get some rest before I had to start pushing.  But it did start to ware off enough that I started to feel pressure in the butt area its like that really gotta go for a crap bad kind of feeling which I hated.  But I got told don;t have an epidural bla blah..well the doctor did let me aware of the risk and stuff but my daughter turned out ok they say epidural can screw up your spinal area..yea if you make one move when the doctor is putting a needle in your spine..thats what the doc told me he said whatever you do DON"T MOVE..of course I was having a contraction as he was telling me so it was very hard to stay still as possible. But if anyone tells you to not have an epidural listen to what your gut tells you cause its your decision your the one having the baby.

Bettina - posted on 04/11/2009

From my own personal experince I would say natural, it might hurt but it will be over before you know it. It's more beautiful naturally

Kelly - posted on 04/11/2009

I've been debating the same thing, I went naturally for my first and am curious to see waht it is like to have an epidural for my second. However I know that I can go the distance plus I had a short labor, less than 12 hours so why risk it being longer to have no pain. I know what it is like now and I think I can deal with it better than I did the first time. And besides what's a few hours of pain for a lifetime of joy? And of course I say that now!!

Kelly - posted on 04/11/2009

I've been debating the same thing, I went naturally for my first and am curious to see waht it is like to have an epidural for my second. However I know that I can go the distance plus I had a short labor, less than 12 hours so why risk it being longer to have no pain. I know what it is like now and I think I can deal with it better than I did the first time. And besides what's a few hours of pain for a lifetime of joy? And of course I say that now!!

Megan - posted on 04/11/2009

I always thought I would deliver naturally but when the time came I decided that the epidural was the way to go. I was able to move around, the nurse told me to go for walks. I feel that I enjoyed the birth of my daughter a lot more that I was calm & pain free. There was even some joking during delivery & a lot of laughter rather then screaming! Go with the epidural it's there for a reason

Megan - posted on 04/11/2009

I always thought I would deliver naturally but when the time came I decided that the epidural was the way to go. I was able to move around, the nurse told me to go for walks. I feel that I enjoyed the birth of my daughter a lot more that I was calm & pain free. There was even some joking during delivery & a lot of laughter rather then screaming! Go with the epidural it's there for a reason

Julie - posted on 04/11/2009

Oh my... you are nuts if you don't get the epidural...... my daughter was 3 kgs and 700g....  i was supposed to take a pill that would induce labor.....  but the exact time that i was supposed to take the pill....  2:30 am....  my water broke.....  and i went to the hospital....  damn that was the most painful experience of my life....  when i got to the hospital.....  like 30 min later....  the contractions were getting more painful.... and i kept asking about the epidural... i was so scared that i wouldnt get it on time.. every time a nurse would come into the room i would ask her about it....  and each one would say that the doc is on the way....  when i got the epidural.... i seriously felt nothing from the waist down... i was so relieved....   right now i am at the beginning of my 6th month with my second baby.... a girl...  and i am so scared that i wont get the epidural on time......  with my first baby i went to the hospital at 2:30 am and the baby was born 5:15 am.....  hopefully this baby wont take too long either.... i have heard of people going for 24 hours ....  i think that is nuts......  anyways....  In my opinion GET THE EPIDURAL... unless you have a high tolerance to pain... which i dont....

Celeste - posted on 04/11/2009

Natural is the way to go!!!! I have three children, and after having a bad reaction to something they put through my IV with the first one, I chose no meds for my second two.What an amazing difference! I was so much more alert, and so were my babies. Good Luck with everything!

Jaclyn - posted on 04/11/2009

Well, its of course your decision no matter what so dont let anyone tell you that you are wrong in your decision.  Myself, I was in a tremendous amount of pain and in labor for 17 hours and felt like if I could have died from the pain, I would have...I went for the epidural and even though Im a nurse...the benefits def outweighed the risks for me...My daughter and myself were perfectly fine..and I felt like I was much more focused once all the pain was off my body and out of my mind!  The risks of an epidural (if you research it) are very seldom...VERY!  Good luck with whatever you decide!

Sarah - posted on 04/10/2009

Trust your body to do what it's designed to do. If you've gone naturally once you can do it again.. And often births after first are quicker. Also studies on the effect of the drugs used during an epidural on your baby have not been fully studied yet. I've seen videos that show babies not as aware/awake/able to get themselves to the breast etc after an epidural. Yes, babies crawl to the breast if allowed the time - and no epidural or other drugs that go into your system which like everything else throughout pregnancy also goes into your baby. So for that reason alone put your bubby first. Breathe and relax instead of going in with fear/tension which increases pain. Good luck with the birth whatever you decide!

Amy - posted on 04/10/2009

Hi, With my first child I had an epidural, and my lower back hasn't been the same since. I've had 4 more children since then, and had all 4 naturally. It was much better to be able to get off the bed afterwards, and have a shower, rather than laying there waiting to feel your legs again. Yeah sure natural is way more painful, but when the baby is out, it's all over, you dont have to worry about things sticking out your back, or the side effects. Birth wasn't ment to be easy, but the baby at the end is well worth the pain.    Good luck.

Julie - posted on 04/10/2009

First of all...congrats on making it this far with this pregnancy! I am a registered nurse in Labor & Delivery so I see every scenario possible and it's very hard to take advice from others regarding your delivery because not only every person, but every delivery is so different.  Just remember that this baby will be larger than your first and the delivery will be very different d/t that.  Just listen to your body and know that you do not have to be a hero or prove anything to anyone by going natural.  Epidurals are wonderful medical interventions and yes, like any other invasive procedure, they have risks.  But keep in mind that risks are very rare, and the anesthesiologist will discuss all of these with you before the procedure.  We get a lot of patients that fear the epidural because they are afraid of being paralyzed.  A very experienced nurse midwife that I work with has a reply to this worry..."how many new moms do you see rolling around in wheelchairs with newborn babies?"  A very valid point!  I am an advocate for the epidural because it allows you to rest during labor and not be completely exhausted when the baby arrives and unlike IV pain medication, you & your baby are not drowsy after delivery.  Epidurals can slow contractions, but if this happens, you can be augmented with Pitocin to regain a regular labor pattern.  Just think about what is most important to you about your labor and delivery experience.  Are you more focused on going natural and being able to say you accomplished a vaginal delivery with no epidural?  Or are you thinking about after delivery when you and your baby have a chance to bond while being well rested and pain free?  I think it is absolutely awesome when I have moms who go completely natural and you have HUGE bragging rights because the percentage of our pt's that get epidurals is >85%!  So you guys are few and far between. :0)  I can't have empathy in this matter because I had a C-Section with no labor.  I can only tell you from experience in caring for laboring pt's that epidurals can be very beneficial if it is something you have decided on.  Good luck and I hope this helps!

Amanda - posted on 04/10/2009

i said from the day i fell pregnant im not going to have an epidural,but i was induced because of strep b the pain was so bad that i dont know how i would of coped without having the epidural,i have had no back pains or problems and his 6 days today and absoloutley perfect.

Kim - posted on 04/10/2009

I had an epiderual and was every so greatful. Why go deal w/the pain if you don't have to.

Lizzy - posted on 04/10/2009

all the way through my pregnecy i wasnt going 2 go natural but when i came down 2 it i chose to go natural and im glad i chose natural in the end, and it was the best felling ever when my midwife put my daughter on top of me when she was born, all my pain just went it was wearth being in labour for nearly 3 days. i think child birth is the best experince you will ever go through good luck!!

Tiffany - posted on 04/10/2009

I went ALL natural with my six pound ten ounce baby girl. If you can go natural again, I would definately recommend it, I know you are getting close if you are not there (end of pregnancy) already. I know that there are alot of women out there who get the epidural and don't question it but you should definately get all of the facts before doing so. I researched everything before I gave birth and everything I discovered made me want to do everything absolutely natural that much more. If you are determined enough, you can do it. MIND over MATTER! I was so determined, it turned out to be a PIECE OF CAKE.

Jeana - posted on 04/10/2009

I went natural with both my children. It is very difficult- my labors were both very long, over 10 hours- but if you have a great husband or friend/doula to coach you through transition you can certainly do it. I equal it to someone doing an Iron man race or a marathon. It will take great determination, stamina and strength, but if you can do it you will know it was one of the greatest accomplishments of your life and something you can really be proud of. It is medically better for you and your baby. I will say the second time i was induced and that increased the pain 4 fold- but i still got through it thanks to my fantastic husband. I was glad to be able to move since the baby had flipped and i needed to go onto my hands and knees to get her head facing in the right direction again for delivery. Good luck no matter what you choose!

Christina - posted on 04/10/2009

Ok while you asked for everyone's opinion on the matter, I don't think its fair that some of you are force feeding the idea that epidural's are bad. Or that you shouldn't have it. When you start having contractions you are going to know at that time if you want one or not. Sure there are some risks to having one, but those risks are in fact minimal. I have had three myself and each time they were different. With my first after my water broke, I had contractions for 45 minutes without any medication!! I give props to the women who can do it without. But it helped me relax and I didn't have any after affects. Its different for EVERY woman!!



You are going to know what you want to do when it gets here. PLease do not let ANYONE influence you one way or another. It doesn't make you less of a woman if you have one and it doesn't make you more of a mother if you don't. Remember this is YOUR delivery and yours alone. I am confident that YOU will make the best decision for you! Good Luck and congrats on your new addition!

Amanda - posted on 04/10/2009

hi there... i have had 3 children my oldest is a boy he was 7lb 13oz and i the worst time with him i had gas and air and dyhamorphine i also have a girl who was 9lb 2oz whom i only had gas n air with and i have just recently giving birth to another boy who was 10lb 12 and i had no pain releif what so ever and his delivery was the best of the 3 the bigger the baby the better 2 deliver i say but at the end of the day different women have different pain tollerance but 2 me pain free was the best way i remember everything of that labour and delivery it was amazing

Amanda - posted on 04/10/2009

hi there... i have had 3 children my oldest is a boy he was 7lb 13oz and i the worst time with him i had gas and air and dyhamorphine i also have a girl who was 9lb 2oz whom i only had gas n air with and i have just recently giving birth to another boy who was 10lb 12 and i had no pain releif what so ever and his delivery was the best of the 3 the bigger the baby the better 2 deliver i say but at the end of the day different women have different pain tollerance but 2 me pain free was the best way i remember everything of that labour and delivery it was amazing

Erin - posted on 04/10/2009

I had an epiderual...I held out for as long as possible with contractions but once I started getting intense back contractions, I couldn't take the pain.  My body completely shut down and I knew it was time to get the drugs.  My story is very rare...I had no complications with the epiderual, it didn't affect my dilulation and I didn't need any other drugs to speed things along.  My son was 9lbs 8oz and there is no way that I could have done it naturally.  Listen to your body, it will let you know:)

Jessica - posted on 04/10/2009

I have 3 children. I had the epiderual everytime. If you feel that you can handle the pain, then I say go for natural birth. I would suggest not to look at the needle if you decide to get one. All you will feel is a pinch in your back. Honestly it wasn't that bad.

Vicky - posted on 04/10/2009

Hi. I had my little boy when i was 19. My waters broke at 1 in the afternoon, but because i didnt have any contractions i decided that i was going to stay at home. At about 4 i took my dog for a quick walk and when i got back i started getting some pains. I tried having a bath but that didnt work. At about half 6 i rang my mum and she said she will take me as soon as she was ready. In true mum style she turned up at half 7. When i got to the hospital, i was 3cm and they suggested that i got and get in the bath. The advice they gave me was to get most of my tummy in the water (not a easy task in a household size bath as you will prob all know) and when i had a contraction, to get my partner to pour water from a jog over my belly. Like a bloke he started moaning that his arm ached so i recommend that a female does this for you if there is one with you. A hour later i told my mum that i needed to push but she woodnt listen. By the time i got her to go and get the nurses, i was ready to push. I was in the hospital 2 hours and 5 mins. He was born that quick i wasn't aloud to get out the bath and thats where he was born. So if you can, either have a water birth or get in the bath. Water is a great pain relief. The feel of it on your belly seems to take the pain away. I was able to give birth naturally and it was the best thing i have ever done.

Amy - posted on 04/10/2009

When i went into labor, i was all for the epidural, i was sure i wanted it no matter what anybody said, i didnt want to go through that much pain! But, when push came to shove and i was laying in the hospital, i was offered stadol, and suprisingly i took it over the epidural, it made things better while i was waiting to deliver, but it didn't help as far as the delivery goes. When i finally delivered, it was an amazing feeling to be able to say that i didn't take the epidural and it felt even better to be able to get right up and take a shower! After talking to my doctor, i learned that if i had taken the epidural i would have not had the muscle use i needed to push as hard as i had to, i would have ended up with an emergency c-section.

In the end it's your decision, and yours alone. Like i said before, you may think you have your mind made up and when push comes to shove, u change it. Don't let anyone persuade you either way, you do what you feel is right!

Sarah - posted on 04/10/2009

I was planning on having an all natural delivery, I was so sick during my pregnancy with hyperemesis, that I figured the poor child already was exposed to too many drugs and medications.
However, that all changed when my water broke and I wasn't having any contractions on my own. They had to induce labour.
Which made the labour all that much worse! It was extremely painful, and after 8.5 hours I decided to get an epidural. I had been having non stop contractions since they started me on oxytocin, and it was all back labour.

The epidural did not work however, it only froze my left leg. There wasn't anything they could do about it, they said it didn't always work for everyone. So I ended up giving birth to my daugher after 17 hours of intense back labour!

If you want an epidural, I say go for it, just make sure you come to terms with the fact that it might not work the way you want it too, so you don't get any surprises.

Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 04/10/2009

I was planning on having an all natural delivery, I was so sick during my pregnancy with hyperemesis, that I figured the poor child already was exposed to too many drugs and medications.
However, that all changed when my water broke and I wasn't having any contractions on my own. They had to induce labour.
Which made the labour all that much worse! It was extremely painful, and after 8.5 hours I decided to get an epidural. I had been having non stop contractions since they started me on oxytocin, and it was all back labour.

The epidural did not work however, it only froze my left leg. There wasn't anything they could do about it, they said it didn't always work for everyone. So I ended up giving birth to my daugher after 17 hours of intense back labour!

If you want an epidural, I say go for it, just make sure you come to terms with the fact that it might not work the way you want it too, so you don't get any surprises.

Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 04/10/2009

I was planning on having an all natural delivery, I was so sick during my pregnancy with hyperemesis, that I figured the poor child already was exposed to too many drugs and medications.
However, that all changed when my water broke and I wasn't having any contractions on my own. They had to induce labour.
Which made the labour all that much worse! It was extremely painful, and after 8.5 hours I decided to get an epidural. I had been having non stop contractions since they started me on oxytocin, and it was all back labour.

The epidural did not work however, it only froze my left leg. There wasn't anything they could do about it, they said it didn't always work for everyone. So I ended up giving birth to my daugher after 17 hours of intense back labour!

If you want an epidural, I say go for it, just make sure you come to terms with the fact that it might not work the way you want it too, so you don't get any surprises.

Good luck!

Stephanie - posted on 04/10/2009

I have a daughter and planned on having an epidural when I went into labor. But, I only had a 3 hour labor so I ran out of time to get one. The doctor told me I was to late!! But after going through it naturally the first time, I will do it naturally everytime. I loved having full control and being able to feel everything. Its so special. I also loved being able to get up and move around after she was born. I felt so strong and so proud after my daughter was born naturally! Good luck with your decision!

Janine - posted on 04/10/2009

I have 2 boys and had to be induced with both as they were both very overdue, 16 days and 15 days respectively. I had an epidural with my first as I was in labour for 54 hours (from the start of the induction process to giving birth) and I was not coping with the pain very well, this made it all better bt it took 2 hours of pushing to get him out. Now with my second it only took 3.5 hours and I asked for an epidural in the later stages but it was too late and I was completely dilated and ready to push, so after 27 mins of pushing he arrived.

I've been on both sides of the fence and to be honest I'd rather go natural if I did it again mainly because I felt more in control of the pushing as I could feel what was going on and you are able to get up afterwards and have a shower rather than having a quick wipe over and having to wait for several hours til you have all your feeling back! Also there is nothing more empowering than giving birth naturally!

Good Luck with whatever you decide. xx

Sally - posted on 04/10/2009

Quoting Allison:

Having an epidural increases you risk of getting a c/s. Not only can it cause blood pressure issues with you, but it prevents you from being up and able to move around. Being mobile can be very beneficial, especially if baby moves into a position that is difficult for birthing. By being able to move freely and listen to your body and baby, you have a better chance of delivering vaginally - and it could be easier for you to push in a position besides laying flat on your back or side. Squatting, hands and knees, one leg propped on a chair, and even sitting on a toilet can all help get baby out (gravity can be our friend). Epi's are very good if you need to rest, however, but having it turned down before the pushing stage can help you have more feeling and be able to move better and push more effectively.

When are you due? I'm due May 9th.

I totally agree with Allison-

Judy - posted on 04/10/2009

I wanted to be brave like my mother who had six children all naturally. It was also very important to me to have her in the room with me. However I the pain was so bad, I wasn't aware of anyone in the room. I was ashamed to admit that I wasn't as tough as my mother, and I wanted the epidural. As soon as it kicked in however, my vision cleared and I saw my mother's smiling, encouraging face, and that was all that mattered to me - that my Mom was there, and I could see her now. I was able to thoroughly enjoy sharing the rest of my labor and delivery with my loved ones, and I got to guide my baby girl out myself and hold her on my chest immediately. I had no trouble pushing or recovering, and it was a wonderful experience. I'm so glad I had my mother to focus on, and I was able to see her. That part was very important to me.



My second baby came in three hours, and there was no time for an epidural. It was very special in its own way also. He was larger (almost 10 lbs.), and my doctor was horrible, but I did it all on my own, and I was proud of myself!



Don't set goals for yourself that you might not be able to keep. Then you will feel like a failure if the plan changes suddenly. Birthing is never predictable, but the reward is priceless!

Samantha - posted on 04/10/2009

hi personally i would never have the epidural i think if i have done it once before i can do it again i no it does hurt alot when in labour but what you get in the end is so so worth it and the pain is forgotton and you and your baby in most cercomstanced can be together you can walk around go for a shower and things if you have the epidural that is not the case although you do get to old your baby you can not move for a while and there is a few risks that go along with it aswell i think the natural is the best way and they do have some good pain reliefe out there hope its goes well for you xxx

Jami - posted on 04/09/2009

1st thing I wanna say is "EPIDURAL ALL THE WAY"!!!!   I've had 2 boys, both w/epidurals & it was WONDERFUL....I almost had my first child naturally(long story), but the way I look at it, why go thru the pain if you don't have to?  That's kinda like saying, "we're gonna cut your arm off, would you like to feel it or not?"  haha...actually labor isn't that bad!....but you get what I'm saying.....anyway, just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in!   GOOD LUCK W/YOU  :)

Gina - posted on 04/09/2009

I wanted an epidural.  I couldn't have one with either of my deliveries because I have Herrington rods in my spine for scoliosis.  My first child was 7.7, born in 4 hours, nautral delivery, and it actually wasn't a bad experience.  I was glad afterwards that she was natural... My second was 4 lbs and the delivery was a nightmare.  I had high blood pressure and nearly died because of the pain, the doctors screwed up not giving me a c-section, but she was born 2 hours into labor, so they said there wasn't time.  They also gave me stadal, which made me hallucinate due to the bp medicine.

All I will say is, go in with a VERY open mind.  We all have our ideas of how the birth of our child will be, chances are good it won't go as you plan.  Make your doctor award of your birth plan, but be open to change if your doc suggests it.  You can't control child birth... just be glad you can control raising your child when it's over, if you are both healthy after birth be grateful for that.

Hannah - posted on 04/09/2009

I only just had my first 2 months ago.  I had an epidural, and I will probably get one with all future deliveries.  I was not uncomfortable and was able to feel enough to enjoy the whole process without the pain.  I think it's totally worth it.

Derith - posted on 04/09/2009

Ahh, I did 21 hrs for an 8 1/2 lb baby, and was SO HAPPY when I got that epidural. Wouldn't do it any differently,and wish I would have had it earlier if I wasn't so stubborn!

Julie - posted on 04/09/2009

I went totally natural.. no pain med. with my 8 lbs 6 oz 22 1/4 first. Had local with my 8lb 20 1/4... would go all natural if i was to have a third. I was more alert afterwards. was able to hold my daughter sooner, both hurt but from what i heard from sister who had it she felt all the pain while pushing cause they turn med off. unless you have a LONG laboor don't do it. Good Luck and enjoy the baby

Becky - posted on 04/09/2009

My first was also small, about 4 1/2 lbs. and I did it naturally. I also had the same concerns about a bigger baby hurting worse. What I remember most from my labor was that the contractions were far worse than pushing and since no matter how big your baby is you still go through all the same contractions...I can't imagine that part being too much different. Either way you still have to dilate. As far as I am concerned, Natural birth isn't just a better experience for the mom...but it is also much better for the baby. My son had a few minor complications when he was born which made me all the happier he didn't have to deal with any drug side effects. Why risk the epidural?

Ashley - posted on 04/09/2009

Well i have had both, an epidural and natural. There are pros and cons to them both but I will never have an epidural again unless I have to! If you have a child natural you and baby feel better and recover quicker, and you seem to appriciate it more. I liked natural and will do it that way again if i have any more children. wish you the best and congrats

Nicole - posted on 04/09/2009

I think if you go into labor naturally, not induced, then you can try natural labor...if you are induced, the labor seems to be intolerable and I would get an epidural.  I've had four - 2 natural, 2 with epidurals and I think that the natural way was much better!

Amy - posted on 04/09/2009

Quoting Shayna:

i would definitely get an epidural. why do things with pain if you can do them without pain, and you will definitely be in control of your labor. my doctor told me that she hates when women do it without an epidural because the are not in control of their labor or enjoying the experience because of the great pain that they are in. i would definitely talk to your doctor and go from there. Even tho the guy that put my epidural in had to do it 5 times just to get it right i would definitely do it again because it will help with your labor.

I did not have an epidural nor any other pain medication. It's not for all but I was completly in control of my labor.... it's all in the mind! By the way, I enjoyed both of my children's delivery.

Amy - posted on 04/09/2009

Quoting Amy:

I had both of my sons without medication including an epidural. For me that was the best idea ever!! I can't stand to sit in one spot long I was able to get up and walk, use the birthing ball (which was a BIG help) and whatever else I wanted or needed to do. My first son was such an easy delivery he weighed 7lbs 13oz. My second son was TOTALLY different. I had high blood presure and it I felt a burning feeling as he was being delivered. He weighed 6lbs 6oz. so size doesn't always matter. I can honestly say that once Braeden and Ashtyn was delivered I felt no pain afterwards. I hope that helps! Good luck! If I would have had had a third child I would still choose to go without an epidural.

Also... my sister went with an epidural and felt EVERYTHING she found out afterwards that the tube had a defect. My other sister had one also... she never felt anything. When the doctor needed her to push she didn't know how much she needed to push.

Amy - posted on 04/09/2009

I had both of my sons without medication including an epidural. For me that was the best idea ever!! I can't stand to sit in one spot long I was able to get up and walk, use the birthing ball (which was a BIG help) and whatever else I wanted or needed to do. My first son was such an easy delivery he weighed 7lbs 13oz. My second son was TOTALLY different. I had high blood presure and it I felt a burning feeling as he was being delivered. He weighed 6lbs 6oz. so size doesn't always matter. I can honestly say that once Braeden and Ashtyn was delivered I felt no pain afterwards. I hope that helps! Good luck! If I would have had had a third child I would still choose to go without an epidural.

Tiffany - posted on 04/09/2009

I had an epiderual with my son and went natural with my dauhter, so I know how both feel. From that I don't ever plan on getting an epiderual again. They gave me a constant drip which was too much for me to handle and I went completely paralized from the waste down for two days. It was the worst feeling ever. Yea going natural is painful but I would rather feel everything than feel nothing. Plus if you have done it once, I'm sure you can do it again.

Anna - posted on 04/09/2009

I had 3 of my children all natural...and well #4 I went or the epidural.. It was the best thing i could have ever done... the only thing i know is that having an epidural makes the baby sleepier than normal.. which i found good , cause i still needed to recover from the birth...