Would you recommend the epidural?

Lacey - posted on 08/03/2009

I would recommend it for sure. Giving birth is a beautiful but painful experience and its not like you have anything to prove to anyone by trying to be super woman and do it with no pain meds. If you can do it without meds then great, more power to you. But if you dont have a super high pain tolerance, get the epidural. It doesnt hurt to get it and it only takes like 5 minutes from start to finish unless they miss and have to reinsert it. But this doesnt happen much. So I believe it totally up to you and what you feel is right for your birth experience! Good luck!

Megan - posted on 08/03/2009

I have two children. I went natural with my first and had the epidural with my second. I went to fast to get any meds with my first and my second was a preemie who was also breech so I had a c-section. I would say, it depends on your situation. If you get to the hospital early and dont have a fast labor I would recommend it.

Nicole - posted on 08/03/2009

i am the same way i would recommend it if you cant handle paine because it does hurt i was at a 6 when i when in an they said you want the epiduraal i said yeahhh it all depends on you and how much paion you can handle it sounds like your like me so i would.youll be fine congrats

Alison - posted on 08/03/2009

I definately recommend an epidural to everyone. My labour was so peaceful and stress free. I dont know why anyone would go natural. I was also given demerol because when i arrived at the hospital I was in a lot of pain and it was too early for the epidural. I slept through all of my contractions, and only had to push for ten minutes. I dont think it took 15 mins to get the epidural in, but dont worry because they will have a nurse or your partner hold you in the right position until it is in.

Jamie - posted on 08/03/2009

With my first I had stadoll and an epidural. The stadoll made me sick when it wore off but the epidural was great. If you don't do well with pain I would recommend an epidural. I had my second without and for me it was great... I have a very high tolerance for pain though.

Madison - posted on 08/03/2009

GET THE EPIDURAL!!! it does not hurt AT ALL!!! I had contractions for about 15 mins and i wanted to kill someone! Literally not even 5 mins later i was completely pain free and had the easiest delivery because i was relaxed and not in horrible pain. I highly recommend it:)

Athena - posted on 08/03/2009

I had the epidural with both my children. I say get it the epidural!! You will feel better, it does work and works good.

Kerri - posted on 08/03/2009

I strongly recomend getting the eidural. With gas and air you still feel the pain you're just distracted from it, and you don't want to meet yourbaby for the first time all groggy. My epidural was fast and easy, I didn't think that I could sit still that long, but it really took only a couple of minutes. I strongly recomend todo it. Also with natural child birth, it's a nice thought,and for those of us who can do it, that's great- but we live in a country with medical convenience- there is no real reason to go through all the pain when you can do itquickly and easily.

Kristiana - posted on 08/03/2009

Like some of those replying, as a first-time mom I had the idea that I'd stick it out for "natural" childbirth. What happened, though, was I went into labor and was stuck at 1cm dilation and my contractions were between 3 minutes and 45 seconds apart almost from the beginning. The labor nurse pointed out that it could be HOURS before I could give birth. She was right - it took about 10 hours from the time I got the epidural before the baby was finally ready to move. I can't imagine bearing that kind of exhaustion and pain for so long and *then* having to push. I don't think there's anything wrong with trying for a med-free birthing, but my experience was that the epidural was a kind friend. And from the my own experience and that of my friends, in general you shouldn't have to stay still for more than a few minutes, max. The whole procedure took about 10 minutes, but that's including the application of local anaesthetic, waiting between contractions, etc.



Hope that helps!

Janet - posted on 08/03/2009

I got an epidural and was sooo glad!!! My husband and I hadn't got any sleep the night before because I couldn't decide If I was in labor or not. I couldn't feel anything with the epidural and got some much needed sleep before giving birth. I was scared to death to give birth,not having any exprience with babies. It was nothing I expected and not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I would do it again in a heart beat if the opportunity presented its self

Julia - posted on 08/03/2009

I got a epidural and I had no problems. I do not like pain and was very honest with my Dr. about that fact. I could toleratethe pain but why should I when there are other options out there. I did not have to sit still for 15 min. It took him less then 5 to put it in and it was NOT painful. I had my labor induced because of high blood pressure and I got the epidural at the same time as I received that medication. I had a nice delivery, laughing and joking with my sister and the nurse. The epidural did not take away my urge to push when it was time. I didn't feel pain but the pressure and the urge to push was there when it was time. I only had to push 6 or 7 times and Jayden was out. WHen it came time for stitching, they gave me a direct push, and I didn't feel the stitching either. When the epidural wore off the only pain I had was from the stitches, and it was really only a stinging, and that was only when I went to pee and sat down. But that would happen with or without the epidural along as I got the stitches . I didn't have headaches or any of that. THe cath. was removed the same day and I was up using the bathroom the next day. I guess it really depends on the dr. and the person administrating the epidural.Overall, I had a nice birthing experience that did not include me writhing around the bed in pain for hours on end. It did not stall my progress, I was from contraction to birth in about 8 hours and it was my first baby.

Wendy - posted on 08/03/2009

i had the epidural and I recommend it

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2009

no... it took away the right half of my pain... then as soon as they checked my cervix all the pain came back. The epidural slowed my labor....24 hours and 57 minutes of hjard back labor. So no i would not recommend it,

Praveena - posted on 08/03/2009

Since this is your first child its very normal to be scared and dont worry once you are in the labour ward your focus will be delivering your baby and you won't be scared anymore. Being honest the pain will be there, gas and air does work for a while but when contraction get's stronger gas and air is not good enough to bair the pain that's when you can request for epidural it really works for me and i don't feel any pain, my advise is when you take epidural please control the pain and stay still and don't move its quite dangerous and difficult procedure. I had epidural twice first time it did't work but second time it was fine. I just had a baby girl 5 mth ago, epidural is great!!! but the disadvantage is every time when i sit to long or carry my baby too long I have the pain on my spinal bone where they put the epidural. well every person body is different some may have the pain some dont. All the best to you

Shannon - posted on 08/02/2009

I got an epidural... Honestly, I wouldn't get it again. Don't get my wrong. It's great when your going through labor.. i didn't feel anything but the pressure. However, it's a month later and I still can't feel my left thigh. If I could go back and had to make the choose again. I would opt not to get it.

Billie-Jo - posted on 08/02/2009

i had the epidural. I would say it was the best choice i made.

Christina - posted on 08/02/2009

hi i had the epidural done and it was the best thing that i could of done. i have a very good tolerance for pain but when my water broke and the contractions started to come closer together the pain got worse. i got poked twice cause they missed the first time but when they were done i couldnt feel a thing. it usually takes them about 10 to 15 for them to get done but believe me your gonna want the epidural.

Brandy - posted on 08/02/2009

It's possible to go through labor with absolutely no pain medication what so ever....With that said, GET THE EPIDURAL!!! :) I wanted to experience natural child birth, but that all got shot down the second the doc induced me. I had virtually no pain until minutes after they broke my water. Almost instantly, I was in tears because the pain wasn't coming and going...it was staying!!! I opted for an epidural 20 minutes after my water was broken and I'm so glad I did. I was in labor for another 12 hours after this. I was able to rest up and be ready to push that little girl out! The best thing about the epidural is that it will not harm the baby in any way. As far as the epidural being painful, it was NOT...a little uncomfortable, but definitely not painful! I say go for it, it will make your labor and birthing process much more enjoyable!

Christina - posted on 08/02/2009

I got an epidural, the first doctor missed (seems to be a regular thing) but the next doctor did a really good job and it didnt take long at all and it helped me sleep because I was in labour for 26 hours and I would do it again. hope I could help and congrats!

Shandy - posted on 08/02/2009

i had epidural with my son i say it all depends on what you can handle i couldn't handle the pain. was in labour for 19hrs. contractions were full on had epidural after 8hrs they told me i was only 2 cent dilated and it could be another 36 hrs before i had him so asked for the epidural.. had the epidural and with in 3 hrs i had dilated the hole way... my son was 8 pound 6 and was facing up wards his umbilical cord was also shorter than normal..am expecting my second in bout 20 days and have asked for an epidural straight up this time as they have said my little girl will be round the 9 pound...i swear by the epidural i was scared but it helped me to relax...for me it was the best thing ever...

Shandy - posted on 08/02/2009

i had epidural with my son i say it all depends on what you can handle i couldn't handle the pain. was in labour for 19hrs. contractions were full on had epidural after 8hrs they told me i was only 2 cent dilated and it could be another 36 hrs before i had him so asked for the epidural.. had the epidural and with in 3 hrs i had dilated the hole way... my son was 8 pound 6 and was facing up wards his umbilical cord was also shorter than normal..am expecting my second in bout 20 days and have asked for an epidural straight up this time as they have said my little girl will be round the 9 pound...i swear by the epidural i was scared but it helped me to relax...for me it was the best thing ever...

Shandy - posted on 08/02/2009

i had epidural with my son i say it all depends on what you can handle i couldn't handle the pain. was in labour for 19hrs. contractions were full on had epidural after 8hrs they told me i was only 2 cent dilated and it could be another 36 hrs before i had him so asked for the epidural.. had the epidural and with in 3 hrs i had dilated the hole way... my son was 8 pound 6 and was facing up wards his umbilical cord was also shorter than normal..am expecting my second in bout 20 days and have asked for an epidural straight up this time as they have said my little girl will be round the 9 pound...i swear by the epidural i was scared but it helped me to relax...for me it was the best thing ever...

Jackie - posted on 08/02/2009

Hi there! Im going to start off by saying im a mother of 2 and i got epidural both times. I strongly recommend NOT getting epidural. Why? Frst off it slows the process which you wouldnt wat, yeah every woman is diefferent and every body functions different and responds different to epidural and therefore you do not know what to expect from it. But 2nd ive heard alot of women complain about back pains months later and it is from the epidural im talking from experience as well. I get back pains here and there and its not so great. Like my mom tells me if you can just be strong for only those moments and not get the injection it would be worth it. We are all strong women!! If our mothers can do it so can we!!! And when you see that little bundle of joy every single pain goes away! Its worth it!!!

Kelly - posted on 08/02/2009

hi i had a epidural but when i did my birth plan i did not want to have it but you really just make the decision when it all happens. and it all depends on how long your birth is.. good luck :)

Natasha - posted on 08/02/2009

I have three boys I have had a epidural with two of them. I do think if you dont handel pain well to get one. I was very scared.Giving birth is so beautiful you dont want to be in so much pain that you cant remember anything but the pain so go for it and remember something else besides the pain and congrats and good luck

Cari - posted on 08/02/2009

EPIDURAL!!! I got it when I gave birth and it was an amazing experience. I was so miserable and in so much pain!! I was scared that I would not be able to enjoy holding my little one because the pain was so extreme=) I am going to do the same with my next one. Good luck to you! Enjoy every minute with your little one because they grow up way too fast!

Summer - posted on 08/02/2009

I wasn't sure if I was going to have an epidural either. I went in to labor with an open mind b/c I knew that I had never experienced pain like that before. Once the contractions really started I begged for the epidural. I definitely recommend it and I will definitely do it again!

Rhyanne - posted on 08/02/2009

I got an epidermal 7 months ago giving birth to my daughter. It worked out for me. It made the rest of the birth easy. It depends on who is giving you the epidermal. You have to trust who ever is caring for you. Who ever is not experienced could accidently mess up and get you paralyzed. But whoever is trained and knows what they are doing, it is very excellent and it helped me a lot.

Casey - posted on 08/02/2009

i got an epi. i was told in my natural birthing classes all kinds of terrible things about geting one (my baby would be drugged and not want to breastfeed and blah blah blah) she came out fine and latched right on. i think with the gas you would be more groggy and not remember as much. they shut my epi off about 15 minutes before i started pushing so i could feel when to push

KEISHA - posted on 08/02/2009

YES I THINK THA EPIDURAL IS GREAT! IF U CAN NOT TAKE PAIN THEN AN EPIDURAL IS THE WAY TO GO!! GOOD LUCK!!

Jessica - posted on 08/02/2009

I just had my baby girl this past Tuesday and I got the epidural... BEST thing ever! I highyl recommend it!

Jessica - posted on 08/02/2009

hi, im jessie and 24. when i had my daughter in dec last year i had only a little gas 4 my labour. i had said all along i didnt want drugs and so many people said i couldnt do it. i ended up having a 6pound 4 oz baby girl with a forcep delivery with no drugs. it dose hurt abit i found it was really only the pushing that hurt and that paying attenion breathing really helped with contractions. but the feeling i had after it all knowing i did that all by myself was so rewarding. my advice would be dont listen to other people do wat you feel is right its ur body and noone knows it like u do. maybe see how you go. remember everyones labour is different. you can always get a partshal ( sorry im abad speller) block so you still feel some of it. my sister inlaw had that she found it was better than a full one.Good Luck its an amazing experiance .

KALIMA - posted on 08/02/2009

WELL LET ME ASSURE YOU THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PAIN WITH LABOR AS FOR MY SELF I'VE HAD AN EPIDURAL WITH EACH OF MY DAUGHTERS AND IT DID DECREASE THE PAIN BUT IT ALSO PROLONGED MY LABOR AND WHEN IT WAS TIME TO PUSH I FELT EVERYTHING AND I WAS ALSO VERY SORE IN THAT AREA FOR AT LEAST A WEEK; WHEREAS WITH MY SON I WENT NATURAL AND I HAD IN WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF REACHING THE HOSPITAL THE PAIN WAS THERE BYT AFTERWARDS I SWEAR IT DID'NT EVEN FEEL LIKE I HAD JUST GIVEN BIRTH....ULTIMATELY THE CHOICE IS YOURS BUT FOR ME I THINK NATURAL WILL BE METHOD FROM NOW ON IF THERE ARE ANY MORE CHILDREN IN MY FUTURE

Alysia - posted on 08/02/2009

you should just keep an openmind i had an epidural and my legs just went numb and i still felt all the contractions but i waited till i was 8cm you should make your choice when its time cuz you never now.... expect the unexcpected!!!

Alicia - posted on 08/02/2009

I would completly recommend getting an epidural. I got one when I had my daughter and it was great. It only took a couple of minutes and the nurse held me to calm me down the whole time. After that I could not feel a thing. It helped me concentrate on my labor better. I also cannot stand pain, but this helped me out a lot!

Jamie - posted on 08/02/2009

i had 2,and will never have another one.i had my last child in a sitting up position,it helped.no anything for pain.and i never had ppd like i did with my first 2.

Jamie - posted on 08/02/2009

i'm thinking my ppd was caused my the epidural.which if it was,i doubt the docs would say anything,being they get paid for using it.with my 3rd child i didn't get anything,and i was feeling great.i ripped,that was the worts of it,but when i got out of the hospital,i didn't feel clouded or have baby blues.also,my older 2 don't seem as emotionally stable as my youngest.i just wonder if there is something more to it.not sure,but seems a bit odd.

Karen - posted on 08/02/2009

I said no to epidural till the pain hit...then it was 'bring it on'....and the pain was all over :)

Simone - posted on 08/02/2009

i had an epidural with my first i thought it was fantastic it slowed things down a bit but didnt bother me as i could not feel anything at all, with my second i wanted the epidural but she came to quick, so i only had gas and im glad thats all i had just so i can say i have expierenced it. but yes the epidural is fantastic and doesnt hurt when there giving it to you all i felt was preasure in my back while doing it. and the gas was good it calms you down alot but still can feel everything.