Epidural???

[ImDelicate]

Hey ladies!!! I need a little advice please! So I'm 33 weeks today and I'm expecting my first bundle of joy! I would like to have her naturally. I have never liked medication or anything that alters my body and or how I feel. However, today at the doctor's office when I expressed to humbug would like no medication he shook his head and said he really wants me to get one so that I can relax and enjoy the experience. He also stated if I tore during delivery its easier to get "patched up" when I already have an epidural. His points are valid and have me considering it but I'm nervous. I've heard that many women have back pain from it and i was hit by a car 5 years ago so I already experience bad back pain and would not like to add to that! Please help me! Any pros....cons I should know before I make my final decision??? Congrats to you all! Yeah for being mommies!!!

[a23mckee]

Try something elses ive had 3 epidurals and i can say i cant lift much. With the last one i was so weak i couldnt even hold my daughter. I jave to go to a chiropractor now and regret my decision. This one i want to go all natural.

[annat33]

I'm on my 3rd baby and with my first I was going to try and do it natural but as we got closer my mom got really upset at seeing me in pain and talked me into it (I was 16 at the time the dad wasn't around) I'm married now and with 2nd one because I tore with the first one and needed stitches it freaked me out so I got the ep again. This one I most likely will again. I never had any probs with the ep but u do what u need to ur the mama.

[solemomma6]

I have had 5 kids and never had the epidural. The doctors do tend to get scared about how you will act once its time to push. They like to make their job easier. I don't think he should make the decision of whether or not you get an epidural unless you are having complications with the labor. Only you know what is best for you.

[Flickan]

If you haven't been to a birthing class yet, go to one. The one done at my birthing center was great. It explained everything and they even let us all talk to one of the people who would administer the epi. Fear stories aside, 80% of all labors include an epi nowdays. It seems the way most go. Have all the facts. Once you do one intervention, it's easier to do more. But be strong in your decisions. But, also keep an open mind. And it was suggested (so it doesn't wear off) IF you do an epi...do not do it until you are at LEAST dilated to a 4. BUT don't wait too long because if you're too close to the pushing, they won't give you one. I was completely anti any intervention if at all possible (which who knows what will happen....I may have to. We will see) when I started and am still that way and have a birth plan which my husband knows as well as I do to make sure my wishes are heard and followed. There are some great birth plans out on the web. I started with the one at thebump.com and figured out what I wanted with everything, and then found a shorter one (to make it easy on me and the medical staff assisting me) and added in the items that weren't mentioned but were important on the long one. Be sure to ask pros/cons/risks/what would happen if you didn't do it with every intervention that is offered to you so you can make an educated decisions on YOUR birth. I am a ftm mom as well, so I know it's probably all easier said then done...but I'm an optimist about it :)

[sydellen]

That really would have made me mad!! I really agree sounds like he is really trying to make it easier on himself! Go for what you want!! I am a nurse and believe me most doctors tend to lean towards whats easiest for them! Not saying all do but...stay strong and fight for your own experience! Good luck!! :)

[Sarah765]

Id find a new doctor personally!  Sounds like he will ne quick to jump to interventions which you dont want.  Thats always the forst thing I ask my doxtor, if they support natural labor.  And make sure my feelings are well known, and supported.  Ive had 3 naturally and tore with all of them.  They just give you a shot down there and sew you right up, its never been an issue.  And despite the pain, which gets really bad by the end, I would still consider my births pleasant experiences.  Best days of my life really :).  What uf akl that intervention leads to more complications and more intervention, that would ruin my birth experience more!  Not that it cant happen with natural labor, but its more likely with more interventions.  I think your doctor just wants to make it easier on himself.  

[shastas84]

He sounds like he's trying to make things easier on himself. I had all of mine naturally. I have torn & had an episiotomy. They do a quick local before repairs. You don't even notice the local at that point. If you're not comfortable with the epidural, then don't let him bully you. It can be done naturally and you still enjoy the experience.

[Ladyj0625]

In my family my mom had it and still has problems now because they did it wrong. Then my cousins mom had one years ago and can't walk anymore. I'm a nervous wreck.

[mzyvonne]

I'm currently expecting my 4th child and not sure myself on if I should get an epidural only because he will be my last and don't want to go through the pain. But with my other 3 pregnancies I had them all natural. No epidural and it wasn't that bad. I did tear from the last 2 but its a numb tearing feeling. Doc stitched me up with no problem. Your vajay area is so numbed from the pain that you don't feel the tear or the stitching. Again though its up to u. Good luck ;)

[bengle2926]

Google Hypnobirthing :) And Check Out Her Post http://keilajunephotography.blogspot.com/2012/11/jaydon-marleys-birth.html?m=1

[ImDelicate]

Thank you for your help! I think I will stay strong and stand by what I think is best for me.

[sharichajewski]

I think if you want to do it natutally then you should. I had an epidural with my first anf have had no back problems because of it. I agree that it makes stitches easier aa i had second degree tearing and im a but nervous to feel the tearing. I think u need to do what u feel is right for u. Im due with my secobd in sept and havent decided if ill get the epidural this time around or not. They say yiu have a better recovery afterwards if u go without. Follow your instincts u can always change your mind and get one later as long as u arent too far along in your delivery.