Epidural or No?

[Catherinee28]

Are any of you ladies getting an epidural? I want to and at the same time idk if I should experience the "real" birth process without getting injected. What are some of you ladies going to do?

[sweetvegetable]

I always go into it planning no drugs but allowing them if necessary. My first I had phentonol, my second, nothing. You might as well try without first before you decide. Epidurals can either speed up labor or slow it down. It all depends.

[Rwandanaiter]

I've done both. And they all went fine, but by far my last one done all natural was the best. I had my sister and husband taking turns pushing on my knees to relieve pain. I couldn't have done it with out them. I was also on my feet faster after, then when I had the epidural. I felt like I couldn't push as effectively with the epidural. ( Its hard to do when you cant feel anything) If you want the epidural get it! Its all up to you and what you feel is best for you and baby.

[Aarahbellah]

I'm going natural for the fact that every woman who has given birth in my family with epidural they get bad back pains and there back is messed up I will do anything besides epidural

[bbybootz15]

I loved the laughing gas the first time and doing the same this 2nd time. No needle in the back for me.

[rabeccarice]

I have had an epidural with my first three kids I wish I haddent with my last I was only in labor for two hours from start to finnish. I'm hoping to not do it this time butlike they said its not anyone else chose its your chose but just know there are risks with my first they messed up my back a little

[Victorybee96]

I want to go natrual because it would be a beautiful experience. I have a high pain tolerance and my mom is a role model 36 hours all naturally and she said it was best experience of her life

[jennymeaney]

GeekMom I totally agree. The comments from stormmc actually sneeped me abit. I chose natural twice asbit was best for me and my babies not for a medal or a pat on the back.

[sarahashley28]

It is your choice don't let anyone pressure you either way.  Myself I am all for a more comfortable expiernce..  Gimme the epidural

[GeekMom1213]

I had a med-free birth with my first and plan to do it again. I had an amazing experience that was incredibly fulfilling for me personally. I learned a lot of things about myself that day and it made me feel stronger than anything else ever has. It wasn't about anyone else, it wasn't about "deserving a medal" (how dismissive and derogatory can some of you be, to accuse people like me of doing it for someone else's approval?)
It was my birth experience and I did it the way I wanted to. I didn't want to be at risk for the possible long-term complications from having an epidural placed. I didn't want to increase my risk for being rushed into an "emergency" c-section. I didn't want to increase my risk of episiotomy or tearing by numbing my entire perineal area. I looked at the options and made that personal choice for myself and I look forward to doing it again.
I share my story so that people know that it can be done, and it can be wonderful. Not for "an award" or "a pat on the back". I know I'm not the only one who wants the chance for a med-free delivery but I know that for some ridiculous reason it's looked upon with disdain by many people.
If it isn't for you, that's fine. Don't talk down about people who choose a different way to give birth to their children. It's none of your business to decide what they should do.

[fr3yam]

I will try to not get one. I am afraid of the risks for the baby: use of forceps, increased risk of c-section; for myself: subdural injuries, spinal infection, headache, backache, risk of need for urinary catheter.

[Billie_Alexa]

I'm not planning on getting an epidural because I know that it can cause back problems in the future and sometimes the doctors could mess up when giving it to you.

[tori_gold]

I personally have horrible menstrual cycles that have me balled up on the floor! Whatever they can provide to ease the pain I want it! Lol

[nicknamegoeshere]

It is all in how you are in there. I was induced with my first 2. Got it with my 1st only because I was so tired and had been in pain for a few days from passing kidney stones. My 2nd I just got a little pain killers to help my bp. I am glad I was able to do without. If you get it you cannot get out of bed and walk around and after you may not be able to feel your lower half for a few hours.

[Laurah4685]

I am going natural but to brag about it isn't cool. Its whatever preference you choose. For me after not a good experience getting one with my first and reading that waiver you sign... there is a little risk involved.  But to each their own.

[lurooney]

Well my thoughts exactly stormmc,well said..this is my 4th pregnancy and i always got the epidural and will be on this one..why go through agonising pain when you dont have to...i felt my coming out every inch of them with it but got ease for the pain..why not we all end up with the same thing at the end

[1stimemami]

It's totally up to you. I don't think its about getting an award because you deliver natural but what you are comfortable with. Some just don't like drugs. If you can tolerate pain go natural and if you think that you can't take it anymore you have options.

[minniemouse1208]

I seriously couldn't agree more with Stormmc! lol alot of ladies act like they should get an award for doing it natural. I've had 2 epidurals and plan on getting another one lol in may!

[hannahsmama13721]

I'm a total wimp...  I'm getting the epideral AND the IV drugs.

[shayhoward]

I sure am I gotta have my Epidural!!!

[Jesseeekka]

Epidural all the way :) second child i know that it hurts real bad i couldnt take it last time..even tho i wanted to do it naturally

[stormmc]

Gimme the drugs.  When I hear women say "natural childbirth" I laugh. The fact that you're pushing another.human out of your body is natural. If women think that women from 100's & 1000's years ago didn't partake in something to help ease the pain, they're nuts. As long as you have a healthy baby you should be happy. Your kid won't love you anymore because you went through extra pain just to pat yourself on the back and brag.

[mamaviv951]

I'm going to do all natural no drugs nothing