Epidural Get it or not?? Please help!

[cocacolapanda]

I have lots of time to figure it out, but I was just reading about the Epidural (I didn't have it with my first, got pain meds via the IV) and I'm scared to death of it!  All the back problems it could cause afterwards, etc.  

So, For those who got the Epidural, Are you glad you got it?
Did it hurt?
Did you have any issues afterwards?
Did you recover quickly after the birth?  (For example I was walking and moving around once they stitched me up from tearing).

See, I got the pain meds in the IV, and I didn't really like how they made me feel, Kinda loopy and in and out of sleep.  IT was horrible for the contractions, but then slept when no contractions.  From what I've read those are my two basic options.  

Also, I want to wait till I need them, last time I was fine till they broke my watter, I want to try and do it naturally, but need to have pain management as a back up.

[Latrice414]

I got the epi 14 years ago, didnt have any pain with delivery but i have had back problems since.  I just had DD 6 months ago and got the epi and it only worked on certain parts of my body so i felt the pain in my arse and part of the pushing it was freaking weird.  And it hurted when they gave me the epi.  But i needed it bcuz once they broke my water bag and gave me the pitocin OMG i could not handle the pain.

Its a personal choice, your body and mind will let you no what to do at the time, i went in with the intent to TRY natural just as i did with my first child lol

[cocacolapanda]

See I've heard it's about 50/50 for good and bad.  I really like the stories, it's very helpful!  

penswriter - Wow, they wouldn't let you walk for 3 days unless going to the bathroom!  With my first I was walking everywhere, they actually encouraged me to walk and said it would help with recovery. I had several stitches because I was pushing for several hours and they needed to use a vacume to help get him out, I noticed the stitches more so when sat than walked.  I also didn't let them cut, my dr said he actually didn't even give the option because if you tear naturally you heal much better than if you were cut.

[penswriter]

I got the epi and i'm SO SO SO SO happy i did. i had twins and all of my labor pains were in my back. i couldn't move. i was laying in my hospital bed in the fetal position. that was the only way i could lie without my back going into spasms with every contraction. the only part that hurt was the doc kept trying to stick the needle in during a contraction which tightened the muscles in my back. so getting pricked 2 x's more than needed s*cked but it was really just a BIG pinch. I had no issues afterward. i felt GREAT! i could actually lay down normally and that was great. the hospital i was at doesn't allow recovering mothers to walk for the 3 days they're in the hospital except to go to the bathroom....i was walking all over my bedroom within an hour or two afterward. i couldn't stand just laying there. but when we went to see the boys in nicu they made me use a wheel chair. (which was fine since the vaginal area was still sore from pushing out two babies) i wasn't cut. i tore. i told them NO cutting.

i was told by a few women that i'm less of a mother and less of a woman for getting the epi but i don't see it that way. i did something my ob's and everyone else told me i wouldn't be able to do. i delivered both of my boys vaginally. if getting pain meds makes me less of a woman. oh well. i'd get it again if i were to get pregnant again (i also have a low threshold for pain. i just can't take pain. at all.)

you just have to do what's right for you. if you think an epi would work for you get it...if you don't want it or are too afraid of the possible side affects don't get it.

[LauraB78]

I had an epidural with my son & it was my savior. I was in so much pain and it was neary instant relief. It did not hurt to put in place. I had sciatica issues prior to my son's birth, and they increased for about 9 months after I had him, but if I ever have another child, I will likely get an epidural again.

[Victoria01]

I got an Epidural and I loved it. There was a slight pinch, like getting your finger poked, but other than that, no pain at all. I had absolutely no issues afterwards and was up and walking within an half hour or so after the birth. I haven't had any back problems or anything from it. My son was wide awake and alert when he was born so no problems there either. I plan on getting an Epidural this time also.

The only thing I can say is research all your options and do what you think is right for you.

[cocacolapanda]

My midwife isn't saying anything yet.  It was just in the binder from the hospital with the pain management options.  I just didn't like the IV and was looking into the Epidural more.  She said that she'd do what ever I wanted for pain management, but I wanted to try to get some personal experiences before talking to her about my concerns about either.

No one ever told me what I needed, for both my first and this pregnancy the dr's have given me the information and told me to ask them questions if need be to help decide.  

we really don't have money for a doula and I don't believe it's covered by our insurance.