Questions & Answers

I too plan on going naturally. There are many side effects to epidurals that scare the crap out of me! It can stall a delivery, yes, and it can leave you with literally no feeling from the waist down, (how can you know how/when to push?!), and it can leave you with a 2 day splitting headache.
I personally want to let my body do what it does naturally, and unless there are complications, my plans are to go without any intervention. Good luck!

I would say don't rule it out.. however i think it's also better to go as far as you can without it. It can stall you out since you will be laying down. However, if you are already stalled out, sometimes it can help you progress as well! An epidural is not a failure in any way. Just be aware of your body and don't let anyone talk you into it or out of it, do what you feel is best for you!

i have had 2 epidurals-- with my first the insertion went smoothly.. then with my second i was in tears. it felt like the anesthesiologist was veering off into my muscle tissue with the catheter. it was uncomfortable and painful. i was honestly handling my contractions up to 9 cm better than i handled that. you cant help but jump or move when they are messing around in your epidural space and it is critical that you remain perfectly still. honestly ladies-- i have never met a single woman who ended up NOT receiving an epidural that regretted it. i did though.. it was no BUENO!

This is my second and Im defiantly going for it again. I lucked out and stalled at 9 cm so they gave it to me. And believe me when i say I never felt so much relief.

I started watching "A Baby Story" on TLC and it seems the women that don't get the epidural end up regretting it and then it's too late! I am a big wimp so I'm going for it! I want to feel like doing this again in a few years!

I want to go without one for a few reasons. Epidurals have their own down sides sometimes. My mom has four kids. The two she had without medication were by far her best. I say research and see what is best for you. I plan on looking at all relaxation techniques to help ease the pain naturally. I am staying open minded because there is no telling how I will handle labor but still aiming for no pain meds.

This is my first baby also and in my dreams I would love to go as long as I can without it.. or go with out it period...but.. I am also trying to be realistic and open minded. So I PLAN to go as long as I can without it. I also plan on hiring a birth doula to be present to help keep me focused and educate me better on my decisions.