For some women, childbirth is a piece of cake. I had about 18 hrs of hard labor and know that the epidural didn't give me any relief, just made it more difficult.

If you're eating right, exercising enough, and finding ways to relax and breathe deeply to think about good things and the reward at the end of it, it'll be easier for you. The best way to bring a child into the world is drug-free... regardless of what anyone says about how wonderful it can be.

There can always be complications with every procedure, but why risk pain for the rest of your life when it can be over almost as soon as you're done. And yes, seeing your child, even when they plop him/her on your chest all gooey, is the most beautiful thing you'll ever see... and it makes all the pain worth it.

Do research, trust your instincts, and take care of yourself and your baby. Good luck and God bless.

You probably need to ask your OBGYN now about this or whoever you physician is. Will your insurance cover an epidural even if you want it? It might be expensive.

My insurance is covering all the hospital expenses.

Sweet.

My aunt had epidurals with both of her children. The first went off without a hitch. The second, however, was completely messed up. After the birth, the tube was left in her back, but everything was disconnected from it, allowing spinal fluid from that area to leak. They had to take fluid from another part of her back to inject back into that spot. She had a headache that lasted for days, and hurt her so badly, all she could do was cry. She went home with alot of lower back pain. Four days after being released from the hospital, she passed out for a brief moment. After coming to, and refusing to go to the hospital, she just went to bed. My uncle came running out of their room later that night, yelling to call 911, and to tell them to hurry, cause she was not breathing, and he was doing CPR on her. She coded twice more at the hospital that night, and was then placed in ICU for two days.

Official hospital records state "UNKNOWN CAUSE" for this. However, we found it very curious that the DR's that were called back in that night, and that were responsible for her care after almost dying was the anesthesiologist.

Seeing that firsthand, I chose to have both of my children natural. I told the nurses as soon as I arrived at the hospital, that no matter what I say when I am in labor, DO NOT give me an epidural. My Dr. was also very aware of this. I was in labor with both of my children for over 40 hours (induced). Yes, it hurt...alot, but it was over shortly after delivery. I am able to live daily with no pain, while my aunt has lower back pain, sometimes severe, on a daily basis. I also feel this quiet strength and pride, knowing I did the hardest, most painful thing I will ever do, without the aid of pharmaceuticals. Except for the pit. used to put, and keep, me in labor)

Her experience is probably very rare, but the risks are there. Talk with your Dr. and educate yourself. You are the only one that will know what is right for you.

i am a labor and delivery nurse
(for 25 yrs)
the worse part about an epidural is the stick and burn of the local to numb the area---like going to the dentist

my sister called me while in labor. the conversation went like this ...

"hey."
"hey whats up?"
"i'm in labor."
"yeah. i was there when we took you in."
"yeah."
"when are you gonna have the baby?"
"In like 20 minutes."
"wait what?"
"yeah. don't worry. i mean i'll totally mute it when i push."
"WTF"
"pffft. no biggie."
there's a pause here...
still her talkin..
"damn i soo want jello. but like with whipped cream."
"WTF!!!"
"oh gotta go. gotta push."

yeah. thats it.

LOL epidural was her happy place.

LOL!