NO EPIDURAL

[alliee]

I am planning on "no plan" and seeing how I feel. Would like no epi, but if I need one, I am okay with it! Mostly, I am terrified of tearing...

[KJ511]

I am planning on "no plan" and seeing how I feel. Would like no epi, but if I need one, I am okay with it! Mostly, I am terrified of tearing...

I think this is a good attitude toward it. That way you don't feel disappointed if you end up with the epi, but if you're able to get your goal that's awesome! Good luck!

[alliee]

I also just found out (at yesterday's dr app) that you can request a local anthestic around your vagina area...kind of like a nov shot at the dentist. It just numbs that area when pushing is about to happen and is the same thing they use to stitch up any tears!

[Keri37]

Epidural scare me. I saw an epidural on tv and they put the needle in your spine. the needle isn't small. Just not for me. Look for the advantages and disadvantages on the internet. The only advantage is pain relief.

[KJ511]

Epidural scare me. I saw an epidural on tv and they put the needle in your spine. the needle isn't small. Just not for me. Look for the advantages and disadvantages on the internet. The only advantage is pain relief.

Pain relief is a good enough advantage for me! I was throwing up with my EARLY contractions--I was only dilated to 4 when I started having transition-type contractions--so I certainly benefited. I think another advantage I had is because I didn't experience all the pain of the earlier contractions, I was very strong and energetic when it came time to push. So I only had to push for about 25 minutes because I had so much energy and could hold the push longer. And I didn't see or feel the needle go into my spine so it didn't bother me one little bit! That said, I'll still try to not have one next time around, but if I feel serious pain like I did with DD I'll get another one.

Here's a very important point I want to make: Everyone must make her own decision when it comes to labor and delivery. You do what is best for you and what is best for your baby at the time, and that may change from minute to minute and from delivery to delivery. Don't let anyone judge you for the choices you make! Definitely do your best to not have an epi, because of COURSE you can do it! Women have been doing it for years. But if you choose to get one, you are NOT any less of a woman!!!

[alliee]

Totally agree...it seems everybody/baby/birth is different! I have a friend who did not need one with her first, but did with the 2nd baby.

Right now, I am just looking forward to not being pregnant and meeting
our little guy!

Good luck everybody!

[KJ511]

Totally agree...it seems everybody/baby/birth is different! I have a friend who did not need one with her first, but did with the 2nd baby.

Right now, I am just looking forward to not being pregnant and meeting
our little guy!

Good luck everybody!

You're so close! Let us know how it goes--can't wait to see pics either!