https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:25:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-28687 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:54:28 +0000 Mrsbells 28687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I havent been through it yet so I cant really talk from experience. I want to avoid an epi if possible. Growing up in europe none of my friends over there had an epidural or scheduled c-section so thats affected by idea of whats normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-28678 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:39:39 +0000 Boogs 28678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural and I'm still considering stopping after one because it failed on me twice, the second time was when they were performing the c-section on me! Even if I was guaranteed a vaginal birth I for sure wouldn't do it without an epidural. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-28647 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:50:30 +0000 Mrs.KMM 28647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wouldn't change anything for me.</p> <p>I plan to try for a natural birth anyway but even if I wanted pain meds and couldn't have them, the temporary pain of labor wouldn't be a deterrent from the lifetime of joy and happiness a child brings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27467 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:53:52 +0000 ohapostrophe 27467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NYCaliMama: yes! Beautifully said :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27462 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:39:08 +0000 SAHM0811 27462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ohapostrophe:  I totally agree with your theory.</p> <p>I've had both an epidural birth and a natural birth. My mindset on how to deal with contractions was completely different both times. With the first, all I could think about was, "WHEN can I get my epidural?" -- as if it was just a given and a necessity. my contractions were very painful with that experience. </p> <p>For my natural birth, I went into it thinking that pain is only worsened with "fear and anxiety". With this mindset, contractions weren't even totally painful, more like intense. I kept fear and anxiety out of my mind. I dealt with the labor by deep breathing and reminding myself that contractions were only temporary. It really helped, and in the end, I preferred going natural vs having an epidural! My contractions for the natural birth were stronger and intense right from the start, and baby came much faster too (6 hours vs 20 hours), yet I wasn't "in pain" like the first time. It sounds so crunchy and unbelievable to a "woman of science" such as myself, but I really think one's psyche going into it makes a huge difference.</p> <p>having an epidural or not is definitely not a deciding factor in family planning for us... labor is a temporary experience, while having another child in our family would hopefully not be... it would be a lifelong reward. there are other ways to deal with pain than with heavy drugs.. but I don't judge those who choose that route as I did it that way too, and was happy with that birth experience in the end also. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27451 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:50:30 +0000 ohapostrophe 27451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a theory that the pain is much worse if you're planning on getting an epidural...because you're not planning on dealing with pain, and therefore pain becomes "bad" and feels much worse, especially psychologically (which for me has SO much to do with it). After having gone unmedicated, I REALLY think anyone could do it...if they want to and if they're prepared for it.</p> <p>That said, to the original question, no, I'm planning on a couple, and hopefully I can have any future babies naturally too :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27444 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:38:55 +0000 chopsuey 27444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I'd still have 2-3 kids even if I couldn't do it with an epidural. Labor pains + pushing for 2 hours + 3rd degree tears were all worth it when I held my LO in my arms for the first time.<br /> I'd do it all over again (without an epidural) in a heartbeat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27437 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:31:51 +0000 anewme 27437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think I could do it without an epidural or that I would want to. I don't look at the pain as some kind of badge of honor<br /> , with modern medicine why not use it as long<br /> As its safe for you. I don't care if ppl call me<br /> A<br /> Chicken, I had a great, almost pain free labor experience and that is something I look forward to when I do it again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27423 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:15:57 +0000 winniebee 27423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 15 weeks pregnant and FULLY plan on getting an epidural. If I can't get one or if it doesn't help, that would definitely have a bearing on how many kids we have. But say I can't have one and then have like a 30 minute labor. Maybe I could do it without pain meds? We currently want 3 kids, but instead I might go for 2 if I have a horrible labor/can't have pain meds. Who knows though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27411 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:37:51 +0000 Crisark 27411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a faulty epi with my first delivery and was in horrendous pain for most of the 13hours I was in labor.<br /> I had a good epi the second time around and that made my life so much better.<br /> I would NOT have a third child like we are planning if meds weren't an option.<br /> I can't handle that pain. I know some ppl can but I am not one of them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27285 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:03:38 +0000 Ree723 27285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ALREADY joke with my husband that we might be one and done - and I'm only 11 weeks! I had really bad cramping from weeks 4 - 8 and that pain was so bad that I said there is no way I want to do this again. I'm sure labour pains are a thosuand times worse though so if I couldn't have an epidural, I'm thinking there is no way I'd do it again. I'll let you know for certain after this one is born! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27091 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:29:15 +0000 tequiero21 27091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i want to say i could. trillions of women have done it over time, right? who knows, in reality though, because i haven't been through it once. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27086 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:09:49 +0000 cyndistar3 27086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It wouldnt affect me. I had my first without meds and I fully plan on having my second and any others without meds also. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27072 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:26:56 +0000 Nskillet 27072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I dont have a clue yet as im just 17 weeks along now. I tend to be stubborn through so Im going to try and go as long as I can without pain meds. I know ill probably relent and get an epidural part way through but the thought of being confined to a bed the entire time freaks me out slightly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27041 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:31:13 +0000 heffalump 27041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Even with the epidural I said I was only going to have one while I was in labor!</p> <p>But of course a couple weeks later that was all forgotten and now I'm ready for my next. And I'm sure even without meds I'd feel the same way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-27030 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:02:49 +0000 looch 27030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, it wouldn't affect my family planning. My reasoning is that women have been giving birth without it for longer than they have had access to it, so there must be some biological forces at play that let your mind and body surpass it and forget it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26968 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:48:46 +0000 Miss Adia 26968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only got to have an epidural for like 6 hours out of the 36 I was in labor. I had a good coach though and I made it through. After I pushed her out I was like hm...that wasn't that bad! </p> <p>I would like to go through the entire labor without one next time. The only reason why I got one was because Pitocin is no joke. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26953 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:33:35 +0000 Rosie Girl 26953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would think I could have more then one. But I would have to see what an all natural birth felt like first before I could honestly answer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26937 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:05:14 +0000 MaisyMay 26937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If there were no pain meds, I'd probably limit to just one kiddo. That probably sounds very vain and selfish, but I don't tolerate pain well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26690 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:54:50 +0000 Mrs. D 26690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsMamaBear: So are we, even though 19 years later my sister can be a giant pain in the arse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26688 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:53:45 +0000 MsMamaBear 26688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. D: Oh goodness no! I'm so sorry. I'm glad everything worked out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26683 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:48:34 +0000 Mrs. D 26683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsMamaBear: Sounds great, but mom was in labour the entire second half of the pregnancy. She nearly lost my sister about halfway through. By the time she realized the pain she was feeling wasn't her regular pain, there wasn't much time to get across town. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26677 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:45:51 +0000 MsMamaBear 26677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. D: 30 mins after arrival? I bet that was nice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26676 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:44:54 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 26676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably stop at one. I"m such a wuss when it comes to pain... I actually would have really bad menstral cramps and I would end up throwing up from the pain. I'm thankful there are epidurals so that I can not be terrified of doing the same during labor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26671 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:42:04 +0000 Mrs. D 26671@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No answer for me yet, but here's my mom-</p> <p>With me, she had an epidural.</p> <p>With my middle sister, she wanted to go natural, to really experience childbirth, she changed her mind, but by the time she decided that it hurt too much, it was too late to give her one!</p> <p>With my youngest sister, I don;t know what her plan was, but my sister was born 30 minutes after mom arrived at the hospital! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26662 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:29:09 +0000 runsyellowlites 26662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went 17hrs w/o anything with DS.. and then only got something to get the nurses &amp; doctor off my back (it was through my IV though... not an epi).</p> <p>I guess since I'm pro-natural birth not having pain meds hasn't &amp; wouldn't deter me for our future babies. *shrugs shoulders* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26654 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:20:07 +0000 MamaMoose 26654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know. I'd like to say that fear of pain wouldn't stop me from having another child if my husband and I wanted one. But ask me again after I've pushed one out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26651 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:15:46 +0000 MsMamaBear 26651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope! I had an epidural and the ragin pain I had from contractions for 15 hrs before I had an emergency c-section was enough.</p> <p>Before I had Baby Bear, I said I'd go without meds to scar me enough to only have one.LOL! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26635 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:07:22 +0000 Andrea 26635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great question. I had an epidural, too, but if it was not an option at all I would still have a second child if I really wanted that child. It seems like so many of my friends have given birth sans epidural lately that I am feeling like a wimp. They are inspiring me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-couldnt-have-an-epidural-would-that-affect-how-many-children-youd-have#post-26632 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:04:25 +0000 Mrs. Bee 26632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My labor with Charlie was so painful, and I got an epidural! I seriously don't know if I could have a second child if I couldn't have an epidural.</p> <p>Do you think you could do it? Or would you stop at one? </p>