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I got an epidural the first time, but will try natural this time. I actually just totally stalled--was at 2 cm for 13+ hours of really intense contractions (shot to 6 immediately after getting the epidural). If the same thing is happening this time, I'll get the epi much more quickly, but my doc and the nurse were both really encouraging about trying for natural this time, since my body might "remember." On the other hand, I actually had a really fantastic experience with the epidural, so I'm definitely not opposed.

I intended on going med free + having a water birth with my first but I became preeclamptic and was induced so my plans went out the window. I ended up being stuck in bed and had multiple attempts at an epidural.

I was able to go med free and labor in tub with my second. what a difference it made, not even having an IV! My recovery was wonderful.

I had an epi the first time but not the second, there wasn't enough time!

Just wanted to add that i wasn't necessarily trying to go without meds and i would have asked for the epi if i thought i needed it!!

I'm considering it. I just didn't have that painful of a labor with DD1 until transition and they realized she was sunnyside up, so they gave me the epidural at like 8-9 cm because the doc wanted to manually turn her and try to get her to turn on her own. She did, quickly, and i started pushing about 20 minutes later. The epidural was so light that it took the edge off but I really think i could feel 75% of what was going on. But I was glad I got it because the doc trying to turn her was pretty much the worst pain of the whole thing.
Part of me is afraid that this one is going to come too fast for an epidural so I'm trying to psych myself up for a med free birth. Plus, this hospital has a birthing tub so I may try to take advantage of it. I'm going to just go in with the same mindset -- whatever happens happens!

I absolutely hated mine, and will do near anything to avoid it a second time.

I had one the first time with DD. I think I got it around 7 or 8 cm. I was fearful if what the pain was going to be so i got it before my pain level was unbearable. The placement of the epi was the worst part of my labor and wanted to avoid it with #2. But with DS my labor was very different and my pain was off the charts by 5 cm. so I got an epi, 2 actually because the first only took on one side. He was much larger than DD (9.8 vs 6.5 lbs) not sure if that had anything to do with the difference. Both labors were short, less than 10 hours, and I pushed 20 min with DD and even less with DS. But recovery was still easier the 2nd time.