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Well why dont you just aim for a drug-free labour and be open to drugs if you feel you need them? I laboured for 8 hours before I had my epidural. The reason I had it is because the horrible midwife wouldnt let me have any gas. An hour after I got the epidural it was time to start pushing so I made it most of the way without, the epidural was GREAT, I am scared to death of needles too, I wouldnt have been able to have an epidural if I wasnt in that much pain that I prefer a huge spinal needle over contractions lol.

Had two with epi's one straight natural. My natural birth came so fast we didn't have time for anything, 3 hrs from beginning contractions till birth, but the other two took 13 and 15 hrs. You have to be to a certain stage of labor before they will give you an epidural. By then the contractions are uncomfortable enough that you will not even care about the needle. It really is about the same as pricking your finger on a rose thorn. In just a few minutes the intensity eases up like when you have a leg cramp. After the cramp releases it's still tender but oh so much better. You can then relax and enjoy the birth.

I experienced a down side because I had toxemia and so it increased problems with my blood pressure. My daughter in law just gave birth 3 months ago and they did her c-section with only an epidural.

Epidural all the way. You will so forget about the needle scare because you will be in serious pain by the time the anesthesiologist gets there with his needle. And actually its not bad at all. You will feel so much better and it will be wonderful by the time he leaves your room. Believe me had two kids one without nothing but a pain shot (call that the veterinary hospital) and the other one with an epidural and it was not near as hard after that. Good luck to you!

I have had 3 babies and had one with all 3. I really didn't want one with my last one, but I was so exhausted from laboring all night, I couldn't take the pain anymore. I had no problems with any of mine. And they do take the pain away. I was able to walk about a half hour after I delivered. But a friend of mine, with her 3rd baby, the dr couldn't get the needle in, he stuck her 7 times, before they finally put her under general for her c section

If you want to have a natural birth, just put your mind to it and you can do it. Don't let anyone talk you into getting an epidural, what was right for them, might not be right for you. I also heard that getting a doula can help you out a lot, and if you have an awesome nurse while you are in labor can help too.

Just remember millions of babies are born to moms that have an epidural and millions are born to moms that do it naturally.

i was terrified of getting an epidural. but when i got to about 8cm it hurt so bad that i would rather deal with a needle than go through it anymore. i still didnt get an epidural though because i didnt want a tube in my back constantly giving out medication. so i got a spinal. doesnt last as long but lasted me long enough and its not as big of a deal. hope it helps! congrats!

If you google for it, you should be able to find some good info on the web about the pros and cons of an epidural.

Personally, I don't want to have any medical interventions unless they become necessary. I'm not against drugs, and I'm all for dulling the pain, but if you don't NEED to stick a needle in my spine, then don't!! I realise i might get to the hospital, and say 'this hurts too much, stick it in there!' but I'm not planning to go straight for interventions.

I had a natural birth with my daughter and plan to with this pregnancy too.

I went in there with no preferences and just thought I'll see how I go and I managed to get through the whole thing with no pain relief.

It's an individual decision, but I think it's a good idea to just see how you go. Keep in mind that labour doesn't always go as planned so keeping an open mind helps

I was sooooooooooooooooooo afraid of the needle! The IV hurt more than the one in your back. They numb you up with the SMALLEST needle first...you won't feel the prick of the actual epidural, you will just feel the cold medicine go into your body. Get it Get it Get it. And if anyone tells you not to, ask them if they decline Novocaine when they go to the dentist when they have a cavity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i didnt have anything by the time i wanted to use some form of drugs it was too late! im now glad that i went through the whole experience and could prove to myself how strong i really was. in saying that natural labour isnt for everyone andif the pro's outway the cons and its wat u want to do because u dont think u'll handle it drug free then go for it!! anyone who's been through the exscrutiating pain of child birth will understand ur decision!! if anyone judges u for wanting to use drugs then they clearly dont have kids!!

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