Epidural Experiences

[Rachel80]

They always start you on gas & air anyway & it's up to you if you have an epidural but why suffer? If there are things to make it an easier more enjoyable experience I say go for it! I wasn't offered diamorphine but I'd have taken it if offered! X

 

[Hope81]

I had an epidural right away. It was great though quite painful to put in as it took him 3 attempts or so to get it right...
1 h after birth I was up and walking to the bathroom just fine. The pain on my back (a huge bruise from all the attempts lasted like 2 weeks lol)
All in one I will have I again this time not even considering to not to lol. I don't have a dental work with no pain relief I don't see why I would labour without it haha.
I tried gas and air and found it the most awful and annoying think ever. No thanks bring on the epidural again I have no desire to be a martyr this time either especially with a twin birth

 

[CARNAT22]

The main issue with the EPI is that you cannot go to the birthing centre / maternity led unit [most hospitals now offer a more natural birthing environment, the name can differ though]

So if you opt for an EPI you will be in quite a medicalised environment.

I spent time in both the birthing centre and the labour ward and I much preferred the birthing centre. You had a bed, bath, TV and the MW would pop in every now and then to check on you. The labour ward saw me on a drip and baby on a trace and I was basically bed bound.. I didn't like it at all. It was full of machinery and you had stange Dr's walking in etc..

I didn't have an EPI though, despite ending up on the drip.

Just thought I'd put it out there that you can start in the birthing centre and move if you need / want to?

X