I went natural. I already have back pain so I didn’t want anything in my spine. Luckily everything went almost as planned, meaning I didn’t have any complications for the doctors to worry about. Laboring is going to hurt regardless so pick the option that will work for you. I was ready for the pain but it did hurt worse than I thought it would. I had my amazing doula to help me through it. Either way you go, natural or epidural, in the end you’ll be surrounded by professionals who know what they are doing and have your little bundle of joy.

I planned for natural and chose epidural.. my contractions were so bad I was dying alive I'll never forget feeling like she was going to rip my low stomach and whooha walking out like a monster and I almost had her in the car it was almost to late for the epidural especially since the Dr took forever 😂

I actually tried to get epidural with both my deliveries and it didn’t work. So I went natural for that reason and honestly when I do have another baby I think I will be going natural again by choice. Even though the epidural didn’t work for me I still occasionally get sharp back pains and it was a scary experience.

I did epidural do not take pain well

I did natural for mine and my daughters health. I also thought it would be a cool experience to feel everything and to be honest I was so pumped with natural adrenaline that I didn't feel jack squat until after she was already out of me.

Oh and also my back is still a little messed up from where they put it at but other then that what a pain reliever

I went in wanting to go natural but quickly changed my mind! I got the epidural and was relieved within 20 minutes. I was able to relax for several hours before giving birth. I did have some back issues after but it doesn’t bother me now. I will do it again next time.

I got the epidural I loved it but I caught fever right after while I was pushing everything was fine I just had to get antibiotics sucky part my baby had to stay 7 days to receive antibiotics as well just as a precaution not sure yet if it had anything to do with epidural but listen to your body u will knowwhen u go into labor!!

Loved the epidural. I had no complications from it, and it worked for me. I labored all night, and I was able to get an hour and a half nap before I had to start pushing.

Some doctors/hospitals allow alternatives to an epidural for pain relief. Talk to your doctor and see if there’s a third option for you. I am terrified of needles, especially huge ones going into my back. Also, my hospital doesn’t allow anyone else in the room when epidurals are administered. I opted for the alternative offered. I just can’t remember what it was, but it was administered through my IV.

I loved the epidural and had no issues with it. It allowed me to take a nap both times.

@mommyof.3 oh my God no 😨

Both pregnancies I went into labor thinking natural birth but both times my body wasn't coping well with the pain and I couldn't concentrate on getting calm so I ended up with an epidural both times. It really made it easier for me to actually calm myself and focus on pushing. I was especially grateful for an epidural for my second because even though he was head down he was face up so my doctor had her whole hand and maybe half her arm in me trying to turn him when I pushed. So it really depends on you when you go into labor. I should also mention that I do have back pain from them though. There are ways like yoga to help but I also had other issues not related to the epidural so yoga or other stretches haven't helped me.

The epidural fucked up my back and it still hurts in the area I got it. I don't know if it bothering me more now that I'm pregnant. However I wasn't able to bend over to put my son in the crib, my back actually went out for a good 7 weeks. This time I'm going to opt not to do it and try to go more freely and natural with the midwives and maybe even try water birth if the tubs are available. Only reason I went with epidural is because I was put on pitocin to jump start my contractions, which make them strong, irregular and just horrible. I was really trying to go all natural