Epidural or Natural? Help!

Question

First time mama here trying to decide, natural or epidural? My sister had to have an emergency c-section both times and I don't have many girlfriends who are also mamas. 
I love the idea of natural but in reality, I have no idea...  If I do an epidural, does labor last longer? 
Explanations of your choice are welcome!

Answer

Don’t decide. Try without, if you can’t stand it, get the epidural. No reason to make a decision ahead of time on this one. See what your body can handle.

Answer

I’ve had two natural births and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. Watch The Business of Being Born. Good eye opener but not one sided, as she ended up having a c-section.

Answer

If you can handle it go for natural. You will know though. I know of a woman who wanted to go natural and ended  up askinf for  an epdiural. Me personally ill take that epidural any day . I have to have c sections  anyways  though

Answer

My personal experience, the epidural made labor enjoyable. I got my epidural at about 5cm and was able to relax and joke around and enjoy labor. I could feel when I was 10 cm and ready to push. I was in labor for 7 hours but didn’t feel it. I pushed for 20 minutes each time. I will be doing it for my 3rd baby as well.

Answer

Personally I want the epidural because I am really bad with pain so it’s totally your call! No wrong answer

Answer

I had 3 natural, just before I’m a big wuss and the idea of an epidural freaks me out. Good job for the ladies who get them, great respect for the women that get c-sections and other types of interventions done.
I just can’t do a needle in my spine. It creeped me out.

Answer

You do what you think will be best  I didn't want an epidural, but my son came too fast, and I had him with NO meds. It wasn't as bad as I thought, and I had a year even.
Epidural could make labor last longer, I heard it can slow down dilation. But its totally up to you. 
But from my experience, natural was great. I would totally do it again.

Answer

I tried my best for natural, but after 3 days my body was stalled at 4cm with no progress and I was exhausted. My midwife suggested the epidural and I had my son less than 3 hours later... it was absolutely the best thing and I have nothing but positive feelings towards my birthing experience.
You don’t need to commit ahead of time... try your best to go natural if you want but listen to your body and do what you can. Maybe try some hypnobirthing techniques or use the tub, maybe also gas and air if your hospital has it (and this pandemic allows, I know most hospitals aren’t allowing the use of it right now)
Always, always just try to go with the flow. You can’t micromanage birth.

Answer

If you’re in a hospital and are wanting to go natural then go for it! Put it in your birth plan and then come up with some sort of phrase or signal that means you’ve had enough and you for sure want the epidural. In our birth class we heard a story about a woman whose “phrase” was to say something three times. Her husband knew that unless she said it three times she did t seriously want it. She eventually had the epidural but it was what she wanted and she labored without as long as she could! As for making labor last longer, it can if you are too relaxed but it can also help it along if you weren’t able to relax enough without it! Do what works for you!

Answer

I sent u a message

Epidural or Natural? Help!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey