The age old epidural debate...

DEBBIE33CASEY

It shouldn't have bothered me...

but I was at my BFF's baby shower yesterday and there was a girl there, PG with her 2nd and close to her EDD, too.  She was telling my friend her first labor wasn't bad at all, you really don't need an epidural as long as you stay calm and focused...etc

I wanted to punch her.  I got an epi at 5cm. And plan to *knocks on wood* have epi's for any future pregnancies.  This girl telling my friend that people really don't need epidurals pissed me off!  It was as if her labor was exactly like how everyone else's would be. And she was in labor for 3 hours (what she said). 

I felt like she was belittling my friend for wanting an epi, and belittling me for getting one with DD.  So there is my rant.  And my opinion is do whatever you want to do for your labor and that every labor is different, and don't act like an elite because of whatever decision you chose. Rant over.

kit443

Nobody likes an elitist. Except for maybe other elitists.

Dulaney

I got an epi, too.

I got it at the last possible second b/c I kept thinking, gosh, this should hurt more than it does. Boy am I glad I got it considering LO was 9 lb 3 oz and I had a 4th degree tear!

Symharmony

I agree.  Having an epidural is a personal choice.  I didn't have one with either baby, but I wouldn't tell someone they shouldn't or make them feel bad if they had one.

easyBreezie

I heart epi's. My parents tried to make me feel the same way for getting one.  I don't really care what everyone else does either.

erino&chrish

I had a scarred cervix, so the doc had to do a painful procedure at the start of my induction (reaming of the cervix).  So...I elected to have an epi before I ever felt a contraction!  Good thing because 24 hours later he was delivered via emergency c-section and I found out on the table my pelvic opening would only fit out a 3-4 lb baby or so.  Screw people who judge what women do in labor...if you DO IT you deserve an award, epi or not.

katie_cj

I was all for my epi.

But it failed and never worked.  It was the biggest disapointment ever, I really wanted to nap.

Instead, the contractions got worse and I muttered stupid epi over and over again.

JOEBunny

My response to that is, "I don't really need a roof over my head either, but it sure is nice."

Aliliv

That bugs me, too.  Every labour is different (even with the same person), so how can this girl comment on what someone else may/may not need.....   I've had both epi and med-free and I don't regret either one at all. 

Violet's Mommy

Personal choice. Only you can pick whats right for you, everyones different.  And for someone who who hasn't had as rough a time as someone else might they have no right to judge.