To Epidural or Not for 2Nd Baby

I had bad luck with a failed epidural with my first son and I had my second with no painkillers. The second birth was infinitely more bearable. I had a couple of sessions (private) with a hypnobirthing coach and the whole experience felt very under control.

You might be surprised, especially with a second birth - and it sounds like your labors are fast. Either way, good luck! There's no shame in getting an epidural either. Have you discussed the earlier experience with your doctor? I know there are narcotic painkillers they can give, too.

T.,

I am also due in one month with my second child. I had an epidural with my first child and the pros of not being in such terrible pain was worth it. I also would like to avoid an epidural if possible with this child, but if I feel like the pain is too much to bear, than bring it on! My husband and I signed up for a comfort measures class (on Oct 4th at Northwestern) to help with alternative coping strategies. You can find info on the class if you go to the NMH website Prentice Hospital under classes. FYI.

Whatever you decide now keep an open mind and see how it goes. I was induced with both my children and also had the epediral with both. Both were very painful labors. First one due to complications, the second one because she was 10lbs and her big head got stuck! Be sure to talk to the person who's giving you the epidural and let them know how your first one went.

With my first two I had an epidural, although I didn't really need one for my first, my second I definitely need one (I was induced and in a lot pain), I said that with my third I would definitely get one, but that didn't happen, the labor was a lot faster especially since I was up most of the time I was in labor for about 6 hours and I didn't even have to push much the baby came out with one push. It actually felt so much better without the epidural. Good luck you just have to pick what you think is best for you at that time, sometimes you just can't plan things.

I had the same experience as you with my first delivery -- labored at home for as long as possible, ended up getting the epi "late" (between 8 and 9 cms), then wasn't able to push and the vacuum was used. For my second child, I was really focused on avoiding the epi if at all possible. I'd guess that you're tough enough to handle it since it ended up being a little easier overall.

The biggest difference (for me) between having the epi and not was around recovery. Yes, it was painful and for about 10-minutes right before my son was born I was begging for drugs (such a cliche, lol). But immediately after he was delivered, I felt wonderful and was up walking around about an hour later. I didn't have a catheter, numbness, or all the extra fluids that they have to pump into you if you have the epidural.

I know every experience is different and that you have to do what's right for YOU but in my opinion, it was better going without it the 2nd time.

Good luck!

After laboring with 4 babies, I can tell you every one is different, and really you just have to play it by ear. Listen to your body, see how far you can go with out the epidural, but get it if you need it. They say second babies come faster, but that's not always true. My third and fourth babies were longer labors then my second. Also, with my third, I had the epidural later(at 8 cms) and I was still able to push him out. Now that you have had one, you might be a more efficient pusher - you know what to do. Good luck!