I had been in labor for nearly 20 hours when I got mine. I went as long as I possible could without it, but my contractions started coming so quick and intense that I just couldn't take it anymore.

They will numb the spot in your back first. This feels like a bee sting. Then all I could feel was a little bit of pressure and then a rush of coldness going down my back when they injected the medicine. Within about 15 minutes, I was numb from my boobs down. I felt nothing. The only real bad thing about having the epi is that you can't feel the urge to pee, so they stick a cathater (sp?) in you. It was worth it to me though to have the pain relief. I was able to rest for a few hours before having to start pushing.

lol, i said the same thing and when i was in labor 10 minutes into it and i was demanding drugs. The epi doesn;t hurt at all it doesnt feel like anything.

Mind you, my needle fell off 2 hours into labour and I basically did it "au natural!"

I'm wondering about this too...I was dead set on getting the epidural, then I went to the lamaze & childbirth class at the hospital last week, and they showed this graphic video of putting in the epidural and what complications can happen, and it has made me indecisive. I hate needles (shudder). I'm still probably going to have the epidural in the end, I think I'll see if I get to a point where the pain is unbearable, and then I probably won't be worrying so much about the epidural.

If I were you ladies getting ready to go into labor you may want to discuss your epidurals with your OB's. If right along you have been adament that you don't want pain meds or epidurals they may try to grant your wishes when the time comes. I would clearly say....I want to try to go all natural, but if I ask for something please give it to me. Or I want to go all natural and if I ask for something don't give it to me.

It is labor. The pain is unbearable. That is why they call it HARD LABOR. Childbirth classes are essential in knowing what is going on beforehand and knowing your options and being in control during a time when you feel no control at all.

The key to any child birth, whether medicated or not, is knowing your own power. I honestly believe that knowledge is power. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can get your hands on.

For instance, did you know that some women can get pain relief with water? Like a shower... or getting in the tub. Others like to have their feet rubbed. Just find what works for you. If you are dead set against pain meds, don't say... 'well maybe...' say, "NO WAY. I know my body and I know I can do this." Don't waffle. Because you'll get in there and the first thing you'll do is ask for something for the pain.

It is labor. It is painful. But guess what? It ends.

i wish i had taken some breathing course cause really labour is all about breathing .....

When I had my son I didnt feel a thing when they gave me the epidural. I had extreamly bad back labour and was already 8cm so they were tryin to put it in as quick as possible and I think they got the wrong spot a couple times first, but still didnt feel a thing.

I really wanted to go natural with my first one, but the doctor demanded that I have some demoral because when I'm in pain I can't help but hold my breath and the baby was losing oxgyen. I'm going to try my best to breath through this one because boy did that demoral make me sick and I am deathly affraid of getting a needle stuck in my spine. And yes the pain is horrible but without an epideral you'll have more muscle control and things will progress faster, you can also take solas in the fact that when you push that baby out, the pain stops, and you have a gorgous baby to cuddle.

I didn't have one but pretty much every woman i was in the ward with did and all i remember is them complaining of backpain the day after. Oh ans when i was having my waters broken i heard a huge scream so i turned round to my midwife and she just looked up and said 'the doctors just come down to do the epidurals'. Although i beat her in the screaming stakes when i was pushing, the doctor came and asked me to quiet down so i shouted at him ans asked hime if her had ever pushed a baby out of his penis lol he turned aroun and walked out of the door then lol