I had an epidural with my first, had planned a waterbirth, but the pain was so bad I couldn't cope. I asked for it and there were no problems with giving it (this was at Christchurch Womens) For a start the pain relief was fantastic, but when they topped it up it didn't take on the left hand side so I was in absolute agony. I can't remember how far along I was when I got the epidural, but I stopped progressing at 9 cm as my son was posterior, so ended up with a C-section. Apparently even without the epidural I would have ended up with the C-section, but I have since found out that if the epidural fails the pain tends to be much worse than it would be otherwise (probably because they have to put you on the drugs to keep the contractions going).
I am due for my second late June, am definitely keeping in mind an epidural again, but will go as long as I can without.
I am due for my second late June, am definitely keeping in mind an epidural again, but will go as long as I can without.
Rachelle, NZ, son George 10.12.02, Ian 15.06.04