Personal stories about epidural use during childbirth

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Personal stories about epidural use during childbirth

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Carmen, 29: When I had my first child, I didn't use pain medication at all. I was very firm about not using any, and luckily I didn't have terrible pain. For this pregnancy, I had an OB who encouraged me to plan ahead "just in case." It's a good thing I did, because I had such unbearable back labor that I had to have some kind of pain relief. I'm glad I'd already gone over my options and decided that a light epidural would be acceptable if needed. Having that relief, but still being able to feel enough to push, made all the difference in the world!

Theresa, 34: I am so nervous about the idea of having a needle in my back that I just couldn't consider an epidural. Actually, I couldn't come up with any type of pain medication that I was comfortable with taking. Women have had babies for centuries without pain medication, and I managed to, too.

Anne, 37: Pain shuts me down, but I really want to feel good about having my baby. I've talked to my nurse-midwife about the risks and benefits of having an epidural, and it seems like the perfect fit for me.

Courtney, 22: I didn't really think too much about how I was going to handle labor pain. When I was in the middle of labor, they told me I could have an epidural, and I just said yes. I didn't like it at all. I couldn't feel enough to push. Then, I had a bad headache for days afterwards. Of course, it only matters that my baby is healthy, but I won't have an epidural again.

Credits

Last updated:	December 19, 2005
Author:	Lila Havens
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen