Did you have an epidural?

[momof1princess]

yes, i had an epidural, and it's a good thing i did, because, after over 8 hours of labor and numerous attempts with forceps and suction to remove DD15 from the birth canal, it was determined that her head was wedged, and i needed an emergency c-section. come to find out, she was attempting to come out face-first, and got stuck. her removal caused all kinds of ripping and tearing, which needed surgical repair. thank God for my epidural.

[Planogirl]

I was educated beyond belief before I had my one and only. I went to classes and explored all types of childbirth and drugs and everything else I could get my hands on. My sister in law was a doula and we also had many discussions.

After weighing all of my options and knowing the type of person I am, I went for the epidural. As others have said, if you want one that's fine and if you don't then that's fine too. Child birth is a personal experience and only you (with some input from the Dad) can really decide what is best.

[princesspumpkin]

Originally Posted by chloelovesdisney

I'm pretty sure OBs and anesthesiologists would have figured out by now if babies born from moms with epidurals were coming out drugged or having effects from the medication. Luckily ds managed to pop out lively and ready to start his life despite my epidural and pain medication. And lucky me got to be comfortable during labor. Win win for both us.

Actually they have figured that out. Babies actually can and do come out "drugged" from mom's epidural, but not necessarily severely impaired (which I think that some people think when they hear drugged). A little less vigorous, a little more sleepy, etc. Of course that doesn't happen to every baby, but studies have shown a prevalence (even if slight) among babies born through epidurals.

I'm not sure how often OBs and anesthesiologists inform their patients about the possible effects of an epidural on the baby before offering it though.

That being said, having a baby be a little more sleepy from an epidural shouldn't keep someone from choosing to have one. But it can definitely be a factor in making a decision.