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.
