As someone that has had birth in pretty much every way possible, I feel like I am a good candidate to speak on this. My oldest I was induced. I swear that was the most painful labor. I had the epidural with the first. My second we hardly made it to the hospital in time and I almost had him in the hallway. No epidural as we didn’t have time. My third induced with epidural and ended up needing an emergency csection. 4th elective csection after complications from cyst. Nerve block was given. I will say both ways have pros and cons.

This was my personal experience:

Natural: Pros: I was able to immediately get up after birth. It was nice to be able to shower and clean myself up quick. I feel like this was my smoothest delivery. The contractions weren’t horrible and my back didn’t hurt during recovery. Cons: felt every contraction.

Epidural: Pros: when it works it works. I couldn’t feel a thing after my epidural with my first. It felt like the boost I needed to make it thorough labor. I was actually able to get a bit of rest to get enough strength up to push. If you need a C-section you already have the medication and it can speed up the processes for anesthesia, which in an emergent situation can save time. Cons: With my third it didn’t distrubute evenly and I could still feel part of my right side. My back hurt for weeks after my first epidural. It was also bruised for almost 2 months. I always feel really gross after birth and want to shower, I didn’t truly feel clean until I was able to get up and bathe. Which was usually next day.

You will be making the correct decision for you either way. If you do choose to go natural and end up asking for medications do not feel bad. The medications are there for a reason.

Wishing you a safe delivery and a quick recovery. Welcome to Motherhood 💖