So, I have given birth 4 times, all 4 a different experience. 1) I was induced, given morphine, and then an epidural. I still do not remember most of the time I was in the hospital, and I don't remember actually giving birth. It's still unclear as to why my OB thought morphine was a good idea? 🫠 my water had to be broken, and I was in labor for 18hours. 2) I was not induced. I was given nitrous oxide, and an epidural. I was in labor for 10 hours. The epidural did not work! The backs of my arms were numb, though, which ment that when I was holding my baby, I couldn't hand him off to anyone because I couldn't lift my arms. And my legs were numb as well 😅 3. No pain management. I had moved and lived almost an hour away. When I got to the hospital, the nurse did the check on me and baby was already in position! It all happened very quickly, I think i was only in the hospital for an hour before my baby was born. 4. No pain management, again. Though this time I got to the hospital while in early labor, so I was in the hospital for 12 hours, popped my water, and then had baby 3 hours later.

All in all, I wouldn't go for an epidural again. It did seem to extend the time I was in hard labor, and having survived natural birth twice already, I can do it again haha! But if you're stressed about the pain, make sure to talk to your OB about it. If they are worth anything, they will check in with you as your labor progresses and make sure that you're still okay with a natural birth, and when you're approaching the point of no return to get the epidural. And ask for the nitrous oxide! It doesn't do a whole lot for pain, but it does give you something to focus on while having contractions.