Anyone have an epidural for DC1 but not for DC2?

[MonstersDontCry]

I'm 32 weeks with DC2. I had an epidural and forceps with DC1.

Obviously because of the epidural I couldn't feel any of the pushing or crowning ect, so I still have no idea what 'giving birth' actually feels like!

So what was it like for you if you didn't have an epidural second time round? Would love to hear anyones experiences.

Epidural & forceps with dd1, felt nothing at all & was upset about that. 26hr labour.

Two paracetemol with dd2. Homebirth, 3 hr labour. Loved it.

I also had a very long drawn out and hard labour first time round which resulted in me reluctantly having the go for ventouse (failed) and then forceps. Had to have an episiotomy which also resulted in a 3rd degree tear by pushing through epidural not feeling anything. Horrible and drawn out recovery.

Wind forward second labour. Long active labour again but managed to do it naturally. One word, amazing. Of course it hurt like hell but felt wonderful and like on cloud nine afterwards because had not been drugged and therefore as soon baby out, felt wonderful. Much quicker recovery even though hasd to have small episiotomy and stitches .

Good luck with it. Think positive.

I have read this with interest as I had no epidural for the first birth (utterly horrific) but a better birth with epidural subsequently.

May be it is just that second or subsequent births are usually better and nothing really to do with the epidural.

I did, was screaming in pain in first labour, even though it was about average in length (12 hours active).
For the second labour, I can honestly say that it was not painful, just uncomfortable with a lot of pressure. Didn't even consider an epidural.
I had assumed that I couldn't feel the legendary 'ring of fire' with dc1 due to the epidural, but I felt nothing with dc2 either, so I'm not sure what that's all about

I had no epidural for the first. Was induced, very long labour but survived with gas and air. Great experience. Hoping to replicate it with DD - being induced on Thursday. Scared though because this time they are breaking my waters and I suspect it will be much faster and more painful more quickly. I really don't want an epidural as although it was fucking painful, I was up and walking around shortly after DS1 was born and it was a great experience.

I had an epidural with ds, slowed labour down, ended up with episiotomy, ventouse and a tear. No epidural with dd1 or dd2, much faster labours, managed on just gas and air. Intense pain, but much better than my epidural labour in so many ways.