Epidural this time?

[LadyT]

I had an epidural when ds was born - didn't feel a thing, but I know that it extended labour time (26 hrs). I'm not sure whether to brave it this time! I know 2nd time round it's usually quicker, but never having experienced the pain before, I'm a tad nervous! But I know that the epidural made things take longer..... I'm undecided about what to do! I know this will be that last child - I'm getting an a bit!

What have others done?

why not wait and make the decision at the time?

you can see how you go and then ask for one if it all gets too much

I got to hospital far too late for any type of pain relief.

I asked for one second time around, but by the time they got it in, it didn't really have a chance to kick in before DS was born, so might as well not have bothered. But reassuring to know it was there, IYSWIM.

LadyT - like you I had an epidural with DS1, and a long (30 hour) labour. I spent most of that labour on my back as I was totally exhaustede, which didn't really help matters. With DS2, in my birth plan I told them to make sure I stayed upright and walked around a bit after the epidural, which I did, and labour was only 12 hours start to finish!!! I personally thought it was the best of both worlds - I was able to experience the birth far more than last time around, but the pain had the edge taken off it.
Good luck with whatever you decide.