Positive epidural stories

[Tallblue]

Does anybody have a positive epidural birth story?
After a traumatic time with DC1, I'm expecting baby number 2 very soon and my plan is to have an epidural as soon as possible this time (didn't manage to get one last time). Lots of articles I've read point out the side effects of epidurals and how it can slow things down, lead to a cascade of things going wrong etc. A friend of mine has just had a baby and has been re admitted due to severe head pain after a spinal fluid leak caused by an epidural.
I'm trying to find some positive stories to balance out the scary ones!

My plan was to go without but at 2 BLOODY CM I was begging for it and I don't understand why anyone would go without. Had a really positive birth experience because of mine!

I've also got a positive epidural story! Was induced with the drip due to meconium in waters, but was very anti-epidural so refused when it was offered at the start.
I managed 3.5 hours on the drip with just TENS and hypnobirthing breathing, but when I was examined I was only 3cm so asked for the epidural.
Whilst was waiting (1.5 hours) I think I progressed to 10cm and went through transition - started to lose it and say I couldn't carry on, getting urge to push etc.
They managed to get the epidural in and the relief was immediate and immense. I went from seriously losing my shit to lying on the bed, calmly and happily chatting to the midwife and sent DH out to get dinner for himself! I was ready to push within an hour and although I couldn't feel the contractions, I could feel the crowning and delivery. Wasn't excruciating though.
So I went from being totally against epidurals to loving it! The only thing DH was worried about was the form you have to sign with all the risks on it - he's a risk manager and it didn't sit well with him. I pretty much had to threaten him to get him to let me sign...

My contractions were very stop start for days. They popped my waters and I had an epidural at 4cm. Finally I relaxed and contracted/dilated super quick after that. I didn't get urge to push but she only took 20 minutes to get out despite being my first. The one thing I was very clear about was that you really need to put the effort into pushing when the time comes. I was watching the monitor myself for contractions and pushing because the midwife was looking at paperwork. I knew I only had a certain amount of time and didn't want to have any regrets if I needed forceps/ventouse. It was great for stitching too.

Loved mine
Didn't have one 1st time around ( though I might get a medal or something!!???) but then had one immediately after the birth for surgery and thought " bloody hell, this is lovely I should have had one of these 15 hours ago"
I was very determined to have one 2nd time around and the whole experience was different despite it being an induction and a much bigger baby. I was chilled out and happy and in almost no pain. I pushed twice and there he was! I had a shower a couple of hours later and went home fully mobile around 7 hours after the birth.

Mine was brilliant, no pain at all, no side effects.