Timely epidural access/birthing options/trauma

[Moonandstars143]

Grateful for any thoughts or experiences please. Very traumatic instrumental first birth, hours of suffering before I got epidural access. PPH , infections and long/complicated recovery etc. Years on, I still have a lot of birth trauma and now
expecting baby 2 , with flash backs when I recall first birth or when I am in hospital. I’ve realised I can’t go through hours of unbearable contractions again. Are these my only options to have/feel some real control:

1. Early induction to increase chance of fast/timely epidural access.
2. Elective c section

I don’t want a c section necessarily, without at least trying natural first - I still have a little hope maybe things will be faster and easier second time. However, is that the only way I’m guaranteed an epidural on time and a calm experience?

Is option 1 also worth considering ? Or are epidurals given generally quickly if it’s on your birth plan that you 100% need/want it, reiterate as soon as you get to hospital and the team know you’ve struggled with a previous birth?

I’m not sure if how fast and efficient the care will be is just luck of the draw , as I keep hearing stories about how understaffed services currently are and how there is no guarantee you may even get one if there’s no physical medical need to get an epidural instantly or if you’re not booked in for something like induction or c section . It doesn’t help that someone I know recently had a bad experience with drs not being available on time - this led to infection during labour, which then became a distressing emergency situation. Also scared of being in a situation where I’m told it’s too late for one and feel “forced” to go through motions !

Grateful to also know if there’s anything I have not considered. Ty!

Hi OP, I had a lot of birth trauma from 1st birth.

I went for your option 2 - scheduled ELCS - and it was a dream. They played my playlist in the theatre and there was no stress or pain, just a wriggly little baby on my chest for skin to skin in what seemed like no time...

I was home the next day, MWs on the ward were great, and I had a very straightforward recovery process, much more so than my vaginal delivery. I'd recommend it to anyone.

The benefit of having certainty of what was going to happen - short circuiting all the trauma and flashbacks and what ifs - was massive. As soon as the consultant OK'd my request I felt really calm and in control and enjoyed the last few months of my pregnancy much more. So that in itself was a huge benefit for me.

Wish you a great outcome whichever way you choose. X