[that_girl]

Hi,

My husband and I are TTC. My first pregnancy/delivery was about 15 years ago and Im just wondering how much different it's going to be this time around. I'll try to keep this as short and organized as possible.....

Question 1) When I delivered my fist child 15 years ago, they gave me a shot of morphine in my spine when the contractions became so painful that I threw out everything I learned in childbirth classes and opted to just hyperventilate instead. It completely blocked all the pain and I could no longer feel any contractions at all. However, hours later when my daughter started to crown and everyone was counting down for me to push, I felt EVERYTHING! A few years later one of my friends delivered her daughter and told me they have her an epidural and she didn't feel a thing, not even the actual delivery. So, what's the difference between the two? Did I get cheated by my anesthesiologist?

Question 2) Do I really need an episiotomy? The Dr. did one on me with my daughter, but the more I read about them, the more I wonder "if a baby is suppose to come out of my vagina, shouldn't my vagina be able to handle that process on its own?" What are your thoughts? Do I need one or not? Can I tell the Dr not to perform one?

3) Ive read that the 2nd baby is easier and faster to deliver than the first, but my first was 15 years ago. Does this still hold true for moms like me? I know every woman is different, but has anyone out there been through this again after so many years? If so, What happened?

I appreciate any input. It's been so long that I don't remember much about the labor and delivery process and Im sure it's changed a little since the last time. I feel like a first timer all over again. :/

[missy123]

I love this post and hopefully some girls will come in with input. The last time I had a baby was 16 years ago and I am about to have a baby in about 7 weeks!