by BG Torres

Created on: July 07, 2008

Deciding on whether you deliver naturally or with the aid of medications such as an epidural, is a deeply personal decision that should be made in consideration only with your partner and medical professional. The opinions of others should not weigh in on your decision. Everyone has different pain tolerances. We've all heard the anecdotes of the mom who didn't know she was in labor until the baby was delivered in the emergency room and of course the mom who labored for two days in agony.

I was fortunate and unfortunate enough to experience both. Labor and delivery is a beautiful experience. In either case you are welcoming a beautiful representation of the love that you and your partner share into this world. For me, I chose an epidural because I did not want the moment ruined by searing pain. I envisioned my labor to be calm and peaceful and an opportunity for me to bond immediately after delivering my baby free of any discomfort and that is what I received.

Many people will spout medical claims, research and findings to oppose the use of an epidural, but on the flip side an epidural can also be used to speed the natural act of labor and delivery. Often times a mother will labor in pain for hours and be refused an epidural because it will "slow the labor process" when in reality, the epidural offers the mother an opportunity to relax and rest often times progressing labor and delivery. Can the use of an epidural cause side affects in both the mother and baby, yes which is why it is a personal choice and not for everyone.

My second child came so quickly that I didn't have an opportunity to receive an epidural. My total labor and delivery time was one hour and nine minutes. I labored through contractions that were indescribably painful, felt my baby descend into the birth canal, and push through my cervix. It was a pain I would never recommend for anyone to experience. The pain was mind numbing at best and once it was all over, I was left physically and emotionally drained. I now know that had I experienced natural child birth with my first, there would not have been a second.

The pain of labor and delivery is such that only a select few can truly experience and appreciate it for what it is. And for the rest, we can embrace that we too are still bringing a miracle into the world, just a little bit more comfortably. As with everything when having a baby, the most important thing is to research. Having an epidural is not copping out of the mother hood experience, it's just another way to enjoy the experience.

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