2X mom here- do not let them tell you it’s “too early for the epidural” or “you won’t be able to push”

I’m 2 m pp with my second baby and just want to share something because I keep seeing this misconception that you can be “too early“ for the epidural. So here’s my story!

baby #1 I was “ripened” with cervidil for my induction as my cervix was not dilated or effaced. They told me this would NOT progress my labor and that I would likely not have a baby until 48 hours later. I apparently respond very well to cervidil and it did put me into labor naturally. I asked for the epidural right after my water broke at 1/2cm dilated and was able to sleep through most of back labor and pitocin (which they gave since my water broke and I was not dilated). 8 hours later I woke up, was at a 10, pushed 3 times and had a baby. I didn’t struggle to push at all. they told me when to push and told me to act like I was bearing down to poop. I followed their coaching and it was fine. 2nd degree tear (sunny side up baby) and felt nothing! Laughed with the doctor as I was getting stitched up. great birth experience!

baby #2: I started labor naturally at 40+5 but it stalled out and wasn’t dilated at all upon admission. my cervix was essentially in my throat. due to baby’s heart decelerating and my GA, they decided to induce me to get him out. they chose cervidil again and told me to expect 48 hours and pitocin. I told them I’m a historically good responder to cervidil but they kind of rolled their eyes and told me it doesn’t put you in labor, it just helps your cervix get ready for the balloon or pitocin. this time I asked for my epidural 4 hours after cervidil insertion. I have no idea how dilated I was but it was likely 2 or under since the cervidil was still fresh and I felt relatively little pain. The nurse poo pooed the idea saying it would stall my labor, but my midwife told me to go ahead whenever I wanted it, so I got it. TWO HOURS LATER I was texting my friend how I felt better in that moment than I had my entire pregnancy, and as I sent that text my water broke. I called the nurse to let her know, and they caught my baby 2 minutes after that - there wasn’t even time to get my midwife. I didn’t even push. They joked I almost had a bed baby. I felt absolutely nothing. first degree tear. Even better birth experience than my first.

both times I was up walking within 30 minutes. honestly I was able to mostly transfer from the toilet and bed by myself immediately after but they told me I had to use the wheelchair and support just in case I fell.

yes yes everyone is different and you’ll hear stories about labor stalling, failed epidurals, spinal headaches, lingering back pain, but those are *not the majority* by any means. I had 2 early epidurals and 2 absolutely calm, fantastic birth experiences (And this is coming from someone who has a panic attack when she throws up.) I felt no pain, no nausea, i wasn’t scared.

your birth choices are your own, but if you’re thinking about getting an epidural, ADVOCATE for when YOU want it! It can frequently take an hour or more for anesthesia to get to you. If I had listened to my nurse the second time, I would have likely birthed unmedicated- which is not what I wanted. If I had listened the first time, I would have felt every second of an excruciating back labor. Also not what I wanted.

TLDR: if you want an epidural GET IT AS EARLY AS YOU WANT. DONT WAIT!