To have an Epidural or not to have one?

[HungryHippo]

I had planned on going as long as I could without an epidural but what actually happened was I was so out of my element at the hospital I said "yes" to everything they offered. Even though this was my 1st pregnancy, I had spent countless hours researching methods and hoped I would be able to make it without interventions. Not what happened! Not only did I get an epidural (which I would do again), but I also accepted a narcotic shot 1st. That I would not do again as it made me very sleepy - too sleepy to push. The only side effect I suffered from the epidural was that it took me a little longer than average to pass urine after the epidural and catheter were removed. They were going to have to re-catheter me but I managed to 'tinkle' before my time was up so all was well. And even then, it's not for certain it was the epi, catheter or the birth process that renders your bladder slow for a few hours. So that's my story for what it's worth.