Flower
Kegels or no kegels, things arent going to be the same 'down there' after 8 lbs of human comes out.
Truer words were never spoken.
Xena
It was my understanding at the time that they were unsure of the possible effects of an epidural on children. (of course this was 9 years ago) Why take a chance if you don't have to?
edited to add after doing a quick google search...there are other complications for the baby associated with having an epidural, ie higher risk of having to do a c-section or using forceps.
There can also be complications for the mother, I have heard some real horror stories about the anesthesiologist not being able to find the spinal column and also about buildups of scar tissue around the puncture. I resisted as long as I could but I had 56 hours of painful pre-labour, because I really didn't want one, and I don't think I'd go that long again. I still wouldn't exactly recommend it, but I'm glad it was there when I needed it.
Baysixforme
I breast fed immediately after delivery and continued to do so until I fell pregnant with the next child with the exception being the age difference in my third and fourth child! (Eight years is far too long to lactate)! I firmly believe that this strengthened the bonds between myself and my children.
It was a really strange experience to read this while looking at a picture of Kurt Cobain, LOL.