What I Wish I Knew Before Giving Birth in DFW
The Truth About Epidurals
By a McKinney Newborn Photographer Who’s Been There
Today, I’m stepping out from behind the camera – not as your McKinney Newborn Photographer, but as a mom of two – to share what I wish someone had told me about epidurals and pain management during labor before the day of.
If you’re preparing for birth, whether it’s your first or your fourth, you’ve probably already picked a hospital, chosen a pediatrician, and packed your hospital bag.
But here’s the one thing that caught me totally off guard during both of my deliveries: I never got to speak with the anesthesiologist until the day of. And when I did, I had no idea what I was really agreeing to (at least the first time).
Because being informed makes all the difference.
1. It’s Not Just the Epidural
With my first baby, the anesthesiologist walked at the beginning of my labor, smiled, and said, “We call this the martini shot.” He gave me something through my IV, said it was to help me relax, and walked out.
Nobody warned me that this so-called “anesthesia cocktail” would hit my system like downing a whole bottle of wine: solo and on an empty stomach!
Within minutes, I was nauseous. Then came the vomiting. For hours. It was horrible! Especially since I hadn’t eaten in over a day (standard practice for labor btw).
The actual epidural itself? It worked.
And everyone kept saying it’s normal to throw up during labor. Supposedly, it’s hormones. Don’t you love it when hormones take the fall for literally anything that happens during pregnancy?
It wasn’t until I had surgery later – again given the “martini shot” – and found myself throwing up again, that I realized: no pregnancy this time, so no hormones to blame.
So I started digging.
Here’s what I found out: this “cocktail” is often midazolam, a pre-anesthesia medication that’s meant to calm you down. But for some people (hi, me), it can have rough side effects, like nausea, dizziness, and memory fog.
If you’re curious about the actual medical explanation, here’s a great breakdown from an anesthesiologist: Watch the video on what’s in the “anesthesia cocktail” (YouTube)
So when I delivered my second child, I specifically asked not to receive that “anesthesia cocktail”.
And guess what? Still had the epidural just fine. No vomiting. No horrible after-effects.
And by the way, I’d rather be a little nervous (which is normal when you’re bringing a new human into the world) than be given a full-on mind melt.
Takeaway: You can request not to receive the pre-epidural sedative. If you’ve ever had reactions to anesthesia (or know you get sick after surgeries), it could be the reason! Ask ahead of time.
2. You can actually get too much epidural
Here’s another thing I wish someone had told me: you can actually get too much epidural.
In most hospitals around the DFW area, once your epidural is placed, they’ll hand you a button.
The idea is that you can press it if you start to feel more pain, so you’re in control.
Great in theory. But the first time around, I was nervous and, honestly, just kept pressing the heck out of that button.
The result? I couldn’t feel anything.
Not just the pain – nothing at all. It made pushing so much harder during the labor. And made delivery overall so much slower, to the point where they started wheeling in extra tools. I suspect they were preparing for a possible c-section.
I also completely lost feeling in my legs, so much so that my husband and the nurse had to hold them up for me during the delivery.
Second time around? I learned my lesson. I used the button sparingly, just enough to take the edge off, and I had so much more control.
3. Turns Out, Epidurals Have a Deadline
Timing matters. If you wait too long during your labor, an epidural may no longer be an option.
My sister had scoliosis, so she hoped for a natural birth to avoid potential nerve/spine issues.
But during labor, the pain became overwhelming, and she asked for an epidural, only to be told it was too late. Her contractions were too close together for a safe injection.
She ended up needing stitches and had to be put under general anesthesia because there was no time for anything else.
So even if you’re planning a natural birth, talk with your doctor about a backup plan.
Because in birth, flexibility can be everything (and no, I’m not talking about prenatal Yoga).
There Are Other Pain Relief Options
(And You Should Know About Them)
Epidurals are the most talked-about form of pain management, but they’re not your only choice.
Depending on your birth plan, you might consider:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Quick-acting, and you control the dosage.
- Spinal block: A one-time injection; common during C-sections.
- Natural methods: Like breathing techniques, massage, hypnobirthing, or even acupuncture.
While I chose an epidural for both of my births, I have deep respect for families who choose more natural methods.
I’ve photographed one amazing mom in the DFW area who gave birth at home to 5 out of her 6 beautiful kids – completely unmedicated, and loved the experience. She’s truly incredible!
I first met her when she was expecting baby number three. She reached out for a maternity session, and we just clicked.
Since then, I’ve had the honor of documenting nearly every milestone: maternity photos, newborn photography, and yearly family photo sessions as her crew has grown. Watching her babies turn into toddlers, and now into big siblings, has been one of the most joyful parts of my job as a McKinney newborn photographer.
Her story is a beautiful example of how powerful and positive home birth can be, especially when it’s the right fit, with the right support.
Important: Ask your OB ahead of time, “What are the most effective non-epidural options you see in your practice?” It’s a simple question, but it opens the door to meaningful conversation.
A Quick Note on Home Births vs. Hospital Births | by a McKinney newborn photographer
As a McKinney newborn photographer, I photograph families all over north DFW – from cozy nurseries in Allen and Plano to bright hospital rooms in Dallas. And I love that every family makes the choice that feels best for them.
That said, I personally chose hospital births twice.
Why? Because in my family, both my mom and grandma had difficult labors. And while natural birth is beautiful, nature doesn’t always mean safe.
It’s okay to trust modern medicine. It’s also okay to want your living room birth. Just make sure you’re informed – and that you have the support (and emergency plan) in place either way.
Final Thoughts From Your Local McKinney Newborn Photographer
I’m not a doctor. I’m not a doula. But I am someone who’s walked through labor, twice.
And now, I spend my days capturing those first sweet moments through lifestyle newborn photography in McKinney and the surrounding areas. And let me tell you, I hear a lot of birth stories from my clients.
Here’s what I’ve learned: don’t just follow the flow! Even doctors do not always know what’s best for you.
Don’t be shy to ask the “silly” questions. And please, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and your choices – whether that means asking about epidurals, saying no to something that doesn’t feel right, or choosing the birth experience that feels best for you and your baby.
Whether your journey includes an epidural, a home birth, or something in between, you deserve to feel informed, supported, and empowered.
If you’re preparing to welcome a little one soon, and looking for gentle, natural, in-home newborn photography in DFW, I’d love to chat.
You can view recent sessions on my Instagram (check out Mckinney newborn photographer Instagram tagged galleries), or read what past families say in their reviews here — Mckinney newborn photographer reviews.
Ready to plan your newborn session? Reach out here and let’s create something beautiful together.
