had an epidural recently?

[Rosie]

I was talking to my ob/gyn about my birth plan and said I would like a walking (mobile)epidural.  He assured me that the 'new' standard epidural allows you to move around enough to use a birthing stool, or squatting position for delivery.

I had a full epidural two years ago, and was totally numb in my legs.  In fact they wouldn't let me get out of bed for most of the following day.

Has anyone had an epidural recently, which has enabled them to have sufficient feeling in their legs to move around.

Also, what are the complications involved in a walking epidural, as I got the impression my ob/gyn was trying to put me off the idea.  I know that you need to have a nurse in attendance at all times, once the epidural is in.

[JK]

Hi Rosie,
I had an epidural and it was a low dose and yes i couldn't feel my legs.
Jo

[I've had both]

The walking epidural and the full epidural. The full one I had 3 years ago when my son was born and the walking one last November at my daughter's birth. I have to say that I didn't have it here though and I'm not sure if they do the walking epidurals here, although I've heard that some anaethetists can here. The walking epidural was awesome - no pain, but I could feel mostly everything. I was walking, bouncing on birthing balls, getting in and out of the tub. My legs were a little numb, but I could move well enough. I would absolutely recommend it as I had the baby in a half squat, and felt everything.

[abc]

The NHS in London was providing walking epidurals more than 2yrs ago and lots of mothers in the ward were using them.
Since I was unlucky with natural birth, I can't comment. Seems to be the best, if a good anestesiologist gives it and if it's not toooooo long birth (when they might force you to natural birth to avoid emergency C-sec).