I have had two epidurals. The first was wonderful - almost instant relief and it was just wearing off enough for me to feel contractions to push - needed a ventouse - didn't feel a thing . I was up and about quickly. Second epi only worked on one side, but they rolled me side to side and finally got full coverage. Easy birth - no pain, good recovery of sensation and no ongoing issues.

The only real difference between the two was the experience of the anesthetist. First epi was done by a senior and the second by the young registrar.