Can you give me advice for my first time mom - epidural or no epidural?

Its safe: During the course of you labor after 4cm dilation you will start to have cramps. They are bearable the epidural will put local anesthetic in the epidural space ousdside the spine and it will greatly reduce the pain. The baby gets very little if any medication. It can also be used in the event you need a C-section so you will be awake but without pain