I have had one natural and one with an epi. I of coursed loved not being able to feel anything but I prefer no epi. Its less recovery and I wanted to be able to get up and walk but also that was with my second child my labor was only 9 hrs and I pushed for five mins. With my first I was in labor for 24 hrs and pushed for two hours. So I would try and see how far you get at first and then if you can't take it oh well at least you tried :)
I'm a ftm too, hoping for a natural waterbirth but I'm also keeping an open mind that sometimes things happen and I just need to trust my instincts and my midwife and understand that we'll make the best choices we can. As long as baby girl comes out healthy that's all I really need :) Good luck!
Hello :)
With my first baby I just kept an open mind, I think everyone would like to do it without pain relief but not everyone can cope with the pain. If you want to try all natural then go for it, but remember the meds are there if you need them. It turned out my labour was that fast I didn't have time for pain relief, but I know I would have had the epidural if there had been time lol. Due again next week and I reckon it'll be too fast again!
I'm a ftm but I'm just going to go with an open mind. I think it all depends on how fast you progress. I'm trying to go all natural but not ruling out anything so I don't get disappointed