I think it is very very naive of the other parents to assume that it is too hard to have a natural birth. If that is what you want then no one has the right to laugh you off and say 'yeah, right' and then preceed to tell you their horror stories. You've done your homework and know what is available to you if you want it. That said there is also no point in being a martyr and simply refusing it on principle either kwim?

I have every confidence that you will get the birth that you want Gracie but if you change your mind then that is perfectly fine too - we do what we have to do. I think it would be interesting to see a follow up of your class after all the bubs are born and see just how many who went the whole kit and caboodle of pain relief and were unsastisfied with their births