Wow - thanks everyone... happy to read more if anyone else wants to add...I'm definitely going to talk to my OB about this as well....I hate to ask this (please don't judge - this is more about gathering info to make decisions), but I suspect if one opts for an epidural, all the suggestions re: position are moot...is this correct? (I still have a lot to learn about the labor/birth process). Does this mean that those who have an epidural are more likely to tear?