No experience, but I've enrolled in a a calm birth class. I'm also doing Hypnobabies home study course (CDs & books) in order to prepare.

Have you spoken to your DH about the possible risks/escalations that can occur with an epidural? Would he want someone going near his spine with big needle? Not bagging them if needed, but if you want birth one way and he overrules that in the heat of things, then you may end up resenting him.

Rhea Dempsey's class is also receommended. I've seen her and she's very good at spelling things out.