Tessa you will be suprised by how much you really can handle while in labour. Yes it is definitely scary but at the same time it is positive thing because it means we will soon be meeting our bubba. I have had an epidural and it didn't hurt to have done (as far as I can remember) and it did take away all my pain, but it also meant I had to have a catheter, I didn't know when to push and the doctor came very close to using forceps to get DS out (thankfully DS cooperated and came by himself). Also I had no sensation whatsover in my lower half until hours later - I couldn't walk, couldn't even move without help. Anyway what I am saying is I know labour and birth is scary but if you do lots of reading (and not listen to horror stories) then you might start to feel better about it. I had a natural birth the second time around and even though it was very painful I found it preferable to having an epidural, because I felt more in control.

Bon