How interesting are all the different opinions!

It is a pain that you have never felt before, but for some reason (for me personally) you accept it because you are in the safest place you can be for you and your baby and you trust your midwife to do everything she can to help you get through it as best as possible.

I always thought I would end up having an epidural, but I didnt and if I am lucky enough again next time round (8 hour labour), I would do it all the same. Aidan was a reasonably big (over 9 pounds) baby and I dont think it would have hurt less had he been smaller, because for me the crowning was nothing compared to the pain of contractions, I can look back and laugh as I remember feeling like a big sook because I was mumbling and crying "he's hurting me, it stings" but I wasn't screaming or anything and I remember thinking at the time I thought it was gonna hurt more!

I know it sounds like a load of crap but all pain goes away when your baby is in your arms *getting teary*.

I remember asking the same question only a few months ago and didnt feel satisfied with the answers, but now I can understand where everyone was coming from.

Jess

p.s. Dont be scared, enjoy the experience and remember ask for pain relief if and when you want it and dont accept anything except what YOU want.