With my first I was open to anything to stop the pain, I tried the gas - made me throw up! Pethadine next, did not feel like it was working but I did sleep between contractions. I begged for a higher dose about two hours later!! After DD was delivered though I threw up again and again. (total 14 hour labour, 8 lb 12 oz)

With my second DS, I went to the birthing suite and said I wanted no pain relief - this lasted about four hours until I begged for something - anything!!! The midwife said OK and then disappeared until I was in third stage. So I did not get anything!! (total 5 hour labour, 10 lb 5 oz)

Third DS, I was in the hospital being induced, one lot of gel, nothing!! DH was sent home, until the morning when gel would be tried again. Contractions started full on and I begged for an epidural after 10 minutes, midwife tried to talk me out of it, I told her - GET IT NOW. DS was born 30 minutes later and I never got the epidural (I still wonder what one would feel like). (total 40 minute labour, 9lb 14 oz)