I was going to go the no pain relief way although i never said that in my birth plan. When the contractions became intense I was offered pethidine and I accepted, but I found it only took the edge of the contractions and probably only lasted for around an hour.

I had my waters broken (Kameron was induced) and they transferred me into the delivery room where I went from 2cm to 5cm in mins just from the short walk. YES they made me walk!! luckily it was only the next room
The midwife stuck her head in and said the anethetist was in the ward and would I like an epidural. I agreed and it went in beautifully and was done within 10mins.

So when it comes to this labour, i will definately opt for the epidural again

Love