I am obese. I had an epidural that didn't work, I don't know why it didn't work, I wasn't really with it, it may have been due to my weight, or anaethsetist not wide awake being 3.30am, or me having 2 fractured vertabraes but I don't think it would have gone any differently if it was a planned epidural. I really wish I hadn't had it I think it made things alot worst because they wouldn't let me get of the bed. I think the CalmBirth course is a great idea.