i think you have an awesome attitude renstar & i'm glad you're sticking to your guns. you sound informed & positive and gives you the power to make the decision on what you think is best for you.

i haven't told my mum yet, but i know she had a drug-free birth with me 34 years ago. she said she changed her mind about the epidural at one point but by then it was too late so she just got on with it! she was in her early 30's & one of the oldest in the maternity section - she was proud of how she was up & about quickly after the birth & always said she was pleased that i came early enough for her to be able to have bacon & eggs for breakfast!

DP's mum was pretty similar - i think she went for the gas but found out later it wasn't actually working!

i feel confident that they'll support whatever decision we make on the birth & i feel pretty lucky to be in that position.