Sohpie, I am sorry that you feel pressure. If you are ok with an epidural then that is no-one else's business. But I think that people who have "been through the system" do start to realise that sometimes decisions are made for the wrong reasons, or without mums' having all the information. So probably people who are commenting only have your best interests at heart.

My personal experience is that I wasn't informed enough at my first birth and ended up with an epidural which I know now started a chain of events which led to foetal distress, forceps, episiotomy and a lot of pain for weeks after birth (oh, and recurring haemorrhoids). Now having birthed without an epidural (my second birth), I know how much better you feel afterwards for not having had it and I wouldn't have one again.

But that is my experience and I am sharing it with you in the hope that you can understand why others might advise you against it. I totally respect any woman's right to the birth of their choice. If you know what you want, go for it and don't worry about any one else. I think the most important thing (after a healthy mum and bub) is that you are able to birth the way YOU want to. That is the most empowering and satisfying feeling.