I just wanted to pop in quickly and give my experience. DD1 was 12 hours, hospital birth. I begged for the epidural. They were actually trying to persuad me otherwise (just think about it a bit longer etc). I found the whole birth very satisfying and as the epidural was turned off at the end, I still had full feeling. I found everyone involved was fantastic (OB and midwife). I didnt' need forceps or anything and I had no problems after neither did bubs.
DD2, was a very quick birth at hospital (1hour 54 mins entire labour) so there was no intervention. I had two midwives (no OB ) whom I'd never met, and they were just AMAZING. I truly believe they were sent to me for a reason, they both were the best. One was male and I had heard there were two men there and leading up had not wanted a male, but it turned out the be the best thing, he was LOVELY and SO calming!
So for me, 2 hospital births (very different to each other) were both very rewarding experiences. I do believe that no matter where you are it can go either way. I just felt comfortable knowing there was medical staff on hand if needed. Also this was at a sydney hospital that's coping alot of grief lately, but I can't complain at all. xo