I was freaked out like you were with my first kiddo. I was induced two weeks after the due date and went in at 730 am and had her at 230 am. With the epidural I did not feel a thing. It was scary at first but it seems like a dream. I think carrying the baby for 9 months is way harder than the labor. It's something our bodies are made naturally to do, so it will be fine. As far as after when I went home- it turned out to be a very life altering and peaceful time for me. At first in the hospital I was thinking "what have I done?" but it all seems right when you have the baby in your arms. You will be ready when the time comes. I just think to myself "what am I going to do about it now?" and then I wipe it from my mind and think about what store I will be visiting the next day to make me feel better lol....Good luck!