You'll get a more natural experience if you can avoid the epi... especially first time mothers, more likely to have foceps and vacuum, which involves episiotomy, if you have an epidural. Also you risk the bubs no coping with the epi (have known of a couple who have crashed from one, cos it lowers blood pressure, hence oxygen flow to the baby). If you need one, then by all means have one, but if you can avoid planning to have one you'll be more likely to have a much more natural experience. Your body needs time for the natural endorphins to kick in.