I had an epidural after 24 hours of labour and only 5cm dialated. Also had to have whatever it is they put into a drip to help speed things up.

I was able to sleep on and off for a few hours which was a lifesaver (was in labour for a total of 32.5 hours). They put you on a monitor to measure the contractions. I remember one time I woke up, looked at the monitor and it was up around 196 which was a massive contraction and I didn't feel a thing

They did have to make the epidural wear off a little so that I could start feeling the contractions again and know when to push. The pushing was fine (contractions really hurt though) and when my daughter came out all I felt was a bit of pressure as her head and shoulders came out, no pain.

Was also great coz I had an episodimy and had stitches and I didn't feel any of that either.