I can't answer all of your questions because I had an emergency c-section, but here goes....

Don't worry about the epidural needle pain, if you feel you need an epidural you will be in enough pain that you won't even feel the needle, and you will want it so bad you would do ANYTHING to make the pain go away, even have a needle in your spine!

I left for hospital when I couldn't cope with the pain anymore. You're better at home for as long as you can. You'll know when it's time to go.

To keep yourself calm, remember to breath... And don't fight the contractions, relax and think of them as a good pain, each one is a step closer to meeting your beautiful baby!

All the best with your birth