If pain is not for you like most women take the medication. It all depends how they give the dose. You need some sensation to deliver but no pain. I had 2 kids so far and they were pretty much pain free just with some sensation to want to push. Good luck

I tried to do it epidural free, but didn't succeed.
I was in labor for two weeks before my water broke. Once my water broke, progress just stopped. So they put me on a pitocin drip. Which made my contractions really strong and one after another.
I tried nubain. They told me it would ease the pain and let me rest for a few hours. Nope!! 15 minutes after it was given to me, I was in worse pain than before!
After another 2 hours I was begging for the epi. I was so mad at myself. I really wanted to do it without but I would've never made any progress if I hadn't!
It did help a lot. By the time I started pushing, it had worn off so I felt everything. But like I said, the only reason I got to that point is because I had the epi, and could relax enough to let my contractions make their progress.
I have a friend that was given too high of a dose and didn't feel anything, which I would soooooo not want. I think that would ruin the experience.
If you decide for an epi, just make sure you have a good anesthesiologist.

I'm due in 10 weeks and plan on having an epi and just like you are a little nervous about the pain factor. And about the epi itself because i'm scared of needles. But i've asked a bunch of women who've had the epi and they said it was the best decision they've ever made lol. And they said that they didn't even feel it when they were given the needle. I'm told that you can still feel giving birth, but theres no pain, it's just the pressure or something like that. Good luck.

I'm due in about 6 weeks and I think i'm going to opt for the epidural as well. My mom said it was a wonderful thing! Except with me her epidural went up instead of down! But her other 3 they worked fine, and said she highly recommends it. I'm so anxious to get to that point!

I had my son in november 2005. I was going to try not to have an epidural but it didn't work out. They broke my water at the hospital and as soon as they did that the contractions went from bad to unbearable. It was hard for me to even breath during the contractions. So I had the epidural. They give you a few needle sticks in the back so you don't feel the big stick where the line for the epidural goes in. For me it was so much relief I didn't feel the pain of the contractions I just felt a strong quiver when they came which is what you want so you know when to push when the time comes. Unfortunately for me epidurals do not take away back labor pains and I had them pretty bad. Not everyone does but its not nearly as bad as doing it without the epidural. My advice is if you don't have any problems with taking the drug then get it! It made my birthing experience calmer, more comfortable and a more pleasant experience. Good luck!