When I had my first child, I had an epidural because that's what the Dr. said I should do. I knew nothing about labor and delivery. I ended up laying flat in the bed, which makes it harder on the delivery itself. My husband had to beg the Dr. not to use forceps. I could feel nothing at all. Terrible experience. With my second child, I was really overdue but requested no epidural. Once they induced me, the labor was pretty quick and I had only mild discomfort. I had the rest of my children without pain meds except for one, where the Dr. gave me the epidural anyway (long story.) Mostly, I waited home until I knew delivery was approaching. I could move around as I pleased and find whatever position was comfortable. I actually delivered one child while squatting. First time mom's don't know what to expect, so sometimes they have unreasonable fears. It helps to encourage them to wait until they are really in pain before going into the Dr. I would never suggest to people that pain medication is immoral. That is silliest thing I've heard. It is, however, not always necessary and some meds are bad for the baby. I had very short labors compared to some. My longest labor was 9 hours with my first. I had my 5th child in 30 minutes from onset of pain to delivery. I delivered my last in 1 hour. But some women have really long labors and pain meds would probably ease the tension.