I have had 5 children and pg with my 6th. My first was over 30 hours labor. I tried at a birth center but my uterus slowed down. They sent me to the hospital and suggested the epidural and rest before delivery. I was wiped out so I agreed. I had very painful back labor. The epidural guy poked me at least 9 times to get it right. I was bruised after wards but didn't have the epidural go opposite direction or half side like some other mom's. However it did leave me with side effects. I ended up with a spot in my upper thigh that was numb for many years. I also get spasms in my back which started before the epidural but make it so that I'm not a really good candidate for them. My 2nd baby was born at home after I took bradley classes and learned better how to relax. Shorter labor and much better birth.
Get the bradly book and read up on relaxing. Relaxing is key. Also look into hypnobirthing. It also helps you relax.
I had next two natural in hospital. 5th baby was born in birthing tub at home. Awesome experience. I get back labor with all my babies. This was so much easier and less painful. I focused on relaxing. To be honest it was quite exhilarating to give birth this last time, as it should be. The midwives were only there as by standers to make sure all was well.
I would highly recommend having a doula. They help you relax and know how to push on your back or use other natural methods of relaxing to help with pain. I personally prefer home. It's more relaxing. I can move around and listen to my body. If you go to a hospital make sure they give you the option to move around. Flat on your back is not a good position to labor in. When you are not comfortable you are not relaxed. When you are not relaxed you feel pain. That is my two sense. Also I feel my babies are more alert when they aren't exposed to drugs/epidural during labor/birth.
