I had an epidural and it was wonderful. That was over 40 years ago, but looking back I'd do it again. My son is 6'1" and healthy as can be; giving birth was absolutely the most wonderful thing that I've ever done. Being pregnant was one of the happiest times in my life. We had been told we couldn't have children and after being married five years I went to the doctor with what I thought was a kidney infection. Nine months later we were the parents of an 8 lb 15 3/4 oz "kidney infection." Unfortunately we were never able to get pregnant again. Well that certainly was more information than you wanted, sorry.