i had one with both my boys. the first one they wouldn't give me until 7 cm dilated. that was almost too late cause i couldn't hardly hold still. such a rude bunch at that hospital. my second had to be induced. doc asked me how many pains i wanted to feel and i asked him how many i HAD to feel. so i didn't feel any. different hospital for him. such a difference. i don't want to imagine doing without an epidural. i'm just not as tough as those old time ladies.