Quote:
Originally Posted by poincaraux
In the end, our birth plan said that we'd go epidural-free if possible, but get an epidural if my wife really wanted/needed it.
This is what we ended up with as well. My wife ended up not needing it and everything went fine. IMO, knowing you're going to get it sets you up to not fully consider that maybe you don't need it (at the time). I think the above should be the default stance going in, but realize that's not realistic.
I think with proper preparation and knowledge (learning the breathing, knowing the different stages and what will happen, etc.) and getting a doula (they help a lot in the heat of battle, so to speak) there should be no problem planning to go without. If that plan doesn't work, then you can get it at that point. Even ending up getting an epidural, the prep work for going without will still help and make it an easier experience, IMO.