[voiceinthewind]

All my babies were delivered natural childbirth, no epidural. I was lucky to have midwife-assisted births most of the time. Actually in more pain when I broke my foot. Some women aren't comfortable with alternative birthing and laboring positions, warm compresses, etc, that could make an epidural far less common. Then again, some women just don't want any discomfort. Natural or medical birth, as long as what is best for that particular mom and baby is what we all want, right? Congrats on the baby!

[HungarianGypsy]

Wow! Someone else who actually has had natural childbirth. My last two were homebirths, because I liked the freedom. Plus, I hated going to the hospital with contractions a minute apart only to leave a few hours later because I had not progressed.

It sounds gross, but the only comparison I can make as far as pain. I have bathroom issues that were more painful than childbirth.