I can truly relate to your story. I had early labor on and off for several days before I gave birth to my now 10 month old son. I nearly broke down and asked for drugs several times during the home stretch, but my wonderful husband, midwife, and nurse knew I wanted a natural birth and helped distract and encourage me until delivery. The jet tub and warm showers were the best natural pain relief for me. It was very hard and very painful but as soon as my baby was out, the pain became a distant memory and I had a very alert baby in my arms who was able to nurse within minutes. My birthing team commented on how alert my son was compared to the babies born to epidural moms. I am so thankful we had a drug-free delivery. For more information on the epidural and c-section connection, watch The Business of Being Born. I watched it six times while I was pregnant. So great!