Suggestions?

I felt anxious about birth but then I went to an antenatal class where a lady explained all the stages of birth, what the pain will feel like and what hubby can do to be helpful. We left feeling so much better now that we're clued up and I'm not anxious any more. Might be worth taking a class or two? X

I am a FTM but I am trying to get into a relaxed mindset about it. I asked my dr about putting together a birth plan and she said not to stress in the details. If I want an epidural I will know. If I don't, then I will know that at the time also. I picked out who I want in the room and will leave it up to my doctor to best advise me during the process. She does this everyday and I never have so I will let her decide what is best for me unless I have a strong feeling one way or the other while it is happening. Also I really trust that our bodies know how to do this and the baby isn't staying in, so the more relaxed I can be the easier the process will go. I have educated myself on the labor process and the different things that can happen, and I am confident that all will go well and I will be holding my baby girl very soon. Hope my sharing helped calm some nerves. We can do this!!

Good advice below. I've been getting a bit worried about making this decision too! I don't know about you but I hate things to do with spine and spinal fluid.. Having lumbar puncture a few years ago was horrible. So I'm personally leaning towards not having it... But then don't know about pain! Where are you based? I'm from UK but living in US and finding cultural differences but hard to navigate... Docs and friends here seem horrified at thought I might not have epi (it seems v "alternative lifestyle" here in Cali!) but back home most people didn't and have the view of "it's cheating", "it's dangerous". So not sure how to decide given all of that. Perhaps a wait and see approach is most logical!