Epidural or no Epidural?

I wanted to have a pain free birth with my first daughter 6 years ago, but due to some abnormal bleeding I had to have one in case I had to go into an emergency C-section. Now with this pregnancy I'm thinking about going drug free as long as no complications arise. What do you ladies think of an epidural birth Vs no epidural? And for the ladies who went without, how sore were you during birth, right after birth and in the weeks following? Any thoughts appreciated! :)