Ok so I have always said that no matter what I will have a pain free birth... get the epidural as soon as they offer it and what not.. but now that I'm actually pregnant I'm like freaking out. I keep hearing horror stories of epidurals...

so I was wondering what other pain relievers are available while giving birth.. if I do decide to go naturally (as long as everything goes well and c-sec isn't needed) how do you cope with pain?

And really how bad is the "ring of fire" ... and any other stories/experiences on any type of birth is welcome!

But please no hate on what other's say :)