Ok here's the thing. I am not all that afraid of actually giving birth. I've been mentally preparing for a natural birth, with or without complications. But I am terrified of the epidural part. I am psychologically incapable of not feeling a part of my body, its giving panick attacks. For years I have been undergoing all dental related procedures without any drugs. I'd rather feel the pain than not having complete control over my own body. It's not at all out of pride or anything like this. It literally makes me so anxious it makes me sick. Now of course I will try to give birth without the epidural, but I know I might not have a choice if things dont go as planned. And it already makes me panick. The fact that you could be paralysed if you move during the injection and the Dr actually needs to tell you when to push and when to stop because otherwise you wouldnt know... I am terrified. How numb does the shot make you feel and for how long? Do you actually feel "druged"? Any Mamas have gone through natural births without medication who could tell me about their experience? Thanks for helping!!