Having first doubts about unmedicated birth

Literally waiting for my baby now. The way I am trying to approach it is labour isn't painful for the whole thing, its in waves and it has a purpose and a very definite end with a baby at the end.
I've had horrendous rib pain for about 4 months that has suddenly disappeared because she has dropped. Being in pain constantly when you're told to rest and recharge is awful.
....and ultimately if it gets too much, you have options. There are no medals.

I didn’t think I could handle an unmedicated birth until I ended up doing it 😂! I’ve had both types of births.
With my first, I had an epidural and it was a really lovely experience. I just didn’t love the catheter or not being able to walk properly afterwards.
With my second, I planned the same, but my waters broke and I ended up labouring in a side room for 5 hours with just paracetamol and my husband’s support. It was a bank holiday, they were understaffed and there was a medical emergency in delivery. When I finally got to delivery, I begged for the epidural but it was too late , baby was born 20 minutes later
I honestly felt on top of the world afterwards and so proud of myself. I felt like a warrior!
So go in with an open mind. You might surprise yourself, or you might decide you want pain relief. Neither is a failure. ❤️

I had an epidural with my first and an unmedicated home birth with my second. I didn’t believe I could do it until I literally had her in my arms. My epidural was badly placed with my first so I had all the pain on one side and was paralysed on the other side which limited movement.
I found both births really painful, and my first took days of labour with hardly and sleep, I don’t regret getting the epidural but knowing that even pain medication and an epidural can’t guarantee you a pain free experience so just be open to change your mind :)
Un the end, I didn’t even use the tens machine I rented and my birth comb arrived in the post two days after she was born 😅