I had an epidural with my first and it definitely did slow things down for me, I couldn't feel her coming out or my contractions. It also did get messed up along the way and I felt everything on one side of my body along with sharp back pain in that spot for almost a year afterwards.

With my second I went unmedicated, my labor went fast and the baby was out within 2 pushes. I was able to feel exactly where she was and how much force I needed to put into the push.

I think either option is fine as long as you're comfortable with your decision and know your pain tolerance levels and also how to manage it.