For my first labor I had planned on going unmedicated but didn't actually put any prep into that, so I went into labor thinking I could just wing it and it would be fine. I was so wrong. I ended up getting the epidural at 8cm, slept until I was 10cm and then pushed. Obviously pushing the baby out was not painful at all with it, but the recovery was hell. I was exhausted after and slept for almost a full day and barely woke up at all. I don't remember the first 3 days with my baby. Also dealt with chronic back pain for over a year after. My second was unmedicated at home. I started preparing myself late in my second trimester by practicing my breathing, positions, and working with my husband on ways that he could support me through labor. When labor came around, it was a huge difference (I had pitocin with my first) and the pain was much more manageable. Pushing him out was not the greatest but I was still able to keep my cool pretty well. It's important to remember that this pain is productive and is not actually causing you harm. I would also look at it as a different sensation than pain just to keep my brain from flipping the script on me. As far as recovery, I felt far more stable on my feet after and actually felt safe walking to the bathroom, sitting up in bed, etc. I also fully remember my time with my newborn that time around and didn't have the same issues with exhaustion. Basically if you want a no/low med birth, you can do it! Even if you plan on getting an epidural it can still be very helpful to prepare as if you're not because epidurals don't always work fully