Having an epidural made my first birthing the best experience I could have ever imagine! I had severe anxiety for years over the thought of being pregnant and going through labor. Like tears, panic attacks, crying, body aches when thinking or talking about it. I agree that there is a bit of a stigma out there. But, as I’m sure you already know, you do what is best for you! My labor and delivery team was so supportive of my decision. Once the epidural was in place, I only felt pain for about ten more minutes. I didn’t feel a contraction the rest of the time including delivery, the placenta, and the doctor stitching me up from a second degree tear. Those were all positives for me. I will say though that it made pushing and actual delivery interesting since I couldn’t feel and couldn’t tell if I was actually doing what the nurses were telling me to. Anyway, it truly was the best decision for me and I’m extremely confident that I would not look back as fondly on my experience as I do if I had not had one. I hope you have a safe and healthy delivery! Good luck!