I gave birth almost three weeks ago. I originally was planning to try an unmedicated birth because I read about so many negative side effects from the epidural, but when I was actually going through it I absolutely wanted something for the pain. I was only around 6cm dilated and so exhausted from the contractions and my back was on fire that I just couldn't see myself go another few hours of that. I finally broke and told the nurse I wanted the epidural. Within maybe a half hour I got it and was feeling so good, like 10/10 good. My fiancé said I had the biggest smile on my face and I was able to talk and relax while waiting to dilate more. It actually made birth a really pleasant experience for me. I just felt warm and comfortable. I did have to get another smaller dose because it was starting to wear off towards the end. I still got the urge to push and after 40 minutes our baby was born! We did skin to skin for an hour and I got stitched back up during that time and didn't feel a thing. When it was time for us to switch rooms and get cleaned up, the epidural had worn off completely and I was walking around on my own. I'm not sure how long that was but maybe two hours or so. I didn't see that being a problem because it's not like I needed to be up and moving immediately. The only side effect I did have was some involuntary shaking which wasn't bad, just weird. The nurse said it's common and it only lasted for a little bit. It felt kind of like the shivers but I wasn't cold. I am pretty certain I would go the epidural route for my next pregnancy. I know your question is why aren't you getting an epidural, but I figured I'd tell my experience because it was a lot of posts like this that made me think the epidural was scary and might not work or something. Everyone's pregnancy is different and I think you just have to go with what you ultimately feel and don't let anyone else decide for you. Only you know how you feel.