Alternatives to Epidurals for Labor Pain Relief

Question
I am pregnant with my fourth child, and with my other three, I had epidurals.  It took a long time, with all three to get the epidural to take, and with the last, they hit a nerve, and it scared me half to death. I also shook really bad, felt extremely nausiated, and felt like I was going to pass out.  I was wondering what other medications could be used besides an epidural to block the pain with this birth?  I would like to try to have it natural, but am not sure that I can bear the pain, and DO NOT want to go through another epidural.  

Answer
Hello Carrie. Well, it would help to know how far along you are- how much time do you have to prepare. Of course you can do this without medication- your body was designed to do this job. You need to prepare yourself with intensive prenatal classes and consider hiring a Doula to help you and your husband with the challenges of natural childbirth. Go to the Bradley Childbirth website and find your nearest Bradley instructor- they will give you the BEST chance of an unmedicated birth- all the best- Cheri.