Ok so I labored for a little over 36 hours 25 of which was without the epidural. now the epidural was nothing compared to the pain of the contractions I was having. it was just a small pinch the hardest part was staying still because I wanted to scream and move because of the contraction. after I got it I felt so much better. I'm now 71 days PP and I've had no problems from it. my advice? do what you feel you need to do and don't feel bad about it everyone is different you know what you can handle