Another thing I have just thought of is that, given the expense and time you put in to use the epi-no, you ought to do everything you can to minimise the chance of having a c-section. Epi-no only helps with the final stage but there are lots of pitfalls before you get there!
Before you buy the epi-no, I would check with your doctor about any risk factors you might have that would make a c-section more likely than the average person. Also if you are going to a private hospital, choose an obstetrician who has a low c-section rate!
Things you can do to promote a natural birth:
* Positive thinking and relaxation/breathing techniques. I used Hypnobirthing (see
www.hypnobirthing.com) - Annerley Midwives run a course and the results for me were amazing. Hypnobirthing practioners in the US claim to have very low c-section rates.
* Try to avoid ANY medical intervention unless essential, because many of them have a chain reaction that can make a c-section more likely.
*Don't rush to hospital at the first sign of labour, because they are prone to suggesting unnecessary medical interventions.
* If you need pain relief, don't have an epidural, which hugely increases the likelihood of forceps or c-section being needed.