All Natural vs. Epidural?

I am 20 years old, this is my first baby. I am highly considering all natural but im curious about how an epidural works. Is it true that you are so drugged after that you cant hold your baby? What are the pros and cons? Any suggestions?

[New Mommy 2 Be 2007]

That's not true, I still knew when to push, but the doctors tell your contractions from the  machine, but I still felt the pressure. Epidural is the best thing, with both kids I got it around 8 CMs I labor fast. So I felt mostly everything till my contractions were 2 mins apart, my second baby was more hard for me. The pain was bad. Epidural shot doesn't hurt because your in pain from the labor. If I were you I'd go with epidural

[Number3onherway]

Only you will know what you wang to do. With it being your first the pain is rough and I have in quickly but it's to how much pain you can tolerate. With my first I had one and the doc let me hold my son while my husband cut the cord and then they cleaned him up done their checks on him and give him right back to me to nurse. Sometimes there is no time for one but you will personally know your decision when labor is in action!!

[mommy2corieplusbaby]

I had a natural birth, it was not really planned, I just had a crazy fast labour. The pain was rough, but it left quick too. As soon as my son was born the pain was gone. Breathing helped, but didn't eliminate the pain. Ask your doc about different options if you want pain meds as an option but wanna try natural first.