One of the most thrilling and gratifying experiences in your life will be the birth of your child. This significant event should be made as safe and pleasant as possible for both you and your baby. Your obstetrician, anesthesia team and nurses want to help you and your partner reach this goal. Each woman's labor is unique to her. The amount of labor pain you feel will differ from that felt by other women in labor. It depends on factors such as your level of pain tolerance, the size and position of the baby, strength of uterine contractions and prior birth experiences. Medical decisions regarding control of your labor pain must be made for you specifically. Some women achieve adequate pain control with the breathing and relaxation techniques learned at childbirth classes. Others may find them inadequate. Many mothers are reconsidering the idea that childbirth is "natural" only without medication, and they are choosing to have pain relief during labor and delivery to help them experience a more comfortable childbirth.