I had a natural childbirth with my 2 sons. Yes it is painful but the pain is bearable! I really can't understand the need for some women to take pain-killers for childbirth. Years ago, these drugs have not yet been invented but look at those women during those times! They, too, survived childbirth. It's really great that researchers are finding alternative methods for drugs in dealing with the pain associated with labor and childbirth.