I didn't have an epidural with either of my first two babies. My first, my doc was great throughout the whole pregnancy, right up until it was time to push. Then he turned into a mean man. I let out one scream...one. He looked up at me and quite sternly told me, "DON'T. DO. THAT."
Well! I tell you, the most incredible urge to remove my feet from the stirrups and kick him right in the face came over me. Even in the midst of everything else my body was doing to me. I actually think that very visual image helped me cross the birthing finish line.