I had epidurals with DD and DS. DD I went 14 hours without at contractions 2 min apart and then they broke my water and started pitocin drip to move labor along...I went another 2 hours with pitocin and no epidural and then said screw it! I had wanted a natural but in no way did I think I would have to have a 28 hour labor of contractions 2 min apart to accomplish this goal! I pushed for 25 min so it didn't effect that.
With DS, I had an induction 1 week late (turns out his cord was only 6" and he couldnt come out naturally but we didn't know that till emergency c-section) -- had the water broken, pitocin drip and finally about 4 hours in I asked for an epidural. Well, it slipped out of place after a few hours and had to be reinserted. Holy Hell did the pain suck! I had a 20 hour failed induction and then they turned up the epidural and did the c-section after I was totally numb from boobs down.
Both my kids are super bright, ahead on their milestones, and super sweet and social. I also did the vaccines on or slightly delayed in schedule (my husband will only allow 1 new vaccine at a time so kids can get 1 new with one they have had without complications before).
Go in with a plan but be willing to adjust it as you need. If you are really set on NOT HAVING ANY PAIN MEDS, get yourself a great positive birthing coach -- if your husband isn't it -- find someone else or hire a doula. If you aren't set on it, give natural a try and be willing to do the epidural if you find you need it.
By the way, I puked during my c-section -- I think it was an emotional thing because I felt like I failed (now I know better) since I had to have it after having a regular birth. I was VERY UPSET. I have found very upset and anesthesia are not a good mix.
Congrats on your new pregnancy and I am so sorry for your prior losses.