Epidural anesthesia has become so common that our nurses say a patient in labor "is ready for HER epidural" rather than "ready for AN epidural." In other words, it's assumed that each laboring woman has an epidural just waiting for her request.

But occasionally a mom-to-be can't get an epidural. This is most likely when labor goes quickly, so that by the time a woman feels the need, she's almost at the finish line. And if the epidural is unavailable right then, the delay may bring her past the point when it would be helpful. So even if you plan on getting an epidural for labor (and even if your hospital or birth center has 24-hour anesthesia coverage), it makes sense to prepare for natural childbirth, just in case.

In case ... you have that rare complication during labor that makes an epidural unsafe; in case the anesthesia team has several life-threatening emergencies to take care of during your window of opportunity; in case labor is going so well and fast that you arrive at the hospital ready to give birth (this is most likely for moms who've given birth several times already).

So how should you prepare for the possibility that you won't get "your" epidural?

• Read about natural childbirth and watch a DVD that shows what it might be like.

• Bring people with you to the hospital who'll be comforting if the going gets tough.

• Learn some natural techniques for relaxation and be sure your coaches know about them as well.

• Keep perspective: typically, if you don't have time to get an epidural, it's because things are going fast and well and you'll be done quickly.

Finally, just remember that your labor will be behind you, and you will feel like yourself again, but now with a beautiful new baby to join your family.